- Tuesday, October 10, 2023
- 6:30 PM–8:00 PM
- Meeter Center Lecture Hall
Hear about the adoption experience from people who have lived experience as adoptees and who are experts in the field of adoptee identity formation & wellness. There will be snacks!
Panelists
Rhonda Roorda, MA, is well-known as a speaker, author, and consultant in the field of transracial adoption, drawing from her own lived experience as an adoptee. She holds a masters degree in Communication and Urban Studies and works as a fund administrator for Michigan Independent Colleges & Universities. Rhonda also serves as Executive Board Secretary & Member of the Calvin University Board of Trustees.
Sally Verstraete, LMSW, is a licensed social worker with Grand Rapids Therapy Group, specializing in clinical work with adopted individuals. She also writes and speaks about topics related to identity formation and belonging as related to adoption, drawing from her own lived experience as an adoptee. Sally will facilitate an Adoptee Support Group for students at Calvin this fall.
Kristin Groom, MA, is passionate about supporting adopted students, drawing from her own lived experience as an adoptee. She holds a masters degree in Literacy, with work experience in education, festival/workshop planning, and the legal field; she currently serves as Program Coordinator with Calvin’s Center for Innovation in Business. Kristin holds multiple certifications related to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion.
Emily Helder, PhD, is an author and researcher in the field of adoption. As a licensed psychologist, she also facilitates social skills programs for adopted adolescents, along with clinical assessments and interventions for children and teens who are adopted or in foster care. Emily holds a doctorate in Clinical Neuropsychology and works as a professor at Hope College.
More Information
This event is hosted by the Center for Counseling and Wellness (CCW) and will be moderated by CCW director Irene Kraegel, PsyD. For more information, please contact counseling@calvin.edu or 616-526-6123.
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