"Hello! I'm pleased that you've taken the time to view our web site and hope that it has been informative and beneficial to you. My name is Tina Tyra. I have been a facilitator since 1991, with a background in the medical (labor and delivery) and legal (court reporting) fields before that. While working in Labor and Delivery for 5 years, I was trained as a neo-natal bereavement counselor. Having had my own pregnancy losses - including a late term fetal demise - I felt compelled to help families cope with the aftermath of losing a baby. I believe now that this was no accident. This experience has helped me to understand the aching empty arms of a birth mother and the grief of a family who has suffered the loss of a child through miscarriage, stillbirth, or potential child due to infertility. Dr. Suess said it best..."A person is a person -- no matter how small". A woman who gives birth, whether in her heart or with her body, is no less a mother.

Somehow, I was always drawn to babies and first got involved in adoption when a friend needed help finding a child to adopt. Seeing the birth of a family is very rewarding. Building families through adoption is truly my labor of love and, thus, the name of our service. I am the mother of three children, ages 26, 23, and 17, the last of whom arrived with no shortage of miracles. If you have chosen adoption, I welcome the opportunity to help you with the choices you will be making. A birth family and an adoptive family are really one extended family, linked by a blessing. A child can never have too much love."

Holly is our administrative assistant. She comes to us with a strong background in social services with the State of California. She is the mother of two children and she brings with her a special perspective because she is an adoptee. She has a great family and is a very positive model for adoption! When Holly first began with ALOLA, she did her own search and was able to find both her birth mother and birth father, and has since developed a relationship with both of them. When you call, say hi to Holly!

Joyce is an adoptive parent of two beautiful children. She has recently joined our staff as our West Virginia Representative. Having been a teacher at one time, educating adoptive parents on how to have a successful adoption will come naturally to her. We welcome her academic and parenting experiences. She has a heart for adoption and is a perfect addition to our staff.

Monica is married to Paul and is the mother of two beautiful adopted boys, Jesse and Travis. Monica is our Corporate Liaison, assisting families and working with their companies to make adoption affordable. She lives in Pittsburgh and is available to travel to meet with corporate benefits and HR people in companies which offer adoption benefits

Wendy is married to Bryan and is the adoptive mother of two children. Brendon is three and Brooke is one. Both were adopted through A Labor of Love Adoptions. She previously worked in the field of Human Resources and Public Relations, so she’s a great people person! Due to recent changes in Indiana law, Wendy is no longer coordinating adoptions for us there. However, she will be helping with Events Planning and Coordinating in Indiana and the mid-west.

Deb is our Staff Assistant and helps us with projects, advertising, the newsletter, and all things computer. She is a great asset and when you e-mail our StorkBytes newsletter, you will get her. If you have any important announcements or thoughts on newsletter articles, Deb is our contact person.