Our Next Quarterly Educational Meeting
AKA Quarterly Education meetings are open to the entire adoption constellation, including Adoptees, Former Foster Youth, Parents (First, Foster, and Adoptive), as well as adjacent communities of Donor-Conceived, NPE, and DNA Discoveries. There is no charge for members and everyone must pre-register. A ZOOM link will be forwarded to registered attendees the morning of the meeting.
Quarterly Educational Meeting
September 18, 2025 - This meeting has already occurred. -
September 18, 2025 - This meeting has already occurred. -
Four of the contributors to the book Adoption and Suicidality opened up a discussion about a topic that most people try to avoid: suicide.
Tony Hynes, speaks about the power of connectedness in combating social isolation for adopted persons, and his experiences with depression and suicidal ideation
Dr. Joyce Maguire Pavao, an adopted person, activist, and legendary therapist with much experience helping other adopted people struggling with suicidality
Laura Engel, a birth mother and author whose reunited adult son died by suicide
Beth (Syverson) Mason, an adoptive mother whose adopted young adult son has struggled with chronic suicidality.
This team's aim is to bring the topic of suicidality out into the open. Since adopted people and birth mothers have exponentially higher rate of suicide attempts and death by suicide, they believe it's imperative to help make everyone - within and beyond the adoption community - more aware of adoption's complexities. You will be exposed to the complex truths of adoption, plus we will share resources for healing for those struggling with suicidality or grief. This conversation is perfect for anyone impacted by adoption, plus healthcare service providers, clergy, educators, and therapists.
*At the end of the meeting, you will have the option to move into a breakout room based on constellation identification (adoptee, birth/first parent, adoptive parent). This will provide space for each group to further process and reflect.*
Tony Hynes, speaks about the power of connectedness in combating social isolation for adopted persons, and his experiences with depression and suicidal ideation
Dr. Joyce Maguire Pavao, an adopted person, activist, and legendary therapist with much experience helping other adopted people struggling with suicidality
Laura Engel, a birth mother and author whose reunited adult son died by suicide
Beth (Syverson) Mason, an adoptive mother whose adopted young adult son has struggled with chronic suicidality.
This team's aim is to bring the topic of suicidality out into the open. Since adopted people and birth mothers have exponentially higher rate of suicide attempts and death by suicide, they believe it's imperative to help make everyone - within and beyond the adoption community - more aware of adoption's complexities. You will be exposed to the complex truths of adoption, plus we will share resources for healing for those struggling with suicidality or grief. This conversation is perfect for anyone impacted by adoption, plus healthcare service providers, clergy, educators, and therapists.
*At the end of the meeting, you will have the option to move into a breakout room based on constellation identification (adoptee, birth/first parent, adoptive parent). This will provide space for each group to further process and reflect.*
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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] for documentation.
Past QEMs
Recordings to selected previous QEMs are available to members. Email AKA for the link.
July 15, 2025 - Adopted Educators discussing School Belonging with Max Weinberg & panel
March 12, 2025 - Shame, Intimacy, and Connection with Anna Linde
August 20, 2024 - A conversation with Dr. Lynn Zubov
May 8, 2024 - A conversation with Beth Syverson
February 7, 2024 - Claiming Belonging and Intersectionality Within Adoption with Tony Hynes
September 27, 2023 - Overcoming Shame with Dr. Abagail Hasberry
May 16, 2023 - A conversation with Eve Wiley, a donor conceived victim of fertility fraud
March 1, 2023 - A Conversation with with Marla Star of Support Texas Adoptee Rights
September 10, 2022 - Past, Present and Future: A 32-Year Road Trip with Patrick McMahon
June 22, 2022 - Michele Kriegman
To see previous Quarterly Educational Meeting topics, please open this document.
March 12, 2025 - Shame, Intimacy, and Connection with Anna Linde
August 20, 2024 - A conversation with Dr. Lynn Zubov
May 8, 2024 - A conversation with Beth Syverson
February 7, 2024 - Claiming Belonging and Intersectionality Within Adoption with Tony Hynes
September 27, 2023 - Overcoming Shame with Dr. Abagail Hasberry
May 16, 2023 - A conversation with Eve Wiley, a donor conceived victim of fertility fraud
March 1, 2023 - A Conversation with with Marla Star of Support Texas Adoptee Rights
September 10, 2022 - Past, Present and Future: A 32-Year Road Trip with Patrick McMahon
June 22, 2022 - Michele Kriegman
To see previous Quarterly Educational Meeting topics, please open this document.