The Cradle
Thom Gauthier is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in child welfare and healthcare administration. Currently serving as Nursery Coordinator at The Cradle since 2009, Thom previously held significant leadership roles including Director of the Division of Children with Special Needs at the American Academy of Pediatrics, Corporate Relations Manager at Children's Memorial Hospital, and Managing Director at the International Society for Stem Cell Research. Prior to these positions, Thom was the Executive Director at the Hemophilia Foundation of Illinois and the American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children, as well as the National Association of Social Workers, Illinois Chapter. Academically, Thom Gauthier holds a BA in Sociology and Special Education from Clark University and a Master’s degree in Social Service Policy and Management from the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration.
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).