In our Staff Spotlight Series, we catch up with the talented, dedicated, and compassionate individuals who help make everything our organization does possible. This month we’re featuring Wendy Kleiser, Domestic Infant Adoption Program Specialist. Wendy is an adoptive parent who transitioned from a corporate career to join CH/LSS in January 2023. Wendy says her best advice to families beginning the adoption process is “to be patient and realize that this process can take a while—but it is well worth it in the end!” Learn more about Wendy’s work and life below.
How long have you worked at CH/LSS?
I’ve been here for six months! I joined CH/LSS in January 2023.
What is your current role and what are some of your primary responsibilities?
My role with CH/LSS is Domestic Infant Adoption Program Specialist. Some of my key responsibilities are:
- Guide prospective adoptive parents through the application process – provide information, answer questions, secure/file documents, coordinate training, track progress, and case note.
- Handle background studies.
- Manage Infant Adoption Profile Services (Profile Book, Online Profile, Facebook Family of the Week, Resource Family Database, Blog).
- Prepare and submit child placement documents, and adoption finalization paperwork to court.
What originally drew you to the field of adoption?
I’m an adoptive parent and a former Children’s Home Society of Minnesota client. As I was exploring options to transition from my full-time corporate career path into a part-time position, this seemed like a great fit and opportunity to give back.
Do you have a personal connection to foster care and/or adoption? If so, please tell us about you and/or your family’s story.
I adopted my daughter Jenna through Children’s Home Society. It was a great experience both during the process and in all post-placement services and events afterward. We joined the agency’s Korean Tour in 2009 and were fortunate to actually meet her birth mother!
What is something everyone should know about domestic infant adoption that they might not?
This program is very active! We have many families going through the application process, and many more that are approved and waiting for that special child to join their family.
I’m an adoptive parent and a former Children’s Home Society of Minnesota client. As I was exploring options to transition from my full-time corporate career path into a part-time position, this seemed like a great fit and opportunity to give back.
What advice would you give to families thinking of beginning their adoption journey?
Be patient, and realize that this process can take a while—but it is well worth it in the end!
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
I really enjoy working with families during the application process. They are very excited about the journey ahead and they are so appreciative of any help offered along the way.
Switching gears to life outside of work – what does an ideal weekend look like for you?
A great weekend for me would include a mix of spending time with family or friends, trying a new restaurant, going to a movie/art fair/local community event, and having some R&R downtime too.
If you could travel anywhere in the world in the next year, where would you go and what would you do?
My husband and I are going to London and Paris in August, which was a 2020 trip planned but postponed due to COVID, so we’re really looking forward to that! I’d love to go back to Italy and spend more time in the northern region, plus revisit New York and San Francisco (my favorite U.S. cities).
What is the last book, movie, or TV series you loved?
The last good movie I saw was “Air”, which is about how Nike brokered the basketball shoe endorsement with Michael Jordan. Although we already know the outcome, the process to get the deal done was very interesting. Plus, the movie’s set in the 1980s and has a great soundtrack!
What is something that always brings a smile to your face?
I have a one-year-old grandson. Easy question to answer!
