
Melissa Corkum (adoptee and adoptive mom)
As a post-adoption support specialist, Safe and Sound Protocol Practitioner, Certified Enneagram 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:
- Building a Calmer Brain from the Bottom Up
- Parenting Tough Teen Behaviors
- What To Do When You Run Out of Compassion
- The 9 Core Messages All Adoptees Need to Hear
- Cultivate Connection (TBRI-based, multi-day workshop)

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 2023.
Upcoming Appearances
February 24-26, 2023
The Connect Retreat
Melissa
Jefferson, TX
Click here to register.
March 9-11, 2023
The Joy & Complexity of Adoption & Fostering
Suzanne Stabile speaking
Melissa signing books
Dallas, TX
Click here to register.
March 30 - April 2, 2023
SoulCare for Adoptive Moms Retreat
Lisa
Cle Elum, WA
Private event.
April 12, 2023
DCCCA Conference
Lisa
Kansas City, MO
Private event.
April 14-15, 2023
Reclaim Compassion 2-Day Workshop
Lisa and Melissa
Kansas City, MO
Click here to register.
June 28-30, 2023
National Council for Adoption Conference
Melissa
St. Louis, MO
Click here to register
July 18-21, 2023
NACAC Adoption and Foster Care Conference
Lisa and Melissa
Kansas City, MO
Click here to register.