I founded Boston Post Adoption Resources (BPAR) because of the strong but underserved need for post adoption mental health services throughout the lifespan. As an adult adoptee, I feel it is important for anyone touched by adoption to have a space in which they can share, process and make sense of their own unique story. I wish I’d had support like this when I was struggling growing up. As an adult years later, when I found the help I needed, I came to the discovery that the pain and confusion I had been experiencing was very normal. In fact, research is ripe with “common core adoptee issues.” I had no idea that these challenges were in fact typical for the adoptee. It became my mission to provide resources to anyone needing help in post adoption and foster care. Our staff at BPAR, specifically trained in adoption competency, provides answers and referrals to people all over the country looking for support services related to foster care and adoption. We feel It is our duty to return every call and help anyone who needs our specialized services in post adoption care. I cannot tell you how many people have said, before ending the call, “I wish I had known about you long ago. You have helped me so much and now I don’t feel alone.” We are proud to provide services that help build strong and healthy individuals and families. I am also passionate about women’s leadership and serve on the Board of Trustees at Simmons University. I am involved with and attend their Simmons Leadership Conferences in both Europe and Boston. For decades, Simmons has been a premier promoter of women’s leadership and education. At Simmons I found my voice, and I want to be able to share that with other women looking to empower their lives and futures.