TITLE: Estrangement, an Important Conversation on Reconnecting

DESCRIPTION:

Our October We the Experts panel explores the complex and often challenging terrain of estrangement and reconciliation within adoption. This conversation will feature both adoptee and non-adoptee panelists, sharing diverse perspectives while maintaining an adoptee-centered space. Together, we will examine the emotional, relational, and systemic factors that contribute to estrangement and the delicate work involved with reconciliation. Panelists will share personal stories and professional insights that highlight the challenges, nuances, and possibilities of these experiences, creating a thoughtful and compassionate conversation for the community.

Points to Ponder:

What does reconciliation after estrangement in the context of adoption mean?
How do adoptees and non-adoptees experience reconciliation after estrangement differently?
How do systemic, cultural, or familial dynamics shape the experience of reconnecting after estrangement?
What strategies, boundaries, and support systems exist?

CONVERSATION LEADERS:

Maureen McCauley (she/her)

Maureen McCauley is an adoptive parent of four now-adult children, and grandmother to three granddaughters. In addition to this lived experience, she also has worked and attended trainings professionally in adoption. She is currently a consultant and co-facilitator with Adoption Mosaic, focused on the "Seasoned Parents" and "Navigating Estrangement" programs. She is also a co-editor with 2 Ethiopian adoptees of "Lions Roaring Far from Home: An Anthology by Ethiopian Adoptees." She recognizes the complexity of estrangement in adoption, and always looks forward to learning.

Dr. Jae Kim (they/them)

Jae Kim, Ph.D. is a transracially, transnationally, adopted Korean American. They are an adoption scholar whose work examines the lived experiences of adopted individuals throughout adulthood, including issues of identity, solidarity, and family. This work has culminated in more than one dozen articles and book chapters that highlight the experiences of adopted individuals. Their present work examines how adopted individuals experience estrangement from members of their adoptive families. From this work Jae has developed a critical narrative of estrangement, one that sheds light on not just the pain, but the hope found within estrangement. They are excited to use the panel to give voice to the many adopted individuals who so generously shared their time and stories with them. Beyond their work in adoption research, Jae is an assistant professor of psychology at Elon University where they teach courses on race, culture, and social psychology.

Laura Batt (she/her)

Laura Batt was relinquished for adoption in an infant, same race, domestic, closed adoptive placement. Laura has been in reunion with her biological mother since she was 19 years old, shortly after relinquishing her parental rights to her son in 1998. They reunited when he was 16 years old and now have regular contact. Laura is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has worked in pregnancy and parenting case management, as a medical social worker, and as a therapist in community mental health. She is parenting two kids born in 2008 and 2018. Laura is one of the group facilitators for the Adoptee Beacon support group which is focused on the experience of estrangement for adoptees.

Jenna Lowe Jenna Lowe, a domestic same-race adoptee, has personal experience with estrangement and reconciliation with her adoptive parents. This lived experience informs her ability to engage in thoughtful discussions around this often challenging topic, creating opportunities to share insights in our collective journey toward adoption constellation healing. Jenna was a course assistant for the Navigating Estrangement Adoption Mosaic course in spring 2025 and looks forward to supporting the Seasoned Parents program in fall 2025.