Featuring Appearances by
Michael McSurdy
McSurdy serves as President and CEO for the Nashville-based non-profit Family and Children's Service, which provides counseling and other services for children and adults.
Helen Johnson
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Curtis Shaw
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Agenda
September 7, 2017
Family Beginnings 'Beyond the Traditional': Brandi Reeves - 'Addict Forms Family of Choice in Early Recovery'
After 15 years of opioid use and abuse, Brandie Reeves woke up one morning in rehab convinced she was about to die. With the support and inspiration of women she met in rehabilitation, Brandi pushed through her recovery. Today, she has been able to persevere; thanks to those women and a family of choice forged along the way.
September 7, 2017
Family Beginnings 'Beyond the Traditional': Michael McSurdy - 'Adopting a 27-year-old man'
1997, working at the College of Social Work at UT. Michael met Michael a really neat, smart 16 year old kid who just wanted to finish high school and go be an adult. Michael brought Michael home and helped him with this goal. This is the story of how over the next 10 years a kid who didn't want a family got one.
September 7, 2017
Family Beginnings 'Beyond the Traditional': Helen Johnson - 'Teen goes to Ethiopia to get a brother'
Helen Johnson, 15, the first teen speaker at Nashville Storytellers, has six siblings, three of which are adopted. Helen shares her experience, as a 9 year old, traveling to Africa to pick up one of her siblings.
September 7, 2017
Family Beginnings 'Beyond the Traditional': Curtis Shaw - 'Shopping for egg donors!'
Curtis Shaw and his husband decided they wanted children. All they had to do was find an egg donor, and another woman to carry their child. Well, children. The couple now are proud parents of twin boys.