Elaine Shenk, MS

Adoption Program Director

When talking about what I do, I often start with the phrase “Adoption is a lifelong journey.” I believe this emphatically. It takes a long view of faith and commitment to stay together as a family, building attachment to each other and deepening relationships with each other, all the while understanding that grief and loss is at the very center of what puts our families together. I share ways that core issues of adoption can roll over and reappear at each developmental stage, for both parents and adoptees. I discuss strength-based perspectives for maintaining relationships which promote growth and development. I describe the valuable resources available through Matters of the Heart Counseling and in the community. I often quip that there is hope on the other side and one does get through the challenging days because she and her family are proof. And I also know that without a network of support, things would have been much more difficult.

Elaine holds a Master of Science in Human Services with a specialization in Counseling and is a certified Mental Health Coach. With more than 30 years of personal and professional experience in adoption, she is passionate about helping individuals and families build healthy, thriving relationships at home, in the workplace, and within their faith communities. Elaine is the co-author of Leveling Up: Adoptive Parents and the Adult Adoptee (CrossLink, 2022), written with Dr. Christina Reese. She is also a regular workshop presenter at Filled, the annual retreat for adoptive and foster moms hosted by Foster the Family.

At Matters of the Heart Counseling, Elaine provides one-on-one parent coaching for individuals and couples navigating the adoption journey. Her coaching offers practical guidance, encouragement, and support through the unique challenges of adoptive parenting. Learn more about parent coaching services at: https://mattersoftheheartcounselingllc.com/parent-coaching-lancaster-pa.

In addition to coaching, Elaine is available for speaking engagements, workshops, and professional training events. Her presentations draw from both her clinical knowledge and lived experience, with topics including:

• Trauma and Attachment
• Transracial Adoption
• Parenting Differently
• Parenting Adult Adoptees

To inquire about speaking engagements, training opportunities, or current rates and fees, please contact Elaine at Elaine@mohinfo.com.