Animal advocate Carlyn Montes De Oca embarked on a journey of self-discovery when she took a commercial DNA test in 2019. Expecting to uncover her Jewish heritage within her Hispanic bloodline, Carlyn was stunned to learn that she had been adopted at birth. This revelation shattered her sense of identity, as she discovered that her entire extended family, including 63 first cousins, were aware of her adoption but had kept it a secret from her. Determined to piece together her origin story, Carlyn began a relentless mission to uncover the truth about her past and find out who she truly was. Combining two stories in her new book, Junkyard Girl - her search for her biological family and the story of growing up with loving, overprotective parents, who also happened to be hoarders - Carlyn embarked on a profound journey of self-discovery.

CARLYN MONTES DE OCA is a multi-award winning author of Dog as My Doctor, Cat as My Nurse and Paws for the Good Stuff. She is an international speaker, animal-human health expert, and passionate animal advocate. Ten percent of every purchase of her book Junkyard Girl  benefits Animal Protection New Mexico.

Key Topics:

• Discovering the Adoption
• Growing Up First-Generation Latina 
• The Impact of the Adoption Revelation
• Coping with Loneliness and Shame
• Finding Healing through Writing and Art
• Advocating for Animal Welfare

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