Lindsey Stephenson, LSCSW, is President of KVC Missouri, a nonprofit team of 800 professionals working to strengthen families, prevent child abuse and neglect, and help both children and adults achieve mental wellness.

Lindsey has been with KVC for 17 years. Prior to being named President of KVC Missouri in early 2021, she served as Vice President of Operations for KVC Kansas. In this role, she led a team that dramatically grew community support for children who are in foster care due to abuse or neglect, increasing the organization’s foster and adoptive families by 78%, from 500 to 892 homes. She also expanded community partnerships, such as collaborating with Global Orphan Project’s CarePortal to create Protective Homes in Kansas and worked with community mental health centers and churches to strengthen families and safely prevent children from entering foster care.

Stephenson led the transformation of KVC’s youth residential center in Kansas City, KS into a Qualified Residential Treatment Center (QRTP), in line with the federal Family First Prevention Services Act. This treatment center is licensed to care for up to 16 adolescent youth with mental and behavioral health needs at a time by offering comprehensive services and helping them successfully transition back to family-like settings with relative caregivers, foster family homes, or their birth family homes.

In addition to overseeing KVC Kansas’ Child Placing Agency (CPA) and QRTP, she oversaw its Admissions, Quality and Data Management, and Community Outreach teams. Stephenson received her graduate and undergraduate degrees in social work from the University of Kansas.

As President, Stephenson leads new partnerships and collaborations for KVC Missouri, working to strengthen families, prevent child abuse and neglect, and help children and adults achieve mental wellness.

James Roberson has worked for KVC since 2004 and currently serves as Senior Vice President at KVC Missouri where he oversees residential treatment, admissions, and trauma-informed services. He is passionate about improving health outcomes for children and families through innovative, science-based treatments. James uses his expertise in childhood trauma and positive behavior supports to strengthen KVC Missouri’s inclusive, trauma-informed treatment experience.

Throughout his career, James has gained extensive expertise in organizational development of inpatient children’s mental health hospitals, residential treatment centers, education centers and community-based services. He specializes in oversight of inpatient and residential programming, performance improvement, treatment innovation, special initiatives, and the implementation of evidence-based practices. Prior to working with KVC Missouri, James was a part of the Camber Children’s Mental Health leadership team.

James is a tier-three national certified trainer for Trauma Systems Therapy and has completed the Kansas Institute for Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports facilitator course. His innovative approach to developing best practices and programs focused on efficacy has enhanced KVC’s treatment programs over the years and has led to engagement in projects with various communities, health systems, residential centers, school districts, and detention centers throughout the U.S. and internationally.

James earned a master’s degree in social work from the University of Kansas.

“I love working at KVC because we think critically and innovate to solve complex problems. I am proud that we are a critical part of the human service and mental health systems in Missouri and Kansas. I challenge our team every day to address gaps in the system and be part of the solution for children and families.” – James Roberson

Sara Loftis is Senior Vice President of KVC Missouri. In this role, she oversees community-based services, our educational academies, PQI, compliance, Meramec Adventure Ranch, and much more.

Mike Golden is Vice President of Education at KVC Missouri. In this role, he oversees our K-12 therapeutical educational academies across the state.

Elke Hansen brings with her a variety of work and life experiences that have formed her passion for working with children, youth, families, and communities. Her work is driven by a desire to improve the systems she is a part of, so those systems can become more equitable and helpful for those they are supposed to serve. The focus of such systems work has been within child welfare and residential treatment settings.

Elke’s last employment was with Caritas Family Solutions, in Southern Illinois, as a regional director. In this role she oversaw intact and foster care services, a therapeutic residential treatment program, counseling services, and a senior employment program. Elke was the co-chair of the statewide Child Welfare Advisory Committee on racial equity practice in child welfare. Elke was actively involved with other residential treatment providers and DCFS in Illinois, working on Family First Prevention Services Act, with focus on residential treatment.

“We have a responsibility to change the current child welfare system and to open access to behavioral health and other services when needed. We must address root causes such as poverty and systemic racism and eliminate existing inequities. If I/we can contribute to that, it is my/our responsibility to do so, especially as a white person in a leadership role!”

Previous experiences include:

• In Switzerland: residential setting for young adults with severe physical and mental challenges, rural drug and alcohol counseling agency, teens in independent living setting, survival assistance for drug addicted women working on the streets.
• In the US: battered women shelter, living and working in shelter for undocumented immigrants in East Los Angeles, inner-city residential setting for abused and neglected children, young adults and pregnant/parenting teen girls, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, residential setting for traumatized children and self-harm program.
• Other: support position for biotechnology, biodiversity and technology workshops held in Africa, cruise ship work across the globe, volunteering as counselor with Spanish speaking clients at local health clinic, living abroad in Chile.

Elke Hansen, is the daughter of German parents, born and raised in Switzerland, and a US citizen. She received a National Degree in Social Work and Pedagogy from the School of Social Services in Solothurn, Switzerland, and her master’s degree in social work (MSW) from Saint Louis University. She holds a Licensed Clinical Social Work license in Missouri and speaks six languages, Swiss German, German, French, Italian, Spanish and English.

“As a leader within KVC Missouri I am looking forward to having an impact on improving child welfare, especially residential treatment, in Missouri! Our children, youth, families, and communities deserve only the best!” -Elke Hansen

Brett Bailey, the Director of Meramec Adventure Learning Ranch, leads the Therapeutic Adventure and Wilderness arm of KVC. The Ranch serves youth who have found themselves “stuck” and defined by their past. Adventure therapy allows clients to experience the transformative power of creation, and genuine relationships to allow young people to begin to grow, heal, and hope.

Brett served in the infantry as an Army Ranger and participated in multiple deployments prior to entering the child welfare field. He received his bachelor’s in social sciences, secondary education, and missions studies from Evangel University and his master’s in counseling from Liberty University. Brett has been with KVC for 18 years, starting as a youth care worker. Brett was a part of the creation of the Meramec Adventure Learning Ranch.

“I’ve never met a kid…or any person for that matter…who didn’t want to grow and change. However, I meet people everyday who don’t believe that change is possible–or even more heartbreaking–that they don’t deserve it. I’ve found wilderness and adventure to be one of the most effective ways for people to see themselves in a new light, earn evidence of their capability and worth, and begin to see that they have an incredible purpose to fulfill, not in spite of, but because of their story!” – Brett Bailey

Jessica Elliott, LMSW, serves as the Director of Community Based Services for the Western Region. She has been serving families with KVC Missouri for 14 years.

Jessica earned her bachelor’s of social work Kansas State University and her master’s of social work from the University of Kansas.

As Director of KVC Missouri’s Child Placing Agency, Amanda helps recruit, train and support foster families to care for children. KVC Missouri is focused on treatment-level foster care in which families care for youth with higher needs.

Holly Hunt, Director of Community-Based Services – Springfield for KVC Missouri

Cammie Ruble, Director of Community-Based Services – St. James for KVC Missouri

Beatrice Stewart, LPC, as Director of Community Based Services for the Central Region, Beatrice leads of team of more than 40 individuals and manages strategic planning for Community Based Services in her region. She uses key performance indicators (KPI) to guide program improvement (Safety, Customer Satisfaction, Stewardship, Quality/Compliance).

Beatrice earned her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Truman State University and her master’s degree in education – professional Counseling from Stephens College. She started her career with Children’s Division as a Children’s Service Worker and a Family Centered Services Supervisor. She then join KVC (formerly Great Circle) as a Foster Care Case Management Supervisor, then became an Outpatient Therapist, then was promoted to Associate Director of Community Based Services, then advanced into her Director role.

Beatrice has completed training in “Trust-Based Relational Intervention” and motivational interviewing and is a Certified Change Leader.

“What I love most about my job is seeing the true power of healing and transformation with the children and families we serve. As a manager, I also love to see my staff grow in their positions, expand their knowledge, enhance their skills and gain confidence while supporting them through their journey/career in social work.” -Beatrice Stewart

Beth Stonefield, Director of Community-Based Services – St. Louis for KVC Missouri

Michael Turner, M.Ed. Director of Community-Based Services – Southeast Region, oversees the operation of all Community Based Programming in Southeast Missouri, including Foster Care Case Management, Licensing and Placement, the Women’s Crisis Center, Therapeutic Foster Care and Aftercare, as well as the Child Advocacy Center. He is responsible for ensuring excellent program delivery, program outcomes and measurements are met, and adherence to contractual and legal requirements. Other key responsibilities include team building, staff support and community outreach.

Michael graduated from Urshan College with his bachelor’s of Christian Ministry: Pastoral Studies and earned his bachelor’s of Science: Interdisciplinary Studies from Liberty University before receiving his master’s of Education: Teaching, Learning, and Student Services from Liberty University.
Michael has been in the social work field for 7 years and has served as KVC Missouri’s Program Director of the Child Advocacy Center and the Women’s Crisis Center. As programming in Southeast Missouri grew, he became an Associate Director of Community Based Services in his region and then was promoted to Director of Community Based Services.

Michelle Ackermann, Associate Director of Community-Based Services – Springfield for KVC Missouri

Arti Dautenhan, Associate Director of Community-Based Services – St. James for KVC Missouri

Anthony (Tony) Ketchem, Associate Director of Community-Based Services – Southeast for KVC Missouri

Antoinette Liggins, Associate Director of Community-Based Services – St. Louis for KVC Missouri

Dawn Curl, Associate Director of Community Based Services, St. James for KVC Missouri

Kaitlin Caldwell, Associate Director of Community Based Services- Columbia for KVC Missouri

Rachel Hayter, Associate Director of Community Based Services- Springfield for KVC Missouri

Dr. Pamela Dawson, Director of Special Education/Statewide Curriculum Specialist for Lebanon, acts as community and statewide liaison for our education department in her region. She oversees the curriculum and her team of educators. In her role, she also supports the emotional and academic growth of students and helps graduating seniors transition out of KVC Academy.

Pamela has 20 years of combined experience in the social service and education fields. She was a professor of psychology and education at William Woods University and continues to teach as an adjunct professor.

Pamela received her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and psychology and her master’s in education (special education) from Drury University. She attended Mizzou and received a specialist in educational counseling and psychology degree. Pamela earned her master’s in administration with a concentration in special education & secondary principal administration and her doctorate in educational leadership, both from William Woods University.

“I believe that all students have the ability to learn, given the right tools and skills necessary to grow. My lifelong passion is to work with students who need that extra love and attention to succeed.” -Pamela Dawson

JT Hartley, Director of Special Education/KVC Academy Principal- Cameron for KVC Missouri

Erika Rackers, Director of Special Education/KVC Academy Principal- Columbia and Boonville for KVC Missouri

Lindsey Ray, MS. Ed Director of Special Education/KVC Academy Principal (Kansas City), oversees all programming and everyday activities that occur at KVC Academy- Kansas City and supervises a team of teachers and support staff. As a special education administrator, her areas of responsibility include
managing IEPs and transition plans, and ensuring all staff have continuing education on trauma-informed practices and curriculum training. She works in collaboration with district representatives and maintains communication and relationships with parents, state guardians and caseworkers.

Lindsey started with KVC Missouri as the Associate Director of Education for the Northwestern and Western Regions before being promoted to her current position. During Lindsey’s career in special education, she has held many positions, including behavior interventionist, ED/Autism special education teacher, behavior special education teacher and district behavior coordinator. Lindsay holds a K-8 Principal certificate and a K-12 cross-categorical special education certificate, as well as a master’s in school administration.
“I fell into this field of work in my 20s and absolutely fell in love. The impact that we make on the clients that we serve as well as the lifelong lessons that we can provide kids is incredibly fulfilling. The culture that we have created at the Kansas City Academy has not only had a positive impact on the kids but on our staff as well. It is an absolute pleasure to come to work each day.”

Kaysi Rinks, Director of Special Education/KVC Academy Principal- St. Louis for KVC Missouri

Lindsey Russell serves as the KVC Niles Prep School Administrator where she manages the Niles Prep School and coordinates education by developing strong relationships with staff, students, caregivers and community partners. She has more than 15 years of experience working in education, with 12 years as a special education teacher and 3 years in school administration.

Lindsey received a bachelor’s degree at the University of Missouri-Columbia, a master’s degree in special education at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, and an education specialist degree in leadership and administration at the University of Central Missouri.

“As the demands and challenges of teaching children increase, it becomes more apparent that Niles Prep and the community need to work together to ensure our children reach their full potential. We believe it is everyone’s responsibility to empower youth with the creative, intellectual, and decision-making skills necessary for them to become academically, socially, physically, and emotionally successful and responsible.” – Lindsey Russell

Tina Wheeler, MAT, Ed, Director of Special Education/KVC Academy Principal (St. James), leads a team of educators and paraeducators to bring a positive and encouraging education experience to the students on the KVC Academy-St. James campus. his campus serves both residential clients, as well as clients from the surrounding community in our Day Treatment education program. Programs include academic intervention programs, like Number Worlds and Corrective Reading; emotional developmental programs, such as Daily Zones of Regulation; and programs that focus on social and behavioral interaction, such as Positive Behavior Intervention and Support. Students on our campus engage in many activities and programs to reach them where they are at to move them forward, not only academically, but also emotionally, socially, and behaviorally.

Tina started her career in Education in 2005. She has worked with a variety of grade levels and educational needs. She earned her bachelor’s of arts in English and master’s of arts in teaching and educational specialist in leadership from Webster University.

“I love kids, and I believe that all kids deserve a chance.” – Tina Wheeler

Maggie Aubuchon, Associate Director of Special Education- St. Louis for KVC Missouri

As the Director of Residential Treatment at KVC Niles, Cheryl oversees business operations, strategic planning and interdepartmental projects and provides direct oversight of the leadership team. She focuses on ensuring Niles’ residential treatment program is a safe and healing space for children and teens who are receiving intensive clinical services for behavioral and mental health challenges.

Cheryl brings more than 20 years of expertise in management and program service delivery and more than 12 years of experience working in the mental health field. She has extensive experience working in children’s psychiatric treatment centers and school settings and most recently served as the Director of Residential Programs at a treatment program in Kansas City, Missouri. In this role, Cheryl directed the planning, development and administration of residential programs. Her knowledge and expertise extend to operational oversight, employee management, developing curriculum, clinical treatment, budgeting, compliance with state and federal standards, crisis intervention, Council on Accreditation (COA) standards, and many other aspects of leading a treatment center.

Cheryl is a licensed professional counselor in the State of Missouri and a licensed clinical professional counselor in the State of Kansas. She received a master’s degree in counseling and certifications in Sexual Addiction and Play Therapy from MidAmerica Nazarene University. Additionally, she has completed Part 1 of both Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing.

“I choose to work in this field because I believe in investing in our youth, their families, and our hard-working employees who care for our clients. I believe we can make an impact in people’s lives to help them grow and develop into their best selves. I strive every day to ensure our clients feel cherished, cared for, safe and accepted, so that they can start to heal from the effects of trauma and learn skills to manage their big feelings and be safe with themselves and others.” – Cheryl Costabile

Scott Dunn, Clinical Director – Springfield for KVC Missouri

Jasmine Rebuck, Clinical Director – Columbia for KVC Missouri

Christina Todd, Director of Nursing for KVC Missouri

Anne Tucker, Director of Residential Treatment – Springfield for KVC Missouri

Ed Stewart, Associate Director of Program Services – KVC Niles for KVC Missouri

Alejandro (Alex) Mendez is Associate Director of Operations for KVC Niles and has been with the organization for 20 years. Throughout his career at KVC, Alex has held many roles providing direct care to clients and leading direct care teams including Behavioral Health Technician, Hospital Supervisor, Campus Supervisor and Milieu Manager.

After his first seven years at KVC, Alex transitioned to a career in business working at Lockton Companies as a financial analyst. After serving in that role for 10 years he decided to re-join the KVC family because of his passion for KVC’s mission and service to children and families. In addition to the experience he has gained in working with youth at KVC, he has also been a club soccer coach with KC Fusion for 14 years. His time with KC Fusion is another important way he gives back to the community and works to support and encourage kids of all ages and backgrounds.

“I truly believe the work we do at KVC impacts the lives of children and families and strengthens our communities. I choose this work because I want to have a positive impact on all the lives that I touch and to make sure everyone feels safe and has a caring environment.” – Alex Mendez

Robbie Packinowski, Associate Director of Clinical Services- St. Louis for KVC Missouri

Leslie Wiss, LPC, leads the trauma informed care initiative and acts as the liaison with national partners. In her role, Senior Director of Trauma-Informed Services, she implements and maintains the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics™ Site Certification Program, oversees external training initiatives and internal training development, and coordinates clinical practice and “care” strategy to advance quality of care.

Leslie has 14 years of experience in her field. Before joining KVC Missouri, she worked as a therapist, in school, residential and in-home family settings. She is Phase 2 trained in The Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics™, nationally certified in Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and a Robust Process Improvement Change Leader.

Leslie received a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and the Faculty Award for Student Excellence from Maryville University.

“I love working with parents and caregivers to help them better understand the big picture. Each time they experience a moment of clarity or hope, it reminds me of why I do this work.” – Leslie Wiss

Gabriella Harms, Director of Compliance for KVC Missouri

James Kohler, Director of Performance Improvement for KVC Missouri

Chris Noll, LWSW, serves as the Director of Admissions and Contact Center, where he ensures the Admissions and Contact Center provides quality customer service, timely and thoughtful responses, and leads with empathy and kindness.

Chris has 15 years of experience in the social services sector. Prior to his current position, Chris worked as a Teacher Assistant, an Admission Coordinator, a Therapist and the Associate Director of School. He bachelor’s of social work from the University of Missouri, Columbia and his master’s of social work from the University of Missouri- St. Louis.

“I like knowing that I am a part of an organization that is looking to the future and whose philosophy includes helping others and taking care of one another.” -Chris Noll

Lisa Paulette, Associate Director of Milieu Services, St. James for KVC Missouri