Founder & Executive Director
TBRI® Practitioner
Making Sense of Your Worth Facilitator
Parenting for Positive Self Worth Facilitator

Barbara was immediately captivated when she first learned about trauma care and TBRI®. A few years later, she became a TBRI® Practitioner, driven by a deep conviction to share the life-changing tools she had discovered. She sensed the Lord calling her to start a nonprofit—but she hesitated, asking, "Lord, do you know how old I am?" Despite her doubts, she couldn’t ignore the call, and Made 4 Connection was born. Barbara loves leading our team and equipping parents, teachers, and professionals with the tools of TBRI® that have profoundly impacted her own life. She and her husband, Phil, have three grown daughters, two sons-in-law, two grandchildren, and a crew of grandcats. She loves reading, biking, kayaking, evenings around the firepit, barbecues, and spending time with her family—doing just about anything.

Resident in Counseling
TBRI® Practitioner
Making Sense of Your Worth Facilitator

Joy is a mom of two who knows firsthand the highs and lows of parenting. Her passion for attachment and belief in the power of safe, connected relationships led her to join Made 4 Connection. After working in nonprofits, schools, community mental health, and private practice, Joy saw how transformational TBRI® could be—not just for kids, but for whole families. She became a TBRI® Practitioner and joined this organization because she believes so strongly in its life-changing impact. Joy holds a Master’s in Professional Counseling and strives to bring both warmth and clinical insight to her work. Her Christian faith shapes how she sees people—with dignity and worth. She lives in New Kent with her husband, Nate, and their two children. When she’s not working, this country girl loves exploring the woods with her kids, singing, baking, and finding joy in everyday moments.

TBRI® Practitioner

Lauren first discovered TBRI® while working in residential care, but it wasn’t until she saw its impact on her own family that it truly clicked. In early 2024, she and her husband Will completed TBRI® training with Made 4 Connection and began using the strategies consistently at home—transforming their family life. As a former foster mom and now a parent to both adopted and biological children, Lauren is passionate about helping other families understand and meet their kids’ needs through TBRI®. She and Will are a team in parenting their four children and love doing life together in Norfolk, VA. When she’s not supporting families or keeping up with her energetic crew, you’ll find her at the beach, on a walk, reading, or enjoying an iced coffee.

TBRI® Practitioner

Melissa Nystrom is a TBRI® Practitioner with Made 4 Connection, dedicated to helping families and professionals support children through trauma-informed practices. With a background in nonprofit leadership, early childhood education, and coaching, she equips caregivers, educators, and organizations with tools that build trust, connection, and healing. As a former military spouse, mom of two, and foster parent, Melissa brings lived experience and deep empathy to her work. She has a special heart for families formed through foster care, adoption, guardianship, and kinship. Whether leading a training or encouraging a parent one-on-one, her mission is to create environments where children feel safe, valued, and understood—and where caregivers feel confident and supported.

Administrator

Molly Dempster is the Administrator of Made 4 Connection, where she brings a unique blend of compassion, organization, and lived experience to her role. A mom of one with another on the way, Molly understands firsthand the joys and challenges of caregiving, which fuels her commitment to supporting families and children in meaningful ways. At Made 4 Connection, she keeps the gears turning by managing daily operations, coordinating trainings, and making sure the team has everything they need to shine. Whether it’s juggling schedules or cheering others on, Molly’s all in when it comes to creating connection and bringing healing to life, one thoughtful detail at a time.

TBRI® Practitioner

Stephanie found TBRI® incredibly helpful in her own fostering and adoption journey, and now she’s passionate about sharing it as a TBRI® Practitioner. She not only uses these strategies at home with her own kids, but also brings them into her classroom as a middle school math teacher with James City County Public Schools. When she’s not driving her busy crew to sports and activities or teaching math, Stephanie loves reading, playing softball, and spending time outdoors. She and her husband, Larry, have ten kids (yes, really!) and three grandchildren. This busy mama calls Williamsburg home.