Angela Kraemer

I was born addicted to heroin and cocaine, spending the first several weeks of my life in the hospital. In my early years, my biological mother was in and out of my life, struggling with addiction and engaging in illegal activities to support it. When I was three, after the death of her father, my 16-year-old aunt stepped in and took full-time responsibility for me. Child Protective Services was a constant presence during those years, as the courts continued to give my biological mother opportunities for reunification, and my aunt’s young age raised concerns.

At age eight, I was officially adopted by my aunt and her partner, who became my adoptive father. Unfortunately, my home life continued to be unstable, marked by domestic violence and substance abuse. When I was 12, my biological half-brother died by suicide. Not long after, my biological mother also died by suicide while incarcerated. At 16, following a violent incident between my adoptive parents, my mom left my father. On my 18th birthday, I found and reconnected with my half-sister, who had been adopted out at a young age.

Years later, after getting married and giving birth to my first child, everything shifted. I no longer wanted to work just for a paycheck—I wanted purpose. But living on one income wasn’t an option. A close friend, a social worker with DCYF, encouraged me to explore this line of work. Within weeks, I knew I had found my calling. Nearly 18 years later, I’m still here—because I understand the need for agencies like mine from the inside out.

My story is far from conventional. Sadly, very few families today are untouched by trauma, abuse, or substance use. While my journey is uniquely mine, I know many others carry stories just as painful—some even more so. I share mine to show the families we serve that no matter what you’ve been through, healing is possible. You can grow into the person you want to be. You can break the cycle—whether you’re the parent or the child.

I never used my childhood as an excuse. Instead, I used it as fuel to become someone different—someone better. Today, my mission is to help families and providers work together to make family time safe—physically and emotionally. A space free from judgment and bias. A space where connection, healing, and hope can grow.