Bonus Babies
The Anthem Awards-winning BONUS BABIES podcast is the only series of its kind to explore the foster care system through the immersive, 360-degree perspective of a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer. Through powerful firsthand accounts from foster youth, former foster children, caregivers, attorneys, social workers, therapists, adoptees, foster and adoptive parents, and community advocates, the podcast delivers an unflinching look at the realities of life within the child welfare system.
Hosted and created by Jayne Amelia Larson, a CASA volunteer herself, BONUS BABIES examines the foster care “maze” in much the same way a CASA approaches a case: by listening to every voice, seeking out every perspective, and ensuring that the experiences of vulnerable children are seen, heard, and understood. The series documents both the heartbreaking failures and inspiring successes of the system while fostering open, honest conversations about trauma, resilience, advocacy, and belonging.
By blending investigative curiosity with compassionate storytelling, BONUS BABIES creates a platform that educates audiences, amplifies lived experience, and encourages meaningful social engagement. The podcast has resonated with listeners around the world for its emotional depth, cinematic production quality, and commitment to illuminating stories that are too often overlooked.
Original music is composed by Christina Apostolopoulos. Audio engineering and mixing are provided by Adam Harr of Blue Oak Mastering. Cover art is by John Crowther, and the Executive Producer is Jake Eberle.
Bonus Babies
Traci Gurley-Tomashosky: You Just Have To Be Consistent
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Jayne Amelia speaks with child advocate and executive director of CASA of the Ninth in Colorado, Traci Gurley-Tomashosky. Traci is a distinguished educational leader and advocate with over 22 years of experience dedicated to the development and success of children and youth. Currently serving as the Executive Director for CASA of the Ninth, Traci combines a deep clinical background in special education with a visionary approach to community-based advocacy. Her career is defined by the unwavering conviction that every young person, regardless of their starting point, can achieve significant growth when met with evidence-based support and authentic human connection. She also recently became a CASA as well, and has gained a better understanding of what it means to advocate for a children in need.
Traci’s professional foundation is built upon academic training and a multidisciplinary suite of licensures including a Master of Arts in Educational Psychology (2007), Specialist Endorsement in Early Childhood Special Education (2012), and a Bachelor of Arts in Speech-Language and Hearing Sciences (2005). As well as professional licensure as an Elementary and Early Childhood Educator, Special Educator, and Speech-Language Pathology Assistant, providing her with a holistic understanding of the developmental spectrum from infancy through adolescence.
Throughout her 18-year tenure as a Director and Special Educator, Traci has mastered the complexities special education and trauma informed educational practices. Additionally, she ensures that the organizations she leads remain in strict compliance with evaluative timelines and documentation standards, while never losing sight of the individual child.
Traci's vision for community impact and leadership philosophy is rooted in transparency, authenticity, and cultural humility. She actively fosters environments that celebrate diversity and invite family partnership, believing that learning is most impactful when it is centered on the student’s unique interests and lived experiences. Under her direction, the focus of CASA of the Ninth is on building robust, trusting relationships—not only with the families served but across multidisciplinary teams—to ensure that the systems supporting our youth are as resilient and compassionate as the children themselves.
https://www.ileadwithlove.org/care-for-the-caregivers-program
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