About Us
At Kmetko & Associates, we believe every child deserves a safe, loving home where they can thrive. For over 30 years, we've been dedicated to making that belief a reality for children seeking placement with families here in Illinois.
It all started in 1990 when Tom Kmetko began assisting the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (IDCFS) with interstate child placements. What began as a vital service quickly grew, and Kmetko & Associates was born. Today, we're a leading private child welfare agency, expanding our expertise to include adoption, licensing, and comprehensive supervision services. Each year, we support over 220 children and handle hundreds of home study requests, always striving for excellence and advocating for the well-being of families.
Our Mission
Our mission is to enrich the lives of children and families by collaborating with state agencies to find and support loving homes in Illinois. We're passionate about providing thorough assessments, expert guidance, and ongoing support, ensuring every child receives the care and stability they deserve.Text Here
Our staff are experienced professionals with knowledge of child welfare and the Interstate placement process.
Our Staff
Abdi Corona, MSW - Interstate Services Specialist
Anissa Dean, LCSW - Intestate Services Licensing Supervisor
Celeste Richmond, LCSW - Interstate Services Supervisor
Christian Ovalle, BS - System Administrator
Daniela Celis, BA - Intake Specialist Administrative Assistant
Duaziah Graham, BA - Interstate Services Specialist
Fred Dillon, LCSW - Executive Director
Heather Rutenber, BS – Interstate Services Specialist
Kristy Kaufman, BSW - Interstate Services Specialist
Laurie Kaufman, LCSW - Interstate Services Administrator
Maria Figueroa, BA - Administrative Assistant
Nicole Thomas, BA - Interstate Services Specialist
Paula Williams, BA - Interstate Services Licensing Representative
Semah Shammas, LCSW - Interstate Services Supervisor
Stacy Cather, BSW - Interstate Services Licensing Representative
Stephanie Robinson, BSW - Interstate Services Specialist II
Tanisha Wash, BS - Interstate Services Specialist
Tim Garvey, LCSW - Interstate Services Administrator
Tom Kmetko, LCSW - Executive Chairman
Tracey Peters, BA - Interstate Services Specialist
Consultants
Aaron Murphy, MS
Alisa Jackson-Comer, LCSW
Arlene Mitchell, MSW, LSW
Bailey Gamble, MA
DaJonese Turner, LCPC
Danielle Sanders, LCSW
Ellen Thursby, PhD
Jaclyn Schedin, LCSW
Jenique Dean, LCSW
Jennifer Barron, LCSW
Joanna Miller, LCSW
Kristin Sepe, LCSW
LaTanya Grundy, Med
Lindsey Hackney, MSW, LSW
Melinda Turner, MA, LPC
Michele Belanski, LCSW
Michelle Campos, LSW
Nicole Kozeneski, SSP, NCSP
Roberto Soria, LSW
Susan Balius, LCSW
Traci Clements-Trinidad, LCSW
Zoila Gutierrez, LCSW
