Ten years ago, I adopted a little girl from Russia. Our relationship and interactions were a mess from the moment we walked out of the orphanage. She clearly had total disdain for me as her adoptive mother. It was an extremely challenging experience for me, and I am aware that today, many adoptive parents experience similar challenges. I was inexperienced but I was determined to fix things between
me and my adopted daughter. I sought help from professionals such as my adoption agency, and child therapists and counselors so I could improve our relationship. We both struggled as we navigated through the difficult times. Eventually, after a lot of trial and error, and with a deep desire to create a loving and peaceful connection, I finally discovered what works best for us. When I retired from a 37-year career in the pharmaceutical and medical device industry, I knew deep down what I wanted to do next; to become a life coach and help other adoptive parents. My adopted daughter provided her full support for the idea, that out of our own painful experience, an opportunity to help others was available; and at that moment, Beyond Adoptions was born. My research revealed that many adoptive parents don’t have ready access to the support and information that can help them create peaceful and connected relationships with their adopted children. Our Parent-to-Parent™ coaching services, webinars and training programs provide the perfect opportunity to share the different strategies and nonviolent communication techniques I’ve learned over the years that are proven to reduce conflict and provide the connection that addresses the unmet needs of adopted children. We give value and ease the path for others by providing empathetic support, encouragement and practical, effective strategies.
