Our Team
Our Team
Justin Johnson
Hi. My name is Justin Johnson and I am the Executive Director of the Adoption Alliance. I attended Trinity University in San Antonio and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business. My wife and I married in 2007 and we have two beautiful little girls. We all love hanging out at the beach and fishing anytime we get the chance.
My interest in adoption began many years ago as my father, Dale Johnson, is an adoption attorney. Presently, I oversee the overall operation of the agency and ensure all State Licensing Regulations are met. I currently maintain an administrator’s license for child placing agencies in the state of Texas. My goal is to assist the agency in its growth in order to reach and serve as many clients as possible. The Adoption Alliance has been successful in combining compassion for the field of adoption with many years of adoption experience to build a team of professionals who I truly believe will be able to successfully guide you through the adoption process.
Stacie Wiederin‐Schmidt
Hi. My name is Stacie Wiederin‐Schmidt and I have over 29 years of experience in the adoption field. I have been working for Adoption Alliance since early 1995. I attended Iowa State, University of Maryland European Division, and Park College in Arkansas, Austin, & Tucson. I completed a degree in both Social Psychology and Human Resources Management. I am married with an 16 year old step daughter and come from a family of 7 children. I’m also a twin! I love my two dogs, Bevo and Vivian. They are the sweetest dogs ever. Some of my interests include attending Kansas Royals games with my husband and taking beach vacations in Florida.
In my current position, I assist adoptive parents with the application and approval process, manage out of state cases and work closely with the agency’s casework staff to ensure the needs of our clients are met. I am extremely passionate about adoption and the lives it touches. There is no greater joy than playing a small role in making an adoptive family’s dreams come true. There is no greater reward than a birth mother or birth father thanking me for assisting them during such a challenging time in their lives and making it a positive experience for them.
If you are a prospective adoptive parent with questions or a birth parent who is considering making an adoption plan, please call me. Let my experience help you make the choice which is right for your circumstances.
Yolanda Worlds
Hello. My name is Yolanda Worlds and I have been working in the adoption field for nearly 10 years. Prior to coming on board with Adoption Alliance in early 2012, I worked with a private foster/adoption agency for 5 years, completing adoptions for children between the ages of 2 & 17. I also have a one year of experience with Child Protective Services. I attended Schreiner University in Kerrville and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. I also have state facilitated adoption training as well as behavior management training. In my downtime, I enjoy reading, spending time with friends, bowling, playing pool, and cooking.
My job is to support and guide adoptive and birth parents through this life changing experience. I utilize open communication with all parents involved to create the best match possible for this special union. I will provide adoptive and birth parents with counseling, education and assistance throughout this process. I feel challenging decisions make the greatest impacts and adoptions have made a substantially positive impact in my life.
Kimberly De La Hunt
Hi! My name is Kimberly De La Hunt, Adoption Caseworker for the Adoption Alliance. I started working for the agency in late 2015 and have over three years of experience working in the non-profit sector. Prior to working for the Adoption Alliance, I worked as a Family Educator serving birth moms and families. In this position, I taught parents how to be their child’s first teacher, how to access resources in the community, and how to advocate not only for themselves but their child as well. I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work in 2014 from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, cheering on my favorite sports teams, and shopping.<
Working in the adoption field has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. I have witnessed first-hand the positive impact adoption can make for both the birth parents and the adoptive parents. Now that my dream has come true, I am excited to help make your dreams come true as well!
Karen Palmer
Hello, my name is Karen Palmer, Administrative Assistant for the Adoption Alliance. As the Administrative Assistant, I am the first person to greet you, whether on the phone or in our office. I look forward to assisting you!
I have been with the Adoption Alliance since early 2018. Prior to joining the Adoption Alliance, I had varied experience in management and administrative positions. I received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Arkansas in 2008 and moved to Texas in 2012. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with friends and family, reading, and gaming.
Patricia “Patti” O’Connor
Hello, my name is Patricia “Patti” O’Connor. I am an adoptive mother of three and very passionate about my work with clients who are also hoping to form their family by adoption. I have a BSW from SUNY Brockport and a MSW from SUNY Stony Brook. I am a NYS Licensed Master Social Worker with 19 years of experience in the adoption field.
I am the New York Licensing representative for the Adoption Alliance and currently provide pre and post adoption services to adoptive families. I also work works as an Investigator/Consultant for the Nassau County Surrogate’s Court. In the past, I have worked with birth mothers in the post-partum hospital setting and foster children in residential treatment.
Dale Johnson - Retired
Hello, my name is Dale Johnson and I have been involved with the adoption process since being admitted to the practice of law in 1969. However, from 1989 to the present, I have worked exclusively in the field of adoption. In 1990, a group of attorneys specializing in adoption from across the United States formed The American Academy of Adoption Attorneys (AAAA). I was on the Board of Directors of AAAA from 1990 – 1991 and again from 1992 – 1995. In 1993, I was elected President of the Academy and, in 1998, was appointed by the Board of Directors as Chairman of its Advisory Committee, which consisted of all past presidents. In 1999, I was re‐elected to the Board of Directors. In 2006, I was nominated by The Honorable Henry Cuellar of the United States Congress as an “Angel in Adoption.” As a result, I was honored at the 2006 Angels in Adoption Gala in Washington, D. C. Currently I work with both individuals in private placement situations and represent the Adoption Alliance in situations requiring agency involvement.
