216. Diego Vitelli: "Adoptee Identity, the Search for Answers and Sitting in True Authenticity."

Once Upon A Time...In Adopteeland

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Diego Vitelli is a dedicated adoptee-focused therapist, relationship expert, and advocate for racial diversity and LGBTQ+ inclusion. An international adoptee from Colombia, Diego was adopted at approximately five years old by an Irish-Italian family outside of Boston. His lived experience as an adoptee fuels his deep passion for amplifying adoptee voices and fostering spaces where identity, belonging, and healing can thrive.

Now holding a master’s degree in Couples and Family Therapy, Diego specializes in working with adoptees and their families, as well as others navigating complex relationship structures and dynamics. His therapeutic approach is rooted in empathy, cultural awareness, and a commitment to social justice. Whether working with individuals processing adoption-related trauma or those striving for deeper connection within their relationship(s), Diego brings insight, warmth, and a keen understanding of identity’s role in shaping relationships.

Beyond his clinical work, Diego has been a steadfast mentor to adoptees of all ages. He previously served as a youth mentor at Amara, a Seattle-based adoption agency, facilitating post-adoption support programs. He continues to be a supporter of the Colombian adoptee community, having served as an administrator for a global private Facebook group of over 2,400 Colombian adoptees. Additionally, as a Chair member of Aireroots, a local BIPOC adoptee organization, Diego is dedicated to creating inclusive spaces for BIPOC adoptees of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Through community-building, advocacy, and collaboration with like-minded organizations, he works to ensure that adoptees—especially those from marginalized backgrounds—have access to support, visibility, and empowerment.

A fierce advocate for racial equity and LGBTQ+ inclusion, Diego’s mission extends beyond adoption. He is committed to helping individuals and people(s) navigate identity, intimacy, and connection in a way that honors their unique experiences.

Websites: https://www.adopteefocusedtherapy.com/ https://aireroots.com/ https://adoptionmosaic.com/

Mentioned: "Adoption Unfiltered: Revelations from Adoptees, Birth Parents Adoptive Parents and Allies" by Sara Easterly (Author), Kelsey Vander Vliet Ranyard (Author), Lori Holden(Author)

Sara Docan-Morgan’s book; “In Reunion: Transnational Korean Adoptees and the Communication of Family" available on https://www.uwlax.edu/profile/sdocan-morgan/ and Amazon.com

Music by Corey Quinn

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