Voices of Adoption

In this episode, we sit down with Brian, a domestic infant adoptee who shares his experience growing up with a deep love for his adoption story. Raised by adoptive parents who were always open and supportive about his journey, Brian never felt the need to search for his biological family. His story highlights how honesty, openness, and unconditional love can create a strong foundation for adoptees to thrive. Join us as Brian reflects on what it means to feel secure in his identity and why he believes his adoption experience was "done right."

Joy is an adult adoptee, born in Chile and adopted as a baby by a Caucasian two-parent family. We are deeply encouraged by her story and her vulnerability. Adoption Support Alliance is a nonprofit organization in Charlotte, NC, with a mission to help adoptive families through the unique challenges of building their forever family.  The hosts of this podcast are Erin Nasmyth, Co-Founder & Executive Director, and Myrlene Mondesir, Program Coordinator.   Click here to learn more about how you can support our work.   Please reach out and follow us:  [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/adoptionsupportalliance https://www.instagram.com/adoptionsupportalliance

In this episode, we talk with Becky, an adoptive mom and passionate nonprofit leader dedicated to creating connections for children and families impacted by foster care. Becky shares how her experiences as a mother have shaped her intentional, protective approach to honoring her children's stories and prioritizing their emotional well-being. With honesty and heart, Becky offers insight into the importance of respectful storytelling, advocacy, and building supportive communities for families navigating adoption and foster care.

In this episode, we sit down with Amanda, a transracial adoptee who was born in Colombia, South America, and adopted at six weeks old. Amanda shares how adoption is not just a chapter in her story; it’s the lens through which she sees the world. Join us as Amanda shares her emotional journey back to Colombia and the complex layers of identity, loss, and connection she encountered along the way.

Amanda is a domestic infant adoptee. In this episode, Amanda opens up about her deep and personal connection with adoption. She has a strong passion for helping others experiencing the complexities of adoption. Inspired by her father’s ongoing dedication to fostering and adopting children, Amanda has witnessed firsthand the positive impact that adoption can have on families and individuals. RESOURCES FROM THE SHOW: Here is the website for the Center for Adoption Support and Education Here is information about CASE’s W.I.S.E. Up! Curriculum.   For any upcoming ASA events, including W.I.S.E. Up! Workshops click here.  Adoption Support Alliance is a nonprofit organization in Charlotte, NC, with a mission to help adoptive families through the unique challenges of building their forever family.  The hosts of this podcast are Erin Nasmyth, Co-Founder & Executive Director, and Myrlene Mondesir, Program Coordinator.   Click here to learn more about how you can support our work.   Please reach out and follow us:  [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/adoptionsupportalliance https://www.instagram.com/adoptionsupportalliance

This episode was recorded in 2019 and re-released in 2025.  Mike and Jenn are adoptive parents (twice).  Their youngest was a newborn when this episode was recorded (you will hear him!).  Mike and Jenss have an open adoption with their son’s birth mother, Alicia.  Alicia joins the conversation over the telephone to share her perspective on her decision to make an adoption plan the family’s open communication.     Adoption Support Alliance is a nonprofit organization in Charlotte, NC with a mission to help adoptive families through the unique challenges of building their forever family.  The hosts of this podcast are Erin Nasmyth, Co-Founder &:Executive Director and Myrlene Mondesir, Program Coordinator.   Click here to learn more about how you can support our work.   Please reach out and follow us:  [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/adoptionsupportalliance https://www.instagram.com/adoptionsupportalliance

Jessie Mattos is a birth mom from Orlando, Florida. Jessie has a passion for her “people” within the adoption community. She aims to use her voice and experience to help guide others through the adoption process, with mindfulness and intentionality.  RESOURCES FROM THE SHOW: Abiding Love Charities  BraveLove  a nonprofit that exists to challeng sitgmas around adoption through honest, informative, and hopeful communication that celebrates the bravery of birth mothers.   Adoption Support Alliance is a nonprofit organization in Charlotte, NC with a mission to help adoptive families through the unique challenges of building their forever family.  The hosts of this podcast are Erin Nasmyth, Co-Founder &:Executive Director and Myrlene Mondesir, Program Coordinator.   Click here to learn more about how you can support our work.   Please reach out and follow us:  [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/adoptionsupportalliance https://www.instagram.com/adoptionsupportalliance

David is a transracial adoptee from Seoul, South Korea. In this episode, he shares his journey of navigating identity, loss, and race while growing up Korean in a predominately white community. David’s story is one of resilience, reflection, and discovery, and we’re honored to have him open up about the complexities of being a transracial adoptee. We’ll also dive into his upcoming trip back to Seoul; an exciting and emotional milestone that holds deep significance for him. RESOURCES FROM THE SHOW: Adoptee Bridge  Bridget to Korea Birthland Tours Inside Out  Erin’s favorite movie  Adoption Support Alliance is a nonprofit organization in Charlotte, NC with a mission to help adoptive families through the unique challenges of building their forever family.  The hosts of this podcast are Erin Nasmyth, Co-Founder &:Executive Director and Myrlene Mondesir, Program Coordinator.   Click here to learn more about how you can support our work.   Please reach out and follow us:  [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/adoptionsupportalliance https://www.instagram.com/adoptionsupportalliance

Isaac is an adoptee and social entrepreneur who was transracially adopted at the age of two. He founded Identity, a startup focused on helping adoptive and foster families thrive. At Identity, Isaac is working on re-imagining post-placement support for adoptive and foster families. He uses his story and deep passion for adoption and foster care education to bring relevant, quality, and diverse resources to adoptive and foster parents. RESOURCES FROM THE SHOW: Check out the resources available through Isaac’s organization, Identity Here is a link to Isaac’s book: A Practical Guide: Transracial Adoption Check out Isaac’s documentary series Discovering My Identity and his podcast with his parenting Inside Transracial Adoption.  Adoption Support Alliance is a nonprofit organization in Charlotte, NC with a mission to help adoptive families through the unique challenges of building their forever family.  The hosts of this podcast are Erin Nasmyth, Co-Founder &:Executive Director and Myrlene Mondesir, Program Coordinator.   Click here to learn more about how you can support our work.   Please reach out and follow us:  [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/adoptionsupportalliance https://www.instagram.com/adoptionsupportalliance

This episode was recorded in 2019 and re-released in 2024.  Adoptive mother Macie joins us to share her experience of adopting her son through transracial adoption. She discusses the importance of openness and how her journey to learn about adoption issues inspired her to educate others. RESOURCES FROM THE SHOW: Here is Macie’s organization Adopt Well.  While this organization is no longer active, you can still see the resources from the website.   Here is the Adopt Well Podcast  The most recent episodes are from 2020.  Erin is a guest on this episode entitled Home Study: A Practical Guide https://www.instagram.com/adoptwell/ Adoption Support Alliance is a nonprofit organization in Charlotte, NC with a mission to help adoptive families through the unique challenges of building their forever family.  The hosts of this podcast are Erin Nasmyth, Co-Founder &:Executive Director and Myrlene Mondesir, Program Coordinator.   Click here to learn more about how you can support our work.   Please reach out and follow us:  [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/adoptionsupportalliance https://www.instagram.com/adoptionsupportalliance

This episode was recorded in 2019 and re-released in 2024. Krystal joined her adoptive family at 17 after facing trauma and abuse in her biological home. She is passionate about transracial adoption and working with clients who have experienced trauma. We hope you enjoy hearing Krystal's inspiring story of how she found her family and discovered her passion for her career. Adoption Support Alliance is a nonprofit organization in Charlotte, NC with a mission to help adoptive families through the unique challenges of building their forever family.  The hosts of this podcast are Erin Nasmyth, Co-Founder &:Executive Director and Myrlene Mondesir, Program Coordinator.   Click here to learn more about how you can support our work.   Please reach out and follow us:  [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/adoptionsupportalliance https://www.instagram.com/adoptionsupportalliance

This episode was recorded in 2019 and re-released in 2024. We are honored to share Julie's story with you. Eighteen years ago, Julie made the courageous decision to create an adoption plan for her daughter. In this heartfelt account, she opens up about her journey—how she chose adoption, selected the perfect family for her daughter, and how their open relationship has evolved. Adoption Support Alliance is a nonprofit organization in Charlotte, NC with a mission to help adoptive families through the unique challenges of building their forever family.  The hosts of this podcast are Erin Nasmyth, Co-Founder &:Executive Director and Myrlene Mondesir, Program Coordinator.   Click here to learn more about how you can support our work.   Please reach out and follow us:  [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/adoptionsupportalliance https://www.instagram.com/adoptionsupportalliance

We’re excited to welcome Molly Mayhoff, an adoptive mother of two sons who joined her family through domestic infant adoption. Over the years, Molly has held various roles at Adoption Support Alliance, contributing her expertise and insights. She is a thoughtful and intentional adoptive parent, deeply passionate about expanding her understanding of adoption-related issues and sharing those valuable lessons with others.  Adoption Support Alliance is a nonprofit organization in Charlotte, NC with a mission to help adoptive families through the unique challenges of building their forever family.  The hosts of this podcast are Erin Nasmyth, Co-Founder &:Executive Director and Myrlene Mondesir, Program Coordinator.   Click here to learn more about how you can support our work.   Please reach out and follow us:  [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/adoptionsupportalliance https://www.instagram.com/adoptionsupportalliance