Book Us to Speak

adoptee speaker

Melissa Corkum (adoptee and adoptive mom)

As a nervous system regulation coach and adoptee, Melissa has helped hundreds of adoptive parents shift to a brain-based view of behaviors so they can laugh more and yell less. She brings a lot of authenticity and a little bit of humor as she tackles many topics relevant to adoptive parents. Melissa is available for both in-person and virtual events as a mainstage and/or breakout speaker.

Most popular training topics:

  • How to Increase Frustration Tolerance (Yours and Theirs)
  • Parenting Tough Teen Behaviors
  • Launching Older Teens and Young Adults with Connection
  • What To Do When You Run Out of Compassion
  • Grieving the Gap between Expectations and Reality
  • The 9 Messages All Adoptees Need to Hear
  • Reclaim Compassion workshop
  • Cultivate Connection (2-day workshop)
  • How to Reach Families Resistant to Support
  • Enneagram workshops

She is also available to emcee events.

Lisa Qualls (birth mom and adoptive mom)

Lisa is the co-author of The Connected Parent (with Dr. Karyn Purvis) and Reclaim Compassion (with Melissa Corkum). As a post-adoption support specialist, TBRI Practitioner, spiritual director, and parent coach, Lisa is prepared to speak on a wide range of topics. She speaks through the unique lens of being a birth mom, former foster youth, foster mom, and adoptive mom.

Over the past twelve years, Lisa has spoken to thousands of adoptive and foster parents. Her deeply rooted faith in God equips her to speak with wisdom, transparency, and hope about the challenges and beauty of adoption. She provides keynotes, breakout sessions, workshops, and retreats to faith-based and non-faith-based audiences.

Most popular training topics:

  • Real-Life Strategies for Building Trust and Attachment
  • What to Do When You’ve Run Out of Compassion
  • Releasing the Dream and Embracing Your Reality
  • Caring for the Siblings in Adoptive and Foster Families
  • Courage and Endurance for the Race Set Before You

*In light of Lisa’s ministry and family commitments, she is only accepting a small number of speaking engagements in 2024.

Upcoming Appearances

September 27-29, 2024
Known
Melissa
New Windsor, IL
Click here to register.

Oct 21-24, 2024
Fullness of Joy Retreat: Soul Care for Adoptive Moms
Lisa
Cle Elum, WA (near Seattle)
Registration full.

November 8-10, 2024
Radiant Women's Retreat
Lisa
Butte, MT
Private event.

December 5, 2024
Meet the Need
Melissa
Columbia, SC
Click here to register.

December 6-9, 2024
Laugh More Yell Less Retreat
Melissa
Charleston, SC
Click here to register.

Jan 31-Feb 2, 2025
Filled Gathering
Melissa
Lancaster, PA
Click here to register.