Joseph Toles is a New York State licensed Mental Health Counselor, entrepreneur, and father of eight adopted young men. He received his MS in Sports Psychology from Brooklyn College, and he specializes in the comprehensive assessment of adolescent needs. A former Division One All- American Track and Field athlete at Auburn University, Joseph also earned the honor of leading the Tigers as Captain. Having grown up in the New York State foster care system, Joseph has dedicated his entire professional career to working with community-based not- for-profit service agencies and public education. In 2005, Joseph formed The Joseph Toles Foundation to continue his work of supporting families beyond what could be done at an agency. He believes that “family” is the best way to help a child who has been placed in the foster care system. In 2016 Joseph retired from his full-time responsibilities as School Counselor, Coach and Mentor to “evolve” while continuing his mental health practice. He has since assisted professionals seeking a license as a Mental Health Counselor by teaching graduate courses for Alfred University, hosted a Geico sponsored series of social media shows for The Dad, created multi-media videos which he distributes via social media and has authored his first book, The Spirit of Christmas. Joseph spends most of his time working towards educating and encouraging people to learn more about the plight of children who are living their lives in the foster care system. He uses his story to demonstrate the impact positive connections can have on a child and how family is the most powerful elixir.