You Don’t Scare Us: Rewriting the Foster Care Story

This episode features a powerhouse Difference Maker—Rhonda Trask, founder of Hearts CRi Michigan (HCRi)—who’s rewriting the story for foster, adoptive, and kinship families across the state.

If you’ve never walked alongside a foster, adoptive, or kinship family—you probably have no idea just how isolating, exhausting, and misunderstood the journey can be. But Rhonda does. And she’s made it her mission to see these families, hear them, and empower them with real tools to heal trauma and build confidence in kids and caregivers alike.

In this powerful conversation, we talk about:
🔥 What it means to parent two different brains—trauma and neurotypical—and why the same playbook won’t cut it
🔥 The difference between being trauma-informed vs. trauma-responsive (it’s massive)
🔥 Why foster families burn out—and how the right support systems can stop the cycle
🔥 How a single moment at a dinner table lit a fire in Rhonda that became Hearts CRi
🔥 What a real win looks like for a child who’s only known survival mode
🔥 The bold new ways Rhonda’s building wraparound support, trauma-informed OT, IEP advocacy, and even dreams of a full family healing camp This isn’t a feel-good story.

It’s a call to action. Because as Rhonda says: “Not everyone is called to foster or adopt. But everyone can do something.” Whether you're a parent, an educator, or someone looking for a way to make real impact—you need to hear this story.

☕ So grab your coffee and tune in. You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of trauma, empathy, and what it really takes to make a difference.