Services for Individuals, Families, and Organizations
Creating spaces where identity, equity, and the adoptee experience meet.
At Shades of Belonging, we recognize that the journey of an adoptee of color is both personal and structural. Whether you are looking for personal guidance, seeking to better support your child, or aiming to build a more inclusive organization, we provide the expertise to help you move forward.
Our work is led by David McCarty-Caplan, PhD, whose lived experience and academic background form the foundation of our restorative, community-centered approach.
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Adoption Coaching & Mentorship
Personalized Support for the Path Ahead
Building a life as an adoptee of color requires a steady look at identity, heritage, and the meaning of belonging. We offer 1:1 mentorship and family coaching that combines research-backed perspectives with real-world understanding.
David provides a trauma-informed space where individuals and families can process their history with dignity. While his research often centers on the intersection of Jewish and Person of Color identities, our coaching services are open to all adoptees of color and their families.
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Focus Areas: Identity exploration, navigating heritage, and family dynamics.
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Our Approach: Trauma-informed, adoption-conscious, and dignity-centered.
2
Organizational & Community Consultation
Building Cultures of True Belonging
We help organizations move beyond surface-level inclusion to create environments where every member feels seen and respected. David brings over 15 years of experience in institutional analysis to help leadership teams address the structural issues that affect service delivery and community health.
We work together to build anti-oppressive frameworks that respect the diverse backgrounds of the people you serve.
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Best For: Adoption-related organizations, advocacy groups, and community leadership teams.
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Focus Areas: Policy review, equity strategy, and structural analysis.
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Research & Program Evaluation
Data-Driven Change with a Human Lens
High-quality data is essential for driving real change, but we believe it must be handled with care. We collaborate on research design, recruitment, and analysis for projects focused on the adoptee experience.
David designs evaluation plans to measure how effectively programs support adoptees and their families. By using tools like thematic content analysis, we help organizations see exactly what is working and where growth is needed.
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Services: Research design, recruitment strategies, and culturally responsive program evaluation.
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Outcome: Academically rigorous and community-centered findings.
4
Speaking & Group Facilitation
Honest Dialogue for Stronger Communities
David facilitates powerful discussions on the complex intersections of adoption, race, religion, and parenting. Our approach is rooted in radical vulnerability, aimed at building stronger relationships and supporting minoritized individuals.
Whether you need a keynote speaker for an event or a workshop leader for a parent group, we create spaces for the authentic, multi-layered conversations that lead to growth.
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Format: Keynote speaking, guest lectures, and workshop facilitation.
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Topics: Identity, restorative justice, and supporting adoptees of color.
Ready to explore how we can work together?
The first step is a simple conversation. Book a 15-minute introductory session to discuss your needs and learn more about our offerings.