"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead

Meet the people who help run our organization.

Who We Are

Caring Management Team

Kristina Jones, PhD, LPC, LCPC, NCC President and CEO

816.601.0550 x 209
email

Amanda Jackson Vice President of Development & Communications

816.252.8388 x 313
email

Lexi Wright, MA, LPC, NCC Vice President of Programs

816.601.0550 x 206
email

Susan Ruddell Manager of Administration

816.252.8388 x 327
email

Brittany Talley, MA, LCPC, LPC,
RPT-S
Director of Clinical Services

816.252.8388 x 315
email

Mindy Kissner Director of Family Support Services

816.252.8388 x 324
email

Amanda Enriquez, LCSW, LSCSW, RPT Clinical Supervisor

816.252.8388 x 336
email

Lindsey Neely, LMSW Community Education Manager

816.601.0550 x 212
email

Nicole Carleton, PhD, LPC, LCPC, RPT, NCC Intern Supervisor

816.601.0550 x 208
email

Dimitra Drakopoulou, MS, LPC-S Intern Supervisor

816.252.8388 x 336
email

Advocating Board of Directors

Executive Committee

Tamara Veit, President | McElligott Ewan & Hall PC

Rickey Lee II, VP, Resource Dev. Committee | Infor Corporation

Jhordan Woodard, VP, Governance Committee | Social Security Administration

Tammy Buckner, VP, Program Committee | WeCode KC

Terri Brewer, Secretary | Independence School District

Daniel O'Neill, Treasurer | Reece and Nichols

Board Members

Mary House | Cruise Planners

Christina Jenkins | Federal Reserve Bank of KC

Erin Mayfield Craig | Oswald Rew LLC

Danny Murphy | LEAD Bank

Katie Rooney, J.D. | Jackson County 16th Circuit Court

Tanesha Thompson | Growing Futures Early Education Center

Danielle Trabon | Edward Jones

LaTasha Tuggle | Healthcare Corporation of America (HCA)

Proud Partners/Affiliations

United Way

We are a proud 2025 Impact 100 Partner with United Way of Greater Kansas City. Their mission and work is focused on community impact, seeking to improve lives and strengthen communities. Our partnership with United Way has helped make it possible to reach Jackson County’s at-risk children since 1978.

Promise 1000 Home Visiting Collective

We are an inaugural partner agency in the Promise 1000 Home Visiting Collective. Promise 1000 is a partnership between Children’s Mercy Kansas City and Nurture KC that connects families to trained agencies offering in-home support. With funding from regional foundations and trusts, the program serves expectant parents and those with young children who may lack access to needed support.

Advisory Council

Kristen Abernathy

Kirk Beye

Paul Cesare

Kelle Burmeister Gilmore

Shelly Hall

Beth Hammer

Ann Mesle

Michele McIntosh, M.D.

Scott Roberson, D.D.S.

Patty Schumacher

Dayla Bishop Schwartz

R. Scott Smith