Circle Back encourages and empowers Adoptees to return to their adoption story.

Through this new program, led by Holt's expert post-adoption team of Adoptees, we help youth Adoptees lay the foundation for healthy identify development, acknowledge and process different facets of their Adoptee and racial identities, and connect with older Adoptees in a way that is uniquely tailored to each Adoptee and family. Oh, and did we mention it's FUN, too?!

So what is it?

The program is comprised of two one-on-one webcam sessions with a professional Adoptee facilitator — 30 minutes each for ages 5-11, and 45 minutes each for ages 12-18. The format is engaging, with videos, conversation points and personal application. At the end of the two sessions, there is a 45-minute webcam debrief with parents so that the entire family is informed and equipped to continue the conversation and growth together.

Circle Back is open to all Adoptees at $120. But if your child attended Holt Camp 2018, the cost is just $80.

Holt's Circle Back Facilitators

Steve Kalb, LMSW

Steve is the director of adoptee services at Holt and a Ph.D. candidate in the school of social work at Portland State University. Entering his fourteenth year at Holt, Steve is a trainer for adoption professionals and adoptive parents on the value and importance of the Adoptee voice, and presents globally on the international Adoptee experience. Informed by academia, direct work with hundreds of Adoptees, adoption professionals and adoptive families around the world, he continues to develop innovative programming for Adoptees and their families that empower all parties to advocate for a more balanced adoption discourse. Steve lives with his wife and 6-year-old daughter in Eugene, Oregon.

Caitlin Howe, MS

As the adoption services coordinator at Holt International, Caitlin equips and trains families throughout the adoption process and supports Adoptees throughout their lives. Caitlin earned a bachelor of arts in international relations from Boston University and a master's degree in intercultural youth and family development from the University of Montana. As part of her graduate degree, Caitlin spent two years serving in the Peace Corps in Tibati, Cameroon, in West Africa, working with a youth empowerment center. As an Adoptee from South Korea, she is very involved with advocating for and developing programs for Adoptees. Caitlin lives in Eugene, Oregon.