In this powerful and heart-opening conversation, I sit down with Hilary Crowley — foster-to-adopt mom, holistic health practitioner, energy healer, TEDx speaker, and author of The Power of Energy Medicine. Hilary shares the extraordinary story of how she followed intuition, courage, and connection all the way to her son — and the unexpected lessons she learned along the way.

From discovering the importance of foster-care support groups before certification, to navigating shutdowns, attachment, sibling dynamics, and biological family relationships, Hilary offers deep insight into what it really means to love, advocate, and parent a child who has survived instability and trauma.

We also explore the intersection of intuition and fostering, how to recognize an intuitive “yes,” and why older-child adoption is a powerful — and often overlooked — pathway to building a family.

This episode is full of wisdom, warmth, and practical guidance for anyone considering fostering or adoption, anyone parenting a child with trauma, or anyone wanting to better understand the emotional landscape of the foster-to-adopt journey.

✨ The Power of Support Groups:

Why attending a foster-care support group before certification can completely shift your journey.

How Hilary built trust with resource workers just by showing up.

✨ The Foster-to-Adopt Origin Story

Hilary’s longing for a second child and the friend who unexpectedly opened the door to fostering.

Her first experiences learning the “lingo” and navigating parenting classes.

✨ A Moment of Raw Honesty in Training

Hilary’s emotional fear response during training — and the life-changing validation she received from a social worker.

✨ Navigating the Needs of Two Children

• How fostering disrupted her biological son’s world — and how it ultimately expanded his compassion and resilience.

✨ Understanding Shutdowns / Rock Brain

• What shutdowns looked like in real life, what triggered them, and the remarkable strategy Hilary used to help her son feel safe and reconnected.

Why “parent as if this may never change” became essential guidance.

✨ Biological Family Relationships

• Navigating shifting dynamics and relationships at home.
• How her sons are now building connections as a young adults.

✨ Intuition, Energy, and Adoption

• How Hilary’s work as an energy healer informed her parenting and decision-making.
• What an intuitive “yes” really feels like — and how to differentiate intuition from fear.
• Why fostering aligns deeply with the true meaning of the word foster: to encourage, nourish, and support.

✨ A Powerful Message for Prospective Foster Parents

• Why older-child adoption (6–10+) is filled with beauty, growth, and meaning — and why these children deserve more visibility and love.

• Showing up and becoming known in your foster community can change everything.
• Children with trauma need connection and safety more than perfection.
• Saying no to a placement can be an act of love and alignment.
• Intuition is a real, accessible tool for navigating uncertainty.
• Adoption is deeply transformative for the entire family.

Life's a wild ride, isn't it? Kind of like fostering and adopting, which is the heart and soul of our podcast, From Foster to Forever. We dive into the ups and downs of non-traditional families, sharing heartfelt stories that are anything but ordinary. In this latest episode, I pop in to give a shout-out after a little break from the mic. I know, I know, it’s been a minute, but hey, life (and surgery!) happens. Whether you’re a new listener or a seasoned vet, I’m stoked to have you here with me.

I also take a moment to thank all you lovely folks who’ve been tuning in and leaving those golden five-star reviews. Seriously, they help get our stories out there for others who might need a little hope or support. Plus, I’m super excited to announce that I’ve joined the ranks of columnists at Fostering Families Today, a sweet publication all about foster care. My first piece drops online soon, where I discuss how my CrossFit journey helped me tackle the tough times during fostering. It’s all about that mental toughness, and trust me, it’s a game changer. So, stay tuned, because I’m gearing up for season three and I want to hear from you! Got a story to share or know someone who does? Hit me up. Let’s keep this conversation rolling and make some magic happen!

Takeaways:

• This episode welcomes newcomers and reminds longtime listeners about the journey so far.
• Rachel expresses gratitude for every review, emphasizing their importance in spreading awareness.
• The podcast announces a new column by Rachel in Fostering Families Today Magazine, a must-read for foster care enthusiasts.
• Rachel discusses her first article, which ties her personal story of fostering-to-adopt, with her passion for CrossFit and mental toughness.
• Listeners are encouraged to share their own foster to adopt stories for potential podcast features.
• The episode wraps up with Rachel's summer wishes for health, safety, and joy for all listeners.

Dennis DJ Quinn joins Rachel to share some seriously heartwarming wisdom from his years of mentoring through the Big Brother program. Right off the bat, he dives into the real deal about what it’s like to step into a kid’s life—not as a dad replacement, but as a big brother and a friend. He’s here to remind us that fostering connections can change not just a child’s life, but your own too. Dennis spills the beans on his journey, filled with laughter, challenges, and some unexpected life lessons that hit harder than a speeding train. So, if you're curious about how you can make a difference—whether it’s through fostering, mentoring, or just being there for someone in need—this chat is packed with all the feels and practical tips to get you started.

Dennis DJ Quinn joins Rachel for a heartfelt journey into the world of mentorship and advocacy for youth. His experiences as a Big Brother have shaped not only the lives of the children he has mentored but also his own. Initially stepping into the role with the desire to 'fix' the kids, Dennis quickly learned that his purpose was to be a friend and a supportive figure rather than a parental replacement. Throughout the discussion, he reflects on the profound bond he formed with his first Little Brother, who remained an important part of his life for over four decades. Dennis shares the ups and downs of his mentorship adventures, including the unique challenges faced by kids in the foster system and the emotional weight of navigating their lives amidst uncertainty. He emphasizes the power of consistency and patience in building trust with these children, illustrating how simple activities, like ordering food at a restaurant, can be monumental steps towards personal growth for them.

The conversation also touches on the practicalities of becoming a Big Brother, including the application process, background checks, and the importance of finding the right match between mentor and mentee. Dennis highlights the increasing demand for volunteers in mentorship programs and encourages listeners to consider how they can contribute, even if they feel hesitant about making a long-term commitment. The episode wraps up with some light-hearted anecdotes and reinforces the message that helping others can be as rewarding for the mentor as it is for the mentee, creating lasting memories and lessons along the way.

Takeaways:

• Dennis shared that becoming a Big Brother is less about fixing kids' lives and more about being a supportive friend and mentor.
• The journey of mentorship can be a two-way street where both the mentor and the child learn valuable life lessons from each other.
• It's crucial to understand that you don't replace a child's parent, but you can be a positive influence in their life.
• Volunteering as a Big Brother or in similar programs can offer a fulfilling experience that enriches both the volunteer and the child in need.

Links:

Dennis' Website

Stick Figures (Dennis' book about being a Big Brother)

Big Brothers/Sisters Website