KAAN 2025: Full Schedule

The KAAN 2025 Conference will take place at The Grand Hyatt in Atlanta, GA, on June 20-22. The theme this year is Growth and Change. As always, we offer an adoptee-only track alongside our general breakout sessions, which are open to all. We also offer programs for adults and youth (ages 8-17). All are welcome, including adoptees, birth families, family members (adoptive parents, spouses/partners, siblings and children of adoptees), service providers, and Korean Americans. We look forward to seeing you there!

If you have any questions, please feel free to email us at tech@wearekaan.org.

Donate to KAAN
KAAN is a Project of The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, fiscal sponsor. This permits KAAN to operate as a nonprofit under TFEC’s 501(c)(3) designation. The official registration and financial information of The Foundation for Enhancing Communities may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free, within Pennsylvania, at 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement. The Foundation for Enhancing Communities is registered in each state requiring such registration for charitable solicitation. Your donation is tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowable by law. Thank you!

arrow_back View All Dates

10:30am EDT

KAAN 2025 Orientation: General Audience

Friday June 20, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT

Buckhead BR 2 (Lower lobby)

Friday June 20, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Buckhead BR 2 (Lower lobby)

General Session (Open To All Attendees)

12:00pm EDT

Community Conversation: Life Course of Adoption*

Friday June 20, 2025 12:00pm - 1:15pm EDT

Buckhead BR 2 (Lower lobby)

A substantial body of research has focused on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on adult mental and physical health; however, little research has quantified this relationship among people who experienced adoption. Findings from the community embedded project “Mapping the Life Course of Adoption” study involving a national survey (N= 464) of U.S. adoptees (18+) will be presented illuminating the relationship between childhood adversities, trauma, adult stressors, and mental and physical health.

This session will also be held on Saturday at 9:45 - 11:00 AM.

Speakers

Hollee McGinnis

Hollee A. McGinnis, MSW, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor at VCU. Dr. McGinnis has almost 30 years of community organizing, practice, policy, and research experience relating to adoption and child welfare. Her work centers the lived experiences of individuals raised in adoptive families... Read More →

Friday June 20, 2025 12:00pm - 1:15pm EDT
Buckhead BR 2 (Lower lobby)

General Session (Open To All Attendees), Repeat Session

1:30pm EDT

Affirming Adoptee Youth Identity

Friday June 20, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT

Buckhead BR 2 (Lower lobby)

"Affirming Adoptee Youth Identity" is designed to explore and provide support to the unique experiences and challenges faced by transracial adoptees in forming their identities. The session highlights the importance of nurturing a strong sense of self among adoptee youth and offers practical strategies for families, educators, and professionals to support adoptees in understanding and celebrating their identity development, cultural heritage, honoring birth families, and personal experiences. Participants will engage in interactive discussions and learn valuable tools to create an inclusive environment where transracial adoptees feel empowered to embrace their multifaceted identities.

Speakers

Brad Belin

With nearly two decades of experience, Brad is dedicated to mentoring and empowering youth + peer educators across various school communities. As the Assistant Head of School at an independent school in MA, he brings a passion for creating inclusive and emotionally safe spaces for... Read More →

Liz Kleinrock

Liz Kleinrock is an award-winning educator and best-selling author, as well as a queer, Jewish woman. In 2018, Liz received the Teaching Tolerance Award for Excellence in Teaching, and in 2019 delivered her TED Talk, “How to teach kids to talk about taboo topics." In 2021, Liz released... Read More →

Friday June 20, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
Buckhead BR 2 (Lower lobby)

General Session (Open To All Attendees)