“There comes a point where we need to stop just pulling people out of the river. We need to go upstream and find out why they’re falling in.” – Desmond Tutu

Hello! My name is Pamela A. Karanova, and I live in Lexington, Kentucky. My life has been a profound and often tumultuous journey as an adoptee. Growing up in a closed domestic adoption, I had an unyielding desire to find my birth family—a quest marked by many obstacles and deep heartache. My experiences led me through a path of rebellion, addiction, and incarceration, all stemming from the profound grief of feeling disconnected from my origins and the original abandonment from my birth mother.

Many aren't aware, but adoptees are over-represented in prisons, jails, mental health, and treatment facilities, and we are 4x more likely to take our own lives. The separation trauma and grief from my adoption experience was so overwhelming in my personal journey that, at times, it felt as if it might consume me entirely. I suffered in silence, believing no one could fathom the depth of my pain.

My life began to change when I discovered the Grief Recovery Method. Realizing that my feelings of loss and sorrow were a natural and normal part of the adoption experience was a revelation. This understanding allowed me to finally acknowledge my grief and learn to sit with my big adoptee feelings rather than run from them. The process was transformative—like the sun breaking through clouds, bringing light and warmth to a world that had seemed perpetually dark. Flowers began to bloom in my heart, and life started to hold meaning like never before. I am a freelance writer and share my adoption journey at "The Real Adoptea Moxie" on Substack as well as www.pamelakaranova.com.

The Grief Recovery Method taught me that we have to go through our grief and feel it in order to heal it. This knowledge has been a cornerstone of my journey towards healing and happiness. It is now my mission to share these tools with others in the adoption constellation—adoptees, birth mothers, birth fathers, and adoptive parents—so they, too, can find peace and joy on the other side of their grief. One of the greatest aspects of The Grief Recovery Method, which I haven't found elsewhere, is that it provides the ability to recover. That is huge!

As a Certified Grief Recovery Method Specialist, I am a dedicated advocate for the adoptee community. I founded several vital initiatives, including Adoption: Grieve, Grow, Glo, Adoptee Remembrance Day (October 30th), www.adopteeremembranceday.com, and Adoptees Connect, Inc, www.adopteesconnect.com, all focusing on supporting adult adoptees and anyone impacted by adoption. My work is deeply personal, driven by my own experiences and my unwavering commitment to helping others navigate their adoption journeys. I am honored to have been awarded the Angel in Adoption award by the Indiana Adoptee Network for my contributions to the adoption community.

In addition to my primary focus on the adoption constellation, I also host Grief Recovery Method workshops for individuals impacted by suicide, religious trauma and those within the LGBTQ+ community. These areas hold a special place in my heart, and I am dedicated to serving and supporting those affected by these specific experiences.

In addition to my advocacy work, I hold a nursing assistance license from the University of Kentucky, and I work full-time as an independent professional home health caregiver for over 20 years. Primarily working with the senior population, I am dedicated to prolonging their independence and helping them avoid relocation to nursing homes. This career is incredibly rewarding, as it allows me to make a significant positive impact on the lives of the seniors I care for.

Through my workshops and resources, I aim to provide a safe space for individuals to explore their grief, learn to process their emotions, and ultimately find healing. The Grief Recovery Method has changed everything for me, and I am passionate about helping others discover the same sense of hope and renewal.

In my spare time, I cherish the simple joys of life—whether it’s sipping a warm cup of tea in a cozy coffee shop, watching the sky paint itself with brilliant hues during sunrises and sunsets, or chasing the breathtaking beauty of waterfalls as Kentucky has over 1000! I find immense pleasure in the thrill of climbing mountains, the serenity of kayaking on tranquil waters, and the profound connection with Mother Nature while spending time outdoors. I also love spending quality time with my three adult children, my loyal dog Oso, and my whimsical cat Rainbow Sunshine. These moments, filled with vibrant energy and natural wonders, make life truly delightful and refreshing.

Thank you for visiting my website. I invite you to explore the resources available and join me on this journey towards healing and understanding.

ADOPTION: GRIEVE, GROW, GLO - A CRUSADE TO ILLUMINATE THE INTERSECTION OF ADOPTION, GRIEF & LOSS. WHEN WE GRIEVE, WE GROW, AND THEN WE GLO. INSTEAD OF GRIEVING ALONE IN ISOLATION, LET’S GRIEVE TOGETHER, READY, SET, GO.