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DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20250820T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20250820T100000
DTSTAMP:20260414T162327
CREATED:20250512T184016Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250603T181605Z
UID:4827-1755676800-1755684000@growbeyondwords.com
SUMMARY:Webinar: Navigating First Family Connections in Adoption
DESCRIPTION:Hosted by Hudson Valley Professional Development for New York psychologists seeking continuing education credits. \nNavigating the complexities of biological relationships can be a sensitive and challenging process for many adoptees. Adoptees may seek out connections with their first family members for a variety of reasons\, and as adoption professionals\, it is crucial to provide a safe and supportive space for the exploration of these relationships. Factors such as assessing safety\, developing realistic expectations\, gauging emotional preparedness\, setting boundaries\, planning contact\, respecting privacy\, and building open and honest communication will be discussed.
URL:https://growbeyondwords.com/event/webinar-navigating-first-family-connections-in-adoption/
LOCATION:Virtual Webinar
CATEGORIES:Speaking Engagement
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://growbeyondwords.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251016T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251016T120000
DTSTAMP:20260414T162327
CREATED:20250709T175745Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250710T200222Z
UID:4920-1760608800-1760616000@growbeyondwords.com
SUMMARY:Webinar: Navigating First Family Connections in Adoption
DESCRIPTION:Hosted by The Catalyst Center for California mental health providers seeking continuing education credits. \nNavigating the complexities of biological relationships can be a sensitive and challenging process for many adoptees. Adoptees may seek out connections with their first family members for a variety of reasons\, and as adoption professionals\, it is crucial to provide a safe and supportive space for the exploration of these relationships. Factors such as assessing safety\, developing realistic expectations\, gauging emotional preparedness\, setting boundaries\, planning contact\, respecting privacy\, and building open and honest communication will be discussed.
URL:https://growbeyondwords.com/event/webinar-navigating-first-family-connections-in-adoption-2/
LOCATION:Virtual Webinar
CATEGORIES:Speaking Engagement
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://growbeyondwords.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Catalyst-Center.jpeg
ORGANIZER;CN="Catalyst Center":MAILTO:info@catalystcenter.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251018T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251018T110000
DTSTAMP:20260414T162327
CREATED:20250825T205738Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250825T205738Z
UID:4941-1760779800-1760785200@growbeyondwords.com
SUMMARY:UMOJA MN: Blow-Up to Bonding: Trauma\, Behavior\, and Attachment-Focused Discipline
DESCRIPTION:Keynote for UMOJA MN hosted by EVOLVE Family Services. How can you turn moments of struggle into moments of connection? This session will unpack how the brain\, implicit memories\, and the “6 F’s” (Fight\, Flight\, Freeze\, Friend\, Fidget\, Flop) shape a child’s trauma reactions. You’ll learn simple\, compassionate strategies to turn challenging moments into opportunities for bonding\, while setting limits in ways that build trust and strengthen attachment. Practical tools will also be shared for common struggles such as homework\, lying\, and sleep difficulties. Learn more at UMOJA MN Programs | EVOLVE Family Services.
URL:https://growbeyondwords.com/event/umoja-mn-blow-up-to-bonding-trauma-behavior-and-attachment-focused-discipline/
LOCATION:Bloomington\, Minnesota
CATEGORIES:Speaking Engagement
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251031T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251031T110000
DTSTAMP:20260414T162327
CREATED:20250702T211117Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250702T211332Z
UID:4900-1761901200-1761908400@growbeyondwords.com
SUMMARY:Bringing Race Into the Room: Supporting Racial Attachment Needs with Transracially Adoptive Students and Families
DESCRIPTION:Virtual training event for Sonia Shankman Orthogenic School staff members. Join Dr. Chaitra Wirta-Leiker for an enlightening discussion addressing the complex dynamics of transracial adoption. Through the lens of the seven core issues in adoption combined with her groundbreaking model of the racial and cultural identity needs of transracial adoptees\, she will provide compassionate and comprehensive support to professionals who work with transracially adoptive families. Grow your awareness of the internal and external experiences of adoptees of color as they strive to build a positive racial and cultural identity\, enhance your understanding of the role race plays in parent-child attachment patterns\, learn to discuss race and racism using developmentally appropriate language\, identify strategies to guide adoptive caregivers’ understanding of their own racial biases\, and build the confidence to bring race into the room in a manner that promotes safety\, empowerment\, and connection.
URL:https://growbeyondwords.com/event/bringing-race-into-the-room-supporting-racial-attachment-needs-with-transracially-adoptive-students-and-families/
LOCATION:Virtual Webinar
CATEGORIES:Speaking Engagement
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://growbeyondwords.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/O-School-Logo.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251113T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251113T120000
DTSTAMP:20260414T162327
CREATED:20241028T214025Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250710T195810Z
UID:4084-1763028000-1763035200@growbeyondwords.com
SUMMARY:Transracial Foster and Adoption Placements: Assessing Prospective Parents for Fit with the Racial and Cultural Identity Needs of Youth in Care
DESCRIPTION:Hosted by the Catalyst Center to offer continuing education credits to California mental health providers. Maintaining the racial and cultural identity of fostered and adopted youth of color in transracial placements is crucial to supporting their lifelong mental health\, but it can be difficult to determine how those needs will be met by caregivers who do not share their racial or cultural background. This training will outline the Hierarchy of Racial and Cultural Identity Needs of Transracial Youth\, a groundbreaking framework for understanding and defining the best ways to assess prospective caregiver readiness to parent transracially in a manner that communicates and centers the needs of transracial adoptees of color. General content areas to be assessed and specific interview questions for prospective parents will be explored.
URL:https://growbeyondwords.com/event/transracial-foster-and-adoption-placements-assessing-prospective-parents-for-fit-with-the-racial-and-cultural-identity-needs-of-youth-in-care/
LOCATION:Virtual Webinar
CATEGORIES:Speaking Engagement
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://growbeyondwords.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Catalyst-Center.jpeg
ORGANIZER;CN="Catalyst Center":MAILTO:info@catalystcenter.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260129T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260129T120000
DTSTAMP:20260414T162327
CREATED:20251009T184734Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251009T184734Z
UID:5021-1769680800-1769688000@growbeyondwords.com
SUMMARY:Webinar: From Blow-up to Bonding: Finding the Balance of Attachment-Focused Discipline in Adoption
DESCRIPTION:Hosted by Foster Adopt MN. How can you turn moments of struggle into moments of connection? Discover how brain development\, implicit memories\, and the “6 F’s” (Fight\, Flight\, Freeze\, Friend\, Fidget\, Flop) can influence your adoptive or foster child’s reactions to traditional methods of discipline\, and develop compassionate\, creative\, and effective strategies for limit-setting and consequences that simultaneously enhance healthy attachment patterns in the child-caregiver relationship. Tools to cope with common struggles will be addressed\, including separation anxiety\, transitions\, homework\, aggression\, lying\, stealing\, hoarding\, argumentativeness\, and sleep anxiety.
URL:https://growbeyondwords.com/event/webinar-from-blow-up-to-bonding-finding-the-balance-of-attachment-focused-discipline-in-adoption/
LOCATION:Virtual Webinar
CATEGORIES:Speaking Engagement
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://growbeyondwords.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/FAMNlogo.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260226T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260226T110000
DTSTAMP:20260414T162327
CREATED:20251009T185000Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251009T185000Z
UID:5024-1772096400-1772103600@growbeyondwords.com
SUMMARY:Navigating the Seven Core Issues in Play Therapy with Adoptive Children (co-presenter Sabra Starnes)
DESCRIPTION:Hosted by Foster Adopt MN. Adoption weaves layers of emotion and experience into a child’s play and relationships\, often in ways that can be both challenging and deeply meaningful. In this session\, you’ll uncover how the Seven Core Issues in Adoption—loss\, rejection\, guilt/shame\, grief\, identity\, intimacy\, and mastery/control—show up in the play therapy room. Through practical tools and strategies\, you’ll learn to spot these themes as they unfold\, guide adoptive children in expressing complex feelings through play\, and collaborate with caregivers to nurture their child’s healing and strengthen identity development.
URL:https://growbeyondwords.com/event/navigating-the-seven-core-issues-in-play-therapy-with-adoptive-children-co-presenter-sabra-starnes/
LOCATION:Virtual Webinar
CATEGORIES:Speaking Engagement
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://growbeyondwords.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/FAMNlogo.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260304T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260304T100000
DTSTAMP:20260414T162327
CREATED:20250710T195712Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260114T171443Z
UID:4924-1772611200-1772618400@growbeyondwords.com
SUMMARY:Transracial Adoption Readiness: An Identity Needs Hierarchy
DESCRIPTION:Hosted by Hudson Valley Professional Development for New York mental health providers seeking continuing education credits. Maintaining the racial and cultural identity of fostered and adopted youth of color in transracial placements is crucial to supporting their lifelong mental health\, but it can be difficult to determine how those needs will be met by caregivers who do not share their racial or cultural background. This training will outline the Hierarchy of Racial and Cultural Identity Needs of Transracial Youth\, a groundbreaking framework for understanding and defining the best ways to assess prospective caregiver readiness to parent transracially in a manner that communicates and centers the needs of transracial adoptees of color. General content areas to be assessed and specific interview questions for prospective parents will be explored.
URL:https://growbeyondwords.com/event/transracial-adoption-readiness-an-identity-needs-hierarchy/
LOCATION:Virtual Webinar
CATEGORIES:Speaking Engagement
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://growbeyondwords.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260505T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260505T190000
DTSTAMP:20260414T162327
CREATED:20260403T213255Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260403T213656Z
UID:5484-1778002200-1778007600@growbeyondwords.com
SUMMARY:Virtual Support Group: Social Justice for the Sensitive Soul (Tuesdays or Thursdays)
DESCRIPTION:This 6-week virtual support group inspired by the book Social Justice for the Sensitive Soul by Dorcas Cheng-Tozun is for highly sensitive people (HSPs) who wish to connect with others who care deeply about the world and are seeking ways to sustainably engage in activism. \nConversations will reflect themes from the book to explore how sensitivity can shape the way we experience injustice\, conflict\, burnout\, empathy\, and advocacy. Participants will learn to enhance intuitive understanding and self-trust of their emotional\, relational\, and nervous system needs\, honoring their sensitivity as a source of insight and strength\, and identifying what they need to stay regulated and resourced within activist spaces. Empowering ways to engage in activism that feel aligned\, viable\, and authentic will be explored. This group will offer a safe place for compassionate self-discovery and connective reflection with others who feel deeply but don’t want to lose themselves in the process of contributing to the larger world. \nThis virtual group is open to individuals 18+ who reside in the United States. It will be limited to 8 members\, plus the facilitator\, Dr. Chaitra Wirta-Leiker. \nTo engage meaningfully in the group\, members are expected to purchase or borrow the book Social Justice for the Sensitive Soul: How to Change the World in Quiet Ways by Dorcas Cheng-Tozun. \nTwo Scheduling Options are Available: \nTuesdays 5:30-7:00PM Mountain (May 5-June 9) OR Thursdays 10:30AM-12:00PM Mountain (May 7-June 11) \nCost: \n$55 per group\, or pay a discounted fee of $300 in advance for all groups \nReading List: \nWeek 1 Reading: Introduction (p. 1-8) & Appendix: Your Uniquely Sensitive Self (p. 197-206)\nWeek 2 Reading: Chapters 1-3 (p. 11-39)\nWeek 3 Reading: Chapters 4-5 (p. 41-59)\nWeek 4 Reading: Ch. 6-10 (p.63-113)\nWeek 5 Reading: Ch. 11-17 (p. 117-185)\nWeek 6 Reading: Ch. 18 (p. 187-191) \nENROLL HERE!
URL:https://growbeyondwords.com/event/sj4ss/
LOCATION:Virtual Group
CATEGORIES:Group
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://growbeyondwords.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/SJ4SS-Group-Image.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260507T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260507T120000
DTSTAMP:20260414T162327
CREATED:20260403T213623Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260403T213623Z
UID:5488-1778149800-1778155200@growbeyondwords.com
SUMMARY:Virtual Support Group: Social Justice for the Sensitive Soul (Tuesdays or Thursdays)
DESCRIPTION:This 6-week virtual support group inspired by the book Social Justice for the Sensitive Soul by Dorcas Cheng-Tozun is for highly sensitive people (HSPs) who wish to connect with others who care deeply about the world and are seeking ways to sustainably engage in activism. \nConversations will reflect themes from the book to explore how sensitivity can shape the way we experience injustice\, conflict\, burnout\, empathy\, and advocacy. Participants will learn to enhance intuitive understanding and self-trust of their emotional\, relational\, and nervous system needs\, honoring their sensitivity as a source of insight and strength\, and identifying what they need to stay regulated and resourced within activist spaces. Empowering ways to engage in activism that feel aligned\, viable\, and authentic will be explored. This group will offer a safe place for compassionate self-discovery and connective reflection with others who feel deeply but don’t want to lose themselves in the process of contributing to the larger world. \nThis virtual group is open to individuals 18+ who reside in the United States. It will be limited to 8 members\, plus the facilitator\, Dr. Chaitra Wirta-Leiker. \nTo engage meaningfully in the group\, members are expected to purchase or borrow the book Social Justice for the Sensitive Soul: How to Change the World in Quiet Ways by Dorcas Cheng-Tozun. \nTwo Scheduling Options are Available: \nTuesdays 5:30-7:00PM Mountain (May 5-June 9) OR Thursdays 10:30AM-12:00PM Mountain (May 7-June 11) \nCost: \n$55 per group\, or pay a discounted fee of $300 in advance for all groups \nReading List: \nWeek 1 Reading: Introduction (p. 1-8) & Appendix: Your Uniquely Sensitive Self (p. 197-206)\nWeek 2 Reading: Chapters 1-3 (p. 11-39)\nWeek 3 Reading: Chapters 4-5 (p. 41-59)\nWeek 4 Reading: Ch. 6-10 (p.63-113)\nWeek 5 Reading: Ch. 11-17 (p. 117-185)\nWeek 6 Reading: Ch. 18 (p. 187-191) \nENROLL HERE!
URL:https://growbeyondwords.com/event/sj4ss2/
LOCATION:Virtual Group
CATEGORIES:Group
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://growbeyondwords.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/SJ4SS-Group-Image.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260603T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260603T100000
DTSTAMP:20260414T162327
CREATED:20260331T152924Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T152924Z
UID:5481-1780473600-1780480800@growbeyondwords.com
SUMMARY:Webinar: From Struggles To Strengths: Reframing The Seven Core Issues In Adoption
DESCRIPTION:A webinar for NY psychologists seeking continuing education credits\, hosted by Hudson Valley Professional Development. The seven core issues in adoption are often perceived as barriers to an adoptee’s ability to be healthy and successful. But what if we viewed these issues – loss\, rejection\, guilt/shame\, grief\, identity\, intimacy\, and control – on a spectrum that ranges from struggle to strength? Join Dr. Chaitra Wirta-Leiker as she guides you into the extraordinary and often overlooked world of adoptee strengths and superpowers. Learn to support your adoptee clients’ natural tendencies\, embrace their unique methods for problem-solving and navigating relationships\, and empower them to feel proud of the remarkable ways in which they contribute to the world.
URL:https://growbeyondwords.com/event/webinar-from-struggles-to-strengths-reframing-the-seven-core-issues-in-adoption/
LOCATION:Virtual Webinar
CATEGORIES:Speaking Engagement
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://growbeyondwords.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260723T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260723T110000
DTSTAMP:20260414T162327
CREATED:20260331T152312Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T153005Z
UID:5479-1784797200-1784804400@growbeyondwords.com
SUMMARY:Webinar: Navigating First Family Connections in Adoption
DESCRIPTION:A training for adoption and child welfare professionals\, hosted by Foster Adopt Minnesota. Navigating the complexities of biological relationships can be a sensitive and challenging process for many adoptees. Adoptees may seek out connections with their first family members for a variety of reasons\, and as adoption professionals\, it is crucial to provide a safe and supportive space for the exploration of these relationships. Factors such as assessing safety\, developing realistic expectations\, gauging emotional preparedness\, setting boundaries\, planning contact\, respecting privacy\, and building open and honest communication will be discussed.
URL:https://growbeyondwords.com/event/webinar-navigating-first-family-connections-in-adoption-3/
LOCATION:Virtual Webinar
CATEGORIES:Speaking Engagement
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://growbeyondwords.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/FAMNlogo.png
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR