This week on Fostering Conversations, Amy and Heidi sit down with Rachel Garrett, Utah foster parent and founder of Common Thread, a nonprofit serving teens ages 12–18 who’ve experienced foster care or similar life circumstances. Rachel shares how a small community event grew into a thriving organization that now supports hundreds of teens through joy-filled activities, life skills workshops, mental health resources, and trauma-informed mentorship. We talk about the real-life experiences of teens impacted by foster care, the importance of giving them choice and dignity, and how Common Thread is creating safe spaces where teens can thrive. You’ll hear about the stigmas foster families still face, why trauma-informed language matters, and how you can help create lasting change—especially for LGBTQ+ youth in care. Whether you’re a foster parent, youth advocate, or just curious about how to better support teens, this episode is full of heart, hope, and honest conversation. What you’ll hear in this episode: Why Rachel founded Common Thread and how it grew What trauma-informed support actually looks like for teens The power of giving teens agency and respecting their identity Common myths and stigmas about teens in foster care How Common Thread fosters inclusive spaces, especially for LGBTQ+ youth Real stories of resilience, growth, and love Resources & Links: Learn more: commonthreadut.com Follow Common Thread on Instagram Get involved with Utah Foster Care: Get Involved Guest Bio: Rachel is a dedicated professional with over a decade of experience working with Utah teens both personally and professionally. As a licensed foster parent, trauma educator with Trauma-Informed Utah, certified Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), and former high school teacher, she has gained extensive experience working with youth in Utah. Rachel is the Founder and Executive Director of Common Thread, a nonprofit organization focused on helping teens impacted by foster care and other adverse experiences. Rachel holds a Master’s degree in Psychology with a specialization in Child and Adolescent Development. Her thesis explored the effects of trauma on brain function and behavior. With a passion for integrating the latest trauma research into practice, Rachel is committed to fostering healing and connection and building more resources for young people in Utah. Transcript: transcript_ep59_may25