Managing Aggression at Home

Melissa Farrow is the proud mother of many children through birth, adoption, and foster care. With 3 biological children and 4 through public adoption, she continues to also provide foster care services as she has for the past 15 years. Through her variety of parenting experiences, she has become knowledgeable about FASD, ADHD, ASD, PTSD, AFCCA, anxiety, depression, developmental trauma, and developmental delays, as well as sibling adoption and openness. With a BA in Social Development Studies, she believes in empowering individuals through education and community and is passionate about helping families find hope and support.

Jennifer Pengelly serves as a Peer Connector in the East Region at Interwoven Connections, walking alongside families on their permanency journeys. She and her husband have adopted five incredible children through the public system, navigating together the joys and complexities of building a vibrant, blended family. With lived experience in ADHD, FASD, interracial adoption, sibling group adoption, and parenting a large household, Jennifer has become a confident and compassionate resource for others. She deeply believes in the strength of shared stories and the power of connection to support and uplift permanency families walking similar paths.

Sarah West is an adoptive mother of six, each with unique strengths and challenges. Her parenting journey has given her deep experience with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), ADHD, Tourette Syndrome, learning differences, and trauma-informed, attachment-focused care. She’s worked closely with local organizations supporting children and families with diverse needs and is a strong advocate for openness in adoption. Sarah knows raising a family built through adoption can be both deeply rewarding and incredibly tough. When her own family faced challenges they couldn’t navigate alone, Interwoven Connections and the AFCCA program became a vital source of support. Now, as a Peer Connector, Sarah is honoured to share what she’s learned. She’s passionate about helping families build strong, healthy relationships and ensuring no one has to face this journey alone.

This webinar will include a live session with a Q&A period and an opportunity for peer support following the presentation. Data and information collected in this form will not be distributed or shared beyond Parents for Children’s Mental Health.