The Barker Adoption Foundation Annual Adoption & Foster Care Conference:

Where Every Story Matters and Every Voice Belongs.

Centered on the theme “Where Every Story Matters & Every Voice Belongs”, this full-day, educational event brings together adoptees of all ages, adoptive and foster parents, prospective parents, birth parents, and professionals interested in a deeper dive into the nuance of adoption and foster care. Attendees will enjoy expert-led workshops, practical tools, and meaningful connection.

A concurrent Teen Connections program for youth ages 13–17 offers a guided, adoptee-competent space while parents attend the main conference.

Breakfast and lunch provided.
5.5 Cat I CEU credits available.

Location: 
The Universities at Shady Grove, 9630 Gudelsky Dr., Rockville, MD 20850

Date and time: 
Sat, Mar 7, 2026 8:15 AM – 4:30 PM

Organizer: 
The Barker Adoption Foundation, (301) 664-9664, info@barkerfoundation.org

Register Now!
The Barker Adoption Foundation Annual Adoption & Foster Care Conference

Speakers and Sessions

BEN ALI, Author | Speaker | Coach | Mentor | Entrepreneur

Keynote Speaker:

BEN ALI

Author | Speaker | Coach | Mentor | Entrepreneur

Kamal Ben Ali is the son of a Trinidadian immigrant father and a mother from rural Virginia, a richly diverse heritage that has shaped his identity and worldview. He is also a proud Barker parent of two children by adoption, a role that deeply shapes his commitment to family, legacy, and community, including his service on the Board of Directors of The Friends of Barker. Rooted in decades of mentoring and late-night conversations over chili fries, Ben knows firsthand what it means to carry—and confront—the weight of trauma, violence, and loss that so many endure.

Together with his family, he helped transform his family’s legendary Ben’s Chili Bowl into a symbol of community, resilience, and hope in Washington, D.C. Rooted in decades of mentoring and late-night conversations over chili fries, Ben knows firsthand what it means to carry and confront the weight of trauma, violence, and loss that so many Black men endure.

In his recently published book, Ascend: The Black Man’s Guide to Elevation, Success, and Purpose, Ben cuts through the noise to deliver the unfiltered tools he has lived and taught. While written through the lens of Black male experience, Ben’s message speaks to people of all backgrounds, offering universal insights about identity, healing, resilience, and purpose. His work holds particular relevance for the adoption community, where themes of loss, belonging, self-definition, and breaking generational cycles resonate deeply. With candid insight, Ben shows readers how to own their stories, confront pain, and build a life blueprint that no street corner, circumstance, or setback can take away.

From the mustard-seed faith that carried him from a challenging childhood in a historic Black neighborhood to leading one of the most iconic community institutions in the nation’s capital, Ben speaks as an older brother—honest about setbacks and unwavering in his belief that gratitude, affirmation, and community can turn pain into power. Ascend offers hard-earned wisdom and invaluable lessons to guide the next generation—and all who seek growth—toward greatness.

Today, Ben’s mission is to uplift and empower young people through job training, mentorship, and community engagement. Widely respected as a grassroots leader, he continues to create real change in the lives of those around him. In Ascend, Ben challenges readers—whether sixteen or thirty-six—to dream boldly, break generational cycles, and build a legacy that speaks louder than any eulogy. This is your spark. It is up to you to ignite the flame.

BenAliMotivation.com

TheAscendBook.com

ben@benalimotivation.com

IG | X | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok >> @benalimotivation

Session One:

1A. Connections Matter: Understanding Identity, Belonging, and Attachment Across an Adoptee’s Lifetime

Workshop Leader: Tony Hynes, Ph.D., Adoptee, Author

Connections—both present and absent—play a powerful role in shaping an adoptee’s sense of identity, belonging, and attachment across the lifespan. In this workshop, participants will explore the many types of connections and disconnections that adoptees experience, including relationships to birth family, adoptive family, culture, community, and self. Drawing on lived experience and reflective dialogue, the session will examine how these connections evolve over time and influence emotional well-being and relationships. Participants will gain insight into how parents, professionals, and communities can foster meaningful, affirming connections that support adoptees throughout their lives.

1B. “That’s So Gay!” – Navigating Identity and Belonging for Adopted Children in LGBTQIA+ Families

Workshop Leaders: Tom Tracy, LCSW, Adoptive Parent and Author, and Schai Schairer, LMSW, Interracial & International Adoptee, and Social Justice Consultant Moderated by Cynthia Cubbage, LCSW-C, Adoptive Parent, Barker’s Director of Post Adoption and Family Services at Barker
Adopted children navigate complex emotions surrounding identity, belonging, and connection to their biological heritage. For those raised in LGBTQIA+ families, additional challenges may arise—from societal bias to confronting discrimination from peers and community members. Facilitated by members of the adoption and LGBTQIA+ communities, this workshop offers an honest, compassionate space to explore the hurdles adopted children may face and the ways LGBTQIA+ adoptive parents can equip them to build resilience and pride. This workshop will provide a safe space for guided discussions and personal sharing, with the goal of collectively developing strategies to support their child’s journey with empathy, confidence, and hope.
Tom Tracey, Adoptive Parent and Author

Tom Tracy Adoptive Parent and Author

Schai Schairer, LMSW, Interracial & International Adoptee, and Social Justice Consultant

Schai Schairer, LMSW Interracial & International Adoptee, and Social Justice Consultant

1C. When the Waiting Ends: The Real Work of Becoming a Family

Workshop leader, Debbie Schugg

The time leading up to a child joining our family can be filled with excitement as we envision life with this new family member. It seldom prepares us, though, for the realities of life after placement and the intentional work of becoming a family. This workshop, led by an adoption professional and mother of eight (seven of whom were adopted from foster care), will explore what families may experience after their children come home. Participants will gain ideas and specific strategies that make the adjustments from being a “waiting” parent to “parenting” parent much easier. The session is recommended for those considering and/or already parenting children adopted at an older age.

Debbie Schugg

Debbie Schugg
Workshop leader

Session Two:

2A. Understanding and Supporting the Dysregulated Child

Workshop Leader: Debbie Schugg

Children who struggle with regulation often communicate their needs through big feelings and challenging behaviors—and the adults around them play an essential role in helping them feel safe. This workshop creates a compassionate space for parents, caregivers, educators, and professionals to better understand the roots of dysregulation and respond with empathy and consistency. Together, we’ll explore practical strategies for calming, connecting, and guiding children, as well as ways to partner with and support parents. Join us to build confidence, deepen understanding, and strengthen every child’s circle of care.

Debbie Schugg

Debbie Schugg
Workshop leader

2B. It’s Not “Just Parenting:” Honoring the Special Responsibilities of Transracial Parenting.

Presenter: Nabina Liebow, Ph.D.
Transracial parenting calls families to a deeper level of awareness, intention, and advocacy. In this inspiring workshop, ethicist and international transracial adoptee Nabina Liebow, Ph.D., invites parents to reflect on the unique responsibilities that accompany raising a child across race and culture. Grounded in values of dignity, belonging, and lifelong learning, the session explores how parents can thoughtfully support identity development, navigate difficult questions with honesty and care, and respond to experiences of isolation with connection and courage. Participants will leave with meaningful insights and practical considerations—before and after adoption—that support children in growing up seen, affirmed, and empowered within their families and communities.
Nabina Liebow, Ph.D.

Nabina Liebow, Ph.D.

2C. Navigating the Journey: Adoption and Parenting a Child with Special Needs

Panel of Adoptive Parents facilitated by Kellie Olive, LMSW, Barker’s International Case Manager & Family Support Specialist
Welcoming a child with special needs through adoption is a meaningful journey marked by love, learning, and resilience. This workshop offers supportive space for prospective and current adoptive parents, along with the professionals who support them. Through the lived experiences of adoptive parents, participants will explore the emotional and practical realities of caring for children with physical, learning, or emotional disabilities. The session will address preparation, realistic expectations, attachment, everyday parenting strategies, self-care, and building inclusive, connected families grounded in community and hope.
Kellie Olive

Kellie Olive, LMSW
Barker’s International Case Manager & Family Support Specialist

Session Three:

3A. The Reconnection Journey: Adoptee and Birth Parent Perspectives

Panel Moderated by Lara Jones, Barker’s Adoption Counselor and Clinical Support Specialist
Reconnecting with first or birth family can be a powerful, emotional, and deeply personal experience for adoptees. This workshop offers a space to explore that journey through the voices of those who know it best—adult adoptees and birth parents. Our panel will share their diverse stories of reconnection, including the hopes, challenges, unexpected emotions, and the importance of setting healthy boundaries. Together, we will reflect on what healing can look like in its many forms and how to find support along the way.
Lara Jones

Lara Jones Barker’s Adoption Counselor and Clinical Support Specialist

3B. Therapeutic Writing for the Adoption Constellation

Workshop leader: Schai Schairer, LMSW, Interracial & International Adoptee, and Social Justice Consultant Moderated by Emily Marshall, LICSW, LCSW-C, Barker’s Foster Care Adoption Consortium Director

Being a member of the adoption constellation as an adoptee, birth parent, or adoptive parent can be difficult to fully understand both intellectually and emotionally. Finding language for complex and often unspoken thoughts and feelings related to adoption can be challenging. In this integrated, trauma informed workshop, participants will explore their internal experiences through guided writing prompts and facilitated discussion. Writing exercises may include letters or poems to oneself, to a birth parent, or to an adoptee in one’s life, as well as reflections on reunion, return, or identity. Sharing is always optional and participants are never required to submit their writing or read aloud. This space offers an opportunity to reflect alongside others in the constellation and to learn from the varied experiences, perspectives, and wisdom in the room.
Emily Marshall, LICSW, LCSW-C, Barker’s Foster Care Adoption Consortium Director

Emily Marshall, LICSW, LCSW-C Barker’s Foster Care Adoption Consortium Director

3C. From Foster Care to Adoption: The Big Transition in Older Child Adoption

Panel facilitated by Sami Albert, LCSW-C, LICSW, Barker’s Senior Search and Match Specialist
This session offers a powerful, first-hand look into the experiences of young adults who were adopted from foster care, exploring the profound and unique challenges of transitioning to a permanent family later in childhood. A panel of young adults will share their personal journeys, offering authentic perspectives on the realities of older child adoption and the factors that contributed to their post-adoption well-being and resilience. Ideal for adoptive parents, prospective adoptive parents, social workers, and adoption professionals, this session provides practical tools and perspectives to successfully support older children transitioning from foster care into a permanent, loving home.
Sami Albert, LCSW-C, LICSW, Barker’s Senior Search and Match Specialist

Sami Albert, LCSW-C, LICSW Barker’s Senior Search and Match Specialist

Teen Connections 2026

Ever get questions or comments about your adoption that make you stop and think?  

This is your space to dive into your experiences, express yourself the way you want, and connect with other teens who get it. Whether you’re serious, funny, or somewhere in between, you’ll have the chance to share your story on your own terms. This isn’t just about talking, it’s about connecting. Meet peers, swap stories, and be part of a community where every voice matters and every story counts. By the end, you’ll leave feeling inspired, understood, and ready to share your journey however you want.

Teen Speaker: Lilly Trone

Lilly Trone Lilly Trone is a transracial adoptee from Bogotá, Colombia. She when she was four months old and grew up in Arlington, Virginia. She has stayed close to BARKER and adoption community her whole life, connecting with others. Lilly worked in Arlington Public Schools for a couple years before deciding to pursue her education at George Mason University. She is a certified Jazzercise instructor, true to her love for exercise and dancing. In her free time, Lilly likes to spend time with her friends and family. She also enjoys cooking, listening to music and attending live performances, watching and playing sports. She is passionate about helping others, learning, sharing her story, and trying new things!
Register Now!

Schedule:

TimeActivity
8:15 – 8:50 AMRegistration and Resource Fair
8:50 – 10:15 AMMain Conference Room with Parent/Guardian
10:15 – 10:30 AM⭐ Transition to Teen Connections Room ⭐
10:30 – 11:00 AMIcebreakers
11:00 – 12:00 PMLilly Trone – Guest Speaker
12:00 – 1:00 PMLunch
1:00 – 2:00 PMLilly Trone – Guest Speaker
2:00 – 3:00 PMOutside Game Time
3:00 – 3:30 PM⭐ Transition Back to Main Room ⭐
3:30 – 4:30 PMClosing / Raffle

Community Resource & Vendor Tables

Connect with families, professionals, and community partners during the 2026 Adoption & Foster Care Conference, a full day event centered on adoption and foster care.

Key Details at a Glance

  • Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026
  • Time: 8:15 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Location: The Universities at Shady Grove, Rockville, MD
  • Audience: Adoptive & prospective parents, adult adoptees, birth parents, social workers, and allied professionals
Learn More!
Community Resource & Vendor Tables

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Community Builder Sponsors

CohnReznick
Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption

Connection Sponsor

Just for Kids

Legacy Sponsor

Wiley
Chesapeak Management Group

Supporter Sponsor

Rogers and Company
Amy and Peter Sturtevant
Jospeh and Rachel Firschein
Bank of America
Charles Schwab

Conference Scholarship Fund

One Digital
ubeo Business Services