Mentorship Program | Spence-Chapin

Teen Mentorship Program

Building Community For Adopted Teens

Founded in 2005, the adoptee-led NYC Teen Mentorship Program welcomes adoptees 13-18 years old to join in monthly events throughout New York City from September to June. This program functions as a group mentoring program connecting young adoptees with adult adoptee mentors 21+, creating spaces for fun activities and thoughtful conversations, all while creating new friendships and community. Discussion-based days center around the adoptee experience, identity formation, how to talk about difficult topics and how adoptees navigate new spaces as we get older. Registration is offered to families per semester, or per year.

FACILITATOR

Jessica M. Luciere

Jessica is a transracial adoptee born in Bogota, Colombia who grew up in Long Island, New York. She is an Adoptee Advocate, working to create supportive spaces for adoptees and their families. Jessica was one of the founding mentors in the NYC Teen Mentorship program which began in 2006, and now is the Manager of Community Engagements at Spence-Chapin, overseeing all community programming. Jessica’s passion for connecting with adoptees and their families has always been the driving force in her work and is the reason she continues to create spaces for adoptee stories and voices.

Meet our Mentors

Our Mentors are all Adoptees themselves!

They volunteer as Mentors because they understand the importance of having Adoptee-centered spaces and creating positive role models for young Adoptees.

Every year, we welcome new faces into our group, and this year is no different! Some Mentors return year after year because this program has made such an impact on them.

Our Mentors are passionate about the work they do in creating open spaces for our adoptive community to connect and learn from one another.

GET TO KNOW OUR MENTORS!

Jessica, Facilitator

Born in Bogota, Colombia; grew up on Long Island
Has been a Mentor since our program was founded
Has worked as a photojournalist and traveled the world covering amazing stories. Also worked in commercial real estate in NYC for several years.
“I love being a mentor to young adoptees because when I was younger, I wished I had someone to give perspective on things only adoptees can understand.”

Lila

Born in Medellin, Colombia; grew up in Maplewood, NJ
1st year as a mentor
Training for the Brooklyn Half Marathon
I want to support others who struggle in making sense of their adopted identity while building community in doing so.

Kayla

Born in Brooklyn
1st year as a mentor
Works in Human Resources
When Kayla is not working she spends her time fine-tuning her creativity and soaking up the world through film photography, home decor, and style.

Layla

Born in Guatemala City; raised in Brooklyn– a true city girl
Was a mentor at All Together Now (A.T.N) and an intern and mentor at Spence-Chapin during MSW program
Loves supporting and being supported by mentees and fellow mentors. “Learn together, grow together”.
Learning American Sign Language

Ruby

Born in Cambodia
1st year as a mentor
I love to play volleyball, take pictures and drink boba!

Alex

Born in Moscow, Russia, I am Tajik and Ukrainian.
1st year as a mentor.
Excited to meet and support other adoptees through community and openness!
Love hiking, traveling, and the arts!

Luke

Born in Bogota, Colombia
Mentor for 3 years
I feel like I am part of a community where we are all different and accepted but we all have one thing in common. It’s a wonderful feeling and great sense of belonging.
I love Star Wars! I have 2 dogs and 2 cats and used to coach diving and swimming.

Andie

Born in China
Mentor for 4 years
No matter the age or background of the adoptee, there is a special understanding and connection that brings us together as a community!
I used to be a barista for several years and learned how to make fun latte art!

David

Born in Buffalo, New York
Mentor for over 10 years
It’s always interesting and exciting to meet with other adoptees and hear their stories.
I can play cello, speak Chinese pretty well, and I love to cook spicy food!

Sydney

Born in China
Mentor for 3 years, I was a mentee in this program for 2 years when I was younger
I have a strong sense of community within the connections I’ve made with  the mentees & mentors, I always enjoy hearing their perspective as young adoptees.
I enjoy singing and writing songs.

Dana

Born in North Carolina
Mentor for 8 years
I was once told by a very wise teen, “my favorite thing about being adopted is that I can discard the things I dislike and keep the things I like – and that’s just who I am”.  At times, the mentees ARE the mentors.
I love a great joke, and I love to make people laugh!

Halle

Born in China
1st year as a mentor
I was a former mentee in the program when I was in high school.
Being an active member of the adoptee community has introduced me to many different kinds of perspectives and broadened my horizons

Doreen

Born in New York
Mentor for over 10 years
I’ve met a community of people with whom I can share my thoughts, fears and emotions regarding adoption and I’m hoping my vulnerability helps the kids feel more comfortable sharing their feelings as well.
I love to travel!

Patricia

Born in Armenia, Colombia
Mentor for 7 years
Since being involved with the mentorship program, I realized how much I want to work with kids, families, and be more involved in the adoption world. I went back to school and got my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. 
I have traveled all over the world and have been to 19 countries!

Lily

Born in China
Mentor for 4 years
This program has given me something I have never had in my life before—a community full of people with similar stories and shared experiences.
I’ve been working on building a Greenland kayak (it’s made with fabric and a wooden frame) with my dad!

Liz

Born in New York
Mentor for 6 years
Having a supportive community like mentorship is invaluable. I feel understood in this kind environment of like-minded people.
I love fashion: mixing and matching all kinds of clothes and accessories.

Parent Groups

Understanding the importance of community, adoptive parents are invited to participate in a separate monthly group. Topics include talking about adoption, advocating for your child and navigating birth family search. Parents whose children participate in the mentorship program are automatically enrolled. If your child is between the ages of 11 and 18 but is not participating in the program, you are welcome to join us.

Are you an adoptee and interested in becoming a Mentor?

Learn More

Contact us

To learn more email [email protected] or call 212-360-0276.