Her Story
About Adeline
Adeline Johnson is the Executive Director of Our Place After School Care Inc., a nonprofit organization she founded to support teens with disabilities ages 13 to 20. Based in Hastings, Nebraska, the organization provides after-school care while encouraging participants to develop academic, social, and life skills, engage in community service, and enjoy enriching experiences. Adeline was inspired to establish the program after recognizing the lack of appropriate after-school services for teens with disabilities in her community and drawing from her personal experience as the parent of a child with special needs.
Adeline also brings nearly two decades of experience in education, having served as an elementary school teacher with Hastings Public Schools since 2006. Throughout her career, she has developed expertise in elementary education, literacy, mathematics education, curriculum mapping, and teacher training. She holds a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education and Teaching from Concordia University, Nebraska, as well as a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Peru State College. Her extensive background in education provides a strong foundation for her leadership of Our Place After School Care Inc.
Adeline attributes her success to determination, the encouragement and support of others, and the meaningful connections she has built throughout her career. She is a member of the National Education Association and is involved with Special Olympics and ARC, reflecting her commitment to education, inclusion, and community service. Outside of her professional work, Adeline enjoys baking, especially making pies, and hopes to teach the teens in her program how to make and sell pies once the organization secures a new building, creating another opportunity for them to develop practical skills and participate in the community.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Adeline
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to determination and the support of the people I’ve connected with along the way. Once I set my mind to something, I stay committed to achieving it, while recognizing that meaningful relationships and connections have played an important role in my journey.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is that when one door closes, I should look for a window. I’ve faced many setbacks, but I’ve learned to keep moving forward, create my own opportunities, and find a way through even when the path isn’t obvious.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Baking, creativity, and teaching are deeply important to me. I especially love making pies and sharing that skill with children. One of my next goals is to teach our team how to make and sell pies through a restaurant we plan to operate near our new building, creating both a learning opportunity and a source of income.
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