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Ties Traveler: Meet Emily
Walk with Emily as she reflects on her first trip back to Korea on the inaugural Korean Ties First Wave tour. From overcoming zero interest in Korea to being a full fledged ARMY, Emily’s story will spark familiarity among other adoptees who “get it”.
Ties Traveler: Meet Liz
Meet Liz Sevigny (they/them/她). Liz is a Chinese adoptee from Yueyang in Hunan Province and a participant in our inaugural China Ties Adult Adoptees Age 21+ heritage journey. Liz shares reflections on returning to their birth country, traveling alongside fellow adult adoptees, and the meaningful experience of meeting with their birth family during the journey.
Intercountry Adoptee Rights and Safety Guide: What to Know in 2026
Stay informed, prepared, and supported as an intercountry adoptee. This living guide offers practical tips on rights, documentation, travel, and community resources, helping adoptees navigate immigration enforcement and complex legal questions with confidence and care.
Goodbye 2025, Hello 2026
Dr. Tanya Kaanta, Director of the Ties Program, reflects on 2025 - acknowledging the transformation of the adoptee space and the what Ties brings to the table. She also looks forward to what 2026 will bring for Ties the broader adoptee landscape.
File Reviews & Birth Search in the Age of NCRC: Part 2
In this two-part series, program manager and Korean adoptee Liz Kwon personally reflects on how birth search and file reviews are being handled since NCRC took over adoptee files earlier in 2025.
File Reviews & Birth Search in the Age of NCRC: Part 1
In this two-part series, program manager and Korean adoptee Liz Kwon personally reflects on how birth search and file reviews are being handled since NCRC took over adoptee files earlier in 2025.
Introducing Our NEW Program! Language at the Lake (Atitlan, Guatemala!)
Ties is offering a new immersive program in Guatemala for all adoptees and their loved ones. Read about the program here.
A Journey Back to Guatemala: How One Adoptee Found Connection Beyond Birth Search
Former Ties Traveler, Gabby Mendez, reflects on what it feels like to travel to your birth country without accurate birth records.
Positionality, Identity, and Adoption: Lessons from the Summer Adoption Research Institute
Hear from Senior Program Manager, Sarah Kurtzahn, as she reflects on her time at the Rudd Institute from the viewpoint of someone who is connected to adoption in a non-traditional way.
Returning to Research: Reflections on the Rudd Institute’s Adoption Masterclass
Follow Ties owner and executive director, Tanya Kaanta, as she reflects on her time at the Rudd Adoption Research Program.
Wellness Check-In: A Guided Reflection for Adoptees
While National Wellness Month is ending, it’s never too late to practice wellness all year around. We invited Astrid Castro, Founder and CEO of Adoption Mosaic, to speak on ways for adoptees to incorporate wellness practices into your every day life.
Ties Returns to Colombia: A Journey of Connection, Culture and Homecoming
Ben Kaanta, Colombia Ties Program Manager, reflects on Ties’ return to Colombia and how geographical and cultural layers can inform an experience.
Boundaries as an Adoptee: Self-Love Tips for Adoptees From an Adoptee
Lian Norris, owner of You Can Yoga and a Chinese adoptee, provides boundary tips for adoptees.
Turning Pain Into Purpose with Simon Benn of Thriving Adoptees
Thoughts from Simon Benn of Thriving Adoptees and Tanya Kaanta, Director of the Ties Program, on healing from adoption trauma.
Kazakhstan Ties 2025: Carrying the Torch, Continuing the Legacy
Join owner Tanya Kaanta as she reflects on what Ties means to her, from her first experience in Kazakhstan in 2019 to her most recent, in 2025.
Returning to Korea: A Personal and Evolving Journey Through Heritage Travel
In this powerful reflection, Korean Ties Program Manager Sarah Kurtzahn shares her personal experience traveling to South Korea with her husband (a Korean adoptee) and their young son. From exploring Seoul in 100°F heat to navigating Korea’s evolving post-adoption landscape, Sarah reflects on how heritage travel, adoptee identity, and family connection continue to intersect in meaningful ways.