News & Communications

In this closing episode of the Fostering Futures with CAHELP mini-series, Athena Cordero sits down with Dr. Amy Young, Chief of Forensic Pediatrics at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, to bring deeper understanding to the realities of childhood trauma, abuse, and healing.

Dr. Young explains the role of forensic pediatrics and how medical professionals evaluate, diagnose, and support children who may have experienced abuse or significant adversity. She offers insight into how cases are handled with a focus on protecting children, supporting families, and working collaboratively with community systems to ensure safety and long-term well-being.

The conversation highlights the importance of trauma-informed care and early intervention, while also shedding light on the emotional toll this work can have on professionals. Dr. Young shares how that experience led her to create the Resiliency Institute for Childhood Adversity, expanding support for youth beyond crisis response and into long-term healing, education, and opportunity.

This episode brings our Foster Youth series full circle. Reinforcing that while trauma can have lasting impacts, consistent support, advocacy, and access to resources can change the trajectory of a child’s life. It is a powerful reminder of the role each individual plays in protecting and supporting children in their communities.

In this episode, Athena Cordero sits down with Aubrey Carballo, Service Specialist at Desert Mountain Children’s Center and a former foster youth, to share her powerful and deeply personal story.

Aubrey reflects on entering the foster care system at a young age, navigating multiple placements, and adapting to constantly changing environments, beliefs, and family dynamics. She shares what it was like to experience separation from her siblings, reunification with her mother, and the realities that followed challenging the expectations she once held onto as a child in the system.

Through her journey, Aubrey opens up about early motherhood, loss, resilience, and the strength it took to keep moving forward. She speaks candidly about identity, belonging, and what it means to rebuild yourself after years of instability and change.

Now a mother, professional, and advocate for children and families, Aubrey highlights the importance of breaking generational cycles and creating a different path forward. This episode offers an authentic, hopeful perspective on growth, healing, and the lasting impact of every experience along the way.