Here’s what people are saying about Maris:

  • “Maris Blechner is the real deal. She knows child welfare issues from the inside and out. After leading an agency, being a parent, conducting workshop and giving keynotes, there is not much that Maris does not know. She is a dynamic presenter, incredibly knowledgeable, and a wonderful professional who has dedicated her life and her career to child welfare.”

    Gerald P. Mallon, DSW, LCSW

    Julia Lathrop Professor of Child Welfare

    Executive Director, National Center for Child Welfare Excellence

    Silberman School of Social Work, Hunter College, New York City

  • “Maris is an incredibly gifted, engaging, and knowledgeable speaker. She brings wisdom, years of experience, compassion, humor, and creativity to her presentations. Her workshops offer an abundance of practical, effective tools, important didactic information, and moving, hopeful anecdotes about resiliency in the face of trauma. Maris is an articulate and passionate advocate for children and their families, and she inspires clinicians and laypeople alike to care as deeply as she does about the welfare and wellbeing of their clients or their loved ones.”

    Lisa Ferentz, LCSW-C

    Psychotherapist, Author, Consultant, Educator

    Founder and Director of The Institute for Advanced Psychotherapy Training and Education, Inc.

    Baltimore, Maryland

  • “Maris has been an adoption advocate most of her life. She is an expert trainer whom attendees rave about. Her knowledge of adoption, her approach, and her skills in speaking go far and above most.”

    Jack Brennan

    Executive Director, Family Focus Adoption Services

    Little Neck, New York

  • “I have had the privilege to learn from and work with Maris for close to 20 years. Whether as a fellow board member at NACAC, a keynote speaker, or a training presenter, she has always brought her best to the table and has been a forerunner in promoting the best possible work on behalf of children, youth, and their families.”

    Kim Stevens, M.Ed.

    Program Director, Advocates for Families First, an alliance of North American Council on Adoptable Children, Generations United, and the National Foster Parent Association

  • “Maris Blechner is the kind of dynamic speaker who comes along once in a great while. With all the charm, humor and insight of a great motivator Maris can reach into the hearts of both families and professionals alike to educate them about the needs of children. She is the kind of speaker that people MUST take the time to hear, learn and enjoy.”

    Sam Pitkowsky

    Conference Chair, New York State Adoptive Parents Committee

  • “Maris Blechner is a Treasure! For 35+ years she has been NYSCCC’s most highly rated conference presenter; and is tireless advocate in both her personal and professional life for doing the right thing for waiting kids. If your organization needs an engaging, amusing trainer; or a consultant to craft program initiatives to find and support find families for waiting kids – Maris should be the first person you call.”

    Susan Collins

    Program Director, NYS Citizens’ Coalition for Children