Help Me Pay Columbia School of Social Work Tuition

Adoptees are 4x more likely than non-adoptees to commit suicide and account for 30-35% of patients at mental health facilities despite comprising only 2% of the population. There are many overlaps with autism, PTSD, BPD, ADHD due to developmental issues that affect attachment and trust and mistrust, however Adoption Attachment Disorder needs to be in the DSM as a unique diagnosis. 

“I spent a lifetime deeply and unknowingly believing I was unlovable. I found myself looking for love and acceptance in the wrong places. I could not accept love when it was shown to me because I believed it wouldn’t last or that I didn’t deserve it.” -an adoptee

My name is Kristen. I’m writing this to ask for financial support as I attend graduate school at the first School of Social Work in the country: Columbia University- in order to become a therapist. Funny how it costs so much to become certified to help others.

I am an advocate for adoptees and administer an online mental health support group for Korean Adoptees and used to run the KAD Book Club. I have moderated support groups and presented on adoption trauma at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Boulder, CO, as well as co-led workshops on mental health topics and Motivational Interviewing in Aspen, CO.

I am committed to becoming a skilled counselor for adoptees, their families, and sexual trauma survivors. 

As an adoptee, despite having a stable and supportive adoptive family, I had depression and struggled with PTSD after our dog, White Soxafloxia, had an aneurysm and died in my arms. Within six months on either side, I lost my grandpa Ray, was in two car accidents, and was sexually assaulted as a virgin. 

I have spent many years trying to find effective treatment solutions. As an adult I’ve learned that these struggles are not unique to me - it is commonplace across the adoptee experience. Learning to feel safe in my emotional body took many, many years and learning to express my emotions and understand them did as well.

As an adult, I would like to help others navigate their own mental health journey because those who struggle with mental health are more likely to become suicidal. 

We must work to diminish the existential suicidality, loss, guilt, grief, shame and abandonment that adoptees feel. If not, more adoptees will join the current statistical landscape. I am committed to being part of the solution.

Donations will help decrease my anticipated student loan debt of well over $200,000. I received $31,000 in scholarships and gifts two years ago and that is all gone. Your contribution will be very very appreciated.