Jason Hooper, M.S.W. is the President and Chief Executive Officer of KVC Health Systems, a Kansas City area-based organization recognized as a national leader in mental health and child welfare. KVC is a network of nonprofits working to strengthen families, prevent child abuse and neglect, and help both children and adults achieve mental wellness. KVC has one of the nation’s broadest continuums of care, with services including preventative education, in-home family therapy, foster care, adoption, outpatient behavioral health, youth substance use treatment, and children’s psychiatric hospitals. KVC has over 2,400 team members at 60 locations in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Kentucky, and West Virginia and provides consultation and training across the U.S. and around the world through its KVC Institute.

Jason has been with KVC for over 30 years, beginning with 8 years of direct service helping children and families, followed by 7 years of management and 15 years of senior leadership. He is one of only two CEOs the organization has had in its 53-year history.

In his prior role as President of Camber Children’s Mental Health (previously known as KVC Hospitals), Jason managed a psychiatric hospital system that each year serves thousands of children and adolescents experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, substance abuse, suicidal thoughts, and other mental health crises. In seven years, Jason more than doubled KVC Hospitals’ revenue and diversified the client base to serve private families and military family members in addition to children in the child welfare system. These positive business changes came about while achieving strong safety and wellbeing outcomes such as safely reducing lengths of stay, increasing child stability after discharge, and maintaining a low readmission rate. Jason also expanded Camber’s consultation and community education, with its core leadership team of experts and its thriving learning environment that trains hundreds of students and professionals each year.

Jason champions a culture that is neuroscience-infused, trauma-informed, data-driven, team-oriented, and unafraid to lean into the curve. He recognizes KVC has a unique opportunity to lead national trends in areas such as integrated healthcare, the unfolding lessons of brain science, the importance of evidence-based practices, and the need to innovate constantly.

Jason holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of Kansas and bachelor’s degrees in psychology and sociology from Baker University. He also serves on the Board of Trustees for Baker University.

He can be found on X @jasonrhooper and on LinkedIn. More information about KVC Health Systems here.

Read more about Jason in our blog post: To Evolve, We Must Involve: A Conversation with Jason Hooper of KVC Health Systems

Erin Stucky, Chief Operations Officer, has worked with KVC Health Systems for over 25 years, helping children and families through many different roles. She joined KVC as a case manager immediately after earning her bachelor’s in social work, and after continual development and experience at every level, has risen to this senior leadership position. Erin’s journey at KVC has included promotions from case manager to supervisor in 2001, to regional director in 2005, then to President of KVC Kansas in 2008, Executive Vice President of KVC Health Systems in 2012, and COO in 2016. She is a product of the kind of leadership cultivation in which KVC takes great pride.

As Chief Operations Officer, Erin helps to improve outcomes for children and families by working in partnership with the executive team to provide vision, leadership, and management necessary to successfully implement the strategic plan throughout the corporate infrastructure and its five subsidiaries.  She also directly oversees the Human Resources, Marketing/ Communications, and Ball Event Center teams. She relies on the experience she gained in her early days with KVC, just after Kansas became the first state to privatize child welfare services in 1996, to ensure excellence.  She learned from the ground up as the process unfolded and as both KVC and the state continually raised the bar in service outcomes and delivery.

Erin also was a fellow in the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Child and Family Fellowship, an executive leadership program that develops leaders to improve life circumstances and create positive outcomes for children and families.

Erin is licensed as a clinical social worker and has served as an adjunct professor at the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare, the same university where she earned both her undergraduate and master’s degrees in social work.

She can be found on X @Erin_Stucky and on LinkedIn. More information about KVC Health Systems is here.

Read more about Erin in our blog post: Authenticity and Compassion: A Conversation with Erin Stucky of KVC Health Systems

Chad Anderson is Chief Clinical Officer of KVC Health Systems where he oversees all clinical behavioral healthcare services the organization provides to children and families across the U.S. He also provides leadership for the KVC Institute for Health Systems Innovation which uses neuroscience, technology and evidence-based practices to transform the experience of childhood for all children. He is passionate about prevention, both as it relates to mental health and preventing suicide, and as it relates to child welfare and safely preventing the need for foster care.

Chad began working for KVC as a residential therapist and intake social worker in 1999. Over the last 25 years, he has served in many roles including Clinical Treatment Supervisor, Lead Clinician for In-Home Evaluations and Treatment, Permanency Director, Director of Outpatient Clinical Services for KVC Kansas, Director of Clinical Services for Camber Children’s Mental Health (previously KVC Hospitals), Vice President of Clinical Services for KVC Kansas, and ultimately President of KVC Kansas. In that role, he led a team of over 700 people building a child welfare system that is safe, secure and stable. He also ensured the services were family-centered, connected to the community and focused by evidence-based practices. Chad led the integration of trauma-informed care into the Kansas foster care system, an endeavor which was the subject of a five-year study from Child Trends and the Annie E. Casey Foundation. This trauma-informed care work, known as “Bridging the Way Home,” was shown to positively impact children’s wellbeing and placement stability.

Chad received his bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in sociology from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, and his master’s in social work with a specialization in mental health from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

He can be found on X @chadandersonkvc and on LinkedIn. More information about KVC Health Systems is here.

Lonnie Johnson is Chief Information Officer at KVC Health Systems, a national leader in behavioral healthcare, child welfare, and community health and wellness. As CIO, Lonnie leads three teams working to improve healthcare delivery through technology: Information Technology (IT), Information Solutions (IS) and Enterprise Systems Management (ESM).

Lonnie oversees daily system operations which span from building and supporting KVC’s custom client management software used for case management, foster/adoptive family matching, medication management, mileage tracking and other purposes, to a robust technology infrastructure that supports the productivity of over 2,400 staff at 60 locations across the U.S. Due to his leadership, Lonnie has reduced technical cost and improved services using innovative approaches. Through strategic planning, his teams developed a technology roadmap that moves KVC into the future as an industry leader and top competitor in the behavioral healthcare space. He is known as a positive, results-driven leader who motivates his teams to success.

He has been with the organization since 2000, first as a Software Developer, then Director of the Applications and Software Development Department, and most recently as Vice President of Business Information Technology. This broad experience over his time with KVC means that Lonnie has gone from creating small applications for KVC’s individual business units to crafting a strategic vision for KVC’s technology agency-wide.

Prior to joining KVC, Lonnie worked as a private software consultant for AT&T, Kansas City Power & Light and various small businesses. He also managed the Reports and System Scheduling Department at Kemper Financial Services. Lonnie started his career in Information Technology as a Software Project Manager in 1988 for DST, Inc.

Lonnie is also the founder and executive director of Growth Ministries, Inc. which is a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting people in prison due to felony convictions transition back into society through social, spiritual and educational programs and events. GMI’s goals are to reduce recidivism and to keep communities safe.

He can be found on X @LonnieJohnson and on LinkedIn. More information about KVC Health Systems is here.

Read more about Lonnie in our blog post: Empowering the Helpers: An Interview with Chief Information Officer, Lonnie Johnson

As Chief Financial Officer at KVC Health Systems Sherri Lohe is responsible for all financial accounting for parent organization KVC Health Systems and its seven subsidiaries. KVC Health Systems employs over 2,400 professionals at 60 locations in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Kentucky and West Virginia. Its primary services are in-home family support, foster care, adoption, behavioral healthcare and children’s psychiatric hospitals.

Sherri is KVC’s financial leader and advocate for our subsidiaries which provide vital child and family services. She works closely with our subsidiary leaders to ensure the financial success of both their current services and future opportunities and partnerships. Sherri’s leadership empowers our team of caring professionals to support children and families with the most complex needs through a proven model that improves their wellbeing while reducing costs.

Sherri has been with KVC for ten years, previously serving as Executive Vice President of Finance. She has over 20 years of experience in nonprofit accounting and a proven track record of excellence. Sherri brings the ability to tend to the needs of today while anticipating and preparing for what the future might require in the constantly changing landscapes of behavioral health and child welfare.

Sherri earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Missouri- Kansas City.

As General Counsel, Cheryl Marquardt oversees all legal matters related to KVC’s services including in-home family support, mental health treatment, foster care, adoption and children’s psychiatric hospitals. She has been with KVC since 2015 and also serves as HIPAA Privacy Officer.

Cheryl is passionate about using her legal expertise to help vulnerable children and families. She’s integrated herself with our local teams, supports her fellow leaders, and helps us provide the very best child and family services.

Prior to joining KVC, Cheryl had a private legal practice dedicated to the rights and welfare of children. Her experience also includes serving as Assistant County Attorney for Leavenworth County, Kansas. In that role, she prosecuted all crimes against child victims including child abuse, sex crimes, endangering a child and homicide.

Cheryl received her J.D. from the University of Kansas School of Law, where she was an articles editor on The University of Kansas Law Review and completed a Kansas Court of Appeals Judicial Clerkship. She also received her undergraduate degree from KU.

Read more about Cheryl here.

Kimberly O’Connor-Soule is Senior Inpatient Officer for Camber Mental Health, a nonprofit subsidiary of KVC Health Systems. In this role, she oversees inpatient mental health hospitals, residential treatment, admissions, clinical quality, and operations across all Camber locations. She also serves as President of Children’s Mercy + Camber Mental Health, a new 72-bed mental wellness campus in Olathe, KS.

Previously, Kim served as Executive Vice President of Inpatient Services for KVC Health Systems and Senior Vice President for Camber Children’s Mental Health where she led strategic planning across the organization and collaborated with leadership team members to prioritize business strategies, with a strong focus on initiatives that work to improve communication, teamwork, employee engagement and project management.

With over 20 years of experience in children’s behavioral health, Kim has held many leadership positions in a range of settings, including residential treatment centers, outpatient services, social services and schools. Throughout her career, she has gained experience leading compassionate, trauma-informed treatment teams ensuring effective treatment and clinical best practices. Kimberly has extensive knowledge about children’s mental health and wellness, substance use disorder treatment, family therapy, staff training and development, and clinical and quality supervision. Prior to her return to Camber, Kimberly was Vice President of Clinical Services for Daytop Village of New Jersey, Inc. where she oversaw clinical services and quality outcomes for eight programs providing drug and alcohol treatment for adolescents and adults.

Kimberly is a certified Trauma Systems Therapy trainer and received advanced clinical training in Structural Family Therapy from the Minuchin Center for the Family in New York City. She earned a post-master’s certification in executive leadership in the nonprofit sector from New York University. Kimberly has been trained as a Gallup Engagement Champion. She has also participated in the National Child Traumatic Stress Network committee, an initiative led by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), where she and other experts created a fact sheet and resource on childhood trauma and opiate use.

Kimberly earned a master’s degree in social work from New York University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from West Virginia University. She is a licensed specialist clinical social worker in Kansas.

“I’ve been in the mental health field for over 20 years and have been blessed to witness thousands of people learn and grow into their true potential. Here at KVC and Camber Children’s Mental Health, I am surrounded by professionals who believe it’s our job to provide safe spaces so that youth can explore, discover and achieve mental health wellness. As a mother, I feel a personal commitment to ensuring we provide children with emotionally rich and supportive, trauma-informed care, as that is what I would want for my own child.” – Kimberly O’Connor-Soule

Since becoming President of KVC Missouri in 2021, Lindsey Stephenson has significantly expanded the organization’s reach and impact. Under her leadership, KVC Missouri has experienced substantial revenue growth and expanded its reach to 25 locations across the state. Lindsey’s focus on building strong community partnerships has enhanced collaboration with local schools, healthcare providers and child welfare organizations, creating a more integrated support system for at-risk youth and families. Her ability to engage with elected officials, healthcare executive and business leaders has made her a trusted voice in child welfare and children’s mental health treatment, effectively solving complex challenges and driving meaningful change.

Stephenson has been a driving force behind KVC Missouri’s expansion and elevated impact, leading the organization to a strategic partnership with St. Louis Children’s Hospital to develop a state-of-the-art youth mental wellness facility in St. Louis on the Webster Groves campus. This groundbreaking project addresses a critical gap in mental health services for teens and youth in the region through the highest-quality, accessible care. By championing this initiative, Stephenson is reshaping the landscape of youth mental health in Missouri and setting a new standard for excellence in care.

Lindsey has been actively involved in child welfare for over 20 years. Prior to her role in Missouri, she served as Vice President of Operations for KVC Kansas, where she led a team that grew community support for children in foster care by dramatically increasing the number of foster and adoptive families. She also transformed residential services and launched innovative initiatives such as the Protective Homes project.

Lindsey was honored as one of 25 Rising Stars in the Kansas City Business Community through the 2022 NextGen Leaders Awards by the Kansas City Business Journal. In 2024, the Kansas City Business Journal again honored Stephenson as one of the Twenty to Know in Health Care. These recognitions highlight her leadership in the community and her commitment to transforming child welfare and mental health services across the region.

She received her undergraduate and graduate degrees in social work from the University of Kansas and is a Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker (LSCSW).

Dr. Linda Bass became President of KVC Kansas in January 2019. Bass, pronounced “boss,” has been with KVC for 17 years. As President, she oversees foster care case management, KVC’s network of foster and adoptive parents, and all other services.

“Linda is extremely competent, operates with strong values and morals, and always places children and families first,” said Jason Hooper. “She is exactly what we want our leaders to be in that she is a consummate professional and always working to raise the bar for service quality. She is driven by achieving outcomes for children, and as President, Linda leverages her wealth of clinical and programmatic expertise to create brighter futures for the children and families we serve.”

Prior to her current role, she served as Vice President of Clinical Services and Wellbeing, leading KVC’s foster care prevention programs (family preservation), intensive in-home services (aftercare support following each child’s safe family reunification or adoption), and outpatient behavioral healthcare.

Bass is a licensed clinical marriage and family therapist with expertise in the treatment of trauma, sibling abuse, and child behavior problems. Prior to KVC, Bass worked in child placing, kinship care and residential care. At KVC, Bass led several research-backed initiatives including the implementation of the Kansas Intensive Permanency Project (KIPP); the Kansas Adoption Permanency Project (KAPP); and the creation and growth of an Engaging Parents/Developing Leaders group for parents involved in the child welfare system. She is also a thought leader on the groundbreaking Family First Act which increases funding for foster care prevention by keeping children with their families whenever safely possible.

Bass earned her bachelor’s and master’s degree from San Diego State University and doctoral degree from Loma Linda University. She has published in the areas of sibling abuse, clinical process and practitioners’ perceptions of implementing evidence-based practices.

Gina Klyachkin, MSW, LCSW, LICSW is the President of KVC Behavioral HealthCare Kentucky, Inc. In this role, she oversees KVC Kentucky in its mission to provide mental and behavioral health services, family preservation and reunification, and other family-related services to more than 14,000 children and families in eight regions of the state each year.

Gina has a passion for improving child welfare programming, clinical social work, and staff development. She also presents on topics of leadership, teamwork, and behavioral health at national conferences

Gina has been with KVC for nearly 20 years and during that time Gina has held many service and leadership roles ranging from direct services to clients to program management, culminating in her previous role as Vice President for Operations across all KVC programs.

She began her career in adult protective services and home visiting programming in Indiana and delivered Family Preservation Services in Missouri.

Gina graduated from DePauw University with a BA in Psychology and earned a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Missouri in 2003.

Ashley Brown is President of KVC Nebraska. In her role, Ashley continues to support child welfare reform in Nebraska, focusing on safety, permanency, and wellbeing by assisting in the oversight of KVC’s child welfare and juvenile justice programs, the growth of KVC’s services to the developmental and intellectual disabilities population, and prevention services.

Ashely has been with KVC since 2009 and previously served as Vice President of the organization.

Prior to her work at KVC, Ashley worked in child welfare in a variety of capacities including foster care, in-home services and outpatient mental health services. Ashley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, with her BSW from the University of South Dakota and her MSW from the University of Nebraska Omaha.

Born and raised in South Dakota but a proud Nebraska resident for over 15 years, Ashley serves the needs of Nebraska children and families including her current status as the Past Chair for the Family Focused Treatment Association Nebraska Chapter, President for the Nebraska Association of Homes and Services for Children, and an appointed member of the Normalcy Task Force for the Children’s Commission. Ashley was a recipient of the Nebraska Association of Homes and Services for Children “Kevin H. Orr Supervisor of the Year” award in 2012.

Erin Keltner is President of KVC West Virginia, a nonprofit subsidiary of KVC Health Systems that provides child welfare and mental health services. Erin has been with KVC for nearly 20 years, leading our team to provide the highest quality therapeutic services to children and families. Read more here: Foster Care and Mental Healthcare Leader KVC West Virginia Welcomes New President

Erin has held many roles with KVC in both Kentucky and West Virginia, leading the permanency, training, quality assurance and system of care teams; conducting trainings for partners like the West Virginia Department of Human Services; and providing clinical supervision to master’s level social work staff and students.

She started with KVC Kentucky (then named Croney and Clark, Inc.) as a practicum student in August 2004. Since then, Ms. Keltner has worked as a case manager and clinician in the Intensive In-Home Services and IMPACT Plus programs, was the Director of IMPACT Plus and then the Director of Development, Training, and Quality Assurance. Ms. Keltner also assisted KVC Kentucky in first becoming accredited by The Joint Commission in November 2010. Ms. Keltner started working in West Virginia in 2011, including acting as the Director of Permanency.

Ms. Keltner graduated with her Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Transylvania University in 2001 and her Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Kentucky in 2005. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Kentucky and a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in West Virginia.

Michelle Lawrence is the first President of the KVC Foundation, a subsidiary of KVC Health Systems. The vision of the KVC Health Systems family of nonprofits is to ensure every person is safe and connected to a strong family and a healthy community. To bring this vision to life, the KVC Foundation seeks strategic investments and donations from multiple funding sources – government grants, private and corporate foundations, and individuals – to support medical and behavioral healthcare, social services and educational programs and initiatives that strengthen families and communities. Philanthropy allows KVC to be agile and innovative in its approach to strengthening families, preventing child abuse and neglect, and helping people achieve mental health wellness.

Michelle Lawrence has served on KVC Health Systems’ Leadership Team for 10 years. She successfully led multiple KVC capital campaigns and program expansion initiatives, securing more than $75 million in her tenure to help open the: 

• KVC Institute for Health Systems Innovation
• Camber – Wichita, a new 54-bed acute children’s psychiatric hospital
• Newly renovated KVC Niles – 32-bed qualified residential treatment facility
• Camber-Hays, our new 32-bed acute children’s psychiatric hospital and residential treatment facility
• Children’s Mercy + Camber Mental Health (Joint Venture Hospital)– More than $40M secured to date for the new 72-bed (48 youth beds, 24 adult beds) acute inpatient psychiatric hospital in Olathe 
• And more

At a time when youth suicide and other children’s mental health needs are relentless, Michelle connects with each community of donors and helps leverage government and private support to address the urgent shortage of children’s psychiatric treatment beds throughout the Midwest. In addition to capital campaigns, she oversees the foundation team that helps to secure millions through federal, state, and local grant funding, KVC’s signature fundraising events, major gifts, planned giving, and stewardship.

Michelle has more than 30 years of experience in healthcare, nonprofit resource development, child advocacy and community outreach. Prior to joining KVC, she served as Senior Director of Community Giving for the Saint Luke’s Foundation, where she created a robust foundation program for Saint Luke’s South Hospital. She also served as Senior Vice President for Community Development at Sunflower House where she helped grow revenue tenfold.

She earned her bachelor’s degree from Miami University (Oxford, Ohio) and Rockhurst University and her Certification as a fundraising executive from the University of Missouri, Kansas City, Bloch School of Business. 

When Michelle reflects on the heart-centered work we do at KVC, she is inspired by a quote that was displayed in her office when she first joined KVC:

“Love feels no burden, thinks nothing of trouble, attempts what is above its strength, pleads no excuse for impossibility, for it thinks all things are lawful for itself and all things are possible. It is therefore able to undertake all things.” -Thomas a Kempis

Read more about Michelle here.

Renny Arensberg is Executive Vice President of Employee Engagement at KVC Health Systems, a leader in child welfare and behavioral health with 2,400 team members at 60 locations nationwide. KVC provides in-home family support, mental health treatment, foster care, adoption, and children’s psychiatric hospitals. 20 years at KVC, Renny has become known for her unique combination of energy, insight, agility and authenticity that motivates her teams to high achievement and meaningful results for tens of thousands of children and families each year.

In 2019, Renny shifted from leading KVC’s administrative Shared Services teams – Human Resources, Marketing & Communications, Development, Facilities and its Ball Conference Center – to launching a multi-year employee engagement initiative. She established a strong foundation for the needed culture shift by gaining executive and business unit leader endorsement for a partnership with Gallup. Renny generated urgency around value proposition for increasing employee retention, and created a vibrant mix of 9 trained Engagement Champions who are embedded in local teams. She branded the Q12 campaign with the tagline “Share Your Voice and Be Heard” and has conducted five agency-wide surveys now, achieving 90% employee participation in the latest one. First year results showed improvement in every aspect of engagement including a 19% increase in engaged employees. Renny is also a Gallup-Certified CliftonStrengths Coach, and is transforming KVC into a strengths-based organization having trained hundreds of associates. Ultimately, she’s a leader known for creating change one manager at a time through energy, leadership, creativity and the belief that you can have a great job and a great life.

Prior to the employee engagement role, Renny grew KVC’s fundraising events to over $550,000 million annually and completed a $6 million capital campaign; successfully rebranded the organization; implemented a comprehensive HR information system; oversaw risk management, health insurance and other employee benefits; and launched the Ball Conference Center into a revenue-producing entity to support KVC’s charitable mission.

Before joining KVC, Renny worked at Aquila, the multinational electricity and gas distribution firm. She provided strategic human resources consulting, specializing in leadership and coaching.

Renny received her master’s in human resources from Central Michigan University and her bachelor’s from the University of Kansas. She serves on the board of Support Kansas City and the Girl Scouts of Northeast Kansas and Northwest Missouri. She’s also involved with the Junior League, the Women’s Foundation of Greater Kansas City, Rotary Club, Community Health Charities and other volunteer opportunities benefiting educational and charitable causes.

Jenny Kutz, MBA, is Executive Vice President of Marketing and Communications for KVC Health Systems, a national leader in mental health, child welfare, and health and human services transformation. She is responsible for developing vision, strategy and plans for KVC’s national marketing and communications that supports the company’s overall brand and business objectives. In addition, the team she leads operates as an internal creative agency serving 8 different business units who employ more than 2,400 people at over 60 locations. The team creates and implements customized strategic communication plans that drive revenue, creates inbound and content marketing campaigns, generates leads and achieves program growth, supports major fundraising events, advances internal communications and employee engagement, elevates social media engagement, spearheads media relations and more. She has worked at KVC Health Systems since 2013.

During her more than 10 years at KVC, Jenny has helped the organization achieve Top 1% employer in the nation status with KVC’s Indeed work wellbeing score of 80, increased foster family recruitment by 78% (from 500 to 900 foster families in Kansas alone), led a team that published over 1,500 website articles, earned gold and silver awards for KVC’s Thriving magazine, led major rebranding initiatives, and supported significant internal culture and employee engagement shifts.

Jenny has over 20 years of marketing experience in a diverse set of environments. She was previously Marketing Manager at fast-growing tech company Rhythm Engineering (Lenexa, KS), Director of Communications at international nonprofit WorldServe international (Washington, DC), and spent several years as a marketing consultant to more than 40 businesses (Raleigh-Durham, NC). She received her master’s in business administration from the University of Missouri – Kansas City, and her undergraduate degree from Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL. You can find her on LinkedIn.

Brent Lemon is an Executive Vice President of our Middle College Program. In this role, he is focused on creating new educational opportunities for youth emerging from foster care. He put together a coalition of partners including Fairmont State University and the West Virginia Department of Education to launch a free, two-year program for older teens in foster care. The program, Middle College at Fairmont State University, directly addresses the national crisis of youth who age out of foster care each year by offering students free tuition and on-campus living along with wraparound therapeutic support. Youth will emerge with both their high school diploma and an associate’s degree, or credit toward a bachelor’s degree, opening exciting possibilities for employment and success.

In this role, Brent also helps KVC explore other opportunities for expanding educational programs and mental health services nationwide.

Brent previously served as President of KVC West Virginia, overseeing administration of programming and program implementation. He worked closely with directors and staff members to increase productivity and program outcomes. He also worked closely with community partners, building alliances and advocating for needed services for children and families in the state of West Virginia.

Brent came to the organization (it was then called Croney and Clark) in August of 2000 as an Impact Plus Clinician. Through the years, he has worn a number of hats and worked with each of our programs in this agency. His favorite part of work is the design, development and final implementation of projects. His best days at the agency are when the projects and initiatives come to fruition. Whether it be Chart Online or a newly funded program, he enjoys being an active participant in creating positive change in the organization. Having the freedom to be able to actively brainstorm and create solutions to enhance systemic change is invaluable.

Venkata (Ven) Rao is Executive Vice President of HR at KVC Health Systems. In this role, he provides support to all KVC’s local teams nationwide that employ 2,400 professionals at 60 locations. Ven is a human capital executive who has worked in two continents and three domains of life insurance, education, and health care. In this role spanning two decades, he has worked with in-person, distributed and remote teams to design, develop, and implement people solutions at workplaces. In health care, he has worked with state operated mental health hospitals and not-for-profit organization operating in intellectual and developmental disability services.

Ven has been a student and practitioner of life-long mission of learning newer ways to connect and work with people to help them achieve their full potential. As a mental health advocate, his areas of interests, explorations, and pursuits originate from the life philosophy of “bloom wherever you are planted.” He uses big data and lean six sigma methodology to thoroughly research and then develop human-centered solutions for individual, team, and organizational impact.

In addition to his work-life, Ven is actively involved as guest faculty at health care education organizations, sharing the experience and knowledge in strategy and performance management. He has been invited to share his workforce solutions at various state and not-for-profit conference settings.  He is currently pursuing his Ph. D in Human Capital Management at Bellevue University, Nebraska and will be working with the university’s Human Capital Lab to explore best practice solutions in optimizing individual and team performance skills.

Tabetha Vance is Executive Vice President of Finance. She oversees accounting and financial operations for all of KVC’s local teams in five states.

Bobby Eklofe is Executive Vice President of Inpatient Operations of Camber Children’s Mental Health. Camber is a network of children’s mental health hospitals and residential treatment centers serving Kansas and Missouri.

Eklofe has invested an incredible 34 years into KVC’s mission, making game-changing contributions such as opening Camber Wichita and the new Camber Hays. He is a servant-leader who constantly reminds colleagues and partners to stay connected to our “why” for helping children and adults in crisis access help and achieve mental wellness.

In his more than 30 years in the behavioral health field, most of that with Camber and the KVC Health Systems family of nonprofits, Bobby has gained experience working in residential services, psychiatric hospitals, social services and school settings. He has held positions in a range of disciplines giving him a well-rounded understanding of the psychiatric treatment environment, including direct patient care, human resources, training, staff development, hospital administration and executive leadership.

Bobby participates in many local and state committees in Kansas to advocate for community behavioral health needs and is a longtime member of Kiwanis. He currently serves on the Kansas Governor’s Behavioral Health Services Planning Council Children’s Subcommittee and the Kansas School Mental Health Advisory Council. He previously served as co-chair of the Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) Stakeholder Committee, Wyandotte County Children’s Services Coordinating Council, Child Abuse and Neglect Conference Planning Committee, and the Kansas Children’s Alliance Training Committee.

Bobby earned a master’s degree in health services administration from the University of Kansas School of Medicine.

“There is no better job and fulfillment than to have the opportunity to work for families and children and support them through life’s ups and downs. You can’t replace that. Once you get a taste of it, you want to continue that feeling of knowing you’re helping others and investing in their futures. I am joined by a passionate, multi-disciplinary team of professionals that is here to serve families and children with compassion!” – Bobby Eklofe

Sara Schlagel is Senior Vice President of Children’s Mercy + Camber Mental Health, a new 72-bed mental health hospital and healing mental wellness campus opening in late 2024 in Olathe, KS. Read more at Camber Mental Health Announces Expanded Leadership Team and Children’s Mercy and KVC Health Systems Form Joint Venture to Build New $53 Million Mental Wellness Campus.

Sara previously served in roles including Vice President of Administration for Camber Children’s Mental Health. She also held other leadership roles with KVC Kansas, which is a sister organization to Camber Mental Health, and a local community mental health center. She has international experience providing consulting services to schools, psychiatric hospitals, and residential centers as well as extensive experience working with families through the Strengthening Families program, survivors of human trafficking, and providing services and support to immigrant families.

As a nationally certified Trauma Systems Therapy trainer, Sara provides training on trauma-informed care, enhancing client experiences and service-provider safety. Along with 13 years of experience working in mental health, she is bilingual in English and Spanish.

Sara has a master’s degree in social work from Washburn University and is licensed as a clinical social worker and specialist clinical social worker.

“I’m proud to work for an organization that strives to identify and meet the needs of our communities head-on. We push ourselves to be resourceful in our work with children and families and drive innovative treatment practices.” – Sara Schlagel

Travis Stecklein is the Senior Vice President of Inpatient Mental Health for Camber Children’s Mental Health. In this role, he oversees the Executive Directors at our Kansas City, Hays and Wichita Hospitals. Travis is responsible for ensuring operational excellence, strategic leadership and the continued delivery of high-quality mental health services across these critical locations.

Previously, Travis served as the Division Director of Behavioral Health for the HCA Mid America Division, where he provided oversight for behavioral health assessments and operations across 16 medical and surgical hospitals and one psychiatric hospital. His leadership was instrumental in expanding behavioral health services within the Kansas City market, optimizing departmental efficiency and improving patient care through innovative strategies such as tele-psychiatry.

With over a decade of experience in behavioral health and leadership roles, Travis has a proven track record of driving organizational success through strategic planning, team development and a commitment to regulatory and legal compliance. His expertise spans a variety of areas, including coaching and mentoring, organizational development and financial management.

Travis holds a Master’s degree in Health Services Administration from Kansas University Medical Center, a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Kansas and a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Fort Hays State University. He is a Licensed Master’s Social Worker in both Kansas and Missouri and is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

James Roberson has worked for KVC since 2004 and currently serves as Senior Vice President at KVC Missouri where he leads program and employee development. 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

Annmarie Arensberg serves as the Vice President of Clinical Access & Outreach for all of Camber Children’s Mental Health’s psychiatric programs. She oversees the operations and clinical services for all inpatient and residential treatment programs, provides oversight for utilization review, develops Camber’s therapeutic services and nurtures referral partner relationships. She also serves as an employee engagement champion and works to instill initiatives that drive retention and an enhanced employee culture.

Beginning her career with Camber Mental Health in 2012, Annmarie has gained experience as a Therapist Intern, Admissions Coordinator, Residential Therapist, Clinical Manager and Director of Clinical Services. Prior to Camber, she worked in the case management department at the University of Kansas Hospital as a social work intern.

Annmarie has been trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Trauma Systems Therapy, and Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports. She earned a master’s degree in social work from the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare, is a licensed specialist clinical social worker in Kansas. She has received a certification in Adaptive Leadership from NYU. Prior to being employed at Camber, she was a longtime Camber volunteer.

“Camber and the larger KVC Health Systems family of nonprofits are a part of my DNA at this point. I love the work we do here and am passionate about being part of a team and company that goes above and beyond for children and families who need support. If we see gaps in services, we take steps to fill them and build a better and brighter future for those that we serve.” – Annmarie Arensberg

Danielle Bartelli, Vice President of KVC Behavioral Healthcare Kansas, has been with KVC since 2000, joining just three years into the public-private child welfare partnership between the state of Kansas and KVC. She led efforts to decrease care for children in residential settings such as group homes, increase community-based care of children by relatives and foster families, and reduce the time children were in foster care. She was instrumental in forging community and provider partnerships to ensure lasting change.

Over the last 24 years, Bartelli rose from a family support worker to her current leadership role. She oversees all programs, ensuring children and families who receive child welfare services have the best possible care. Ongoing program improvement is a priority for Bartelli who is committed to continued implementation of evidence-based practices and measuring outcomes.

Bartelli is a licensed professional counselor (L.P.C.) and received her master’s degree in mental health counseling from Emporia State University in Emporia, Kan.

Brittany Broeckelman is Vice President of Clinical Services at Camber Children’s Mental Health where she leads and oversees acute hospital services and programming. She leads a team of clinicians and direct care staff, and helps ensure a safe, therapeutic environment that accommodates the needs of each youth being served at Camber as well as compliance with meeting licensing standards.

Since joining Camber Mental Health in 2013, Brittany has gained experience through a variety of roles including Intake Coordinator, Therapist, Clinical Supervisor, Clinical Director, and Executive Director of Acute Hospital Services at Camber Children’s Mental Health Kansas City. She is trained in Positive Behavioral Intervention Supports, Trauma Systems Therapy, and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT).

Brittany earned a master’s degree in clinical social work from the University of Kansas. She enjoys giving back to her alma mater as a field instructor for clinical practicum students and was awarded the Margo Schutz Gordon Award in 2017 for “Outstanding Achievement in Field Instruction.” Brittany is also currently an adjunct professor for the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare.

“I started at Camber as a therapist intern in 2013, and I believed in the organization’s mission and values. Camber is a vessel for helping children and families heal, and I feel so grateful to have the opportunity to positively impact people’s lives every day. Little did I know, they would positively impact my life too!” – Brittany Broeckelman

Dr. Pamela Dawson, Vice President of Education acts as a community and statewide liaison for our education department. 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

Jarrod Dungan is the Vice President of Operations of KVC Kentucky. Mr. Dungan has served as Director of Business Technology for KVC Kentucky since 2009 and has been central to the administration of KVC Kentucky which serves thousands of families and individuals across 63 Kentucky counties with the purpose of improving health and well-being.

Mr. Dungan graduated from Transylvania University in 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy and joined KVC Kentucky the same year.  He is a self-taught software engineer and technology implementation expert who has pulled upon his training and interest in social philosophy, technology and human services to develop innovative solutions aimed at increasing efficiency and effectiveness of community-based services across a large geographical area.

Mr. Dungan continues to provide a focus on business development, financial management and innovation for KVC Kentucky.  He regularly presents at conferences on Behavioral Health and Child Welfare on topics concerning the effective management of community-based services through the use of technology, data and decision making and participates in public workgroups that focus on financial and programmatic improvements to Kentucky’s child welfare, behavioral health and public health initiatives.

Brett Easley is Vice President of Enterprise Systems Management and the Project Management Office for KVC Health Systems. In his role, he oversees the implementation and use of third-party software such as electronic health records. Brett is responsible for the strategic direction of enterprise systems and project management within the organization while promoting a culture of continuous improvement that fosters innovation and best practices.

Brett has been with KVC for more than 20 years and has a broad range of experience with the organization. He began at KVC Kansas, working directly with children and families. Then he moved to KVC Nebraska where he supported the expansion of KVC services in the state.

Brett earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. Additionally, Brett is the recipient of the TechLX Technology Marketing Excellence Award.

“As an adoptive father of eight children, KVC embodies the values that are important to me and my family. I love my role because it gives me the opportunity, in some small way, to be able to help support other families on their journey.” -Brett Easley

Kelly English is the Vice President of Clinical Services at KVC Missouri. In this role, she oversees the clinical programming and implementation across all KVC Missouri programs. Kelly also works closely with the admission and utilization teams of Missouri. Kelly is a licensed professional counselor, with more than 15 years of successful experience in both residential and outpatient clinical therapy settings.

Kelly received her undergraduate degree from St. Louis University in Psychology with a minor in Education and her master’s degree from the University of Kansas in Counseling Psychology.

Kelly began her professional career in child welfare at KVC working as a case manager and therapist. From there she moved into residential and outpatient therapy and then onto administrative work. She has extensive expertise in clinical operations and program development. Kelly has spent a large part of her career successfully building, growing, and operating Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities (PRTF), Therapeutic Group Homes, Youth Residential Services (YRC), Qualified Residential Treatment Programs (QRTP), and Community-Based Services such as Street Outreach Programs and Intensive Outpatient Programs for children. Throughout her career, she has gained experience in census management, contract negotiation and management, strategic human resources procedures including compliance, leadership development, talent management and retention. She has held positions in a range of disciplines within the mental health umbrella giving her a versatile understanding of the mental health treatment environment for children and families.

Kelly has actively engaged as a community liaison at state and local levels in the crucial conversations to shape better access to and delivery of mental health services. She has participated in local committees to advocate for mental health and enjoys collaborating with others to create beneficial outcomes for children and families.

Elke Hansen is Vice President of Residential Treatment for KVC Missouri. In this role, she oversees psychiatric residential treatment facilities (PRTFs) for youth in Springfield and Columbia, as well as qualified residential treatment programs (QRTPs) in Kansas City and St. James.

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 U.S.: 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 U.S. 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!”

Angela is Vice President for KVC Kansas, overseeing many services including the nonprofit’s support of hundreds of kinship, foster and adoptive families. Angela joined KVC Kansas in 2008. Over the past 16 years, she has held various positions including Case Manager, Permanency Supervisor and Director, and Director of Integrated Services. Previous to her current role, she was the Director of Training, Policy and Data Management. Angela is strategic, solution-focused, and seeks to find common ground through collaboration and understanding. As a former Kansas foster parent and now adoptive parent, Angela brings a wealth of professional and personal experience to the position.

Blythe Hinderliter, MBA, is Vice President of Marketing and Communications. In this role, she oversees customized marketing strategy and support for each of KVC’s local subsidiaries. Blythe and her team are responsible for developing and implementing strategic marketing and communications plans that achieve business growth goals, enhance brand awareness, and develop strategic partnerships. She previously was Senior Director of Marketing & Communications for Camber Children’s Mental Health, the KVC subsidiary that provides inpatient and residential children’s mental health treatment.

Throughout her career in healthcare marketing, Blythe has gained expertise in lead generation, brand management, content development, public relations, digital marketing, supporting major events, internal communications, and more. Prior to Camber and the larger KVC Health Systems family of nonprofits, she was Marketing Manager for Cardinal Health where she created and executed strategic marketing plans and worked closely with leadership to achieve business development goals for two businesses in its Specialty Solutions division. In 2015, Blythe received the Cardinal Health High Impact Award and in 2014 she received the Cardinal Health Team Player Award.

Blythe received her master’s degree in business administration from Baker University. She earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism with a strategic communications emphasis and business minor from the University of Kansas.

“I am inspired every day by the work my peers do. Being part of an organization that is focused on making people’s lives better and communities healthier fuels my passion for my work. I am not in a role that provides direct care to children or families, so I take pride in doing everything I can to increase awareness and education to ensure people have access to the care they need.” – Blythe Hinderliter

Christy Howard is KVC Missouri’s Vice President of Community-Based Services. In her role, she oversees the implementation of all community-based programs and provides oversight to program directors. Christy is responsible for strategic planning as it relates to community based services to ensure effective service delivery and staff satisfaction and performance.

Christy earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri and her master’s degree from Walden University.

She had 20 years of experience in the child welfare field and has worked in every program line from the child abuse and neglect hotline through residential treatment. Christy previously worked at Missouri Children’s Division, in a variety of roles including children’s service worker, supervisor on the front line, and Deputy Director of Policy and Practice. She also has experience in the private sector, she worked as the director of the central region for Cornerstones of Care and held the title of Family Preservation Director for the DCCCA in the state of Kansas.

Christy has experience managing and writing multiple contracts and grants and maintaining a budget. She has led numerous workgroups and strategic teams aimed at improving practice for the families and is proficient in data analysis and program implementation.

“My why is that we give people hope. We give people hope on their darkest days. We change lives. We can change the trajectory of someone’s entire life by connecting families to services that will support them and allow their children to live strong, healthy lives.” – Christy Howard

Julie Jurden is the Vice President of Development for the KVC Foundation. The KVC Foundation seeks strategic investments and donations from multiple funding sources – federal, state, private foundations, corporate foundations, and individuals – to support medical and behavioral healthcare, social services and educational programs and initiatives that strengthen families and communities. Philanthropy allows KVC to be agile and innovative in its approach to strengthening families, preventing child abuse and neglect, and helping people achieve mental health wellness.

Julie’s commitment to building effective teams and her understanding of the intricate processes involved in project development uniquely prepared her to channel her skills and experience in her current role. With a passion for creating positive change, Julie is devoted to leveraging her skills to drive fundraising initiatives that will have a lasting impact on the mission of KVC.

Julie has a wealth of experience and a unique blend of skills acquired through a 37-year career in the private for-profit sector. With a strong foundation in business acumen, relationship-building, and team leadership, she successfully managed the development of multiple retail lifestyle centers as the Vice President of Development for RED Development. In this role, Julie navigated the entire project management lifecycle including the strategic sourcing of funding from diverse channels, including government entities, private investors, and financial institutions.

Throughout her career, Julie has served on many nonprofit boards in leadership roles and understands the challenges that face these organizations.

Julie earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of Virginia in Sociology with a minor in Religious Studies.

“It is my great desire to play a role in breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health issues and creating a brighter future for countless children and adults. Mental health challenges affect individuals from all walks of life, and assisting in providing funding that can help deliver crucial resources, therapy, and support systems that empower individuals to navigate their journeys toward recovery and resilience is vital. Every dollar raised is a step closer to fostering a society that prioritizes mental wellbeing, ensuring that no one has to face their battles alone. Unfortunately, most of us have been touched in some way by mental illness and the challenges it presents. Hopefully, together we can transform lives as well as build more compassionate and understanding communities that value and support mental health for generations to come.”

-Julie Jurden

Phil McQueen is the Vice President of Technology at KVC Health Systems. He previously worked in this role for the St. Louis-based nonprofit Great Circle, which became part of KVC Missouri in April 2023.

Erin Osborne is Vice President of Operations for KVC West Virginia. She been with KVC for 16 years. She opened a residential program for adolescents with dual diagnoses (MH/ID) which began providing services in 2008

Prior to her current role, Erin has provided direct care as a Family Service Specialist with KVC and as a therapist with KVC and other agencies. Her therapeutic experience has been serving those diagnosed with severe mental illness (all ages) and adolescents with intellectual disabilities both in NY and WV. Ms. Osborne has worked as a clinical supervisor/manager in residential settings targeting adults and adolescents with mental illness and developmental/intellectual disabilities in WV for five years.

Erin received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Sociology from Oberlin College in Oberlin, OH in 1999. She received her Master of Social Work degree in 2006 from New York University in New York, NY.

Jeremiah Pierce is Vice President of Finance at KVC Health Systems.

Dr. Abyssinia Washington Tabron, PsyD, is Vice President of Clinical Engagement and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion + Belonging at KVC Health Systems. In her role, she is a leader in the KVC Institute as well.

Dr. Aby is a clinical psychologist who evaluates and treats children and adolescents who have been victims of trauma. Her primary area of expertise is child abuse, neglect and sexual exploitation. She has served as a professor at the George Washington University’s Forensic Psychology program, an expert witness on child trauma and abuse in courts, and clinical director at a child advocacy center. She is a consultant with the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Youth Opportunities Initiative. In private practice, Dr. Washington provides mental health care for children, adolescents and young adults with severe trauma histories. Dr. Washington earned a Doctorate in clinical psychology from the George Washington University, a master’s of education in counseling psychology from Howard University and a bachelor’s in psychology from Spelman College.

Taylor Ziegler is Vice President of Nursing at Camber Children’s Mental Health where she oversees nursing and program services for Camber’s children’s psychiatric hospitals and residential treatment facilities. This includes focusing on enhancing the patient experience, directing all aspects of nursing and direct patient care, and coordinating with all other disciplines to provide the highest possible quality of care. She also manages the maintenance of quality improvement activities to adhere to Camber’s policies and procedures along with the regulations and standards provided by Camber’s regulating bodies.

Taylor began her career with Camber in 2013 as a Behavioral Health Technician. She has gained experience as a Registered Nurse, Lead Nurse, Nursing Supervisor, Director of Nursing and Senior Director of Nursing while at Camber.

Taylor earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) and a doctorate in nursing practice (DNP) at Fort Hays State University and is board-certified through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) as a Family Nurse Practitioner. She is also certified to teach Basic Life Support (BLS) classes.

Taylor is located in Hays and is deeply involved in the community, serving on the BSN and DNP Nursing Advisory Board at Fort Hays State University, Nursing Advisory Board at Northwest Kansas Technical College, and the Annual Mental Health Symposium Planning Committee.

“I work with passionate people assisting children and families through times of crisis and need. It’s hard to put into words how it feels to see children gain skills and confidence because of our team’s work.” – Taylor Ziegler

Suzanne Lohrbach, PhD, is the Executive Director of the KVC Institute for Practice Improvements and Innovations in Child and Family Services. In this role, she leads a broad team working to transform the experience of childhood and improve the wellbeing of children, families and communities. The KVC Institute focuses on developing creative solutions to complex social problems, and translating research into practice by developing practical learning tools for direct service providers, educators and families. By accelerating research and the adoption of evidence-informed practices, the KVC Institute plays a key role in strengthening families, healing children who have experienced trauma, improving the health of those with mental health needs, and creating a brighter future for people across the country and beyond.

Sue Lohrbach has a combined 30 years of experience working and supervising practice in public child protective services and child, adolescent, and adult mental health. She consults and presents nationally and internationally on differential response systems in child welfare, intervention in high-risk child protective service delivery, domestic violence, family involvement, youth development, research-to-practice initiatives, and group supervision in child welfare systems.

Sue received her BA from Luther College, Decorah, Iowa; her MS in Community Counseling from Winona State University in Minnesota; and is currently a PhD candidate in Social Work at the University of Minnesota. She is licensed in the State of Minnesota as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker.

Dr. Anh Vinh has been with Camber Children’s Mental Health for almost 15 years and serves as the Executive Medical Director of Medical & Nursing Services. With evidence of how childhood trauma is correlated to chronic illnesses and addiction, Dr. Vinh focuses on combining her physical health expertise as a family physician with Camber’s and KVC’s world-renowned behavioral and mental healthcare services. This collaboration allows Camber to move beyond assessments and meaningfully address long-term health issues in individuals and communities.

Additionally, Dr. Vinh enhances Camber’s health and wellness programs to improve clinical outcomes for both clients and employees. She performs both regional and national research related to integrated healthcare and models of service provision, suggests clinical pathways to monitor health and wellness outcomes, provides guidance on the growth of technology platforms that prevent medical risks, and develops protocols influenced by evidence-based and best practice guidelines.

Professional affiliations include the American Board of Family Medicine and the American Academy of Family Physicians. Dr. Vinh received her medical degree from the University of Kansas Medical Center and completed her residency in its Department of Family Medicine. She is also a Kansas Reynolds Program in Aging Faculty Scholar.

“As a primary care physician, I was trusted with patients’ stories of their deepest traumas. Some of these same patients were hardest ones to care for due to illnesses and addictions. All physicians knew there was a backstory of trauma in our hardest patients before ACEs studies, but when those studies were published, we finally had help in defining exactly what trauma and resilience does to our physical health.”

“I work with some of the most traumatized children in Kansas. Some of these clients have been neglected or experienced other trauma and as a result, they neglect their own physical health. Camber and KVC are unique in our emphasis on trauma-informed care and focus on the future health impact. Caring for this extremely vulnerable population, and the possibility of making a real impact on their future health, is why Camber will be the future of how we view chronic illness and prevention.” – Dr. Anh Vinh