Yeah, thanks for having me. I’m excited to be a part of this organization. The more I learn about it, the more excited I am. So, thank you.

It just kind of popped up on my Instagram, and I had been thinking about ways that I could give back at this point in my life. I have a lot of work experience, my kids are kind of more on their own, and so I just wanted to find a way to give back. But I knew it had to be something that I really believed in and so when I saw that you provide free services to kids or people who have been involved in the foster care system, that just really spoke to me. I have a passion and a great empathy for people who have been through the foster care system, so I was really excited to learn more about how I could connect with you.

Thank you!

That’s right, yep. But ready when you are!

I think immediately, it was a very welcoming environment for me to be connected with. I virtually met with Grace for an interview, and then just the orientation, the emails – there’s a lot, but they’re not overwhelming. They’re very welcoming. And the fact that you – oh, I guess this will answer my next question – but I think so far there’s a lot more support for providers than I expected so that’s been kind of nice. So I would encourage people if they’re worried that they’re not going to have enough support that that’s not going to be a concern.

I found it very intriguing that you’re nationwide. I mean literally like you and I were just talking about, you’re in Washington, I’m in Massachusetts, there was somebody this morning in the meeting from Arizona. I just think that’s amazing.

I love the idea that this was started and perpetuated by people who really understand the healing power of therapy and the children and adults who’ve been through the foster care system – it’s a traumatizing experience. I love that this is the whole basis for the service that you’re providing, and that’s just I think such a unique opportunity to offer some long-term consistency in the lives of people who really don’t necessarily have that.

I’d say probably the primary thing right now is really excited about being a part of Boston Children’s Hospital. I work in the first ever Division of Addiction Medicine for a children’s hospital which is super exciting, we just got our accreditation recently. So I’m working on lots of programming through that. One of the things that I’m excited to bring to fruition is an IOP for our adolescents who are struggling with substance use. So when that happens – it’s gone beyond me now, I’ve created the model, the proposal, done all the research, and sent that to the powers above, so I’m waiting for some confirmation that they can secure some funding and a billing process for that. I’m hearing lots of good things, that it’s going to be a go. So I’m excited about that.

I also do a lot of work with victims of violent crimes through the Attorney General’s office, so I’m proud to be a part of that as well. And the last thing I’d say is I’m proud to be a mom of four adults who are really contributing to the good in the world.

Thank you!

I appreciate the opportunity for you to get to know me as well as me to get to know the agency a little bit. I feel like that definitely brings a sense of community. I’m looking forward to meeting some of the other people in person out on the eastern side of the country – maybe someday we’ll get to meet in person, who knows! But I think that the virtual teletherapy world that we live in has been great honestly for a lot of the teens that I work with in particular. They’re very comfortable on social media and accessing treatment that way. I don’t know if my client through A Home Within will be either in person or through telehealth, but either way I’ll be looking forward to just kind of getting some of the work done!

Yes, right!

You’re so very welcome.

Alright, thank you so much. Take care. Bye!