Foster Youth EP 9 - Adaptation, Loss, and Strength: Aubrey Carballo’s Story

In this episode, Athena Cordero sits down with Aubrey Carballo, Service Specialist at Desert Mountain Children’s Center and a former foster youth, to share her powerful and deeply personal story.Aubrey reflects on entering the foster care system at a young age, navigating multiple placements, and adapting to constantly changing environments, beliefs, and family dynamics. She shares what it was like to experience separation from her siblings, reunification with her mother, and the realities that followed challenging the expectations she once held onto as a child in the system.Through her journey, Aubrey opens up about early motherhood, loss, resilience, and the strength it took to keep moving forward. She speaks candidly about identity, belonging, and what it means to rebuild yourself after years of instability and change.Now a mother, professional, and advocate for children and families, Aubrey highlights the importance of breaking generational cycles and creating a different path forward. This episode offers an authentic, hopeful perspective on growth, healing, and the lasting impact of every experience along the way.HighlightsAubrey shares her lived experience growing up in the foster care system.Insight into constant transitions between placements, beliefs, and environments.Honest reflection on reunification and unmet expectations.Discussion of early motherhood and generational patterns.The impact of both positive and negative foster care experiences.How her journey shaped her role working with children today.Key TakeawaysFoster youth often adapt to survive, which can impact identity and belonging.Every placement, positive or negative, leaves a lasting impact.Reunification can be complex and may not match expectations.Generational cycles can be broken with awareness and intentional choices.Resilience is built through experience, support, and perspective.It is possible to rebuild, grow, and create a different future.Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram | www.cahelp.org | [email protected]