Our Mission

At Harper-Chapel, we believe that adoptees deserve trauma-informed care and a society that is supportive of their special and unique needs. Our mission is to help create a world where adoptees are met with understanding, compassion, and the tools needed to support their wellbeing, recognizing the complexities of adoption and the need for thoughtful, informed approaches.

Adoption brings with it complex emotional dynamics that require a deep understanding of trauma and attachment. We provide training and support for anyone who cares for, loves, or interacts professionally with adoptees, whether they are adoptive parents, educators, healthcare providers, or child welfare professionals. It is crucial that those around adoptees are equipped to understand and address their unique experiences, fostering a more inclusive and empathetic environment.

We also recognize that adoption is not just a personal matter—it is a human rights issue. The adoption industry in the U.S. generates $25 billion annually, but the needs and rights of adoptees are often overlooked. At Harper-Chapel, we advocate for systemic changes to ensure that adoptees are given equal rights and that ethical considerations are at the forefront of conversations around adoption. Our training is designed to raise awareness about these issues and provide the tools necessary to create a world that is more compassionate and equitable for adoptees.

Meet the team

Sarah and Brenda first connected through their advocacy work on social media, quickly forming a bond over their shared passion for adoptee rights and trauma-informed care. Sarah provided valuable support to Brenda, offering insights to help her better understand and support the adoptee in her care and his family.

When the two met in person, they instantly clicked, feeling like lifelong friends. Their shared vision grew when Sarah proposed the idea of expanding their efforts, offering training and resources to uplift adoptee voices and support adoptive parents in providing trauma informed care. Sarah, an adoptee and trauma-informed counselor, brings a wealth of experience in navigating the complexities of adoption. Brenda, with her background in learning and development and change management, is passionate about creating impactful training programs. Together, they are dedicated to creating a more compassionate and informed world for adoptees and host a podcast called “Constellation Conversations.”

  • Sarah Harper

    CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

    Adoptee, Counselor with a Specialization in Trauma, Educator

    Sarah Harper is a dedicated professional with a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Behavioral Health and Human Development. As a Mental Health Trainer and Consultant at a large non-profit organization in Arizona, she empowers Early Childhood Educators and Professionals with the knowledge and tools to create safe and nurturing environments for children.

    With extensive experience in education and mental health, Sarah has worked as a classroom teacher, a counselor in private practice, and in various agency settings. Her diverse background provides her with a unique and comprehensive understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced by children and families, particularly within the adoption constellation.

    Sarah’s personal connection to adoption runs deep. She is a domestic, interracial adoptee (Hispanic and White) who was raised in a household that supported international adoptees, children from foster care, and family preservation for children in crisis. Her upbringing gave her a unique perspective on the different paths families take and the importance of understanding each child’s unique needs.

    Driven by her passion for education and creating trauma-informed spaces, Sarah has developed a skilled approach to education and training on a variety of trauma-informed topics. She is a sought-after trainer and consultant, providing guidance and support for professionals seeking to incorporate more trauma-informed strategies into their work.

    Sarah's commitment to improving the lives of children and families is evident. She is dedicated to promoting a deeper understanding of adoption, advocating for best practices, and fostering healing and growth within adoptive families.

  • Brenda Chapel

    CHIEF LEARNING OFFICER

    Advocate for Adoptees & Change Management Specialist

    Brenda Chapel is a passionate advocate for adoptees, dedicated to fostering a more equitable world through trauma-informed education and legislative reform. With two Master’s degrees—one in Education from Sacred Heart University and another in Forensic Psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice—Brenda's educational background fuels their commitment to this cause.

    Beginning their career in the helping fields, Brenda worked as a drug and alcohol counselor before transitioning into forensic counseling in the prison and alternative incarceration systems. Having close family struggle with substance use disorder, they always had a heart and compassion for individuals with similar experiences. They later specialized in Global Citizenship and Social Emotional Learning as an educator. Currently, as a Change Manager and Learning and Development specialist, Brenda utilizes their professional skill set to support adoptee voices through the development of trauma-informed training curricula and advocating for systemic reform in adoption and child welfare.

    Brenda is also a former foster parent and current adoptive parent. Having close friends and loved ones experience foster care, Brenda knew from a very early age that children deserved better care and the system needed reform. As a now adoptive parent in an open adoption, Brenda’s personal experience enhances their work, reinforcing their dedication to uplifting adoptee voices.

    Brenda also holds a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Certification from Cornell and has completed training in Global Citizenship from Harvard, with a focus on Sustainable Development Goals. Through their multifaceted experience, they strive to echo and support adoptee voices in the mission for systemic change.