Paula Kyle-Stephens - The Road Back to Me
Paula Kyle-Stephens is a survivor, speaker, and advocate dedicated to shedding light on the realities of foster care and childhood trauma.
Born into a turbulent family dynamic, Paula and her siblings entered the foster system after the tragic loss of their mother. Separated from her sisters and placed in various homes, she faced unimaginable challenges but never lost hope. Her journey through abuse, neglect, and the search for belonging shaped her into the resilient woman she is today.
Paula’s story is not just her own—it resonates with every child, parent, and caregiver who has experienced the struggles of the foster care system. Through her writing and advocacy, she provides hope, healing, and a roadmap to triumph.
Paula comes from a background of being a former Foster Child, in and out of seven homes in the State of Ohio, in the 70’s. The Trauma that she experienced before foster care, has created her career as a Keynote and Foster Care Trainer. This has allowed her to present her story to her audiences, reverting back to her 12-year-old voice, allowing her story as a presentation to deliver a rainbow of hope, encouragement, and resilience in the midst of adversity.
Paula’s keynotes for special events, and foster care training has been called by many the roadmap to be the best foster parents as many times youth bring their own battles with them when placed. Paula has authored and presents three separate trainings for the foster care system. Fostering-The Difference (about the set parents that made the difference), Out of Site, not out of Mind (on sibling separation) and Helping Children and Youth develop Social Skills and Etiquette. All three trainings were delivered at the National Foster Care Conference in Dallas, TX in 2019.
Paula was also honored by the Public Children Services Association of Ohio with a special recognition Award for her book, inspiration through speaking engagements, and help at agencies and foster parent training. Paula attended the PCSAO annual conference In Worthington on Oct 6 to receive her award.
Her speaking travels have taken her under layers of locks into the incarcerated Detention Centers and Youth Prisons throughout Ohio and surrounding states, delivering her presentation on social Skills.