Jennie Painter
Founder and Director of ARCS
Adoption has brought much into my life. I have had the opportunity to work along side many people who have taught me much about courage, compassion, and love. Watching people chart their course through the loss and grief associated with infertility or placing a child for adoption has taught me a great deal about how to handle the losses in my own life. I am indebted to these people who showed me how to face adversity, learn from this loss, and then to emerge with even a greater appreciation for each day. As a result, I hope to impart this learning on to others. I feel very privileged to be part of the adoption community and hope to give to my clients what they have so generously given to me.

Joanne (Jo) McAlpine
Adoption Co-ordinator
I'm the Adoption Co-ordinator at the Adoption Resource & Counselling Services and very pleased to be part of this team.

Since moving to Kingston in the early 80's, I have held management positions in several social service agencies, including Kingston Interval House, Dawn House Women's Shelter and HIV/AIDS Regional Services. I have also been an active volunteer for the Sexual assault Crisis Centre and Options for Change.

In 2004, I traveled to South Africa and spent 6 life-altering months living and working at an orphanage near Durban on the east coast. On my return I took a leap of faith and studied footcare, launching my own business "Jo's Toes" in June 2005. Just prior to coming to ARCS, I worked as a legal assistant for two family law practices in the city.

When I'm not working, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, working out at the gym, cycling, taking walks, playing with my dog, Bessie, and "overprotecting" my daughter.

My hours at ARCS will be Monday through Thursday 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm.