If the college admissions process feels overwhelming… you’re not alone.

And if you’re a foster or adoptive parent? There are even more layers to navigate.

This week on What to Expect While Fostering and Adopting, I had the absolute honor of sitting down with Cynthia Nash, a college admissions and financial aid coach with over 20 years of experience at top-tier universities like Northwestern and Vanderbilt- and friend, this conversation is packed with gold.

Cynthia has helped students earn millions in scholarships and grants, including: • Five students admitted to Vanderbilt- four on full rides • Three students at Johns Hopkins- two attending completely free • A Posse Scholar at Middlebury- with all four years fully covered And that’s just the beginning.

Whether you’re parenting a child from foster care, adoption, or not—you’ll walk away from this episode equipped with tools and insight to help your teen step into a future they didn’t think was possible.

In this episode, we talk about: • How to navigate the college admissions process with clarity • How foster and adoptive kids need different support • Where to find scholarships and financial aid that most families miss • The power of vision, mentorship, and strategy in shaping a child's future • And why education can be one of the most powerful generational tools of healing

Whether your child is in 9th grade or nearing graduation- this episode will give you real steps, renewed hope, and a fresh vision for what’s possible.

Now, grab your cup of coffee, get comfy, and let’s dig in!

XO, Christine Marie

💕 Join Our Community! After you listen, I’d love for you to come be part of our inner circle of foster and adoptive mamas! Our Facebook group is your gateway to valuable resources, support, and connection with other women who truly get it.

Join us here: 👉 facebook.com/groups/fostercareandadoptionforchristianwomen

https://www.youtube.com/@fosteringandadopting

Get Cynthia’s Free College Admissions Guide: Download now: www.amazingjourneycollegecounseling.com

Contact Cynthia Nash Email: amazingjourneycc@gmail.com

Learn About Her Coaching Programs: • Group Coaching for rising seniors (starts 6/1/25) • Elite Coaching for pre-med & engineering students (Junior–Senior year) Email Cynthia for details and availability.

This week on What to Expect While Fostering and Adopting, I had the absolute honor of sitting down with April Ficklin, a TBRI® Practitioner, adoptive mom, and the Director of Family Support Services for Flourishing Families of South Carolina.

April brings both professional wisdom and personal experience to this conversation. Her work is centered on helping adoptive families find real connection, healing, and hope through Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) and her heart for trauma-informed care is nothing short of powerful.

In this episode, we talk about: • The realities adoptive families face behind closed doors • How trauma impacts connection and what we can do about it • Why adoptive moms often feel unseen, and how to change that • How April is equipping families and organizations across South Carolina • And how faith plays a vital role in every part of this healing journey

Whether you’re new to adoption or knee-deep in the hard parts, this conversation will remind you that healing is possible and you don’t have to do this alone.

☕ Now, grab your cup of coffee, get comfy, and let’s dig in!

XO, Christine Marie

💕 Join Our Community! After you listen, I’d love for you to come be part of our inner circle of foster and adoptive mamas! Our Facebook group is your gateway to valuable resources, support, and connection with other women who truly get it. Join us here: 👉 facebook.com/groups/fostercareandadoptionforchristianwomen

https://www.youtube.com/@fosteringandadopting

Connect with April Ficklin: Instagram: www.instagram.com/april_ficklin Facebook: www.facebook.com/april.ficklin Learn more: www.flourishingfamiliessc.org Email: april@flourishingfamiliessc.org

In this episode of What to Expect While Fostering and Adopting, I’m sitting down with my friend Rebecca Del Pozo- an adoptee, an adoptive mom, and a fierce advocate for families who’ve walked this road from every angle.

This conversation is honest, vulnerable, and deeply encouraging.

Rebecca doesn’t just talk about adoption- she’s lived it in every form. From the unexpected twists and tender moments to the hard decisions and holy perspective shifts, she shares how the Lord has used adoption to shape her family, her faith, and her purpose.

If you’ve ever wrestled with the "why" behind your story, or wondered if you’re the right person for the calling in front of you, Rebecca’s story will meet you right where you are- and lift your eyes higher.

☕ Now, grab your cup of coffee, get comfy, and let’s dig in!

XO, Christine Marie

💕 Join Our Community! After you listen, I’d love for you to come be part of our inner circle of foster and adoptive mamas! Our Facebook group is your gateway to valuable resources, support, and connection with other women who truly get it. Join us here: facebook.com/groups/fostercareandadoptionforchristianwomen

🎙️ More from Rebecca: Ready to stop winging it and start leading your life on purpose? Grab her book here: https://amzn.to/3XyAqWv Moms in Real Estate—join her community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/millionairerealestatemoms Want Rebecca to train your team? Email: https://www.facebook.com/Rebecca.Volden.DelPozo Website: www.RebeccaDelPozo.com