The Cradle
Kristina Lederer has a diverse work experience in the non-profit sector. Kristina has held roles such as Vice President of Development at The Cradle since 2023, Board Member at 200 Orphanages Worldwide since 2017, Director of Development at Kakenya's Dream from 2020 to 2023, Director of Development and Communications at Women's Global Education Project from 2019 to 2020, and Director of Development (Consultant) at Operation Paws For Homes from 2017 to 2018. Prior to these positions, they served as the Executive Director at WildlifeDirect Inc. from 2016 to 2017. Kristina has also worked as the Director of Development and Communications at AGE Africa: Advancing Girls' Education from 2013 to 2016, and as a Program Manager at Kale Uganda in 2013. Kristina began their career as a Development Associate at the National Kidney Foundation of Maryland from 2011 to 2013 and had earlier experience as an Educator, Curriculum Designer, and Student Advisor at Learning Inc. from 2008 to 2010. Throughout their career, Kristina has focused on roles in development and communications, with a particular emphasis on advancing education, women's empowerment, and humanitarian causes.
Kristina Lederer has a Master's Degree in Public Policy from The Johns Hopkins University. Prior to that, they obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology and American Studies from Towson University.
The Cradle
Since opening in 1923, The Cradle has helped place more than 16,000 children into forever families. Learn more at Cradle.org or call 847-475-5800. Want to speak with a Cradle counselor about an unplanned pregnancy? Call 800-CRADLE4 (800-272-3534). Our holistic approach to lifelong support is unlike any other adoption and child welfare agency in the nation. Our team of social workers, counselors, and outreach staff offer trustworthy, ethical, and lifelong support to tens of thousands of people touched by adoption, including birth parents, adopted persons, and adoptive parents. Services include options counseling for women facing unplanned pregnancies, pre and post adoption education for parents, an adoption-competent clinical therapy program, outreach and education, and placement services. The Cradle is the only adoption agency in the country with an on-site nursery. It is a safe, neutral place for infants to stay while their parents take the time they need to decide if adoption will be the plan for this child. The nursery also enables The Cradle to place infants whose special medical needs may mean that it takes a bit longer to find them a home that is prepared to help them thrive. We also offer training for prospective adoptive parents and adoption professionals through Adoption Learning Partners (ALP).