God’s Unexpected Call to Heal Hearts | Kyle Mitchell’s Journey

Fostering & Adoption Podcast with Nikki & Sam

God’s calling on Kyle Mitchell’s life was truly unexpected. With years of experience in youth ministry, social work, and parenting four children of his own, Kyle never imagined his journey would lead him to become a leading advocate and trainer for foster and adoptive families. Through decades of working with kids “from hard places,” Kyle has learned that the real key to helping children heal isn’t just about following strategies—it’s about understanding their hearts and your own. In this episode, Kyle shares how his path took surprising turns—from youth ministry to CPS investigator to group home director—and how every step prepared him for his current mission: equipping parents with the tools and compassion they need to truly connect with their children. He opens up about the challenges and rewards of implementing trust-based relational intervention (TBRI), why understanding the “why” behind a child’s behavior matters, and how even seasoned parents can be surprised by what foster care brings. When faced with the complexities of trauma, loss, and change, Kyle had a choice: to get overwhelmed by the obstacles, or to trust God’s plan and lean into the promise that every child—and every parent—can find healing and hope.