La Grange Woman Empowers Over 50 Foster Children Through Compassionate Care
La Grange Native Fosters More Than 50 Children Since Her 20s
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Sarah Michaels, a La Grange native and nurse, has fostered over 50 children since her early 20s after witnessing the need for safe homes during her hospital work. Her journey highlights the importance of fostering, especially for teenagers facing significant challenges.
- 01Sarah Michaels began fostering children at age 23 after witnessing their struggles in hospitals.
- 02She has cared for over 50 foster children, often welcoming multiple kids at once.
- 03Michaels has adopted two children when reunification was not possible.
- 04Her experience in foster care has influenced her leadership style as chief clinical officer at Kinetiq Health.
- 05She advocates for fostering older youth, emphasizing their resilience and potential for positive change.
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Sarah Michaels, a native of La Grange, Illinois, began her journey as a foster parent at age 23 after working as a nurse at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis. Witnessing children remain in hospital beds due to a lack of safe homes, she felt compelled to help fill this gap. Over nearly a decade, she has fostered more than 50 children, often taking in four to six at a time, primarily teenagers facing complex mental health and behavioral challenges. Michaels has adopted two children when reunification was not feasible, demonstrating her long-term commitment to fostering. A graduate of Anderson University and an alum of the Orr Fellowship, she now serves as the chief clinical officer at Kinetiq Health. Michaels recently spoke at the New York Stock Exchange, reflecting on her unexpected career path from clinical work to leadership. As National Foster Care Day approaches on May 5, she hopes to inspire others to consider fostering, particularly older youth, who she believes can thrive with the right support.
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Michaels' story raises awareness about the need for foster homes, particularly for teenagers, and encourages community involvement in foster care.
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