Daily Inspiration: Meet Kristen Thomas

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristen Thomas.

Hi Kristen , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Aging out of foster care felt like the ending to my story. Homeless, living in my car and very little joy’s in life to pull from when life went silent and still. Almost stagnant – You truly have no idea how many hours are in a day until you are completely alone trying to make sense of the world. From a young age I have always loved people and making others feel seen and supported. And in the midst of the cruel abuse and neglect, the light I found was in my faith and community. Along the way I am so thankful that God allowed my heart to stay soft and open to the good always around me. Losing two parents to suicide and not having an anchored place of belonging used to define me, but now it is the genuine hope I have to share with others.

Today I am an adoptive parent, a therapist, a non-profit leader, and a public advocate/speaker. Every week I have the opportunity to serve my clients, their families, and a stunning group of foster/adoptive young adults as they receive the joy and healing power of togetherness.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Trauma is pervasive in how it has affected my brain, body and soul. Learning how to show up in the world as healthy as possible has been a huge challenge. There are still so many life skills that I feel far behind my peers on, but I have to remind myself how far I have come and living a beautiful life is a huge win in itself. I am proud of my accomplishments but being in the top .05% of foster youth who receive a Master’s degree took levels of sacrifice and grit that most may never understand. I truly hope the work that we are doing in this community can open further doors and opportunities for the foster youth behind us.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a Clinical Mental Health Therapist who loves to incorporate play into sessions for all ages and challenges! Our brains and bodies tend to prefer playful engagement as a way to heal and process trauma. Interventions can sometimes look like introducing clients to the nervous system, working on more compassionate and helpful filters for our self-talk and perspectives to even playing games that allow for connection and less pressured conversations. I LOVE seeing clients feel like they can show up as themselves and receive genuine care and support in the many areas of life that can be challenging to navigate.

What were you like growing up?
I LOVE dinosaurs, like it’s a whole thing. Started with my adoration of Barney and Friends to the Jurassic Park/World series. My favorite dino (in case you are wondering is either the Pachycephalosaurus (think bowl head) or the classic TRex. I still collect heart shaped rocks and shells, and before you think that maybe it’s the ’tism” I am ADHD and a 7 on the enneagram. I love being silly and making others feel welcome and wanted. I have a knack for a witty response or sending a whole conversation through just emojis. I am a fierce lover of lavender and gluten free chocolate chip cookies.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tamarisk.community/
• Instagram: @kristenalexthomas
• Other: https://www.cornerstonecounselingnc.net/kristenthomas