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When families are formed through foster care, adoption, or guardianship, they often face unique joys and challenges that require specialized understanding and support. That’s why we’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Samantha Wilson for our upcoming webinar, “Hope, Healing, and Connection: A Trauma-Responsive Journey for Families.”
Who is Dr. Samantha Wilson?
Dr. Wilson brings an extraordinary depth of expertise to families navigating the complexities of adoption, foster care, and guardianship. As a Professor of Pediatrics in the division of Pediatric Psychology and Developmental Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin, she combines rigorous academic research with compassionate, real-world application.
Her role as Director of the International Adoption Clinic at Children’s Wisconsin has given her direct insight into the specific needs of families formed through adoption and foster care. Since 2008, she has been providing trauma-informed, relationship-based assessment and intervention exclusively to these families—meaning she understands your journey in ways that many practitioners simply cannot.
A Unique Perspective on Trauma and Healing
What sets Dr. Wilson apart is her understanding that trauma isn’t something to be “fixed” but rather something to be understood and supported. Her approach is gentle, relationship-focused, and deeply respectful of each family’s unique story and needs.
Her credentials include:
- Infant Mental Health Mentor (Level IV – Clinical) in Wisconsin
- Wisconsin-based state trainer for Trauma-Informed Child Parent Psychotherapy
- Adjunct staff for the TIES Adoptive Family Travel program
- Cadre member of Vibrant’s Crisis Emotional Care Team
What You’ll Learn December 9th
During our webinar, Dr. Wilson will share insights on:
- How early adversity shapes brain development and what this means for your daily parenting decisions
- Understanding grief and loss as they surface throughout a child’s development
- Supporting children as they navigate questions about identity and belonging
- Practical strategies for building stronger, more connected relationships with children
Why This Matters
Each family brings their own story—and with it, unique needs. Sometimes those needs show up right away, while others emerge as children grow and develop. The key is creating environments where children feel safe to heal and grow.
Dr. Wilson’s work extends beyond individual families to training other professionals, mentoring future practitioners, and providing consultation on complex cases. This webinar is an opportunity to learn directly from someone who has dedicated her career to supporting families like yours.
Join Us December 9th
This free webinar takes place on Tuesday, December 9th, from 6:00-8:00 PM. Registration is limited to 500 participants, and licensed foster parents will receive 2.0 training credits for their participation.
Whether you’re new to your journey or you’ve been walking this path for years, Dr. Wilson’s gentle, expert guidance offers something valuable for every family.