From Foster to Forever

What happens when a foster-to-adopt family channels their journey into creativity, imagination, and storytelling?In this heartwarming episode of From Foster to Forever, Rachel sits down with father-daughter writing team Mark and Genevieve Marino to share the remarkable story of how their family was formed through foster care adoption—and how that experience inspired the creation of the whimsical Mrs. Wobble's Tangerine House book series.Inspired by friends, Mark and his wife always dreamed of adopting through foster care. When they received a life-changing call about a two-and-a-half-year-old boy who needed a family, they welcomed him into their home and began a journey that would transform all of their lives. Years later, that experience became the inspiration for a magical fictional world where foster children discover belonging, adventure, healing, and choice.Together, Mark, Genevieve, and their adopted son Davion collaborated on stories that explore themes of family, identity, resilience, imagination, and foster care—all through the lens of fantasy and humor.This conversation explores the realities of foster care adoption, sibling relationships, open adoption connections, trauma-informed parenting, and the powerful role storytelling can play in helping families process difficult experiences. It's an inspiring reminder that creativity can be a bridge to healing, understanding, and connection.Mark and Genevieve Marino, alongside host Rachel Fulginiti, share their unique familial bond that emerged from their creative endeavors. The episode showcases how creativity can bridge gaps in understanding and foster deeper connections. Mark recounts heartwarming anecdotes about their first encounters with Davion, the joys and challenges of creating stories that resonate with children, and how they integrate elements of their lives into the narrative without compromising the privacy or dignity of their experiences. With humor and sincerity, they highlight the role of empathy and support in their family, offering listeners a candid look at the highs and lows of their journey while celebrating the power of stories to heal and connect.In This EpisodeWhy Mark and his wife chose foster-to-adoptThe emotional phone call that led them to their sonBringing a foster child home for the first timeHelping biological and adopted siblings build connectionNavigating early trauma and attachment challengesWhat foster parents should know about incomplete records and diagnosesMaintaining connections with birth family membersReuniting with biological family as an adult adopteeHow storytelling helped their family process foster care experiencesCreating Mrs. Wobble's Tangerine HouseWhy representation of foster care in children's literature mattersThe healing power of creativity and imaginationRaising empathetic, resilient children through collaboration and playSiblings Can Be Powerful BridgesGenevieve shares how empathy helped her bond with her younger brother from the beginning, even serving as a "translator" when others struggled to understand him. Their relationship became a foundation for mutual growth and understanding.Stories Create Safe SpacesRather than directly retelling difficult experiences, the Marino family found healing through fictional storytelling. Their fantasy world allowed them to explore themes of foster care, belonging, grief, identity, and resilience in a way that felt safe and empowering.Creativity Can Strengthen FamiliesThe family's collaborative writing process became more than a creative project—it became a way of connecting, communicating, and building lasting memories together.About Mark & Genevieve MarinoMark Marino is a writer, professor, and digital storytelling innovator who teaches at the University of Southern California. Alongside his daughter Genevieve and son Davion, he co-created the Mrs. Wobble's Tangerine House series, a collection of imaginative stories inspired by their family's foster care and adoption journey.Genevieve Marino recently graduated USC with a degree in psychology and brings her passion for empathy, creativity, and storytelling to the family's collaborative projects. Together, they continue to create stories that celebrate belonging, imagination, and the many ways families are formed.Resources & LinksMark C. Marino Official WebsiteMrs. Wobbles & The Tangerine House Official SiteThe interactive children's story series created by Mark, Genevieve, and Davion Marino, inspired by their foster care and adoption journey.Coronation Webcomic (The Marino Family's COVID-Era Creative Project)📖 Mrs. Wobbles & The Tangerine House: Unboxing (Print book)🤝 Allies for Every Child (formerly Westside Children's Center)Allies for Every ChildThe Los Angeles nonprofit that helped support the Marino family's foster care and adoption journey. The organization was formerly known as Westside Children's Center.📚 Lumberjanes Graphic Novel SeriesLumberjanes (BOOM! Studios)One of the graphic novel series Mark recommends for young readers and families.

This episode is a deep dive into the world of foster care - specifically, fostering a teen as a single woman. Our guest, Emily Ellett, shares her personal journey as a foster parent with candor and insight, shedding light on the realities, challenges, and heartfelt moments that come with it. We tackle the common misconceptions surrounding these kids and how the truth often varies from what’s painted for potential foster parents. Emily's experiences reveal the rollercoaster of emotions that come with fostering teens, the unexpected hurdles, and the moments that make it all worth it. We chat about the importance of having a solid support system and the need to be open about what help you might need, all while keeping it real and relatable. Listen to hear all about love, resilience, and the complexities of foster care!From Foster to Forever takes a deep dive into the heartfelt and often unpredictable world of foster parenting in its latest episode featuring audiobook narrator and singer Emily Ellet. Listeners are treated to Emily's personal journey into fostering, which began from a place of genuine desire to help children who need a stable and loving home. The episode sheds light on the rigorous certification process she underwent, which served as her introduction to the realities of foster care, while also highlighting her personal experiences with trauma and the impact it had on her journey. Throughout the episode, Emily shares candid anecdotes about her first placements, illustrating the joys and difficulties that come with fostering teens who have faced significant challenges. Her reflections reveal the complexities of navigating relationships with not just the children but also with her own family, who were unsupportive of her decision to foster. This narrative not only underscores the emotional rollercoaster of fostering but also emphasizes the importance of having a solid support system in place. Emily’s transparency about her struggles, including the miscommunication with caseworkers and the emotional toll of her experiences, offers a realistic perspective that is often overlooked. The overarching message of the episode is clear: fostering is a journey filled with challenges, but the love and connection foster parents bring to the lives of children make it a deeply rewarding endeavor. Emily's story serves as both a cautionary tale and an inspiring guide for those considering fostering, reminding listeners that while the path is not easy, it is undeniably worthwhile. This episode is a valuable resource for anyone looking to understand the realities of foster care, especially when fostering an older child.Takeaways:Fostering can be a wild ride, and it's crucial to go in with your eyes wide open about the potential challenges ahead.Getting into fostering isn't just about helping kids; it's about knowing your own limits and having a solid support system in place.The reality of foster care often differs from the rosy picture painted by agencies; transparency is key for success.Foster parents need to be aware that the kids they take in may have complicated histories that could trigger their own past traumas, especially older children and teens.Links referenced in this episode:fromfoster2forever.com@foster2foreverpodcastMentioned in this episode:10% OFF FOSTERING FAMILIES TODAY MAGFostering Families Today is a bi-monthly magazine distributed to foster, kinship and adoptive families across the country offering resources, expert opinions, practical advice and information on the latest evidence-based best practices for supporting children and youth who come from traumatic backgrounds. Use coupon code foster10 to receive 10% off your annual subscription at fosteringfamiliestoday dot com. That's fosteringfamiliestoday dot com. FFT

Kanika Vasudeva joins us today to dive into the mystical realm of the Akashic Records and the art of energy expansion. We kick things off by exploring what the Akashic Records really are—think of them as a cosmic library filled with everything about your life and soul's journey. Kanika encourages us to embrace our curiosity and even our skepticism, reminding us that accessing this wealth of knowledge is not just for the “gifted” but is open to anyone willing to explore. We chat about how tapping into these records can help folks navigate their paths to building non-traditional families, especially when it comes to fostering and adoption. Plus, we dish out some real talk on how to handle the emotional rollercoaster that comes with these journeys, showing how understanding our soul contracts can provide clarity and closure amidst the chaos. So, whether you’re a seasoned spiritual seeker or just a curious newbie, this episode is packed with insights to help you on your journey! Kanika Vasudeva joins us to unravel the fascinating concept of the Akashic Records, a mystical library that holds all the secrets of our lives. If you're curious about how this cosmic database can guide you in your foster-to-adopt journey, you're in for a treat! Kanika likens the Akashic Records to a Google Drive for your soul, where you can access everything from past life experiences to insights about your current relationships. She passionately explains that anyone can tap into their records, no special training required—just a willingness to ask for help and an open heart. Rachel shares her own emotional rollercoaster concerning infertility and the profound belief that certain souls are destined to join our families. This leads us to discuss how the Akashic Records can provide clarity and healing for those experiencing the loss of a child or the challenges that come with fostering. Kanika reassures us that we can connect with the souls of children who are meant to be part of our lives, offering a sense of closure and understanding during tough times. The conversation takes a practical turn as Kanika shares actionable insights about using the Akashic Records to navigate parenting challenges, particularly in fostering scenarios where trauma and uncertainty often lurk. The episode wraps up with an emphasis on intention and the power of energy work to create safe spaces for our kids. If you’re looking to deepen your connection with your children and understand the bigger picture of your family's journey, this episode is packed with wisdom and warmth. Get ready to explore the realms of energy healing and the Akashic Records with Kanika Vasudeva!Takeaways:The Akashic Records are like a mystical library storing all the juicy details of your life, including past lives and soul contracts, so anyone can access them to understand their story better.Kanika encourages everyone to give energy work a shot, even if it feels a bit out there—there's zero harm in asking the universe for help when you're feeling stuck or confused.Understanding your soul contracts, especially in the context of fostering and adopting, can provide closure and clarity on your journey—it's all about learning and evolving together.It's crucial to recognize that while life can seem unfair at times, there's often a bigger lesson at play, helping us grow and understand our purpose more deeply.The importance of receiving help can't be overstated; sometimes, you just gotta let go and trust the universe to guide you through tough times.Even kids can benefit from energy work, as it helps them process trauma and feel safer in their environment—it's all about creating that loving, supportive space.Links referenced in this episode:artoflifecenter.comfromfoster2forever.comfoster2foreverpodcast (Instagram)Fostering Families Today Magazine (save 10%)Mentioned in this episode:10% OFF FOSTERING FAMILIES TODAY MAGFostering Families Today is a bi-monthly magazine distributed to foster, kinship and adoptive families across the country offering resources, expert opinions, practical advice and information on the latest evidence-based best practices for supporting children and youth who come from traumatic backgrounds. Use coupon code foster10 to receive 10% off your annual subscription at fosteringfamiliestoday dot com. That's fosteringfamiliestoday dot com. FFT

This week, we’re diving deep into the whirlwind journey of foster care and adoption with our guest, Bonnie Butler. She shares her story of going from contemplating stepping back from the foster system to unexpectedly adopting a sibling set of six kids—yeah, you heard that right, six! We talk about the real struggles and triumphs of blending families, navigating trauma, and finding emotional balance in the chaos. Bonnie’s insights on emotional intelligence for foster parents are gold, especially when dealing with the unique challenges that come with fostering traumatized children. So get ready for a heartfelt chat packed with wisdom, humor, and insight.Ever thought about adopting a whole sibling set? Bonnie Butler did, and she’s here to tell us all about it. In this episode, she shares her journey from a family of four to suddenly embracing six new faces—five girls and one boy. Talk about a plot twist! Bonnie’s storytelling is both humorous and heartfelt as she recounts the initial shock and the whirlwind of emotions that followed the unexpected call to adopt. The episode unpacks not just the logistical challenges of accommodating six kids, but also the emotional hurdles that come with fostering children from tumultuous backgrounds. Bonnie reflects on how her family navigated the chaos, learned to set boundaries, and ultimately transformed their lives into one big, messy, loving family. With a blend of laughter and empathy, she discusses the invaluable lessons learned along the way, emphasizing the importance of patience, understanding, and the magic of everyday moments that make the journey worthwhile. It’s a beautiful reminder that every family is unique, and sometimes, the most unconventional paths lead to the most incredible stories.Takeaways:The Universe truly has impeccable timing, as demonstrated by the unexpected call to adopt six kids.Navigating foster care and adoption can be a wild ride, filled with emotional highs and lows.Creating a loving and structured environment is essential for helping traumatized children heal.It's crucial for foster parents to focus on self-care and stress management while fostering.Links referenced in this episode:bonniebutlercoaching.combonnieanniebutlercoaching.comfromfostertoforever.comfoster2foreverpodcast.com

In this powerful and heart-opening conversation, I sit down with Hilary Crowley — foster-to-adopt mom, holistic health practitioner, energy healer, TEDx speaker, and author of The Power of Energy Medicine. Hilary shares the extraordinary story of how she followed intuition, courage, and connection all the way to her son — and the unexpected lessons she learned along the way.From discovering the importance of foster-care support groups before certification, to navigating shutdowns, attachment, sibling dynamics, and biological family relationships, Hilary offers deep insight into what it really means to love, advocate, and parent a child who has survived instability and trauma.We also explore the intersection of intuition and fostering, how to recognize an intuitive “yes,” and why older-child adoption is a powerful — and often overlooked — pathway to building a family.This episode is full of wisdom, warmth, and practical guidance for anyone considering fostering or adoption, anyone parenting a child with trauma, or anyone wanting to better understand the emotional landscape of the foster-to-adopt journey.In This Episode, We Discuss:✨ The Power of Support Groups: Why attending a foster-care support group before certification can completely shift your journey.How Hilary built trust with resource workers just by showing up.✨ The Foster-to-Adopt Origin StoryHilary’s longing for a second child and the friend who unexpectedly opened the door to fostering.Her first experiences learning the “lingo” and navigating parenting classes.✨ A Moment of Raw Honesty in Training Hilary’s emotional fear response during training — and the life-changing validation she received from a social worker.✨ Navigating the Needs of Two ChildrenHow fostering disrupted her biological son’s world — and how it ultimately expanded his compassion and resilience.✨ Understanding Shutdowns / Rock BrainWhat shutdowns looked like in real life, what triggered them, and the remarkable strategy Hilary used to help her son feel safe and reconnected. Why “parent as if this may never change” became essential guidance.✨ Biological Family RelationshipsNavigating shifting dynamics and relationships at home.How her sons are now building connections as a young adults.✨ Intuition, Energy, and AdoptionHow Hilary’s work as an energy healer informed her parenting and decision-making.What an intuitive “yes” really feels like — and how to differentiate intuition from fear.Why fostering aligns deeply with the true meaning of the word foster: to encourage, nourish, and support.✨ A Powerful Message for Prospective Foster ParentsWhy older-child adoption (6–10+) is filled with beauty, growth, and meaning — and why these children deserve more visibility and love. Key TakeawaysShowing up and becoming known in your foster community can change everything.Children with trauma need connection and safety more than perfection.Saying no to a placement can be an act of love and alignment.Intuition is a real, accessible tool for navigating uncertainty.Adoption is deeply transformative for the entire family.

Dennis DJ Quinn joins Rachel to share some seriously heartwarming wisdom from his years of mentoring through the Big Brother program. Right off the bat, he dives into the real deal about what it’s like to step into a kid’s life—not as a dad replacement, but as a big brother and a friend. He’s here to remind us that fostering connections can change not just a child’s life, but your own too. Dennis spills the beans on his journey, filled with laughter, challenges, and some unexpected life lessons that hit harder than a speeding train. So, if you're curious about how you can make a difference—whether it’s through fostering, mentoring, or just being there for someone in need—this chat is packed with all the feels and practical tips to get you started.Dennis DJ Quinn joins Rachel for a heartfelt journey into the world of mentorship and advocacy for youth. His experiences as a Big Brother have shaped not only the lives of the children he has mentored but also his own. Initially stepping into the role with the desire to 'fix' the kids, Dennis quickly learned that his purpose was to be a friend and a supportive figure rather than a parental replacement. Throughout the discussion, he reflects on the profound bond he formed with his first Little Brother, who remained an important part of his life for over four decades. Dennis shares the ups and downs of his mentorship adventures, including the unique challenges faced by kids in the foster system and the emotional weight of navigating their lives amidst uncertainty. He emphasizes the power of consistency and patience in building trust with these children, illustrating how simple activities, like ordering food at a restaurant, can be monumental steps towards personal growth for them. The conversation also touches on the practicalities of becoming a Big Brother, including the application process, background checks, and the importance of finding the right match between mentor and mentee. Dennis highlights the increasing demand for volunteers in mentorship programs and encourages listeners to consider how they can contribute, even if they feel hesitant about making a long-term commitment. The episode wraps up with some light-hearted anecdotes and reinforces the message that helping others can be as rewarding for the mentor as it is for the mentee, creating lasting memories and lessons along the way.Takeaways: Dennis shared that becoming a Big Brother is less about fixing kids' lives and more about being a supportive friend and mentor. The journey of mentorship can be a two-way street where both the mentor and the child learn valuable life lessons from each other. It's crucial to understand that you don't replace a child's parent, but you can be a positive influence in their life. Volunteering as a Big Brother or in similar programs can offer a fulfilling experience that enriches both the volunteer and the child in need. Links:Dennis' WebsiteStick Figures (Dennis' book about being a Big Brother)Big Brothers/Sisters Website