Our Next Quarterly Educational Meeting
"Overcoming Shame Within the Adoption Constellation" with Dr. Abigail Hasberry September 27, 2023
CEU's can be earned for this QEM until December 27, 2023.

Shame is an unfortunate thread that weaves its way through the adoption constellation. First parents may harbor feelings of shame over placing a child, adoptive parents may internalize feelings of inadequacy over infertility or parenting skills, and adoptees sometimes internalize feelings of responsibility for the initial separation, as if they’re inherently unlovable. Shame can be further magnified by abuse or neglect, or by a system designed to withhold information. Unlike guilt, which is feeling we've done something bad, shame tells us we ARE something bad. If left unchecked, shame can fray away at the fabric of us. Dr. Abby is a domestic transracial adoptee and birth parent, and is in full reunion with both her biological family and her biological son. Abby is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, holds a B.S. in African American Studies, a B.S. in Sociology, a M.A. in teaching, and an M.Ed. in Counseling and Development and Marriage and Family Counseling, and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction.
Quarterly Educational Meetings
For thirty years, AKA has hosted hundreds of experts, thought-leaders, reformers, and advocates as presenters at our Educational Meetings. We bring all members of the adoption community and beyond together for the hard, insightful conversations. The result is often healing and new perspectives gained by participants, as well as attendees being activated to create positive change.
For Texas social workers, therapists, and qualifying professionals, CEUs and/or certificates of attendance will be awarded for this programming upon request. For virtual events, email aka@adoptionknowledge.org for documentation.
For Texas social workers, therapists, and qualifying professionals, CEUs and/or certificates of attendance will be awarded for this programming upon request. For virtual events, email aka@adoptionknowledge.org for documentation.
May 16, 2023 - Quarterly Educational Meeting: A conversation with Eve Wiley, a donor conceived victim of fertility fraud
March 1, 2023 - Quarterly Educational Meeting A Conversation with with Marla Star of Support Texas Adoptee Rights
November 4 & 5, 2022 - Virtual Conference, Pebbles to Pearls: 30 Years of Connection, Education, & Support
September 10, 2022 - Quarterly Educational Meeting, Past, Present and Future: A 32-Year Road Trip with Patrick McMahon
June 22, 2022 - Quarterly Educational Meeting with Michele Kriegman
March 27, 2022 - Quarterly Educational Meeting A Conversation with Patricia Martinez Dorner
November 5 & 6, 2021 - Virtual Conference, Elevation: Voices in Adoption & Foster Care"
September 23, 2021 - "Book Club" meeting with Author Marcie Keithley
May 19, 2021 - An Evening of Connection and Conversation with April Dinwoodie: A collaborative AKA & STAR event.
To see previous Quarterly Educational Meeting topics, please open this document.
March 1, 2023 - Quarterly Educational Meeting A Conversation with with Marla Star of Support Texas Adoptee Rights
November 4 & 5, 2022 - Virtual Conference, Pebbles to Pearls: 30 Years of Connection, Education, & Support
September 10, 2022 - Quarterly Educational Meeting, Past, Present and Future: A 32-Year Road Trip with Patrick McMahon
June 22, 2022 - Quarterly Educational Meeting with Michele Kriegman
March 27, 2022 - Quarterly Educational Meeting A Conversation with Patricia Martinez Dorner
November 5 & 6, 2021 - Virtual Conference, Elevation: Voices in Adoption & Foster Care"
September 23, 2021 - "Book Club" meeting with Author Marcie Keithley
May 19, 2021 - An Evening of Connection and Conversation with April Dinwoodie: A collaborative AKA & STAR event.
To see previous Quarterly Educational Meeting topics, please open this document.