The Secret Sauce (Relationships!) with Keri Richmond

I am thrilled to be sharing with you this amazing conversation with the wonderful Keri Richmond, a remarkable changemaker, storyteller, podcaster, and fierce advocate for children and families. Keri's journey, marked by her time in the foster care system and a turbulent adoption, has shaped her into an international speaker, podcast host, and policy advocate for foster care reform, and as we delve into her story, we explore the complexities of trauma and its enduring impact on individuals and systems. From her early experiences in foster care to the challenges of navigating a broken adoption, Keri offers profound insights into the resilience of the human spirit.

Through candid conversations, Keri reveals the importance of the secret sauce to healing from trauma: supportive relationships. She shares how pivotal figures in her life, like her best friend's family, provided a sanctuary of love and acceptance that empowered her to reclaim her potential.

We also discuss the critical role of empathy and understanding in supporting children and families affected by trauma, emphasizing the need for trauma-informed care across all levels of the system. Keri's personal journey serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of relationships and the resilience inherent within every individual, so join us for this inspirational story with invaluable insights about creating a more compassionate future for all!

 

Highlights:

[1:55] - Keri gives us some background information regarding her childhood experiences of foster care and adoption. 

[5:39] - Keri shares that she feels disconnected from her adoptive father despite legal recognition of their relationship.

[6:31] - Hear how Keri found solace with her friend Alexis's family, who fostered open communication and provided unparalleled support.

[8:52] - Growing up amidst chaos, Keri found genuine support from her community, embodying the essence of care.

[10:47] - Even after a decade of being part of a loving family, Keri grapples with feeling safe and deserving of love.

[13:14] - Strong relationships are the secret sauce to transforming the foster care system.

[15:55] - Keri emphasizes that being seen and heard is a human need.

[17:31] - Recognizing trauma's impact is vital; misattributed behaviors often stem from trauma, not inherent traits.

[20:26] - Keri adds that rushing to label behaviors as disorders hinders understanding and empathy.

[21:36] - Navigating triggered moments with grace requires heightened awareness; empathetic responses offer profound support.

[24:39] - Recognizing a child's pain as underlying behavioral symptoms fosters immense trust-building in foster care.

[25:34] - Keri explains how her ability to establish trust with traumatized youth as a CASA volunteer depends on honesty and non-judgmental respect.

[28:37] - Demonstrating healthy boundaries and an openness to feedback can profoundly impact young individuals in codependent relationships.

[30:49] - Working with youth living in foster care requires resilience in facing frequent rejection, a universal challenge.

[32:17] - Keri argues that recognizing vulnerability as a shared human struggle highlights the importance of coping strategies.

[34:14] - Working within the system reveals the tendency to complicate matters, but prioritizing relationships offers profound societal healing.

[37:35] - Keri points out how children in difficult circumstances may test adults' reactions, adjusting behavior based on perceived support.

[40:00 - Keri asserts that Ashley Mitchell's insights apply not only to biological families but also to children of divorce.

[41:02] - Becky, a friend who was much like a sister to her, played a pivotal role in Keri's healing journey.

 

Connect with Keri:

Podcast