John DeGarmo

Dr. John DeGarmo is a leading authority on foster care, child welfare, and trauma-informed care. With a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership, he has dedicated his career to improving the lives of vulnerable children in the foster care system. A former foster parent himself, Dr. DeGarmo and his wife have cared for over 60 children in their home, providing him with first-hand experience in the challenges and rewards of fostering.

He is the founder and director of The Foster Care Institute, an organization dedicated to providing resources and support to foster families, child welfare workers, and communities interested in improving the foster care system. Dr. DeGarmo has written extensively on the subject, authoring or co-authoring with his wife Kelly, books such as "The Little Book of Foster Care Wisdom: 365 Days of Inspiration and Encouragement for Foster Care Families," "Love and Mayhem" and "A Different Home: A New Foster Child's Story." He serves as a consultant to foster care agencies as well as an expert witness to legal agencies across the USA and the globe.

A TEDx speaker, Dr. DeGarmo has appeared on CNN, "Good Morning America," and ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, PBS stations. He and his wife are the recipients of the "Good Morning America" Ultimate Hero Award, and the Up With People Every Day Hero Award. The two were recognized with their city's prestigious Citizens of the Year Award. Dr. DeGarmo has also received several other notable honors, including the Hero of the Homeless Award, the Olivet College Distinguished Alumni Award, and recognition as an Exceptional People honoree.