Our Therapists
Why “Adopted” Matters
Judy Stigger, LCSW
Adoption Therapist
Judy has worked in the field of adoption for over 30 years, developing international and open
domestic programs, training families and presenting workshops. Today she serves adoptive and
birth parents and children as a therapist. Judy is also the adoptive mom in a transracial family
raising children with a range of special needs across three generations.
847-893-3956 or jstigger@cradle.org
Dori Fujii, MSW, LCSW
Adoption Therapist
Dori has worked with families in child welfare and adoption for over 30 years. Her work with
adoptive families and adopted individuals addresses issues of identity and loss as well as
developmental challenges typical of adopted children. Dori has a particular interest in helping
adopted children and their parents find ways to better connect with one another
847-733-3205 or dfujii@cradle.org
Liesl Einerson, LCSW
Adoption Therapist
Liesl has experience working with adoptive and birth families, having served on the expectant
parent team at the Cradle before joining The Center for Lifelong Adoption support as a
therapist. Liesl works with children, adults and families post-adoption and facilitates adoptive
education and support groups for parents and children/teens. Liesl trained with Dr. Karyn
Purvis with attention to the experiences of adoptive families of faith. Liesl is an adoptive sister
with experience with special needs, transracial placement, kinship care and international
adoption.
847-733-3215 or leinerson@cradle.org
Upcoming Workshop/Webinar
Why “Adopted” Matters
Is It Adoption…or Not?
When a child exhibits challenging or frustrating behaviors,
many parents may not consider that adoption is playing a role.
Other times parents immediately assume the behavior is
linked to an adoption history.
Overall, most families struggle with the difficult task of sorting
out when behaviors and challenges are adoption related.
Join Dori Fujii, LCSW Adoption Therapist, as she discusses common
challenging behaviors adopted children may exhibit at each
developmental stage and how parents can manage these behaviors.
Saturday, November 16, 2013, 9:30 AM – 11:30AM
www.cradle.org to register to attend in person OR via webinar
Online Support
Why “Adopted” Matters
With informative, practical and encouraging material, the Tough
Starts Series equips adoptive parents with insight into how their
child’s tough start in life may lead to troubling behavior years later
and teaches parents how to intercede and help the child heal.
This course guides parents through a series of adoptee stories
giving a unique view into the hearts, minds and souls of the
adopted person experience. These stories are supported with
clinical insights from our expert offering practical tips for parents
to use with their own family.
Expert input, personal stories and practical advice on topics
adoptive parents often find most challenging. Topics include
deciding if behavior is adoption related or not, nutrition and
behavior and advice from adopted people.