In this special episode of A Foster Kid's Tale, I'm focusing on you--the incredible youth transitioning out of foster care and the dedicated workers supporting you. Packed with essential advice and practical insights, this episode is your guide to navigating independence with confidence. Join me as we explore: - Understanding Extended Care and Maintenance (ECM) and similar programs across different regions - Embracing independence, learning from mistakes, and building a support network - Overcoming common challenges like youth homelessness, mental health, employment, and education - Protecting personal boundaries and avoiding negative cycles - Setting clear, achievable goals for a successful future Whether you're a youth in care, a youth worker or just wanted to learn more as an allie and advocate, this episode provides valuable tools and encouragement to help you thrive in this new chapter. Tune in now and share this episode to empower more young people aging out of the foster care system. Part two to be released in the near future. Visit my https://linktr.ee/iamacyclebreaker for additional resources and stay tuned for more episodes designed to inspire and support you.

In this episode, I revisit my nine months in a secured residential treatment centre for at-risk youth from 2003-2004. I share the highs and lows, bonds formed, and lessons learned. Discover how the structured environment and unique Section 19 school ignited my passion for advocating for foster kids. This pivotal time changed my perspective and set me on the path to where I am today. Join me for a raw and honest look at life in a residential treatment centre and its lasting impact. Don't forget to check out my book for more on my journey. Life is real, life is unfilted and life is unedited!

In this episode of "A Foster Kid's Tale," we're diving into Chapters 11 and 12 of my book. We take a raw and unfiltered look at my grade 9 experience, filled with relentless bullying and the chaos of moving to seven different foster homes in just a year and a half. Every suspension or runaway attempt led to another move—a cycle of instability and uncertainty. We also delve into Chapter 12, which details my experiences downtown. This segment comes with a trigger warning due to its sensitive nature. Join me as I revisit these pivotal moments, shedding light on the struggles and resilience of foster youth. This episode is a candid exploration of the highs and lows that shaped my journey. Tune in for an honest and heartfelt discussion. Snag a copy of the book on Amazon!

Join me for a quick and heartfelt break from our regular programming as I reflect on Father’s Day - a day that brings both joy and sorrow. I’ll share my journey of coping with the challenges and poignant memories this day brings, alongside finding strength in the remarkable fathers around me, especially my rockstar Lover and his dad . This episode explores the dual emotions of Father’s Day, celebrating the profound impact of paternal love while navigating personal loss and reflection. Truth be told, Father’s Day is the only day of the year that I dread.

In this episode, we dive into Chapter eight to ten, my bio family history; the good, the bad, and the surprising. From lost connections to newfound relatives, it's a journey through the complexities of tracing family roots. Whether you're in the foster care system or just curious, tune in for some real talk and heartfelt stories. Don't miss out, listen now and share your thoughts! "Rollercoaster Rides and Resilience: A Foster Kid's Tale," now available on Amazon, or grab a print copy if you're a local pal. Join me for some laughs, insights, and a journey through the world of foster care.

In this week's episode of "A Foster Kid's Tale," we stumble deep into the unique rhythm of life as a foster kid. From scheduled family visits and volunteer drivers to the formalities of monthly care meetings and the ever-changing dynamics of group homes and treatment centres, we cover it all. I share my personal experiences with the ups and downs, the labels and case numbers, and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with being part of the foster care system. Plus, a special shoutout to the amazing work done by Connect Our Kids and Bridgeway Family Homes. Don't miss out on my book, "Rollercoaster Rides and Resilience: A Foster Kid's Tale," now available on Amazon, or grab a print copy if you're a local pal. Join me for some laughs, insights, and a journey through the world of foster care. P.s. apologies for the ramble but on the brightside.....no crying!

Right off the hop, this whole episode is a massive trigger warning! I discuss one of my abusers and some of the events that took place. And uh oh someone get the soap out, I drop the F Bomb quite a bit lol. In this very raw and emotional (obviously haha) episode, I open up about a few of my experiences with Ghost X, one of my abusers from my childhood. After roughly 25 years of suppressing these traumas, I'm finally confronting the mixed emotions that resurface; anger, hurt, and betrayal. I discuss the painful realization that the system meant to protect and advocate for me failed in its duty. Heads up... as this episode was a tough one to record, I fidgeted quite a bit and in turn some of the audio background noise suffered! Thanks for another week of therapy folks! Join me as I navigate through these difficult memories and the lasting impact they have on me. Thank you for listening and supporting the journey of foster kids and other trauma survivors everywhere.

In this episode, we explore Chapters Three and Five, delving into the magic and heartbreak of childhood friendships. Early best friends shape our social skills and emotional development, teaching us empathy and communication.  But what happens when we lose these friends in the most traumatic ways? The abrupt loss can leave lasting scars, challenging our trust and security. Join me as I share the stories of my first and last best friends in life (besides my lover and Smiley of course) and how their loss impacted me. Heads up, this episode is a bit of a buzzkill, but it's all apart of the journey! In order to reach the light, we have to first go through the darkness!  And as always keep being 100% authentically you! Life is real, life is unfiltered and life is unedited. Spread kindness and don't be an a$$hat!  Don't forget to hit the REVIEW button and SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss out on the latest episodes and wildly whacky promos! Purchase "Rollercoaster Rides and Resilience: A Foster Kid's Tale" on RIGHT HERE! (linktr.ee/iamacyclebreaker.)

Join me in the latest episode as we delve into Chapter Two: "The Dark Cloud Lady," the foster "parent" with whom I spent the most time with during my party time in my care journey. In this episode we confront misconceptions about foster homes and the complexities of Mother's Day. Not all foster homes are warm and nurturing, and this episode explores the realities of navigating foster care dynamics. As we approach Mother's Day, let's reflect on the multifaceted emotions this day brings for many. Additionally, mark your calendars for May 14th, Youth in Care Day, when my ebook will be available for free on Amazon. Tune in for an insightful discussion on foster care realities and the nuances of maternal relationships. And as always keep be 100% authentically you! Life is real, life is unfilted and life is unedited. Spread kindness and don't be an a$$hat! Don't forget to hit the review button and SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss out on the latest episodes and wildly whacky promos! Purchase "Rollercoaster Rides and Resilience: A Foster Kid's Tale" on https://linktr.ee/iamacyclebreaker.

Woot Woot. We are now on Part One: Darkness Falls, Chapter One: Adventures from Birth to Crown Ward. Today we explore the roots of my story- from birth into foster care and becoming a Crown Ward, where the messiness began. I share how I was born into negative generational cycles and the challenges I faced right from the very start of my life. Join me for an honest look at where it all began! A huge thank you to everyone who has supported my goal of raising awareness by purchasing my book "Rollercoaster Rides and Resilience: A Foster Kid's Tale" and also by sharing with your friends and family. Don't forget to Like, follow, and share this podcast! Purchase "Rollercoaster Rides and Resilience: A Foster Kid's Tale" on https://linktr.ee/iamacyclebreaker . And as always keep be 100% authentically you! Life is real, life is unfilted and life is unedited. Spread kindness and don't be an a$$hat! Don't forget to hit the review button and SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss out on the latest episodes and wildly whacky promos! P.s. I'm still working on my podcasting skills! So sorry for the annoying noises throughout this episode! I tried my best lol.

Today we chat about the preface chapter in my book. We explore my earliest memories in life. This episode delves into sensitive topics, so a TRIGGER WARNING is in place regarding discussions of abuse. In the midst of sharing these experiences, I have several raw moments of tears, but we also have exciting news about new sponsors joining the show *hahaha*. This episode leans toward the mellow and somber side, reflecting the darkness of my earliest memories. Remember, to find light, we often must navigate through darkness. I apologize for the lack of professional sounding audio quality. It's a work in progress as I hone my podcasting skills. A huge thank you to everyone who has supported me by purchasing my book "Rollercoaster Rides and Resilience: A Foster Kid's Tale." Don't forget to Like, follow, and share this podcast! Purchase "Rollercoaster Rides and Resilience: A Foster Kid's Tale" on https://linktr.ee/iamacyclebreaker And as always keep be 100% authentically you! Life is real, life is unfilted and life is unedited. Spread kindess and don't be an a$$hat! Don't forget to hit the review button and SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss out on the latest episodes and wildly whacky promos!

Dive into my foster care journey with me, Clara, host and author of "Rollercoaster Rides and Resilience: A Foster Kid's Tale." In this episode, hear the first chapter of my book, along with an epic dad joke. Plus, grab your copy of the paperback, now on Amazon. Don't forget to visit my website for more. Thanks for joining me! Visit https://linktr.ee/iamacyclebreaker to learn more! Don't forget to hit the review button and SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss out on the latest episodes and wildly whacky promos!

This podcast and book is dedication to all foster kids - past, present and future. May you know there is no limit to your potential. May you know you DESERVE every ounce of happiness, strength and love on this planet. To everyone in general, who has had to fight through their own traumas.

Hey fellow foster kid pals- past and present. Also a hello to fellow trauma survivors and fighters, hello to foster parents, teachers and anyone working in social work. I spent 35 years in survival mode and decided to start unlocking my path to healing mode! I'm a huge fan of sharing and advocating. So, here I am sharing my memoir with you. What was supposed to be a personal journal become so much more. A testament to the power of conquering trauma. I decided to publish it and share with you my lessons and strength learned from a life spent in foster care, trauma after trauma. Want to check out my book? Head to my website to learn more. https://linktr.ee/iamacyclebreaker