Fostering Change

As we continue an exciting new year of Fostering Change, this episode centers on possibility — what happens when lived experience, research, and belief in young people come together to rewrite outcomes.This week, Rob Scheer is joined by Dr. (Candidate) Shanté Elliott, a learning scientist, social innovator, and founder of TasselTurn — an organization reimagining how children in foster care and students experiencing housing insecurity move through school, graduation, and the transition to adulthood.Having experienced foster care herself, Shanté brings rare and powerful insight to her work. She blends academic research, technology, and deep empathy to help children in foster care not only stay in school, but truly see themselves as capable, worthy, and supported.What began in 2020 with a $300 grant has grown into a nationally recognized platform connecting young people with coaching, mentorship, and meaningful incentives tied to educational milestones.Now a PhD candidate at Northwestern University, Shanté has been recognized as a Forbes Changemaker, L’Oréal Paris Woman of Worth, and Echoing Green Fellow, with her work featured in Forbes, The Imprint, and Reader’s Digest. In this conversation, she shares how education — when paired with trust and opportunity — can become a powerful pathway to stability, confidence, and economic mobility for children in foster care.🎧 Episode HighlightsEducation & Foster CareThe real barriers children in foster care face in completing high school and navigating what comes next — and why traditional systems often fall short.The TasselTurn ModelHow personalized coaching, milestone-based incentives, and digital tools keep children in foster care engaged and supported.Tech for GoodUsing technology to track progress, close equity gaps, and create accountability that centers student success.Lived Experience as LeadershipHow Shanté’s own foster care journey informs her research, innovation, and belief in changing — not “beating” — the odds.Why It MattersThe long-term impact of investing in education as a tool to disrupt cycles of poverty and instability for children in foster care.Shanté Elliott is a learning scientist, social entrepreneur, and founder of TasselTurn — a national platform supporting children in foster care and students experiencing housing insecurity through key educational milestones. A former child in foster care and first-generation college graduate, she is currently a PhD candidate at Northwestern University, where her research focuses on educational identity and narrative.Since launching TasselTurn in 2020 with just $300, Shanté has built a nationally recognized organization rooted in the belief that young people deserve more than survival — they deserve systems designed for their success.🔗 Connect with Shanté & TasselTurnWebsite: www.tasselturn.orgInstagram: @tasselturnLinkedIn: TasselTurn✨ Why This Episode MattersThis conversation is a powerful reminder that when we stop asking children in foster care to overcome broken systems — and instead commit to changing those systems — futures shift. Shanté Elliott isn’t just turning tassels; she’s helping young people step into adulthood with confidence, support, and real opportunity.🎧 Fostering Change continues next week with another powerful conversation as Season 7 unfolds. Thank you for listening, believing, and being part of a community that shows up for children in foster care — not just in words, but in action.If you have questions or a guest suggestion, please reach out to our producer at dthalberg@comfortcases.org.

Happy New Year from all of us at Fostering Change! We hope you had a joyful holiday season filled with rest, connection, and moments that centered what matters most. As we step into 2026 together, we’re excited to continue bringing you meaningful conversations that uplift, educate, and inspire. Season 7 is already shaping up to be one of our most impactful yet — and we’re thrilled to kick off the year with today’s guest.🎙 Introduction This week, Rob Scheer is joined by Dr. Brandi Kelly, an award-winning educator, licensed clinical social worker, leadership coach, and founder of Spark HOPE Edu. For more than 20 years, Dr. Kelly has served children and families as a school social worker, principal, and superintendent, always guided by her belief in the transformative power of H.O.P.E. — Habits, Optimistic Outlook, Purpose, and Excellence.Her approach blends emotional wellness, compassionate leadership, and practical tools that empower students — especially those experiencing trauma, foster care, or instability — to build resilience and recognize their inherent worth. Through Spark HOPE Edu and her coaching programs, Dr. Kelly now equips caregivers, educators, and community leaders to create environments where every child feels safe, supported, and capable of thriving.Her message is the perfect way to begin a new year: intentional, uplifting, and rooted in the belief that we can all lead with hope.Main Topic / ThemeHow Dr. Kelly’s H.O.P.E. framework cultivates resilience, emotional wellness, and confidence in children — particularly those who have experienced trauma — by equipping the adults who support them to lead with compassion, clarity, and purpose.Key Discussion PointsResilience Through H.O.P.E. How Habits, Optimistic Outlook, Purpose, and Excellence help youth overcome adversity and build self-worth.Education + Healing Why collaboration between educators, caregivers, and social workers is essential for children in foster or kinship care.Leadership for Youth Helping children see themselves as leaders regardless of their circumstances.Coaching for Connection Dr. Kelly’s January 2026 six-week cohort designed to help adults strengthen resilience and relational skills using the H.O.P.E. model.Guest BioDr. Brandi Kelly is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, award-winning educator, and founder of Spark HOPE Edu. Over her two-decade career, she has served as a school social worker, principal, and superintendent — earning multiple leadership awards. Her H.O.P.E. framework (Habits, Optimistic Outlook, Purpose, Excellence) provides a roadmap for helping youth—and the adults who guide them—build resilience and belonging. She is the author of Lead with H.O.P.E. and host of the Lead with HOPE podcast.Connect with Dr. KellyWebsite: www.sparkhopeedu.com Facebook: @LTW24 Instagram: @leadwithhope.23 LinkedIn: Dr. Brandi Kelly✨ A New Year Note from Fostering ChangeAs we launch into 2026, we want to thank you — our listeners — for being part of this powerful community. We hope your holiday season was restful and meaningful, and that this new year brings purpose, possibility, and renewed hope.We’re excited to continue this incredible Season 7 journey with you. Fostering Change returns next Tuesday with another inspiring conversation as we work together to support children, families, and caregivers across the country.Here’s to a year of compassion, courage, and making a difference — one story, one act, and one child at a time.Happy New Year, and thank you for being GOOD HUMANS. 🎉

As we close out an extraordinary year of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer welcomes Becky Santoro, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Foster Village Charlotte — a nonprofit reshaping foster care by focusing on the people raising and supporting children every day: foster, kinship, and birth families.A former educator and foster parent herself, Becky witnessed firsthand how overwhelmed and isolated caregivers can feel. She also saw something powerful: children thrive when the adults caring for them are supported, equipped, and connected. That realization led her to co-found Foster Village Charlotte in 2018 — a community-driven model that has since expanded nationwide through a growing network of Foster Village affiliates.Today, Becky and her team not only serve families across the Charlotte region, but also coach and mentor emerging affiliates across the U.S., helping communities build their own “village” of wraparound care. From practical resources to emotional connection to dignified, trauma-informed visitation spaces, Foster Village is reimagining what it means to care for children by caring for the caregivers who love them.🎙️ In This Episode, Rob and Becky Discuss:• Why Foster Village exists and how it bridges gaps between foster, kinship, and birth families• The powerful connection between caregiver support and positive child outcomes• The Connection Cottage — a trauma-informed, dignified visitation center helping families reconnect• How Foster Village Charlotte coaches and mentors new affiliates nationwide• The Foster the Movement year-end funding campaign supporting urgent needs into 2026• What resilience, compassion, and community look like in action — and what gives Becky hope for the futureThis uplifting conversation is the perfect way to wrap up 2025 — rooted in gratitude, connection, and the reminder that we build stronger futures when we build them together.👤 Guest BioBecky Santoro is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Foster Village Charlotte, an organization providing holistic support for foster, kinship, and birth families. Since 2018, Becky has grown Foster Village Charlotte into a cornerstone of community care while mentoring new Foster Village affiliates across the country. Her work strengthens families, builds community, and empowers children to thrive.🔗 Connect with Foster Village Charlotte🌐 Website: https://www.fostervillagecharlotte.org💙 Foster the Movement Year-End Campaign:https://www.fostervillagecharlotte.org/foster-the-movement-2025📘 Facebook: Foster Village Charlotte📸 Instagram: @fostervillagecharlotte💼 LinkedIn: Foster Village Charlotte🎄 From Our Family to Yours — Happy New Year!As we celebrate this holiday season, we wish you a New Year filled with hope, compassion, and community.Thank you for listening, sharing, and helping raise awareness for children and families impacted by foster care.✨ Fostering Change returns next Tuesday as we continue an incredible Season 7.More powerful conversations. More inspiring leaders. More reminders of the change we can create together.Until then — thank you for being GOOD HUMANS.

As we head into Christmas week, Fostering Change brings you an extraordinary story of resilience, determination, and transformation.Rob Scheer is joined by Carolyn Aronson, founder and CEO of It’s A 10 Haircare — one of the most successful Latina-owned beauty brands in the world.Carolyn’s journey began in foster care, where she learned independence, grit, and perseverance at a young age. From those early experiences, she built a career as a hairstylist and salon owner before creating a single product that would change the beauty industry forever. Today, It’s A 10 Haircare is a billion-dollar global brand, selling more than 10 million bottles annually in over 130 countries, and inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs.Beyond her business success, Carolyn is a devoted philanthropist whose generosity supports foster care organizations, youth empowerment, LGBTQ+ advocacy, disaster relief efforts, and workforce development programs. Her message is simple yet powerful: success isn’t measured only by what you build — but by how you give back.In this inspiring conversation, Rob and Carolyn explore how her time in foster care shaped her vision, the creation and growth of an iconic global brand, and why purpose and philanthropy remain central to her work.In this episode, Rob and Carolyn discuss:How Carolyn’s early experiences in foster care fueled her ambition and compassionThe creation and explosive growth of It’s A 10 HaircareBuilding a billion-dollar company rooted in authenticity, quality, and empowermentHigh-profile collaborations with DJ Khaled, Fat Joe, Travis Kelce, Tyson Beckford, and moreHer commitment to philanthropy — from pandemic aid to wildfire relief to youth empowermentThe upcoming 20th anniversary of It’s A 10 in 2026Carolyn’s forthcoming book on beauty, confidence, and perseveranceAbout Carolyn AronsonCarolyn Aronson is a self-made Latina billionaire, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. After navigating the foster care system, she built It’s A 10 Haircare into a global beauty powerhouse now valued at over $1 billion. Her Rewind It 10 men’s line has earned national attention through celebrity collaborations, and she has donated millions in products and funding to causes nationwide. Carolyn continues to inspire through her message of grit, generosity, and reinvention.Connect with Carolyn:🌐 Website: www.itsa10haircare.com📸 Instagram: @itsa10ceo🎄 From all of us at Fostering Change, we wish a very Merry Christmas to those who celebrate, and a joyful and peaceful holiday season to all.🎙️ Don’t miss our final episode of 2025, airing next week — a special year-end conversation you won’t want to miss.🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and share. Your support helps us continue lifting up stories that inspire real change.

This week on Fostering Change, Rob welcomes a cherished friend and longtime champion of Comfort Cases — actress, producer, author, and foster care advocate Jen Lilley.While millions know Jen from her work in television and film, her most meaningful role has been off-camera: as a foster and adoptive mother deeply committed to supporting children and families in crisis. Jen recently served as emcee for the 2025 Fostering Futures Gala — her second time hosting Comfort Cases’ signature event — and continues to use her platform to elevate foster care awareness nationwide.In this heartfelt conversation, Rob and Jen dive into themes of faith, courage, storytelling, and the transformational impact fostering has had on Jen’s life. They also explore her book, Wake Up Your Faith, and her upcoming 2026 release, Called to Foster?In this episode, Rob and Jen discuss: • Why Jen remains deeply committed to Comfort Cases and the foster care community • Her book Wake Up Your Faith and the message she hopes readers embrace • Called to Foster?, a forthcoming guide for prospective foster parents • What fostering and adopting two children taught her about love, patience, and identity • How Jen balances motherhood, advocacy, and a thriving entertainment career • The responsibility and privilege of using her platform to inspire compassion • Practical encouragement for anyone considering fostering or adoption⸻Guest BioJen Lilley is an award-winning actress, producer, author, and passionate child welfare advocate. She has appeared in an Academy Award–winning film, starred in multiple Emmy-winning series, and featured in a wide range of beloved movies. Off-screen, Jen is a devoted mother to two children adopted from foster care and a powerful voice for families navigating the child welfare system. She is the author of Wake Up Your Faith and the upcoming Called to Foster?, arriving May 2026. Jen is also a treasured supporter of Comfort Cases and recently served as emcee for the 2025 Fostering Futures Gala.⸻Connect with JenWebsite: www.jenlilley.comFacebook: facebook.com/JenLilleyOfficialInstagram: @Jen_LilleyX (Twitter): @Jen_Lilley🎧 After you listen, please like, comment, and share the episode to help us continue raising awareness for children in foster care.📅 New episodes of Fostering Change drop every Tuesday.Questions or guest suggestions? Email dthalberg@comfortcases.org

As we move deeper into the holiday season, Fostering Change continues to shine a light on the small acts of kindness that create powerful, lasting impact. This week, Rob Scheer sits down with his longtime friend Luke Mickelson, founder of Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) — a nonprofit built on one simple mission: “No kid sleeps on the floor in our town.”What started in 2012, when Luke built a single bed for a family in need, has grown into a global movement. Today, SHP has 400+ chapters across 46 states and 4 countries, and has delivered nearly 300,000 beds to children who would otherwise be sleeping on the floor.As Luke shares:“When I found out a child was sleeping on a pile of clothes, it changed me. I realized I could sit there and do nothing, or I could get my feet on the ground and build another bed.”SHP empowers communities to take action by building beds locally, training new chapters, and helping neighbors come together through service — proving that every community can solve this issue in its own backyard.In this episode, Rob and Luke discuss:How one small idea grew into a global movementThe often unseen crisis of child bedlessnessSHP’s “Humans Helping Humans” approach to volunteerismWhat it takes to start a chapter in your own communityWhy staying focused on a simple mission fuels sustainable growthLuke’s story is a powerful reminder that transformative change often begins with a single decision to help someone else.👉 Learn more & get involved:Website: www.shpbeds.orgFacebook: facebook.com/SHPLukeInstagram: instagram.com/lukemickelsonX: x.com/ShpLuke🎧 After listening, please like, comment, and share the episode so more people can join the mission to ensure no child in your town sleeps on the floor.For guest suggestions or questions, email dthalberg@comfortcases.org.

This week on Fostering Change, Rob Scheer is joined by Dionna Carter, founder of the Foster Teen Christmas Outreach, an initiative that began in 2019 and has now raised more than $1.3 million in gift cards for teens in foster care. As Dionna explains, “Teens are often forgotten during the holidays — everyone wants to buy toys for the little kids, but teens also want to feel included and seen.”What started with one county has grown into a statewide movement, driven by simple generosity and community partnership. Each year, thousands of youth receive gift cards that offer dignity, autonomy, and a reminder that their community cares.Dionna also leads the Foster Hope Holiday Fest, happening Sunday, December 7 in Columbus, Ohio — a resource fair designed to support youth preparing to age out of foster care. “We wanted to be a bridge,” Dionna shares, “because so many teens lose support networks as they age out. This event shows them that help is available.”In this episode, Rob and Dionna discuss:How a small idea grew into a statewide giving movementWhy gift cards matter for teens in foster care during the holidaysThe impact of the Foster Hope Holiday Fest and how the community can participateHow listeners anywhere can start similar outreach efforts in their own countiesDionna’s message is simple and powerful: “Even if you impact one youth, it is so worth it.”Learn More & Support:Foster Hope Holiday Fest – December 7, Columbus, OH https://onedotchurch.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3054175Website: www.dionnacarter.comInstagram: @FlyAndShyyyFacebook: Dionna CarterLinkedIn: Dionna Carter🎧 After you listen, please like, comment, and share the episode to help spread hope and support to teens who need it most this holiday season.

As we close out National Adoption Awareness Month, Fostering Change honors the advocates, parents, and changemakers who work to ensure every child waiting in foster care finds a permanent, loving family.This week, host Rob Scheer welcomes back Marcy Bursac, nationally recognized adoption advocate, author, podcast host, and adoptive mom. After adopting siblings from foster care, Marcy founded The Forgotten Adoption Option, developed free tools used by over 12,000 prospective parents, and launched a national reading program to help normalize adoption conversations in schools.Her new book, It’s Okay to Talk About Adoption, invites people to open their hearts and conversations—because when we talk about adoption, we help waiting children find families faster.In this episode, Rob and Marcy explore:Why conversations matter“There are more than 100,000 children in U.S. foster care waiting for adoption—and many adults do not know adoption from foster care is often free. Awareness can change outcomes.”The Forgotten Adoption OptionHow her nonprofit breaks down barriers and helps families navigate adoption with clarity and confidence.Her new book“We need to give people permission to talk about adoption—without fear, stigma, or shame.”Marcy’s message is powerful:“Every time someone starts a conversation about adoption, a waiting child or sibling group moves one step closer to a permanent family.”Book Release UpdateIt’s Okay to Talk About Adoption is now available in audiobook and eBook formats. Paperback pre-orders are open through January 15, 2026.Purchase links:Kindle: https://bit.ly/4oDvifpBookBaby: https://store.bookbaby.com/book/it%E2%80%99s-okay-to-talk-about-adoptionAudiobook available on Apple Books, Google Play, Chirp, eStories, Hoopla, OverDrive, and Everand.Learn MoreWebsite: www.forgottenadoptionoption.orgInstagram: @marcybursac | @forgottenadoptionoptionAfter listening, please like, comment, and share our podcast. Your support helps expand the conversation and bring awareness to the thousands of children waiting in foster care.As we conclude National Adoption Awareness Month, we invite you to keep talking—in your homes, schools, and communities. Every conversation helps move a child closer to belonging.New episodes release every Tuesday. Questions, comments, or guest suggestions: dthalberg@comfortcases.orgThank you for listening and for being a good human.

As Fostering Change continues our celebration of National Adoption Awareness Month, we’re highlighting the voices reshaping what adoption looks like in America—and making it more equitable, inclusive, and accessible for all families.This week, host Rob Scheer sits down with Becky Fawcett, founder of Helpusadopt.org, a national nonprofit adoption grant program helping thousands of families overcome the financial barriers to adoption. What began in Becky’s New York City apartment in 2007 has grown into a multimillion-dollar organization that has transformed countless lives—and this month, Helpusadopt.org celebrates its 18th anniversary.Becky’s own adoption journey—welcoming her daughters Jane and Brooke—inspired a lifelong commitment to changing a system that makes building a family so difficult for so many. Her mission is simple and powerful: every child deserves a loving, permanent home, and no parent should be prevented from adopting because of cost.In this inspiring conversation, Rob and Becky discuss:• The personal story behind Helpusadopt.org—and how one mother’s vision became a national movement for adoption equality.• The staggering financial realities of adoption and how these costs prevent too many children from finding homes.• What it means for Helpusadopt.org to reach its 18-year milestone—and how its impact continues to grow across all 50 states.• The importance of inclusion and diversity in adoption: “Love makes a family—not money, not zip codes, not who you love or where you come from.”• How you can help ensure that more families can adopt—and that every child waiting for a home has the chance to thrive.Becky’s story reminds us that changing the world doesn’t always start in a boardroom. Sometimes, it begins at a kitchen table—fueled by love, determination, and the belief that every child deserves a family.👉 Learn more about Becky Fawcett & Helpusadopt.org:Website: www.helpusadopt.orgFacebook: facebook.com/helpusadopt.orgInstagram: @helpusadoptTikTok: @helpusadoptLinkedIn: Helpusadopt.org🎧 Enjoying the episode?Please like, comment, and share the podcast! Your support helps us reach more listeners who want to learn about these important topics.New episodes of Fostering Change drop every Tuesday.Questions, comments, or guest suggestions? Email us at: dthalberg@comfortcases.orgAs we continue through National Adoption Awareness Month, visit comfortcases.org to learn more about our mission, our partnerships, and how you can make a difference—because when we invest in families, we invest in a brighter future for every child.Thank you for listening—and thank you for being a GOOD HUMAN.