Leslie Pate Mackinnon, LCSW

02/19/2022

This is likely more than you wanted to know about my story. What's important is that we have a record of an estimated 4 million women who lost their children to adoption. I use the word "lost" intentionally because if you think we did not want our children, think again! We did it because society, social workers, pastors, or parents told us we had to if we truly loved our child. It was considered selfish and uncaring to do anything less. Thank you to Heidi Marble for allowing me to share about the life-long trauma that never leaves us or the children we relinquished.

11/24/2021

That sound about right Lisy?

graphic: MilkWorks

01/13/2021

Please join us for a discussion of Genetic Attraction and what can go awry, if you're not prepared in advance.

12/20/2018

Last year, 45 babies were taken into state care the day they were born.

04/13/2018

It was my honor to be asked to weigh in on GSA. I recommend this podcast, ADOPTEES ON, to everyone I meet in adoptionland and outside of adoption land. If you want to know what adoption is "really like," ask those that are living it. Then as my wonderful peeps have taught me well, all you have to do is: JUST LISTEN.

04/13/2018

04/13/2018

It was my honor to be asked to weigh in on GSA. I recommend this podcast, ADOPTEES ON, to everyone I meet in adoptionland and outside of adoption land. If you want to know what adoption is "really like," ask those that are living it. Then as my wonderful peeps have taught me well, all you have to do is: JUST LISTEN.

10/12/2017

"Coming Home to Your Self" November 3-4, 2017 Austin, TX Register Schedule/Speakers Sponsor/Exhibit/Advertise Location/Hotel Brochure Conference Pre-Registration Rates Member: Friday $85, Saturday $85 or Both Days $140 Non Member: Friday $110, Saturday $110 or Both Days $175 Student (with valid st...

08/17/2017

Bryan Stevenson is one of my idols. For those who deny racism or say it is time those suffering it's effects should just get "over it" please open your hearts and your ears and listen to this man. People don't get over devastating mistreatment (apartheid,holacaust,on a personal level, even affairs) until the reality of what occurred is acknowledged and responsibility is taken. The timing of when these monuments were erected has meaning, and so do the adamant reactions of those who don't want them to come down. Also, read his book JUST MERCY. It is fabulous.

04/15/2017

Feeling fully recovered from the AAC Conference in Atlanta last week. Always an emotional as well as educational event. Excited to throw my hat into the ring for Southern Regional Director of the AAC. Got my fingers crossed that I will be accepted to "represent" the South, 1st mothers and professionals. I'll keep you posted!

03/20/2017

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/women-family-and-adoption-reclaiming-our-narrative-tickets-32132796058

Please join us Tuesday evening march 21st @ Hunter College in NYC:

Join us for an important Women’s History Month event highlighting DAI's most recent seminal studies led by researchers at the University of Texas at Arlington exploring the options counseling experiences of women who relinquished their parental rights to adoption. For far too long, the experiences o...

03/15/2017

Here is the long-awaited research proving what relinquishing women have been saying for a mighty long time. We can do so much better

Pressure—from any outside source—should never influence an expectant mothers’ decision-making. All expectant parents deserve the help, resources and support needed to make informed decisions for themselves and their families.

Our new Options Counseling Study reveals the various factors in expectant mothers’ decision-making including financial difficulties, social pressures and lack of support: http://www.adoptioninstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Understanding-Options-Counseling-Experiences-in-Adoption-Qualitative-Study.pdf.

02/09/2017

Come join us for a gorgeous spring weekend in Bloomington, Illinois!

Leslie, a first mother, psychotherapist & trainer is working towards a paradigm shift in adoption. She has been building bridges toward a destination with more accurate adoption narratives. Just like the to***co industry, it’s time to challenge the benefits of the sugar-coated version of adoption, g...

01/14/2017

LONG LOST FAMILY will air this Sunday evening on TLC. The series begins with a follow up to four reunions from last season. This allows the audience to understand that reunion is not a one day event, but a journey with highs & lows. I will be in one of the episodes. Set your DVR's or settle in with a box of kleenex.

12/03/2016

http://specials.myajc.com/legacy-loss

Leslie Mackinnon's road to reunion with her long-lost sons