MD FAMILIES: In-Person Drop-In Support Group for Transracial Adoptive Parents or Guardianship Parents/Caregivers
This in-person support group will provide a space where transracial adoptive parents and guardian caregivers of children (and adults) of all ages can share their experiences about parenting children of a different race, while fostering a sense of community.
WHEN: 4th Wednesday of the Month at 6:00 PM (EST) *First meeting is 4/22/26
WHERE: C.A.S.E. Office, 3919 National Drive Suite 200, Burtonsville, MD 20866
COST: FREE!
Transracial Adoption/Guardianship Parent/Caregiver Support Group
This drop-in support group will provide a space where interracial adoptive parents and guardian caregivers of children (and adults) of all ages can share their experiences about parenting children of a different race, while fostering a sense of community. This is a FREE support group, thanks to funding by MDPPS.
ABOUT THE FACILIATORS:
Carmen Rickman, DSW, LCSW-C, serves clients throughout Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C. She has provided mental health services to children, teens, families, and groups in various therapeutic settings, providing in-home, outpatient, and residential mental health therapy. Carmen has experience working with anxiety, adjustment disorders, depression, trauma, abuse and neglect, and attachment concerns. Carmen is trained in Adoption Competent Therapy, Attachment-Focused Family Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Brainspotting, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Sandtray Play Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy and Theraplay to facilitate positive change, growth, and healing with her clients. She is passionate about helping individuals and families develop the tools and skills necessary to cope with challenges and identify and explore strengths that lead to improved self-worth and quality of life. Carmen views therapy as a collaborative process and welcomes the involvement of family members, care providers, and medical professionals. Carmen specializes in providing trauma therapy to teens and adults.
Athina is an intern with a BS in Psychology from Rutgers University and a background in technology. She is in her final year of her master’s program at Dallas Theological Seminary and is actively pursuing licensure as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC).
At the Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.), Athina serves as both a counseling intern and a member of the Research and Evaluation Team, contributing to direct clinical services and data-informed program development. Drawing on her lived experience along with her academic and professional training, she brings practical tools, creative resources, and a calm, organized presence to her work in the therapeutic space at C.A.S.E.
