The Mentor Lab

In this episode of The Mentor Lab, Natalie Lawrence sits down with Dr. Greg Manning to explore trauma and transitional-age youth from a clinical and mentoring perspective.This conversation is a reminder that mentors don't have to have all the answers. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can offer is consistency, patience, safety, and a willingness to stay.Whether you're a mentor, youth leader, caregiver, educator, or simply someone who wants to better understand trauma-impacted youth, this episode offers practical insight to help you show up with greater wisdom, compassion, and confidence.The Mentor Lab is an ongoing educational resource from Teen Leadership Foundation, created to equip and encourage those walking alongside youth in foster care.Subscribe to The Mentor Lab for continued education, practical tools, and conversations designed to help mentors show up well for youth in foster care.What insight from this conversation changed the way you think about mentoring? Share your thoughts in the comments.Share this episode with a mentor, youth leader, caregiver, church, or organization supporting young people.To connect with Dr. Manning, visit https://drgregmanning.com/#MentorLab #TeenLeadershipFoundation #FosterYouth#TraumaInformedCare #TraumaInformedMentoring #YouthMentoring #TransitionalAgeYouth #FosterCare

In this final episode of our mentor training series, we dive deeply into the rules, guidelines, and best practices every mentor needs to know to support youth in foster care safely and effectively.This episode covers:How to communicate in ways that build trust and safetyHonoring confidentiality while knowing when to report for protectionUsing healthy self-disclosure to model resilience without shifting focus away from the youthRespecting boundaries, including physical, emotional, and relationalNavigating “red light topics”—trauma, family history, mental health, and moreWorking effectively with caregivers and care teamsStaying consistent, patient, and compassionate even in difficult situationsThis episode ensures you feel equipped, confident, and prepared to mentor responsibly while making a meaningful impact. While it wraps up our formal training series, The Mentor Lab continues with ongoing educational episodes designed to support you as you walk alongside youth in foster care.You are not alone on this journey—and your presence, patience, and care make a real difference. Subscribe so you don’t miss future Mentor Lab episodes Leave a comment: What rules or practices are most helpful to you? Rate & review to help other mentors find this resource Share this episode with other mentors, church members, or community volunteersJoin us for ongoing education and community support through The Mentor Lab

In this episode, psychotherapist Stephanie Becker shares how trauma impacts youth who have experienced foster care, instability, and loss.Stephanie breaks down Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) in simple terms so mentors and caring adults can better understand how therapy helps young people process trauma and reshape negative beliefs about themselves.Together, they discuss how trauma shows up in transitional-age youth, why young people may push away support, and how mentors can build trust with youth who have experienced broken relationships. The conversation also covers how to respond to emotional triggers, support youth in therapy without overstepping, and help young people rebuild identity, confidence, and resilience.This episode is a powerful guide for mentors, foster parents, educators, and anyone supporting trauma-impacted youth.What You'll Learn:• What Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is• How EMDR therapy helps youth process trauma• Why foster youth may push away relationships• How trauma can show up as behavior, withdrawal, or testing boundaries• Practical ways mentors can build trust and emotional safety• How to respond when youth experience triggers or emotional escalation• Grounding tools mentors can use in difficult moments• How mentors can help youth build identity, resilience, and self-worthIf you’re passionate about supporting young people through mentorship and trauma-informed care:Subscribe to The Mentor Lab for more conversations on mentorship, youth development, and healing.Follow us on all platforms @teenleadershipfoundationwww.teenleadershipfoundation.orgTo learn more about Stephanie's work:https://www.stephaniebeckertherapy.org#TraumaInformedCare#FosterYouth#MentorshipMatters#TraumaTherapy#EMDR

In this episode, we sit down with Mitra (name shared with care) to hear her story as a former foster youth who participated in our housing program and was paired with a mentor during a pivotal season of her life.In this conversation, Mitra reflects on:What it was like growing up in foster care—and what people often misunderstandHer initial reaction to being paired with a mentorHow trust was built over time through consistency and presenceThe moments that made her feel truly seen and cared forHow mentorship shaped her confidence, perspective, and vision for the futureTo honor her story, some details have been kept confidential. What remains is what matters most: the lasting impact one caring, committed adult can have.Subscribe to stay connected to future episodes, and share this conversation with someone who may be considering mentorship.If you’re already walking with a young person—thank you. Your presence matters more than you may ever fully see.Follow us on all platforms @teenleadershipfoundationwww.teenleadershipfoundation.org#FormerFosterYouth #MentorshipMatters #OneCaringAdult#FosterCareAwareness #TraumaInformedMentorship#TeenLeadershipFoundation #TheMentorLab#HopeAndHealing #ShowingUp

In this episode, we sit down with Ryan Zeulner for a meaningful conversation on mentoring foster youth through trust, humility, and grace. With over 20 years of ministry experience, Ryan shares what it looks like to show up voluntarily, separate behavior from identity, and lead with truth and love in relationships with trauma impacted youth. This episode is for mentors, leaders, and anyone who desires to walk alongside transitional aged youth with patience, mercy, and faith.If this conversation encouraged you, like, subscribe, and share it with someone who mentors or supports foster youth. Drop a comment below with what stood out to you—or how you’re learning to lead with grace.Subscribe to grow with us inside The Mentor LabCome back for practical tools and real mentorship.This podcast is built for your growth—subscribe and stay connected!Follow us on all platforms @teenleadershipfoundationwww.teenleadershipfoundation.org#MentoringWithGrace #FosterYouthSupport #TraumaInformedCare #FaithInAction #TrustAndLove #YouthMentorship #LeadingWithGrace #NonprofitLeadership #HealingRelationships #PresenceOverPerformance

What does it look like to mentor teens who’ve experienced trauma—with compassion, clarity, and consistency?In this episode, we’re joined by Wendy McMahan, President of For The Children and a TBRI Trained Practitioner, for a powerful and practical conversation on how mentors can apply Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) in real-life relationships with foster and trauma-impacted youth.Wendy brings over 20 years of experience serving vulnerable children across the full continuum of care—from prevention and foster care to reunification and adoption. She also shares from lived experience as a former foster parent and as a leader mobilizing the local Church to create life-changing moments for children who’ve experienced relational trauma.Together, we explore:What TBRI is and why it matters for mentors (not just caregivers)Why connection is the foundation for trust and healingHow mentors can empower teens without trying to fix or control themWhat compassionate correction looks like within the mentor roleHow to balance truth and grace when teens make mistakesEncouragement for mentors who feel like “this is hard” or wonder if it’s workingIf you’re a mentor, volunteer, advocate, or simply someone who wants to show up well for young people who’ve been wounded—this conversation is for you.If this episode encouraged or equipped you, please like, subscribe, and share it with a mentor or community that cares about foster youth.Drop a comment below: What resonated most with you—or what questions are you still carrying?Follow us on all platforms @teenleadershipfoundationwww.teenleadershipfoundation.orgTo Learn more about TBRI:https://www.forthechildren.org/bridge-to-belonging#TBRI #TraumaInformedMentoring #FosterYouth #MentorshipMatters#ConnectionBeforeCorrection #TraumaInformedCare#FaithAndJustice #RelationalHealing #ShowUpWithLove

In this episode, Natalie and Mark Orphan walk us through a foundational conversation for anyone wanting to understand foster care and the powerful role mentorship can play in the lives of young people impacted by the child welfare system.Together, we unpack:What foster care is (and what it isn’t)How children and teens enter the child welfare systemCommon misconceptions about foster youth—and the truth behind themThe different types of foster placements and how instability impacts belonging, education, and developmentWhat the statistics reveal about outcomes for youth who age out of care without supportWe also explore why mentorship matters, how one consistent adult can change the trajectory of a young person’s life, and how showing up—especially when progress feels slow—creates a ripple effect that can disrupt generational cycles.About our guest, Mark Orphan:Mark is a Vanguard University graduate with a Master’s in Leadership Studies and a Bachelor’s in Leadership. He is a pastor, a certified StratOp and LifePlan Guide, and a passionate advocate for vulnerable youth. In 2008, he helped launch Finally, Home Foundation, providing trauma-informed, research-based training and resources for foster, adoptive, and kinship families.He is also connected to Headwind Scholars at Vanguard University, a program offering higher education opportunities and wraparound support for youth who have aged out of foster care.Whether you’re new to foster care, considering becoming a mentor, or simply want to better understand the system—this episode offers clarity, compassion, and a call to action.If this conversation resonated with you, subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes.Leave a comment or review to share what stood out or what questions you’d love us to explore next.And if you believe in this mission, please share this episode with your family, friends, life groups, or community.Subscribe to grow with us inside The Mentor LabCome back for practical tools and real mentorship.This podcast is built for your growth—subscribe and stay connected!Follow us on all platforms @teenleadershipfoundationwww.teenleadershipfoundation.org#FosterCareAwareness #MentorshipMatters #FosterYouth#ChildWelfare #TraumaInformedCare#TeenLeadershipFoundation #TheMentorLab#OneCaringAdult #HopeInAction

The Mentor Lab is officially live!!! Hosted by Natalie Lawrence, our podcast delivers honest mentorship, real-world insight, and conversations designed to support your growth—personally and professionally.Subscribe to grow with us inside The Mentor LabCome back for practical tools and real mentorship.This podcast is built for your growth—subscribe and stay connected!Follow us on all platforms @teenleadershipfoundationwww.teenleadershipfoundation.org