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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.
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.
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.
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.
Returning to China as an Adoptee: The Trip That Opened the Real Journey
China Ties Program Manager Autumn Ackerson reflects on her personal journey as a Chinese adoptee returning to her birth country—and how leading others on their own return trips has shaped her path.
Mental Health Awareness Month: Unspoken Adoptee Stressors — Part 2: The Weight of the Narrative
Explore Part 2 of The Ties Program’s Mental Health Awareness Month blog series, focusing on the unspoken adoptee stressor of “narrative burden.” Learn how adoptees and their loved ones often carry the weight of explaining their story—and how heritage travel, community, and emotional support can help lighten the load.
A Long-Awaited Journey Back to Ethiopia
Join us for the inaugural Ethiopian Ties trip this December. Program Manager Rebecca Blessing shares the heartfelt journey of how this long-awaited heritage experience for Ethiopian adoptees and their loved ones finally came to life.
Mental Health Awareness Month: Unspoken Adoptee Stressors — Part 1: The Ghost Kingdoms
Explore the hidden grief of adoptee “ghost kingdoms” in Part 1 of our Mental Health Awareness Month series on unspoken adoption stressors.
Ties Program Participants Now Eligible to Receive Grants from CH/LSS!
Discover how Ties Program participants can now receive grant funding from CH/LSS to support heritage travel. Learn who qualifies, what the grants cover, and how to apply for this meaningful opportunity.
