by Micaela Tracy
Welcome to the By Their Side Podcast, where we explore the intricacies of foster care and child welfare advocacy through candid discussions with industry professionals and people with lived experience. Join your host, Micaela Tracy, as we delve into topics such as trauma, attachment, and effective advocacy strategies. Produced in collaboration with Voices for CASA Children, each episode offers invaluable insights and perspectives to empower and inform. Join us as we journey alongside those dedicated to making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children.
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Publishing Since
2/22/2024
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April 9, 2025
<p dir="ltr">Thank you so much for tuning into By Their Side, my friends! Joining me today is <a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/cordelia-cranshaw-msw-licsw-a2b14093/"> Cordelia Cranshaw</a>! Cordelia is a coach, therapist, storyteller, and the founder of <a href= "https://www.survivortothriver.org/">From Survivor to Thriver,</a> an organization that is committed to empowering youth in foster care. Cordelia’s journey is truly nothing short of inspiring. She grew up in the foster care system and experienced generational trauma, but she overcame personal struggles and is now a beacon of strength for others facing similar challenges.</p> <p dir="ltr">Listen in as Cordelia and I discuss her powerful transition from a foster youth to a social worker, where her experiences gave her the ability to connect with and help others in the system. Through her work, Cordelia has worked so hard to help ensure that children in care not only receive the support that they need but also understand the system.<br /> <br /> Cordelia reflects on how her own journey led her to compete in and win a pageant, representing D.C. at Miss USA 2019, an achievement which became a defining moment in her life and proved to her that with the right support and a boost in self-confidence, even the most difficult pasts can lead to extraordinary futures. We also discuss the importance of self-worth and how even the smallest gestures of support can make a world of difference in a child's life.<br /> <br /> Throughout our conversation, Cordelia shares with us what it’s like to be a social worker with actual lived experience, and she touches upon why it's so incredibly important to build upon confidence and how trauma impacts both children and the adults around them. You’ll hear about the work which she is doing to break cycles of trauma and how, via her advocacy, she is giving foster youth the tools to thrive. If you are someone who feels passionate about making a real difference and/or you are someone who is seeking inspiration, then this episode is definitely for you!</p> <p dir="ltr"><br /> <br /> Highlights:</p> <p dir="ltr">[1:45] - <a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/cordelia-cranshaw-msw-licsw-a2b14093/"> Cordelia</a> uses her personal experiences with foster care to help others as a social worker.</p> <p dir="ltr">[4:03] - Hear how Cordelia found empowerment in using her struggles to relate to and support others via social work.</p> <p dir="ltr">[6:54] - After entering foster care at only five years old, Cordelia’s two foster families showed contrasting environments for her.</p> <p dir="ltr">[8:35] - As a child in foster care, Cordelia struggled with uncertainty, which inspired her Survivor to Thriver program.</p> <p dir="ltr">[11:10] - Hear how <a href= "https://www.survivortothriver.org/">Survivor to Thriver</a> teaches children about foster care and helps them understand their situation.</p> <p dir="ltr">[14:46] - Cordelia recognizes that unresolved traumas and lack of resources often influence parents' ability to effectively nurture.</p> <p dir="ltr">[17:50] - Hear how a supportive 7th-grade teacher helped Cordelia through a difficult time.</p> <p dir="ltr">[20:04] - Cordelia's journey from foster care to winning a beauty pageant may help demonstrate the power of support and confidence.</p> <p dir="ltr">[23:40] - Kids are very perceptive and intelligent, and negative comments from social workers can impact their perception.</p> <p dir="ltr">[24:52] - Hear how pageantry at 16 helped Cordelia build self-worth and confidence.</p> <p dir="ltr">[27:38] - For Cordelia, building upon confidence involved healthy habits, reflection, and surrounding herself with support.</p> <p dir="ltr">[30:24] - Cordelia travels in order to inspire foster youth, working toward challenging the myth that they can't overcome their situations.</p> <p dir="ltr">[32:09] - Learn how, as a social worker, Cordelia fought to keep children in their original school for stability.</p> <p dir="ltr">[35:26] - Cordelia encourages others to stay focused on their goals and to put forth real effort into shaping their future.</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Links & Resources:</p> <p dir="ltr"><a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/cordelia-cranshaw-msw-licsw-a2b14093/"> Cordelia’s LinkedIn Page<br /></a><a href= "https://www.facebook.com/officialcordeliacranshaw/">Cordelia’s Facebook Page<br /></a><a href= "https://www.survivortothriver.org/">Survivor to Thriver Website</a></p> <p> </p>
February 20, 2025
<p dir="ltr">Thanks for tuning in to another episode of By Their Side, friends. I am joined today by the great Gaelin Elmore, former NFL player and current passionate advocate for youth facing adversity. As a child, Gaelin was very much a part of the foster system, but his experience, while inspiring because of how he overcame such challenges, was not a happy one. Listen as Gaelin reflects on his journey through foster care and how he discovered an incredibly important truth, that belonging is the key to surviving and thriving.</p> <p dir="ltr">Gaelin reflects on how the concept of belonging changed his life, turning difficult situations into opportunities to grow, and he talks about a pivotal moment with his high school coach, who showed him the power of community and brotherhood at a time when Gaelin was ready to give up. That experience of his, along with the many others who supported him along the way, helped him realize that we all play a role in creating places of belonging.</p> <p dir="ltr">Throughout our conversation, Gaelin also discusses how this fundamental human need can truly change lives, encouraging us to look at our own lives and see how we can show up for others, whether we know their story or not.</p> <p dir="ltr">For anyone struggling with a sense of belonging, Gaelin Elmore offers practical advice on how to begin the necessary work to embrace who we are and seek places where we can truly be ourselves. This episode is a reminder that change is a journey, and small, consistent actions can have lasting impacts!</p> <p dir="ltr"><br /> <br /> Highlights:</p> <p dir="ltr">[1:55] - Gaelin's childhood was unstable, but he now uses his story to help others.</p> <p dir="ltr">[4:38] - Belonging has shaped Gaelin's life, making hardships bearable.</p> <p dir="ltr">[6:26] - Hear how Gaelin's understanding of belonging has grown over time.</p> <p dir="ltr">[9:41] - Belonging is often overlooked, urging reflection on those who provide it.</p> <p dir="ltr">[10:16] - Gaelin credits his high school coach for teaching him the importance of belonging and community.</p> <p dir="ltr">[12:30] - Gaelin's coach's support came at the right time, aided by others' earlier help.</p> <p dir="ltr">[15:43] - Even just small acts of support accumulate over time, contributing to significant long-term change.</p> <p dir="ltr">[16:36] - Noting that change is gradual and often unnoticed, Gaelin compares his growth to TV show character, Jamie Tartt.</p> <p dir="ltr">[19:20] - It's important to create inclusive spaces by showing kindness and commitment to all.</p> <p dir="ltr">[21:56] - True belonging is about being yourself in spaces where others can also be themselves.</p> <p dir="ltr">[26:40] - Gaelin embraces his strengths and challenges, creating honest connections without blaming himself when rejected.</p> <p dir="ltr">[28:58] - Internal work helps Gaelin separate his worth from relationships, recognizing when he truly belongs.</p> <p dir="ltr">[30:25] - Gaelin argues that acceptance of ourselves allows us to show up fully in relationships, embracing imperfections and insecurities.</p> <p dir="ltr">[32:05] - Consistently investing in others helps them recognize their value, even if they don't immediately recognize it.</p> <p dir="ltr">[35:07] - People who are used to positive reinforcement show up differently, but some others need help learning to receive it.</p> <p dir="ltr">[37:22] - Gaelin's coach's patience and commitment ultimately helped him feel seen and supported.</p> <p dir="ltr">[39:38] - Hear how a meaningful conversation with his coach led Gaelin to trust, growth, and a stronger relationship.</p> <p dir="ltr">[41:10] - Giving agency in relationships can be so powerful.</p>
January 28, 2025
<p dir="ltr"><strong>**Available Resources for Parents**</strong></p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Nationwide:</strong></p> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.211.org/">2-1-1</a></p> <p dir="ltr"><a href="http://www.postpartum.net/">Postpartum Support International</a></p> <p dir="ltr"><a href= "https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/">Suicide Prevention Hotline</a>- 1.800.273.8255</p> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.sitkneetoknee.com/">Knee to Knee </a></p> <p dir="ltr"><a href= "https://nationalparentyouthhelpline.org/">National Parent Youth Helpline</a>- 855.427.2736</p> <p dir="ltr">National Maternal Mental Health Hotline-1-833-TLC-MAMA</p> <p dir="ltr">National Domestic Violence Hotline- 1.800.799.7233</p> <p dir="ltr">PSI Depression hotline- 1.800.944.4PPD</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Arizona Specific:</strong></p> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://211arizona.org/">2-1-1 Arizona</a></p> <p dir="ltr"><a href= "https://www.familyinvolvementcenter.org/">Family Involvement Center</a></p> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://pcaaz.org/">Prevent Child Abuse Arizona<br /> <br /></a></p> <p dir="ltr">Welcome back to By Their Side, listeners! I am so thrilled to be joined in this episode by two guests - Lindsey Shine and Samara Vaught, two amazing and inspiring birth moms who have both gone through the tough journey of dealing with the child welfare system until ultimately being reunited with their children. They now work at the Family Involvement Center, offering peer support to parents in similar situations.</p> <p dir="ltr">Listen in as they share their personal stories, both of which are heart-wrenching and inspirational. We discuss their struggles with addiction, domestic violence, and the overwhelming challenges of dealing with the system, all while trying to stay connected with their children, but I promise that it isn't all doom and gloom. These women are passionate about providing hope to other parents, showing them that reunification is possible and offering practical advice for those who might feel like they have nowhere to turn.</p> <p dir="ltr">You will also hear how the <a href= "https://www.familyinvolvementcenter.org/">Family Involvement Center</a> and its <a href= "https://www.familyinvolvementcenter.org/help-me/parents-for-parents"> Parents for Parents</a> program became a turning point for both Lindsey and Samara, offering them the support that they needed when they felt most defeated. They both highlight the importance of community support and understanding, and how small acts of encouragement can make a huge difference. This episode is about hope, resilience, and the power of human connection, so tune in to hear more about their journey and how they’re helping others find their way back to their children!</p> <p dir="ltr"><br /> <br /> <strong>Highlights:</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">[2:17] - Hear about how the <a href= "https://www.familyinvolvementcenter.org/">Family Involvement Center</a> offers free support to parents navigating the Child Welfare system.</p> <p dir="ltr">[4:53] - The <a href= "https://www.familyinvolvementcenter.org/help-me/parents-for-parents"> Parents for Parents</a> program offers support from people with lived experience in the foster care system.</p> <p dir="ltr">[7:30] - Samara shares how she got through her struggles with hope.</p> <p dir="ltr">[10:41] - Lindsey reflects on her struggle with meth addiction, homelessness, and distrust while pregnant.</p> <p dir="ltr">[13:36] - Lindsey felt that her case was disorganized, but the Family Involvement Center provided hope and support.</p> <p dir="ltr">[16:23] - The turning point for Lindsey was the support from Commissioner Allen and her own determination.</p> <p dir="ltr">[17:46] - Samara shares having found honest conversations with her case manager in the shelter motivating and encouraging.</p> <p dir="ltr">[20:54] - Samara reflects on her manipulative behavior in the past and how honesty made a significant difference in her recovery.</p> <p dir="ltr">[22:38] - Lindsey faced immense housing challenges, but support and perseverance kept her going.</p> <p dir="ltr">[25:41] - Lindsey advises persistence, daily effort, and broad engagement to improve chances of success.</p> <p dir="ltr">[27:18] - Samara advocates for community support, family resource centers, and normalizing seeking help for family reunification.</p> <p dir="ltr">[30:29] - Libraries could better serve families by expanding community-based support beyond just internet access.</p> <p dir="ltr">[33:59] - Samara urges the community to provide resources before escalation to reduce unneeded DCF involvement.</p> <p dir="ltr">[35:33] - Lindsey shares having felt unsupported and doubted her ability to keep her children.</p> <p dir="ltr">[38:37] - Lindsey is grateful for her relationship with her children but wishes that she had received more encouragement at the time.</p> <p dir="ltr">[40:37] - It's important to support families after reunification to help them lead healthier lives.</p> <p dir="ltr">[41:59] - Lindsey finds that praise and direct encouragement can be a game changer and can build confidence.</p> <p dir="ltr">[43:00] - Samara credits her daughter's supportive placement with helping their relationship and enabling her own recovery.</p> <p dir="ltr">[46:24] - Positive conversations and boundary-setting while fostering children and supporting parents is very important.</p> <p dir="ltr">[47:41] - Samara advocates for open communication with families, recognizing progress and normalizing seeking help for reunification.</p> <p dir="ltr">[50:29] - Parents, not placements, are statistically best suited to care for their children long-term, whenever possible.</p> <p dir="ltr">[51:08] - Regardless of reunification outcomes, families should leave the process with hope and resources.</p> <p dir="ltr">[54:59] - Lindsey advises reframing difficult interactions to recognize a parent's passion for their children and their struggles.</p> <p dir="ltr">[57:16] - Lindsey values her parents' support, even after strained relationships.</p> <p dir="ltr">[58:05] - Samara finds empowerment in working with the Family Involvement Center, realizing that her past does not define or limit her.</p> <p dir="ltr"><br /> <br /></p> <p> </p>
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