Gayle McGowean
Director of Community Outreach
Gayle is a masters-prepared Registered Nurse from the State University of NY at Buffalo.She is experienced with both adult and pediatric patients in medical-surgical, critical care and home health environments. As a former corporate executive, she is skilled in commercial sales, health care consulting and management, and is dedicated to promoting the mission of The Cradle to healthcare providers through education and best practice. You can contact Gayle at 847-448-3203 or gmcgowean@cradle.org.

Nina M. Friedman, LCSW, Post Adoption Counselor, is experienced in working with adoptive & foster children and families, and birth parents. She has an understanding of various adoption issues through counseling with all members of the adoption circle, consulting with outside resources, compiling background information and providing search and reunion services. Contact Nina at 847-448-8775 or nfriedman@cradle.org.

Kaci Sales
Community Outreach Manager for Central and Southern IL
Kaci has a degree in social work from the University of Illinois and comes to The Cradle with many years of child welfare, family services and case management experience. Kaci is based in Springfield and covering Central and Southern IL outreach for The Cradle. Born and raised in the Springfield area, Kaci has traveled quite a bit in recent years, moving most recently in Temple, Texas. You can contact Kaci at 217-481-0608 or ksales@cradle.org.

Felicia McBride, MPA
Community Outreach Manager
Felicia has many years of experience working in the child welfare field. She has previously worked for non-profits, foundations and government agencies such as the Illinois Action for Children, the Annie E. Casey Foundation and the Illinois Department of Human Services. At The Cradle Society, she provides education and training to both health care professional and community leaders about the realities and issues facing adoption. Felicia received her Master’s of Public Administration with Honors from Roosevelt University in Chicago. You can contact Felicia at 847-293-7815 or fmcbride@cradle.org.