About
Katie Kibort-Gibbons

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“I want to make adoption child’s play!”

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Book

About Katie

Hi, I’m Katie Kibort-Gibbons—children’s book author, adoption advocate, licensed therapist, and proud mom of two incredible boys. Oh, and did I mention? We’re all adopted!

Adoption isn’t just part of my story—it is my story! I was adopted as a baby, and later in life, I adopted my two sons. Between my personal journey and my professional background as a therapist specializing in child and adolescent trauma, I’ve seen adoption from just about every angle. I’ve worked with kids learning to understand their identities, parents navigating tough questions, and families finding their rhythm.

With all of this experience—both in my heart and in the therapy room—I know the joys, challenges, and in-between moments that come with adoption. And that’s exactly what I bring to the world through my books and my podcast: honest, hopeful conversations and stories that help adopted kids feel seen and help grown-ups feel a little more prepared for the ride.

I believe adoption is beautiful and complex—and every family deserves support, laughter, and stories they can relate to.

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What is driving me right now to write my children's books and create a podcast for people adopting is my desire to present all things adoption with love and sunshine attached to it.

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I am passionate about sharing everything I have experienced and learned over the years because my outlook is unique but, most importantly, filled with hope and positivity. I also KNOW that many adoptive parents who are not adopted need this information. They need my work so that they can also hear stories that are honest and not always a happy outcome but real and motivating.

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A family of three posing outdoors near a weathered barn, with a river and trees in the background, during sunset.
A dog and a cat lying close together on a bed, resting.

When I’m not working…

When I’m not working with clients, I'm spending time with my family. As I mentioned, my 2 sons were adopted from Belarus, so talking about adoption happens often in our family. Many of these conversations will end up on my podcast or in my books!

Some of my hobbies include gardening and playing golf. As a therapist, good self-care is so important, and these 2 activities are huge stress relievers for me. Other than that, I hang out with our 3 cats and our dog, who are the life of the party and stars of my books!


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Many people do not know this but counseling is a second career for me.  My first career was in accounting as a Federal Agent for the Criminal Investigation Division of the Internal Revenue Service. That’s a big title!  As exciting as that job was, it was working with the witnesses, interviewing suspects, and assisting the children of individuals who committed crimes which got my mind refocused on my passion for psychology and working with children!

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Missouri Baptist University, MA Counseling Education, MA Clinical Counseling, 2012

National Board of Certified Counselors, NCC, License number 792605

Illinois Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, License number 180.010634

Missouri Licensed Professional Counselor, License number 201.4046