Leslie Hales, LCSW, PIP, is a trauma-certified social worker, speaker, and trainer dedicated to helping professionals and families navigate the complexities of adoption and foster care. With more than 25 years of experience, she combines professional expertise with lived experience as an adult survivor of childhood trauma, an adoptive parent, and co-parent of a sibling group of five from foster care. Her relatable style makes challenging topics accessible and meaningful for diverse audiences. Leslie earned her Bachelor’s in Social Work from University of Southern Mississippi and her Master’s from The University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa. Her career spans child welfare and medical social work, and she serves as a Credentialed Course Instructor and Field Liaison at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Social Work. Through research-based insights and personal stories, Leslie empowers audiences to address trauma, balance expectations, and bridge theory with practice.