from a friend who's been there,

Foster and adoptive mothers enter motherhood through love—but also through profound, often unspoken loss.

We carry the weight of our children’s losses. We may grieve the motherhood we imagined. We navigate ambiguous grief with no clear beginning or end. And we know what it means to give ourselves over to this sacred calling. We know what toll is can take on our heart, body, and mind.

Rooted in deep compassion, embodied practice, and a reverence for the sacred.

I create supportive, embodied spaces for foster and adoptive mothers doing deeply meaningful and beautifully hard work—offering connection, rest, and nervous-system-aware care.

• Rooted & Resilient: A 5 Day Grounding Experience for Foster and Adoptive Moms.

  So many of the things we label as burnout, overwhelm, or emotional exhaustion are actually signs of a nervous system that’s been working overtime. This resource is a simple and accessible introduction to embodied healing and nervous system tending. From a friend who’s been there, offering a gentle place to land. Go here to get the experience.

• Foster & Adoptive Mama Circles
  Ongoing small-group gatherings for connection, reflection, and mutual support.

• With Open Hands: A Nourishing and Sacred Retreat for Foster & Adoptive Mamas
  A restorative retreat designed to nourish body, soul, and nervous system.
  Read more about it here.

FOSTER THE FAMILY monthly support group

Foster/Adoptive mama circles (monthly support group)

Amidst the challenges of foster care and adoption, how can we embrace this sacred calling and live out of a place of flourishing rather than surviving?

I know firsthand how important it is for me to know I’m not alone on the journey. We need a sisterhood of mamas who can witness us as we are, honor where we’ve been, and encourage us onward toward more healing and wholeness as we care for some of the most vulnerable in our society.

Meeting in-person at Echo Grace Church: 2839 NY-94, Washingtonville, NY 10992

**While we meet at a church, this is not a specifically religious group. Anyone from any, none, or all faith backgrounds are welcome.

(Tri-State / Hudson Valley / Sullivan Catskills region)

NEXT MEETING: Third Thursdays, 5:30-7pm

Add your email address for updates on the calendar of events and circle monthly themes. Or follow along on social media @nourishedfostermama + @fosterthefamily.hudsonvalley / our facebook group is: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1E7iswtT2c/

What To expect at the circles?

• safe and candid conversation

• kind community - a safe place to be seen and encouraged.

• practical education and learning opportunities to support your journey as a foster/adoptive mom.

Foster/Adoptive Mama Circles are a “kind of community that knows how to welcome the soul and help us hear its voice, a circle of trust” -Parker J. Palmer

Support group FAQ’S

Is this for just mamas or mamas and their kids?

For the first few meetings, it’s just for mamas. (with the exception of babies or a child who will sit with you). We may be able to figure out some childcare for future meetings if that’s something people are desiring/needing!

Is this only for foster or adoptive mamas?

Yes, this group is designed specifically to support foster and adoptive mamas, and kinship caregivers/moms.

What will we be doing?

The goal of this time is to find connection, support, and helpful practices/tools to help us along in our motherhood journey. Each group may look a little different, but all will include some kind of practical learning and time for connection and discussion.

Who’s leading it?

To start, this group will be facilitated by Abby Mortenson and McKaila DeVries. Abby is a foster and adoptive mama of 5 with a background in social work and trauma-informed practices. McKaila is a biological and foster mama who also works in the social work field.

We are holding open hands and hopeful expectations about this group that it will grow and impact many lives by giving the much-needed support that foster and adoptive moms need. My aim is to create a safe space for support, encouragement, and authentic community. A little village mamas cheering one another on.

Where will it be?

Echo Grace Church in Washingtonville, NY. **While we meet at a church, this is not a specifically religious group. Anyone from any, none, or all faith backgrounds are welcome.

When will it be?

3rd Thursdays every month, 5:30-7pm. Next meeting is MARCH 19th (For future groups we may change the days/time depending on needs of the group.)

Have more questions?

Just contact me here!

MORE SUPPORT….