Amaris Communities

 

Support for Adoptive Families

 
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Adopting and parenting children with difficult histories can be a lonely, challenging journey that’s filled with frustration, joy, sadness and hope, all at the same time. For years, adoptive and permanency families have been asking for additional resources that they can access when they need guidance, support, or even just the perspective of someone who has been in their shoes.

AMARIS is proud to introduce AMARIS Communities, a support network for adoptive families that includes recommendations, directions, and support from peers and support workers, open Q&As with Amaris’ support workers, professional presentations, and more.

 

What’s Included In Amaris Communities

Amaris Communities is designed to provide extra community and support post-Adoption for families working to integrate adopted children into their homes. This program seeks to encourage adoptive and permanency families with the perspective and experience of others who have been in their shoes, alongside counsellors, support workers, and seasoned Amaris staff.

Subscribers to Amaris Communities receive:

Community Group Chats

Access to a monitored, community-driven group chats with other adoptive families and support staff.

Support Q&A Sessions

An invitation to monthly Zoom Q&As with Amaris staff and Social Workers.


Lunch & Learn Events

Monthly online Lunch & Learn presentations with qualified experts and professionals in Alberta.

Early Adopter Price: $199/yr

Sign Up


Presenter Bios

(please contact us if you would like to be a presenter)

  • Dr. Wanda Polzin

    Dr. Wanda Polzin Holman has over 25 years of counselling and clinical experience working with children and families across various domains including mental health, children's services, and education. She is presently the CEO (previously Clinical Director) at the Little Warriors Be Brave Ranch. Dr. Polzin, has a Doctorate of Education (Ed. D) in Counselling Psychology, a Masters Degree (MA) in Counselling Psychology and is a Registered Clinical Social Worker with the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW). Dr. Polzin has a deep passion and energy for working with children and families, particularly in the area of trauma and trauma-informed care, advocacy and treatment of child sexual abuse, family systems, complex case needs (dual diagnosis), evidence-based practices and promoting wellness for children, families, clinical professionals, and related organizations.

    For more information please reach out!

    drpolzin@yahoo.com

  • Chantelle Beach

    Hello! I'm Chantelle Beach. I have specialized knowledge in adoption, infertility, attachment, parenting children with special needs, ADHD, grief and loss, anxiety and depression, stress and anger management, complex trauma, and relationships.

    I worked for many years as an adoption social worker, and expanded my expertise to become a psychologist in recent years. I have great appreciation for the impact of larger systems on individual people, but I am most rewarded in my private counselling practice where I can work with people at an intimate, personal level.

    My personal life and work experiences have formulated my beliefs as a psychologist. This includes believing that all people can overcome challenges and solve their problems when they feel supported, validated, and cared for, and are given a safe space to process their thoughts and feelings.

    For more information please reach out!

    www.vitalsoulcounselling.com

  • Lisa Moodie, MSW, RSW

    Owner/Therapist with Playful Connections Counselling Inc. since 2024.

    Previous to Private Practice, I have worked in the non-profit sector for 25+ years.  I am a Certified Circle of Security Facilitator, Perinatal Mental Health Certified-PMH-C, Theraplay Level 1 trained, and have taken multiple play therapy training. Currently working on becoming a Registered Play Therapist.  

    I have experience working with children of all ages (Infant to Teens) and families of all types (bio, adopted, kinship, and foster). Some therapy roles I have held are Therapist for Children services contracts (Kindred), Social Worker/Counsellor at Louise Dean School -school for pregnant and parenting youth (Kindred), Parent-Infant Relationship Practitioner (Kindred).  I have also held Parent Support roles for Aspen (Family-School Liaison, Therapeutic Access Coach, and Family Support Worker) and previously worked at Woods Homes (Exceptional Needs and Stabilization programs).

    My therapeutic lens is based in Attachment, Developmental, Client-Centered, Systems, Trauma-Informed and Strengths-based. 

    For more information please reach out!

    www.playfulconnectionscounselling.ca

  • Marcia Buhler, MA

    Registered Psychologist and Certified Peaceful Parenting Coach

    I specialize in parent counselling and coaching for a wide variety of parenting struggles and concerns. I began providing counselling with children and parents more than 20 years ago. My parent counselling approach is guided by attachment theory and the neurobiology of connection. My role is to help support and empower you to be the agent of change in your family system and to be the parent that you desire to be. 

    For more information please reach out!

    www.marciabuhler.com

 

FAQs

Who are the support workers in Amaris Communities?

The moderators on AMARIS Communities are professional social workers with years of adoption-related experience. They are also adoptive parents themselves, so they understand first hand the joys, challenges, questions and concerns that come with opening up your home to vulnerable children.

Why does Amaris Communities cost money?

While we would love to offer AMARIS communities at no cost to families, as a nonprofit organization we must ensure that we can continue providing high-quality, timely, and relevant support for the complex situations and family dynamics we serve. At AMARIS Adoption and Family Support Services, we are committed to making our programs as affordable as possible so that every family has access to the support they need. The annual cost of this program is roughly equivalent to a single counseling session, and we believe that participation in this community will not only equip families with valuable tools and knowledge but also provide encouragement and connection during challenging times.

What happens if I want to cancel my membership?

Once the yearly fee has been paid, we are unfortunately unable to reimburse families if they have utilized more than one month of the communities support. Fees will be collected yearly, so you may cancel for the subsequent membership should you choose to do so.

Where are you guys located and how does that affect the support offered?

We are based in Alberta, Canada. Since each province has its own legislation regarding adoption and permanency, some of our responses may be tailored specifically to the Alberta context. However, the majority of our Lunch-and-Learns and Q&A sessions focus on sharing knowledge and strategies across a wide range of topics that are relevant to any family parenting children from challenging backgrounds.

Can I make a donation so another family can get the support?

We are deeply grateful for the generosity of our donors. You are welcome to designate your gift to any program or area that is most meaningful to you. To make a contribution, please visit our giving page. As a registered nonprofit, we are pleased to provide a tax receipt for your donation.