About Paula Maddox
Paula Maddox is a lived experience adoption trauma parent. She is the mother of two adult adoptee children, each with their own behavioral issues as a result of separation loss from biological parents.
For nearly 25 years, Paula and her former husband have endured the harsh realities of childhood trauma, along with the daily and long-term psychological, emotional and physical impact of behavioral symptoms on family members. She has lived and loved through compassion fatigue and secondary trauma.
Paula’s son Caleb is a young adult in recovery for mental health conditions as a result of adoption trauma, as well as alcohol use disorder. Her daughter Ana struggles from her own issues from separate loss, as well as secondary trauma from exposure to her brother’s behaviors.
Paula is traveling a path to full recovery with Caleb as he struggles with daily challenges, while demonstrating personal courage and seeking continued supportive care. Paula also shares unlimited support and counsel to her daughter while she navigates a healthier and happier pathway, also as a young adult.
While their journey’s to healing inner wounds is only theirs to tell, Paula shares a mother’s intimate perspective on the impact of symptomatic behaviors on the family, and the importance of building awareness about separation loss, adoption trauma, and secondary trauma. This perspective is vital for youth organizations supporting children of trauma, caregivers, the mental health community and adoption and foster agencies.
Adoption trauma plays a significant role in the mental health crisis faced by families. From youth to adulthood, adoption trauma is a powerful force that diminishes an individual’s capacity to thrive.
As a mental wellness speaker, write and advocate, Paula is committed to helping build awareness of:
- The prevalence of adoption trauma,
- Education of future adoptive and foster parents to adoption trauma symptoms and resources,
- The need for early intervention and treatment planning,
- The long-term impact on an individual’s quality of life as an adult and their ability to be self-sufficient, and
- Caregiver and family support and self-care education and resources.
Paula is working on her first book which focuses on her perspectives as a lived experience adoption trauma parent. She finds writing and speaking about this vital mental health issue both therapeutic and part of her life’s purpose to advocate and bring transparency to this often-forgotten mental health issue.
Paula previously worked in marketing and fundraising in both for-profit and not-for-profit industries. Throughout her career, public speaking to large and small groups has been an enjoyable role for educating and providing insight to various audiences. Paula holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelors of Science in Marketing, and is a constant learner.
When searching for a lived experience adoption trauma speaker, Paula Maddox fills this unique need. She will engage, educate and inspire your audience. Paula also shares personal perspectives by authoring content for websites, print and e-publications, and social media.
To discover what Paula can do for your audiences, call 515-314-5070 or email paula@thefirstloss.com.