2.  School Days: Kindergarten and Beyond

Guest Speaker: Ellen Murphy-Hackett, LMSW and Adoptive Parent

Ellen comes to us with thirty years of professional experience with adoption. She conducts domestic and international adoption home studies, as well as, teaches courses on Child Psychology from birth to adolescence.

This post adoption workshop will cover relevant issues such as speaking with your child’s teacher about adoption, how to handle assignments and questions about adoption and adolescent identity issues. 

3. The Wait:

Guest Speaker: Leslie Zindulka, LCSW-R, Adoption Social Worker and Adoptive Parent.

This informative chat room discussion will be led by Leslie Zindulka and will address any issues or concerns related to pre and post adoption topics.  Come and ask questions and get support from others while you wait.

GENERAL MEETING AGENDA – October 16, 2010

Church of St. Judes 3606 Lufberry Avenue, Wantagh, NY 11793

MEETING TIMES: 

            6:30 PM – New Member Orientation, Pre and Post Support Groups

            7:30 PM – General Meeting, General Chapter Business, Welcome New Children

            8:00 PM – Workshops (Details Below)

PRE ADOPTION WORKSHOPS:

RED FLAGS:  WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR WHEN ADOPTING INDEPENDENTLY

Speaker:  Jeanine Castagna, ESQ
Come and hear about common pitfalls and situations all prospective adoptive parents need to watch for when pursuing an independent adoption.

SPEAKING WITH BIRTHPARENTS & WRITING A PROFILE

Speaker: Denise Alba-Adoption Consultant, Adult Adoptee and Adoptive Parent

This workshop will focus on how to write and create profiles for prospective birth- parents to view, how to place an adoption ad and how to actually speak with a potential birth parent who has answered your ad.

POST ADOPTION WORKSHOP:

BONDING AND COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR BABY

Speaker: Beth Lakretz, Educational Consultant, Transformational Life Coach and Adoptive Parent

During this workshop, parents and parents-to-be will learn concentrate on strategies to maximize their connection with their little ones. Topics covered will include baby wearing (how to practice this safely), baby sign language, utilizing pictures for bonding and communication, and using choice to build security and prevent power struggles.

UPCOMING EVENTS: MARK YOUR CALENDARS

General Meeting: October 16, 2010

General Meeting November 13, 2010

30^th Annual Adoption Conference - Nov. 21, 2010 at St. Francis College - Brooklyn

General Meeting: December 18, 2010

General Meeting: January 8, 2011