Speakers

Andrew Stinson | FRTC Interim Director

Andrew started as a Foster Parent Trainer with the Family Resource & Training Center. He continued to grow and display that he was a leader and advocate for families and staff, and he took on more responsibility with the trainer team for the state. From there, Andrew transitioned into the director position. 

Andrew's passion for everyone to be valued and for equanimity has led him to wear many hats. He wears the hat needed in the adventure he has been asked to journey in. He is punny, full of compassion, and a teacher of many things.  He is patient and has lots of grace, knowing change is slow and evolutionary. He looks for ways he and we, as humanity,  can do better. His reflection shows that he loves to educate and empower every child, person,  and family to know, be, and share love. 

Andrew and his wife, Dawn, have eight children (5 birth and 3 forever fosters). As pastors and foster parents, they have been active mentors of hundreds of children and parents. They currently live in beautiful Coeur d'Alene. 

Kiantha Duncan | Keynote

Kiantha Duncan is a soulful healer, leadership consultant, author, speaker, and advocate for healing and self-discovery. With a life shaped by resilience, she stands at the intersection of compounded trauma and a divine calling, using her lived experiences to foster healing in others. A former foster child, she has turned her journey through adversity into a beacon of hope and transformation for individuals and communities alike.

Kiantha is the author of several deeply reflective and transformative books, including Excavating the Soul: A Soulful Journey Through Trauma-Informed Healing, Excavating the Soul: Fostering a Healing-Centered Journey for Foster Parents, May Have Some Scars: A Soulful Excavation Journey Addressing Abandonment, To Thine Own Self… A Healing Journey to Self-Esteem, Self-Worth, and Self-Actualization, and In Plenty and In Want: A Soulful Excavation Exploring Poverty, Privilege, and Abundance. Through her writing, she empowers readers to engage in honest self-exploration and healing, creating spaces for individuals to unearth their truest selves.

Beyond her literary contributions, Kiantha is a community leader, former advice columnist, and organizer known for her advocacy work. She has contributed to esteemed publications in the Pacific Northwest, including The Spokesman-Review, where she authored the “Dear Kiantha” advice column, providing wisdom and guidance on personal and societal challenges. Her Soulful Living brand extends to various platforms, where she engages in storytelling, public speaking, and leadership consulting to inspire change.

Kiantha's work is deeply rooted in trauma-informed care, emphasizing resilience, emotional healing, and personal empowerment. She believes in the power of storytelling as a catalyst for growth and transformation, encouraging individuals to face their trauma with courage and compassion. Her books and teachings serve as tools for those navigating their own soulful excavations, fostering healing-centered journeys that lead to self-awareness and fulfillment.

Through her life’s work, Kiantha continues to illuminate the path toward wholeness, ensuring that individuals, particularly those who have experienced adversity, find empowerment, belonging, and the ability to heal.

Corinne Pickett, MA, MT-BC | Unison Music Therapy LLC

Corinne Pickett, MA, MT-BC has a Master's degree in Music Therapy from Saint Mary of the Woods College in Indiana with an emphasis on mental health. Her company, Unison Music Therapy has been working with individuals in Foster Care for the last several years. As an Idaho native, she has a great love for the people of Idaho and is passionate about providing quality care. 

Learn more about Corinne here.

AUBREY DOKOS, MT-BC | Unison Music Therapy LLC

Aubrey is a Board Certified music therapist who loves using music to connect with clients and finding personalized ways to help them achieve their goals.

Aubrey graduated from Utah State University with a BS in Music Therapy after completing a six month internship at the VA Illiana Health Care System in Danville, IL. She was privileged to serve veterans in a variety of clinical settings including psychiatric, substance abuse rehabilitation, long-term care, palliative care, Alzheimer’s, and acute hospital units. After graduating she continued to work at the VA for 4 years. Since that time Aubrey has seen private music therapy clients as well as taught private piano, guitar and voice lessons, and elementary school music. She is thrilled to be joining the Unison Music Therapy team and is excited to help more people receive the benefits of music therapy services in Eastern Idaho. 

Aubrey lives in Idaho Falls with her husband and three children. She loves to travel, bake, spend time in the outdoors, read, play games and cherishes time spent with her family. 

Marjean Hazen | IDHW Foster Care Program Manager 

Marjean obtained her BSW in 1999 from Idaho State University and a  Master’s Degree in Social Work from Boise State University in 2009.  She has worked with the Department of Health and Welfare since January of 2001 but has been the Foster Care Program Manager since October 2020.

What she loves most is the people she works with and for.  She loves meeting new families who are willing to serve others by opening up their hearts and homes to children and families in need. Marjean also loves her co-workers and peers! She views her region 5 office and the team as her extended family.  And now, that is growing and she has learning to build a family across the state, although visitation is more difficult due to covid.