Just As Special

Aug 16, 2022

Former pro basketball player, Nick Thompson, became a child welfare revolutionary when he opened up a non-traditional group home for boys aged 10-15 years old with his wife. 

Unlike other residential care facilities, Brad's House never utilizes restraining or seclusion tactics to handle big behaviors, relies on strong...

Aug 2, 2022

A 12-year-old LGBTQ+ tween shares what it's like to be in foster care and go through the adoption process from their perspective — and dispenses much sage advice for foster and adoptive parents along the way.

May 24, 2022

Charell Star is a former youth in care and current foster care advocate, NYC television personality, and so much more.

She draws on her personal experiences in the system to give us practical ways we can support youth in building a successful future for themselves — and how to cultivate a deep sense of joy no...

May 3, 2022

This episode delves into how to set healthy boundaries — with the foster care system, with the kids in our care, and with ourselves.

 Just like in Part 1, Dave and Lottie use examples of their work with horses to bring their lessons to life.

See photos and more at

Apr 19, 2022

It turns out horses and kids in foster care have a lot in common.

Lottie Grimes and Dave Wyner are both longtime trauma counselors and co-founders of Groundwork Ranch which provides free equine-assisted learning programs for foster and adoptive parents.

Just As Special host Natasha attended this training before sitting...