LOOKING FOR THAT WARM HUG ALL MY LIFE

Shrounda Selivanoff takes us on a journey from childhood to motherhood, including a head-on collision with the child welfare system. Hear from Shrounda on how being seen and acknowledged for who she was changed her life forever. Shrounda is a passionate mother, kinship caregiver, and parent ally who inspires and helps other parents who experience the system through her work as public policy director at Children’s Home Society of Washington. 

Show Notes: 

0:50  | Meet Shrounda Selivanoff, who talks about the result of growing up in an isolated, overburdened family. 

4:45   | Shrounda shares that school was her haven and that at 13 years old, a newfound friend offered to help in her moment of need. 

6:08  | The beginnings of motherhood and battling substance use disorder. 

20:02   | Hear from Shrounda how being seen and acknowledged for who she was changed her life forever. 

22:14   | Shrounda describes how stepping into being loved for exactly who she is and not feeling the need to be something else helped her change the direction of her life. 

33:30   | A new kind of warm hug with King, grandson, and Alexis, daughter.  

34:32   | As a mom, professional, and advocate for children and families, Shrounda says “My story is your story. We’re in this together.” 

35:40  | Matt and Shrounda share final thoughts. 

Resources: 

Kinship Care Resources | Child Information Gateway

Children's Home Society of Washington

Shrounda’s Work | In Pursuit of Growing and Healing: Changing Child Welfare 

Shrounda’s Work | Choose Compassion When Supporting Parents

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