Jamie Finn
Jamie C. Finn is the author of best-selling book Foster the Family, the founder and president of Foster the Family, the host of the Real Mom podcast, the founder and owner of Goods and Better, a TBRI practitioner, and a sought-after speaker for retreats, conferences, and events for foster and adoptive parents. Her popular social media accounts offer a glimpse into the real life of a foster parent and provide encouragement to thousands of foster parents. Jamie is wife to Alan and the mother to seven children, including her two biological children, three adopted children, and two children welcomed through foster care. Jamie is passionate about encouraging and equipping foster and adoptive parents and advocating for vulnerable children and families.
Jennifer Woolley
Jennifer has a unique adoption perspective because she has walked through the adoption journey as a birthmother and as an adoptive mother. Faced with an unplanned pregnancy at 18, she made the heart wrenching choice to place her son for adoption. After marrying her husband, God led them through infertility to reveal His plan for them to grow their family through adoption. Twelve years after placing her son for adoption, they were given the chance to become parents through the very same adoption agency.
As an adoptive mom, Jennifer attempts to embrace the loss and rejection that she feels as a birthmother, as an opportunity to help her sons better understand the complexities of their own stories and see their adoptions as a loving choice.
By vulnerably sharing her story, she hopes that those touched by adoption will be encouraged and equipped and that it will serve to demonstrate the provision and faithfulness of a loving God, who can use even the deepest of hurts, for His glory and our good.
KIMBERLY GLAUDY
Kimberly Glaudy is a resident of Houston, TX who has worked in youth and community development organizations for over 20 years. She received her Bachelor's degree in Cultural Anthropology and coupled that with a Master's in Organizational Management and Leadership. Kimberly's dedication to serving others led her to career opportunities working alongside homeless families, Somali refugees, children and youth in state custody, minor females who survived sex trafficking, as well as lay church members. In 2018, Kimberly joined the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development at Texas Christian University. In this position, Kimberly taught Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) to service providers in various sectors throughout the United States and globally.
Today, Kimberly leads a therapeutic group practice dedicated to meeting the clinical needs of underserved population and people of faith. When Kimberly is not providing therapy, training, or participating in public speaking engagements, she is making great memories with her wonderful husband or with one of her five dynamic adult children.
BRIttany Salmon
Brittany Salmon is a professor, writer, and Bible teacher. She has a MA in intercultural studies from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, an MA in teaching from NC State University, and she has a doctorate from Southeastern Seminary. She is the author of the book It Takes More Than Love with Moody Publishers.
Brittany is passionate about taking theology and applying it to everyday life. And yet the people closest to her think of her as the friend who loves oversized sweatpants and a great conversation over coffee. She lives in Wilmington, North Carolina with her best friend, Ben, and their five children.
MElinda Melo
Melinda is one of nine children born to her mother, Annie, who struggled with several undiagnosed mental illnesses while living in the slums of Regent Park, Toronto, Canada. Melinda was neglected and exposed to violence, abuse, crime, and substance abuse. At three years old, Melinda’s mother surrendered her into the foster care system for a year, and then again, when she was nine.
At fifteen, Melinda escaped her kinship home and embarked on a naïve and lonesome independence that continued the familiar cycle of abuse and trauma she was accustomed to. Melinda reunited with siblings and became consumed by the depths of their generational trauma. At her lowest, Melinda entered a Christ-Centered recovery program that changed the course of her life. With newfound hope and stability in Jesus, she met Mike, who showed her how to love, and be loved, unconditionally.
Melinda went to college to study mental illness, developmental disabilities, and dual diagnoses, graduating with honours. Her studies led her to pursue a redemptive relationship with her mother, who she and her siblings tirelessly, boldly, and emphatically advocated for to receive treatment. Mike and Melinda welcomed her into their home in 2023, and became her caregiver.
Melinda and Mike have been married for 14 years and enjoy life in the country outside of London, ON. Together they are biological parents to Molly and Lilly, adoptive parents to their son, Oakley, and have welcomed several children into their home through foster care.
Melinda is an advocate, traveling speaker, and author of her memoir, "Simply Neglect," which will be released during the summer of 2024.
Mia Arrington
Mia Arrington is a former foster youth, adoptee, and a licensed social worker, who is passionate about mental health and encouraging healing for adoptees, adoptive parents, former foster youth, birth parents and more. Mia is the owner of A Fostered Love LLC, a space where she uses her voice to speak truth about her lived experienced while pointing back to the only source who can speak truth and heal hearts, Yahweh.
Mia is trained in ADOPTS a trauma-based, attachment theory focused certification to help children, adolescents and caregivers navigate the impact foster care and/or adoption has had on their lives. She currently serves clients at South Collective Counseling in Parsippany, NJ. Mia is passionate about encouraging others to know what God's love looks like and how to live a life reflective of that same love. Mia co-hosted the Fallow House Podcast and has been featured in The Forgotten Initiative Podcast & From Foster to __ podcast.
When Mia is not working, she is a wife, mom, daughter, sister and friend. She is from North Jersey and enjoys reading (especially Biblical Fiction), the beach, traveling and so much more. She is an encourager and cheerleader by nature, always cheering friends to be who God made them to be and to walk in the purpose He has for their lives. She loves encouraging others to dig deep in God’s work, ask questions and get to know the God who loves them dearly.
Melissa Corkum
As an adoptee and adoptive mom, Melissa Corkum provides insight and resources to adoptees, parents and professionals through her speaking, coaching, and writing. She is a TED Speaker, Safe and Sound Protocol Practitioner, Cultivate Connection Facilitator, Certified Enneagram Coach, and co-founder of Adoption Wise. Additionally, she co-authored Reclaim Compassion and Foundations for Overcoming and Preventing Blocked Care. Melissa and Patrick live in Maryland and have six kids and two grandchildren.
