Information About the Workshop:
Navigating Differences in White Space
A Parent Workshop for Adoptive Families Raising BIPOC Youth (Ages 12–18)
Date: April 25, 2026
Time: 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM (with breaks)
Format: Hybrid – In Person or Online via Zoom
⚠️ In-person attendance is limited to 10 participants. Location will be at Wellness Counseling Inc. 755 Winslow Way E. Suite 303, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
Additional participants are welcome to join virtually via Zoom.
Workshop Overview
This workshop supports adoptive parents raising BIPOC children in predominantly white spaces by strengthening their ability to engage in honest, developmentally appropriate, and culturally responsive conversations about race, identity, belonging, and love. Parents will learn to lean into differences while remaining emotionally regulated, connected, and attuned to their child’s lived experiences.
The workshop also highlights how BIPOC adoptees often experience racialized stress that parents may not visibly witness, particularly during critical stages of identity development. Participants will be introduced to practical frameworks and tools that help families navigate conversations about race, adoption, and identity while deepening connection and repairing relational ruptures.
Key Highlights
Participants will learn:
• How to lean into differences rather than avoid them
• How to remain emotionally regulated and connected during difficult conversations
• The Three C’s Framework: Communication, Connection, and Culture
• Practical tools for navigating race, adoption, and identity conversations
• Skills to repair relational ruptures and strengthen family relationships
Workshop Structure
Section 1: Understanding the Adoptee Experience in White Spaces
Section 2: Thoughts, Feelings, Behaviors & Meaning-Making
Section 3: Restorative Conversations & Repair
Led by Nyasha Jackson, Restorative Center Coordinator – Bremerton High School
Section 4: The Three C’s Framework: Communication, Connection, and Culture
Theoretical Foundations
This workshop integrates concepts from:
• General Systems Theory
• Bowen Family Therapy
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Satir Family Therapy Model
Workshop Facilitators
This workshop is hosted by Wellness Counseling Inc.
The workshop is facilitated by Samantha Manaway, LMFTA, who is supervised by Arilda Surridge, LMFT, Owner of Wellness Counseling Inc.
This workshop is led by two African-American women—one grounded in family systems therapy and the other in restorative, trauma-informed practice. Together they offer both clinical depth and relational insight, modeling what it looks like to hold complexity with care while supporting families navigating identity, race, and belonging.
Special Guest
Nyasha Jackson
Restorative Center Coordinator
Bremerton High School
Registration Cost:
Per Person: $100
Per Couple: $140
Sliding Scale: $60
Attendance Options
Please select how you plan to attend:
◻ In Person (limited to 10 participants)
◻ Online via Zoom
Zoom access details will be sent after registration.
Cancellation Policy
Once registered, cancellations are subject to a 50% cancellation fee. Refunds will be issued for the remaining balance.
Full Refund if Wellness Counseling Cancels the Event
Terms and Conditions:
• There are no known conflicts of interest for this training.
• Wellness Counseling Inc. has no part in the financial agreement between you, the participant, and the hotel.
• Grievances: All grievances must be in writing to admin@wellnesscounselinginc.com and will be replied to within 5 - 10 business days.
• This venue is located outside of the United States and may not meet the United States ADA standard.
• Audio and/or visual recording of the training is prohibited.
Acceptance of Risk and Waiver of Liability
I hereby agree to the following:
I am voluntarily consenting to my participation in this event with Wellness Counseling Inc. My participation in this event classes/workshops/trainings/experiential activities is with full understanding and acceptance of the following information:
Any physical activity contains some risk of injury, even serious injury or death. This is always present and cannot be entirely eliminated. Your participation in this event activities may not be recommended for you and may not be safe under certain medical conditions. It is your sole obligation to obtain appropriate medical advice regarding your individual health condition before deciding what level of physical activity is appropriate for yourself.
By consenting to participate this event you agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Wellness Counseling Inc. its affiliates, contractors, and partners of any and all type, and all of their respective directors, officers, employees, representatives, proprietors, partners, shareholders, principals, agents, predecessors, successors, assigns, accountants, and attorneys from and against any and all injury or other loss, including death, which may in any way arise from the services performed by Wellness Counseling Inc. including any willful misconduct or gross negligence. I agree to voluntarily consent to my participation in event activities offered by Wellness Counseling Inc. I accept all risks of such participation, and hereby waive any and all claims against Wellness Counseling Inc. arising from my/our participation.
If at any time during the activities I feel discomfort or pain, I will inform and seek assistance from the teacher. I may rest at any time during the event and I will listen to my body and respect its limits on any given day.
I understand that it is my responsibility to consult with a physician prior to and regarding my participation in any activity program. I represent and warrant that I am physically fit and I have no medical condition that would prevent my participation in fitness classes or workshops.
I recognize that it is my responsibility to notify my teacher of any serious illness or injury before every class. I accept that neither the instructors, nor the hosting facility, are liable for any injury, or damages, to person or property, resulting from my participation in this reatreat.
Exclusion of Participation: In the unfortunate circumstance, if a guest conceals physical and/or health issues, is unfit, and/or causes disruptions that endanger the provision of the service and/or the health of other participants,facilitators, or equipment the guest can be excluded from the participation of the event after an initial warning. If the situation arises, the contract will be terminated without further notice, already paid costs are non-refundable and incurring costs are to be paid by the guest.
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I authorize Wellness Counseling Inc.to make still photograph of my participation in the event. I understand that I am in no way required to grant this authorization, and that I may revoke this authorization at any time by giving written notice to Wellness Counseling Inc. The recordings/photography of my participation may be used for marketing, advertising, and educational purposes.
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I voluntarily agree to the terms and conditions stated above.
I have read the above release and waiver of liability and fully understand it’s contents as well as the Costs/Refund/Cancellation Policies. I voluntarily agree to the terms and conditions stated above.