Shelley Ballard is an adoptive parent and practices law with Ballard Desai Bush-Joseph & Horwich, exclusively in the area of adoption and reproductive technology law. She is active in legislative efforts to improve adoption law. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys, has twice chaired the Chicago Bar Association Adoption Law Committee, and is active in legislative efforts to improve adoption law.
Cherie Jones Das is a licensed clinical social worker and the International Adoption Coordinator for Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois. Cherie sits on the Hands Around The World Board and has coordinated programs, developed curriculum, and taught at their culture camps. She is the mother of two children by adoption.
Patricia Dischler is the author of several books, including Because I Loved You: A Birthmother's View of Open Adoption (2006, Goblin Fern Press) and a columnist for Adoption Today Magazine. She speaks nationally at early childhood and adoption conferences, is a board member of the National Association of Family Child Care, the Wisconsin Family Child Care Association and the Wisconsin Early Learning Coalition. She was the recipient of the 2007 Wisconsin Governor's Award for excellence in the field of child care.
Dressner, Jill M. Special Ed Advocacy Center NFP PMB 274 1935 S Plum Grove Rd. Palatine, IL 60067 847-736-8286
seac@specialedadvocacycenter.orgwww.specialedadvocacycenter.org Jill M. Dressner is a product of the Walter Knott Elementary School special education program due to a speech and language impairment. She graduated from Creighton University School of Law. Prior to attending law school, Ms. Dressner was an elementary school teacher; she taught in both regular education and special education settings. Ms. Dressner is an adjunct professor of law teaching Special Education Law at Loyola University Chicago School of Law as well as a guest lecturer at DePaul and Kent Law Schools.
Evans, Bea The Ties Program 10520 W. Bluemound Rd. Wauwatosa, WI 53226 866-231-7088
Bea@AdoptiveFamilyTravel.comwww.AdoptiveFamilyTravel.com Director Bea Evans has been organizing and leading adoptive families on homeland journeys to Latin America, Asia and Eastern Europe since 1994. As a parent, former classroom teacher and adoption advocate, she loves spending time with kids and their families as they journey to their countries of birth. Finn, Kristi Metropolitan Family Services 222 E. Willow Avenue Wheaton, IL 60187 630-784-4975 finnk@metrofamily.orgwww.metrofamily.org Kristi Finn, a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC), earned her master's degree in Clinical Counseling from Argosy University at Illinois School of Professional Psychology in 2003. Kristi completed her master's level internship at Illinois Youth Center - St. Charles, working with adolescents on the Special Treatment Unit within the Department of Corrections. Since May 2008, Kristi has been employed at Metropolitan Family Services as a full-time Adoption Preservation Therapist working at the Woodridge office. Prior to her current employment with MFS, Kristi worked at Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital as a Child/Adolescent Case Manager, as well as developed and occupied the position of Inpatient Family Therapist. Kristi also has experience working with victims of domestic violence and children diagnosed with Autism.
Fleming, Margaret Adoption-Link 1113 South Boulevard Oak Park, IL 60302 708-524-1433
margaret.fleming@adoption-link.orgwww.adoption-link.org Margaret Fleming, LCSW and former psychotherapist, has over 20 years of adoption experience. She is the mother of nine children through adoption, three of whom are HIV+. She is the Founder/ Executive Director of Adoption-Link / Chances by Choice, a program that assists in the adoption of foreign-born HIV+ children.
Golden, Nancy Midwest Adoption Center 3158 S. River Rd. Des Plaines, IL 60018 847-298-9096
ngolden@macadopt.orgwww.macadopt.org Nancy Golden, LCSW, is the Co-Director of Midwest Adoption Center. Nancy also serves in the role as the Center's Clinical Director. Working as a psychotherapist within the adoption community for over 17 years, Nancy has extensive clinical experience with young adoptees and their families. Nancy also has a private practice which is not limited to individuals touched by adoption. She provides training and consultation to families and professionals in the Chicagoland area.
Gott, Kelvin LEKTOGG Consulting 240 Shipland Crystal Lake, IL 60012 815-404-1344
camp.togg@gmail.com Kelvin Gott, BA, BS, Ma. ED Ad, is a Consultant/Educator for LEKTOGG Consulting, and has spent over 30 years in the classroom developing and fostering positive self-concept in students and emphasizing responsibility. He is the father of 4 daughters, married for 26 years.
Iribarren, Sonja The Red Thread Promise 942 Maple Avenue Downers Grove, IL 60515 630-810-1449
sonjabeals@gmail.comwww.the-red-thread.org Sonja Iribarren is a Board Member of The Red Thread Promise; she is parent to two biological children, and two children through international adoption, one with identified special needs. She is the former Director, Investor Relations, of Walt Disney Co., Burbank, CA, where she developed presentations for Disney's CFO for both internal and external audiences.
Kell , Susan Lutheran Social Services of Illinois 10 W 35th Street Chicago, IL 60616 312-949-4349
www.adoptionillinois.org Susan Kell, LSW has worked in adoption with Lutheran Social Services of Illinois for 14 years.
Kuhn, Maria E.J. Kuhn Counseling Center, P.C. 1 W. State St., Ste 300 Geneva, IL 60134 630-232-1090
mkuhn@advocacymodel.com Maria Kuhn has over 25 years of clinical experience working with individuals, families, couples and children. She is a NCC, a Diplomat in the American Psychotherapy Association, and a Professional Counselor. She also acts as a consultant to numerous schools and courts.
Lindell, Jeana The Red Thread Promise 942 Maple Avenue Downers Grove, IL 60515 630-810-1449
jeanalindell@yahoo.comwww.the-red-thread.org Jeana Lindell is a Board Member of The Red Thread Promise; she is also the parent of two children adopted internationally, one with identified special needs. Ms. Lindell is an active member of FCC-Oswego; hostess of monthly book club for adoptive families; ESL teacher for various school districts in Chicago suburbs. She has presented in the past to FCC-Oswego and to the East Meets West Conference in Chicago.
Lovett, Lisa Wide Horizons for Children, Inc. 38 Edge Hill Road Waltham, MA 02351 781-419-0358
llovett@whfc.orgwww.whfc.org Lisa Lowett, LICSW, is a Clinical Manager at Wide Horizons; she has been employed here for over 10 years, and has been a designer of clinical educational audiovisual presentations for pre-adoptive families. She was a conference presenter at the 5th Biennial Adoption Conference at St. John's University in New York. She has previous work experience as a social worker for state child welfare (Department of Social Services) outpatient and inpatient settings.
Maloney, Sheila A. Law Office of Sheila A. Maloney 633 Rogers St., Ste 101 Downers Grove, IL 60515 630-570-5050
stnesq@msn.comwww.iladoptionlawyer.com Sheila Maloney has handled thousands of adoptions for over 20 years. She is the past Chairperson of the Chicago Bar Association Adoption Law Committee and a current member of the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys and the Chicago Bar Association Adoption Law Committee. She wrote the 2002, 2006 Chapters w/2008 Supplement on adoption law for the Adoption Handbook published by the Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education (IICLE) and is a frequent author of adoption related articles. She helped draft several pieces of legislation affecting adoption in Illinois, including the "Baby Richard Law" creating the putative father registry. Her practice is located in suburban Downers Grove and she appears regularly in Cook, DuPage and Will County courts.
Mainock, Stephanie Metropolitan Family Services 222 E. Willow Avenue Wheaton, IL 60187 630-784-4857 mainocks@metrofamily.org www.metrofamily.org Stephanie Mainock, LCPC, has a master's degree in Community Counseling from Concordia University. Stephanie completed her master's level internship at Pillars working in the child and adolescent behavioral health program. Stephanie was hired as a full-time clinician in the Adoption Preservation Program at the Wheaton office in 2008. Prior to her employment with Metropolitan Family Services, Stephanie worked at Pillars as a therapist with the adult/aftercare population and also worked at Riveredge Hospital as an intake/assessment specialist for the inpatient units as well as the child/adolescent partial hospitalization program.
Morrison, Kathleen Hogan Kathleen Hogan Morrison, P.C. 2100 Three First National Plaza Chicago, IL 60602 312-977-4477
k.morrison@adoptionattorneys.orgwww.chicagoadoptionattorney.com Kathleen Hogan Morrison is a Chicago attorney, concentrating in adoption and parentage matters. She is the President-Elect of the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys, a member of the Leading Lawyers Network and a member of Illinois Super Lawyers. She was recently selected as one of the Top 50 Women Lawyers in Illinois.
Mulryan, Rosemary S. Mulryan and York, P.C. 4001 North Wolcott Chicago, IL 60613 773-248-8887
Rosemary@MulryanandYork.comwww.mulryanandyork.com Rosemary Mulryan is an adoption attorney and past president of Adoption Law Committee for the Chicago Bar Association, 2007-2008. She served as adjunct professor at Loyola University School of Social Work from 1990-1997; she also served as Co-Counsel with Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund on precedent setting case allowing adoption by same sex couples.
Ochs, Todd J., M. D. Adoption Pediatrics 4713 North Winchester Chicago, IL 60640 773-769-4600
t-ochs@northwestern.edu Dr. Ochs has been an adoption pediatrician for ten years, and is a founding member of the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Adoption and Foster Care. He has spoken on adoption and foster care issues, locally and nationally, including recent presentations at NACAC, on the Waiting Child List, and at the Arc FASD Conference, on FASD and Orphanage Children. Dr. Ochs is the parent of four daughters through international adoption from China.
Otte, Jennifer Kuhn Counseling Center, P.C. 1 W. State St., Suite 300 Geneva, IL 60134 630-232-1090
wishflstar@sbcglobal.net Jennifer Otte received her Masters Degree in Forensic Psychology and has worked as a Professional Counselor providing counseling services and legal advocacy to children, adolescents and families.
Patton, Denise J. Law Office of Denise J. Patton 4760 Fairfax Ave Palatine, IL 60067 847-925-9072
AttyPatton@aol.comwww.iladoptionattorney.com Denise J. Patton is a parent by birth and foster adoption, and an attorney who devotes her law practice to Adoption and Infertility Law. Denise is a member of the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys and is a member and past chair of the Chicago Bar Association's Adoption Law Committee. Denise has successfully completed hundreds of adoptions.
Poulos, Christine, M.D. Children & Teens Medical Center 27401 W. Highway 22, #103 Barrington, IL 60010 847-382-8900
pouloshalstead@sbcglobal.netwww.childrenandteens.com Dr. Poulos has been practicing pediatrics for 13 years in a group practice in Barrington. She attended Medical School at Rush Medical College, and graduated 1992. She completed her Residency in Pediatrics at the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin in 1995. Dr. Poulos is also the mother of a daughter adopted domestically, and has a special interest in caring for adoptive children in her practice.
Silverbrandt, Amy The Ties Program 10520 W. Bluemound Rd. Wauwatosa, WI 53226 414-774-1080
Amy@AdoptiveFamilyTravel.comwww.AdoptiveFamilyTravel.com Amy Silverbrandt is a Program Social Worker for the Ties Program. She is a Chilean born adoptee with a passion for adoption and families, and has been in reunion with her birth family for many years. She has led multiple Latina & Asian family groups focusing on cross cultural identity, and has terrific insight and knowledge.
Sloan, Michaelyn St. Mary's Services 717 W. Kirchoff Road Arlington Heights, IL 60005 847-870-8181 msloan@stmaryservices.comwww.AdoptiveFamilyTravel.comwww.StMaryServices.com Michaelyn (Mic) Sloan, has been a member of the Ties travel staff and speakers bureau for the past 4 years. Adoption and adventure travel are two words that best define Mic. Her involvement in the international adoption field began over 27 years with the adoption of her twins from Korea. Currently, Mic serves as the Coordinator of International Adoption at St. Mary's Services in Illinois.
Stenke, Nicole Wide Horizons for Children, Inc. 38 Edge Hill Road Waltham, MA 02451 781-419-0354
nstenke@whfc.orgwww.whfc.org Nicole Stenke is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW); she has been a Clinical Supervisor at Wide Horizons for over two years, as well as a Post-Adoption Counselor at the agency. Ms. Stenke was also a Conference Presenter at 5th Biennial Adoption Conference at St. John's University in New York. Her previous background includes providing therapy to children, adolescents and families in outpatient and inpatient settings.
Stigger, Judy The Cradle 2049 Ridge Avenue Evanston, IL 60201 847-293-3956 JStigger@cradle.orgwww.cradle.org Judy Stigger, LCSW, is the Director of International Adoption for The Cradle, and Director of Professional Relations for Adoption Learning Partners. She has provide counseling / therapy for adopted teens, and adoptive and birth families, worked in domestic as well as international adoption program, conceived of and is NASW content expert for www.AdoptionLearningPartners.org. Judy has authored a book, Coping with Infertility, serves on the Editorial Advisory Boards of the Adoptive Families Magazine, and is a past president of the Board of Joint Council on International Children's Services. She also received a Congressional "Angel in Adoption" award in 2000. Judy and her husband are the adoptive parents of two now-grown, special needs and cross-racially placed children.
Thomas-Colwell, Elizabeth Lutheran Social Services of Illinois 10 W 35th Street Chicago, IL 60616 312-949-4811
Elizabeth.Thomas-Colwell@lssi.orgwww.adoptionillinois.org Elizabeth Thomas-Colwell, LCSW, is an adoption professional and adoptive parent. She conducts the adoption preparation trainings for Lutheran Social Services of Illinois, where she works as an adoption specialist/trainer.
Twomney, Vicki On Your Feet Foundation 452 Central Avenue, Suite 210 Highland Park, IL 60035 847-433-7820
oyff7820@aol.comwww.oyff.org Vicki Twomney has her B.A. in Psychology. She is a birthmom and a Case Manager for On Your Feet Foundation.
Walters, Azur Idali, MSW Azur began her work at Children's Home Society & Family Services, based in St Paul, MN, in 2006 as an intern in Post Adoption Services. In the following years, while pursuing her Masters in Social Work from the University of Minnesota, Azur provided support, guidance and education to adoptive families in both the Vietnam & Thailand programs and as part of the CHSFS social work team. Currently, Azur works in the CHSFS adoption outreach department encouraging and supporting family's first steps in the process. From these diverse experiences, Azur has gathered an excellent understanding of adoptive family support and international adoption.
Williams, Davida Ellen Hephzibah Children's Home 1144 Lake Street Oak Park, IL 60301 708-649-7140
www.hephzibahhome.org Davida Williams, ACSW, LCSW, LPHA, is Foster Care Specialist at Hephzibah Children's Association, where she has worked for almost 30 years. She had previously been the Director of Group Homes at Hephzibah, before transitioning back to the foster care program to recruit, train and help manage their foster/adoptive homes, primarily for their special needs young group homes children. Ms. Williams has also worked for DCFS for 22 years as a PRIDE Trainer for foster and adoptive families from all child welfare agencies, and has been an OPALGA (Oak Park Area Lesbian & Gay Association) Board Member for 5 years.
Chicago Area Families For AdoptionPMB 1081212 S. Naper Boulevard, Suite 119, Naperville, IL 60540
