Hi, I’m Selena—founder and storyteller behind Memoirs of a Middle Mama.

The “middle” fits me well. I’m currently in the middle of raising seven kids (ages 4–14), the middle of the foster care and adoption world, and the middle of juggling marriage, faith, and community. Life here is messy, loud, and full of both heartbreak and joy—but I wouldn’t trade it.

I created this space because I know how isolating the middle can feel. Parenting, fostering, adoption, trauma, resilience—these aren’t easy roads. But they’re also filled with beauty: small victories, everyday laughter, and the strength that shows up when you least expect it.

Beyond sharing my own story, I bring my background and work into this space. I hold a PhD in Youth Development and Family Science, I teach on trauma and resilience, I work with youth who are aging out of foster care, and I spend much of my time encouraging and equipping foster/adoptive parents and child welfare professionals.

This isn’t a place for perfection. It’s a place to name the hard, celebrate the good, and remind each other we’re not alone in the middle.

Welcome, friend. I’m so glad you’re here.