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My name is Carrie Stevick, PMP, SSBB.  I graduated from Avila University with an Bachelor degree in Business Administration in 2002 and with a Master of Business Administration in 2004.  I also received a Master Certificate in Project Management from George Washington University in 2004 and became certified as a Project Manager Professional (PMP) via Project Manangement Institute (PMI).  In 2008, I recieved a Master Certificate in Lean Six Sigma from Villanova University, and became Six Sigma Black Belt certified via ASQ.  I have worked at Sprint Nextel for 9 years; currently working as a process re-engineer focused on process improvement projects.

I am married with seven children and eight grandchildren. I return to full-time academic pursuits when I was 29 years old. Over the course of 15 years I completed one undergraduate degree, two master’s degrees and earned a doctorate from Kansas State University. I intermittently teach classes for the Avila Advantage Program.

Amelia Davenport has a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology and is a licensed psychologist in Kansas and Missouri. She has training and experience in the areas of diagnostic assessment, individual psychotherapy, research, and consulting. She has special interest in the areas of addictive behavior and motivation. Dr. Davenport works as a Clinical Psychologist for Truman Medical Center, Lakewood and maintains a private practice in Johnson County. She serves on the Board of Directors for the National Counsel of Alcohol and Drug Dependence and is an adjunct faculty professor for Avila University. Dr. Davenport emphasizes cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness based techniques in her work with individuals, groups and organizations.

Shawnta Gantt-Jefferies, is currently the Training and Organizational Manager at Development Systems, Inc. In this role Mrs. Jefferies identifies, develops and implement training plannings for family planning health care professionals in the states of Iowa and Kansas. Mrs. Jefferies also serves as an internal HR consultant for Development Systems where she faciliates, associate surveys, review of personnel documents, and oversees the employee recognition program. Mrs. Jefferies received her Bachelors of Arts of Sociology from The University of Missouri-Kansas City, a Masters of Arts in Health Service Management from Webster University and a Masters of Business Administration also from Webster University.

I am George N. Townsend, Executive Vice President for Central Baptist Theological Seminary in Shawnee, Kansas. For more than eight years I have been privileged to teach for Avila University through the Advantage program and absolutely love the program and its students. Adult degree completion, while rewarding, is an exceedingly complex season of life for students as they manage multiple demands. It is particularly rewarding to me to assist students in the delicate balancing that results in the meeting of educational and professional goals. My professional career began in the late 1970’s as a marketing manager with Lamar Hunt’s then fledgling local theme park--Worlds of Fun. I have held numerous positions as a financial and operational officer in institutions of higher education for the past 25 years and have a strong entrepreneurial background in real-estate investing. I have degrees from William Jewell College and Baker University and have performed further graduate study at Rockhurst University and Walden University. My spouse, Karen LaHay Townsend and I live as empty nesters in Liberty, Missouri with “Chance”, our Golden Retriever. Karen teaches gifted and talented children in third, fourth, and fifth grades for the North Kansas City school district. When I’m not working or land-lording, I enjoy sailing, snow skiing, and playing violin.

The first course I taught in the undergraduate Avila Advantage Program was in 1997. The courses I currently teach are Management, Organizational Behavior, Ethics and Philosophy. I enjoy spending time with my family.

Deacon Ken Fuenfhausen has been Pastoral Associate at Coronation of Our Lady Catholic Church in Grandview, Missouri since 1984. The majority of his time is spent coordinating the parish’s youth ministry program, providing ministry with junior high, senior high, and college youth. Prior to parish ministry, he served three years as DRE/Campus Minister at Notre Dame de Sion High School. His undergraduate degree is from Rockhurst University, Kansas City, and he holds a Master of Pastoral Studies degree from Loyola University, New Orleans. He spent six years in the seminary with the Society of the Precious Blood. He is married and has two children. He was ordained to the diaconate in 2001. Deacon Ken is an avid trout fisherman, dumb joke teller, and claims to be the biggest John Denver fan of all time.

Cathy was born and raised in the Kansas City area. She attended local Catholic elementary and high schools. She received her undergraduate degree in Mathematics Education from University of Missouri at Kansas City and her Master’s degree in Education from Avila University. She is married to Robert Sutherlin, an engineer at Burns and McDonnell. She is the proud mother of six daughters. She teaches at many institutions locally. She joined Avila Advantage in 2005. Mathematics education is “her thing”. She believes everyone can learn and understand Mathematics.

Dr. Robert Grady received his doctorate from the University of Missouri Kansas City. There he also taught as a vocal instructor and master class clinician.  Currently he is a professor of music at Avila University and teaches vocal technique, music history, and theory.  In Kansas City, he has sung Ulisse in Il ritorno d'Ulisse in Patria in White Hall at the Performing Arts Center, the Verdi Requiem with the Civic Orchestra, and Edgar in  Puccini's Edgar with the Civic Opera. He has performed several roles including the Lord Chancellor in Iolanthe, Alfred in Die Fledermaus, Kaspar in Ahmal and the Night Visitors, and Archibald in The Secret Garden.  He has specialized in Puccini roles including Ruggero in La rondine, Rodolfo in La bohème, Cavarodossi in Tosca, and Pinkerton in Madama Butterfly. At Boston native, he made his professional debut as Don José in Carmen at Boston's Longwood Opera. Other operatic roles include the witch in Hansel and Gretel and Monostatos in Die Zauberflöte.  Robert also has many musical theater credits including Billy in Carousel, Mr. Bumble in Oliver, and Sweeney Todd.  He has sung recitals in Kansas City, Boston, Los Angeles, New York, and Germany. As a soloist, his oratorio performances include Mendelssohn's Elijah, the Fauré Requiem, and the Bach Magnificat.

Joyce Rozmiarek-Hill has an extensive background in leadership and organizational development. Joyce’s work with organizations includes cultural change that supports the achievement of business strategies, talent development that encompasses succession planning, team interventions, performance management, retention strategies and employee engagement. She has experience working with Fortune 500 organizations as well as small businesses across many disciplines, including, but not limited to financial, telecommunications, retail, and academia. Joyce is also a strong proponent of positive reinforcement and has helped several organizations incorporate this approach into their culture. She holds a Masters of Science in Organizational Development and a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management and has received special acknowledgements from the Corporate Leadership Council, Alexandria, WV and American Productivity and Quality Center, Houston, TX for her work with cultural change and performance management.

Ronnie brings a background in business, education, public service and non- profits to his teaching. His educational background includes two advanced degrees in psychology and another in conflict resolution. He is an approved mediator in Missouri and Kansas. He is the Coordinator of the Johnson County Small Claims Mediation program. He is a volunteer for the victim offender program for Catholic Charities and the Community Mediation Center. He is the past President of Heartland Mediators Association (HMA) and a member of six other professional mediation organizations.

I graduated from Rutgers University in 1976 with a degree in Civil Engineering.  Upon graduation I started working as a Loss Prevention Engineer for an insurance company.  From that engineering position I was promoted to “Marketing Engineer”. This began my movement away from engineering.  In that sales position I was exposed to finance.  In order to make a sale I had to understand the time value of money so that I could recommend alternative ways for the companies to pay for the insurance.  That was my first exposure to finance and I loved it. So after being out of college for 4 years I decided to go back full time and get my master’s degree in Finance.  After graduation, I worked as a Management Consultant for Touche Ross and then a Senior Financial Analyst for Marion Labs. After 6 years at Marion I decided to start my own consulting company.  For 10 years I developed financial models for companies such as Proctor & Gamble, Pepsi, Black & Veatch, Utili-Corp and Yellow Freight. Five years ago I decided to become a financial advisor because of my passion to apply my analytical skills to the financial challenges of individual investors.  While a financial advisor I have been awarded the Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS) and the Certified Retirement Financial Advisor (CRFA) designations.  I own and operate my own business called STRATEGIC INVESTMENT SOLUTIONS, INC.  In addition have been an instructor at Avila University for over 20 years teaching undergraduate level courses that include Money and Banking, Finance, Statistics, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Investments and Quantitative Analysis.  My wife and I currently reside in Lee's Summit, Missouri. We will be celebrating our 30th anniversary this year and have been blessed with five children. I am an avid baseball, basketball and football fan. I also enjoy playing the piano and occasionally play for my church.

Stacia Mitchell, Ed.S., attended Pittsburg State University for her Undergraduate, Masters, and Educational Specialist degree in Community Counseling. Stacia is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She currently works for The University of Kansas at a nonprofit, research branch, Juniper Gardens Children’s Project. During her time at Juniper, she has worked on several projects including working as a Project Coordinator on projects Delivering Early Prevention and Intervention by Establishing Healthy Parent-child Relationships and Reducing the Risk of Abuse and Neglect in young mothers, Using Computer Mediated Intervention and Assessment to reach rural families to deliver early intervention services, and using early intervention to Promote Social Communication Competency in Toddlers with Autism. Stacia has also worked as an Adjunct Instructor for Avila University since 2004. Courses taught include General Psychology, Human Behaviors and Addictions, and Current Trends in Psychotherapy.

In 1997, I received a Master of Arts in Conflict Resolution from the McGregor School of Antioch University in Yellow Springs Ohio. My study emphasis was designing dispute resolution systems, mediation, and workplace conflict. I earned my undergraduate degree in1986. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Wyoming. Since earning my master’s degree, I have mediated over 200 EEO discrimination complaints, designed dispute systems for large and small workplaces, and taught mediation, conflict resolution and designing dispute systems at Avila University in the Advantage and traditional programs. I enjoy teaching at Avila because of the faculty and students that put so much into each class period and make my teaching time fun and exciting.

Noted for her enthusiasm, passion and humor, Loretta combines energy and real-world experiences to the classroom. Formerly, she was Assistant Vice President of Human Resources at Sprint. Currently, she is President of the Summers Advisory Group, Inc, a human resources consulting organization. She is a certified mediator of workplace conflict, a certified facilitator of AchieveGlobal and DDI seminars and a distributor of Inscape Publishing Profiles. Loretta has 25+ years of progressive human resources experience in union and nonunion environments. She has an M.B.A. and is certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources. She serves as adjunct faculty at Baker University, Ottawa University, Avila University and Johnson County Community College. Loretta is a member of the Kansas City Human Resources Management Association, the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM), the SHRM Consultants Forum, and the American Society for Training and Development.

I am a graduate of Webster University and possess (2) Masters degrees – one in Human Resource Development and one in Human Resource Management. I have been in the human resource field for the past 20 years as a generalist, which encompasses all facets of the HR function. Additionally, I also do HR consulting and am presently teaching at several local universities/colleges. I teach HR, Communications and Management courses at various levels and enjoy it very much. My hobbies include taking care of my Yorkshire Terriers, writing and scouting for antiques. I feel very blessed that I can pursue my passion for teaching as well as remain active in my chosen profession.

Carmela Meyer, MBA completed a Bachelor of Science in Education from Central Missouri State University and a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in Organizational Behavior from the University of Missouri - Kansas City. She is currently employed at the University of Kansas School of Medicine as the Program Manager for geriatric medical education. She has 20 years of experience in organizational development and medical education in both higher education and non-profits.

Nicki Alexopoulos is a life-long resident of the Kansas City area.  She earned her bachelor's degree in English education from Central Missouri State University in 1974.  Her master's was granted from the University of Missouri in 1984.  She has taught at the high school level for 25 years; her last post was at Fort Osage High School.  For the past 10 years she has taught at the collegiate level at both Metropolitan Community College, Blue River Campus, and at the Avila Advantage program since 2004.  She has two children, Patrick 30 and Kristen 26.  She lives in Brookside with her husband, Walter Winch

I have been a business owner, engaged in both offering a service as well as selling products.  I have also worked in a 'manufacturing' setting where I had one piece that played to a collection of others to form a whole product.  The last 14 years have been spent working at various levels and areas with my current company.  As a manager and leader, I have gained experience and a wealth of knowledge that I use as the basis of my teaching, of giving back to show others that insight and enhance the course.  Teaching for Avila has become my passion, and I can only hope it transcends to my students.

Frances “Cecilia” Garrett, who teaches in the Avila Advantage program, earned her B.S. in Education from Missouri University – Columbia and her Masters in Liberal Arts (MLA) from Johns Hopkins University – Baltimore. After teaching in both the public and private arena for a number of years, she entered the academic field six years ago. She originally came to Avila to teach Fundamentals of Communication in the traditional program but is now teaching, not only Fundamentals of Communication, but Composition I, Composition II, and Literature and Culture in the Advantage program while teaching daytime at one of the community colleges.

Traci Greer leads the service collaboration efforts between the subsidiaries of YRC Worldwide.  In her current role as VP of Collaboration and her previous role as VP of Marketing, Greer is responsible for service development, market management, promotional and communication strategies both domestically and internationally.  Prior to joining YRCW, Greer was the VP of Sales and Marketing at Planet Alumni (a local Kansas City technology company) and held progressively responsible marketing positions at Sprint. Greer received her BA from Wichita State University and a MBA from Keller Graduate School.

Margo A Weatherby owner of Associated Business Advisors where accounting, tax and business consulting are her specialities. Margo has been in business for the past 25 years.and has been an adjunct professor for the past 10 years. She currently teaches accounting for Avila and Graceland Universities. She th proud parent of a 18 year old son and 2 year old shitzu named “Sox”. My passion is to help people. She is an avid reader, who loves to travel and expore new things. Margo is currently associated with the following organizations National Association of Tax Practitioner, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Negro League Baseball Museum.

Debra Belt is an Avila graduate who received her master’s degree in English Language and Literature from the University of Missouri at Kansas City. Since graduating, she has taught a variety of literature classes as well as composition classes at Avila University. She is presently teaching literature and composition at Kansas City Kansas Community College (KCKCC) and Friends University. She teaches most of her composition classes on-line. Besides teaching, Ms. Belt is a writing tutor at KCKCC and Friends University. Ms. Belt also edits the Kansas City Kansas Community College E-Journal, doctoral dissertations, as well as instructor evaluations.

My teaching career started in the late ‘70s while I was studying jazz guitar back in New Jersey. I introduced beginners to the guitar and enjoyed the dual role of student and teacher. After completing my undergraduate work, I relocated in Kansas City to work on my Masters degree in Psychology. As a graduate teaching assistant I volunteer taught an undergraduate psychology course and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. For a brief period of time I was a weight loss counselor with Nutri-System and enjoyed working with the clients. After completing my Psychology work I developed an interest in organizational behavior and started to work on a Masters of Public Administration. From 1981 to 1987 I worked for the Missouri Department of Mental Health. In the mid 80s, my wife and I began our family; we have three wonderful girls who have brought us immeasurable joy. The late ‘80s, (1987 - 1991) was a wonderful and challenging period in my life. I was employed full time as an analyst with American Century, I was teaching psychology and Lotus-1-2-3 part time and, in 1988 with my wife expecting our second child, and I began working on my MBA with an emphasis in Quantitative Analysis. After 7 years of night school, I had wrapped up what is my second to last educational experience. In retirement I hope to pursue more formal studies in jazz guitar. I started teaching at Avila in August 2001 and have enjoyed every moment of it. The Avila culture, how we interact with each other, is special and not found elsewhere. The quality of the students is second to no other educational entity in the area. I consider myself very fortunate to be invited by the students to work with them on their dream of an education. I am thankful for their trust, am in awe of their tenacity and admire their persistence. I hope to continue teaching at Avila for many more years.

Phillip Gonsher was a 23 year veteran of  Embarq Communications  company. Phillip has held positions in Marketing, sales and sales management. Positions he has held have been in the consumer and business markets devisions. Concurrent with his career at Sprint/Embarq since 1997 Phillip has been an adjunct professor of Business at Johnson County Community College teaching Marketing, Small Business Management, Introduction to Business and Sales Management. In the Fall of 2008 Phillip added Marketing and Consumer Behavior as an adjucnt professor at UMKC Bloch School of Business. For the last four years Phillip has taught Consumer Behavior, International Marketing and Marketing at Avila University.

Lora Rochelle PhD© is the owner of Professional Counseling Services [PCS] in
Kansas City, Missouri. Lora is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She has been an advocate for abused and neglected children for 25 years. She is a native of Kansas City, Missouri. Lora is an Adjunct Faculty Member at Avila University in the School of Psychology. She is a Certified Forensic Counselor, Life Member of PsiChi Psychology Honor Society. As a certified court service provider, she provides mandated treatment and assessment serving Kansas and Missouri.

Robert W. Larson, Ed.D. has served as an adjunct associate professor in the School of Professional Studies at Avila University since 2006.   He has taught Business Communications and Consumer Behavior at Avila. He holds a doctorate in business/education management (1976) and a masters of business/education administration (1974) at the University of Northern Colorado. He has been a college professor since 1987 with full-time teaching assignments at Minnesota State University--Moorhead, Brenau University  (Gainsville, Georgia),  Pittsburg  (Kansas) State University and Northwestern Oklahoma State University (Alva). His adjunct assignments have been at Washburn University, Kansas City Kansas Community College, Columbia College and chapman University.   His professional experience includes stints as a Congressional Assistant to Wyoming Congressman Teno Roncalio, a Public Relations and Advertising executive at Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Wyoming, a school administrator at the Greeley ( Colorado) school district and a publications specialist at the Wyoming Game and Fish Department as well as  being a successful advertising and public consultant.  Dr. Larson biography is also included in Who's Who in the World and Who's Who in America (2002-2009 editions).

First, I subscribe to the philosophy of Samuel Goldwyn who said, “I don't think anyone should write their autobiography until after they're dead.” I was born in Odessa, Texas on June 6, 1959. I was raised in a blue collar area of Kansas City, Kansas and worked as an auto mechanic and welder. After getting tired of busting my knuckles, I began night classes and eventually received a B.A. in Philosophy and Economics magna cum laude from Washburn University of Topeka, Kansas. I then attended Graduate and Law School at the University of Kansas where I graduated with a J.D. in Law and M.A. in Economics. I have a law office in downtown Kansas City where much of my practice involves assisting small businesses. I have been teaching various Economics classes in undergraduate and graduate programs for Avila University and Columbia College since 1993. My hobby is stage acting, play-writing, film-making and wine-making.

Dr. Mary Patterson teaches online General Biology for Avila Advantage. Mary received her B.S. in Horticultural Science from Kansas State University and then went on to graduate school at the University of Missouri in Kansas City. Her dissertation research focused on the packaging of the Herpes Simplex Virus Type I. She received her Ph.D. in Biochemistry in 1997 shortly after the birth of her daughter, Hannah. She enjoys the challenges and new technologies involved in teaching online.

Karen Gaines is VP of Operations for Intermark, Inc., a managed food services provider to the military, business, healthcare, and educational industries. Karen is primarily responsible for the overall operations of Intermark’s contracts, as well as business development. She has a Masters of Business Administration Degree in management and marketing; she has over eight years experience owning various restaurants; she has over 10 years experience consulting with numerous businesses with operations control and marketing. Karen teaches college-level business classes and Johnson County Community College and Avila University.

Jeff is a seasoned IT leader and project manager, applying deep technology and relationship management experience helping companies successfully manage change through the effective use of strategy and technology. Throughout his career, Jeff has been specifically recognized as an excellent communicator and a valued builder of organizations and people. His teaching experience includes industry and academic assignments. While with KPMG Peat Marwick he was a select member of the firm’s training cadre for new entry level consultants – garnering the highest instructor rating during his tenure. As an adjunct professor, he taught Analytical Methods for the California State University – Los Angeles and with Avila University, he is the designer of and instructor for the Project Management curriculum.

Ms. Blank is an Adjunct Professor in the Avila Advantage program.  She has taught in the program for over 11 years both in the classroom as well as on line. In addition, she is a licensed attorney who practices in the areas of General Litigation, Employment, Labor, and Business Law.  She is a graduate of the University of Michigan and University of Missouri- Kansas City School of Law.  She is also very active in the Blue Valley School District serving on numerous district committees as well as in her children's schools.  In her spare time, Ms. Blank enjoys working out, watching her children in their various sporting endeavors and reading.

Thomas Turner teaches Philosophy of Ethics and Shaping the American Dream at Avila Advantage. His full-time job is Executive Director of Bishop Sullivan Center, a social service agency located on the eastside of Kansas City. The
Center provides a variety of services to low-income families, including a food pantry, soup kitchen, employment services and emergency assistance. Turner is Kansas City native and did his graduate studies in Philosophy and Theology at Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. He is co-author a book, "That's Not Fair," which is a teacher's manual for teaching Catholic Social Doctrine to middle-school students.

I began my high school teaching career at Stanberry, Mo., a small town in northwest Missouri.  I was the only math teacher and taught all the classes for grades 9 through 12.  This was a great learning experience since it exposed me to the math curriculum at all grade levels. During the summers, I traveled to Bloomington, Ind., to work on my master’s degree in mathematics from Indiana University.  After receiving my master’s degree, I began teaching at East Central College in Union, Mo.  During this period, my wife and I were busy raising four children and watching them graduate from high school and college. The next stop in my teaching career was at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, where I taught mathematics for three years.  For the past nine years I have been the Math department chair at Pembroke Hill high school. My teaching philosophy consists of the belief that all students should be successful in my classroom.  Students should be challenged and expected to accomplish as much as possible during the time we have together. I hope all of my students enjoy their study of the wonderful world of mathematics and learn as much as possible during our time together.

Rev. Lee Chiaramonte is a religious studies scholar whose special areas of interest are Medieval and feminist theology, theological and philosophical ethics and the religious writings of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  She is a United Church of Christ minister, who is the Senior Pastor of Independence Boulevard Christian Church and Executive Director of the Micah Ministry, which is an ecumenical, urban outreach mission to the poor in the Northeast area of Kansas City, Missouri.  She has taught sociology of religion at Saint Paul School of Theology as a Visiting Professor and ethics at Central Baptist Seminary.  In 2005, she was the "Liberty Bell Award" recipient from the Young Lawyer's Section of the Missouri Bar Association -- an award given for outstanding public service to the community by a non-lawyer.  In 2003, she received the "Community Mother of the Year" award from the Jackson County Prosecutor's Office and COMBAT for work to aid women in prostitution and the urban poor.  She lives in Prairie Village with her two younger children, Jaime and Thai, and a happy passle of Miniature Schnauzers.

Linda Strelluf is an assistant professor in the communication department at Avila where she teaches a variety of  classes. When teaching corporate communication, she specializes in working with "real world" clients. As a result, her students have been recognized with numerous awards for their work.  Strelluf is involved in a variety of communication related organizations. She has been elected by the national membership to the Board of Directors of the Association for Women in Communication (AWC). She is also a member of the AWC’s Clarion Award task force and has been a judge for the past two years. Locally, she serves on the advisory board for St Joseph Institute for the Deaf in Kansas City. Additionally, she is a member of the Public Relation's Society of America (PRSA), and the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC). She sums up her educational philosophy in the following words: "Knowledge is power and I see myself as a conduit. Effective communication is essential if a student is to become successful. I make every attempt to energize my students about learning new theories and techniques that will enrich them both professionally and personally."

Former Director and Lead Consultant of a US organizational development firm in Latin America. With vast international experience, Andreina specializes in high performance, diversity management, culture, communication, integration and teamwork. Leader of different projects in Latin America for companies such as: Microsoft, Pfizer, Coca Cola, Petrobras, IESA, Aga Gases, Schering and Net Uno among others. Proven track record as career and transition counselor and coach at DBM, as well as university professor of public speaking. Graduated from the Advanced Management Program (PAG) at IESA in 2004, with a Master in Organizational Development from Universidad Catolica Andres Bello, Caracas in 2001, and has a Bachelors Degree in Modern Languages with a Major in Education from Universidad Metropolitana. She currently works as an independent consultant.

Raymond F. Smith, MHA is an adjunct faculty member of Avila University of Kansas City, MO, teaching in the Avila Advantage Health Services BS degree program. He also serves as director of Avila’s community outreach program for eldercare givers. He is a graduate of the University of Minnesota. His career experience includes serving as CEO of St. Joseph Hospital of Kansas City, MO and CEO of Mercy Life Center Corporation of Pittsburgh, a long term care network.

Marchita R. Stanton is president of the Stanton Group, a consulting firm which provides leadership, organization development and transformational services.  The Stanton Group designs, delivers and coordinates a wide variety of activities to support work redesign, organizational change and transitions, improve team effectiveness, and enhance professional and leadership skills.  As an agent of social change, Ms. Stanton has designed, developed, and implemented strategies to enhance racial/cultural awareness and organizational harmony in public and private sectors.  Principles of spirituality and whole-self development bring a holistic perspective to Ms. Stanton’s work.  Over 20 years of her work has been dedicated to creating workplaces in which people develop and grow rather than wither and die.

Jere Smith holds a Master of Business Administration (Concentration:  Accounting) from Keller Graduate School of Management. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Business with an Advanced Accounting Specialty at Northcentral University.  Currently Jere owns two small businesses along with her husband. Prior to these endeavors she worked in government and not for profit as an accountant and manager. Jere has taught accounting since 1993. She lives north of Kansas City Missouri with her husband and high school age son.

Mr. Whaley is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist teaching as an adjunct in both the Education and Psychology programs at the undergraduate and graduale level.  He practices as a school psychologist in a large suburban school district in the Kansas City area.  Mr. Whaley is a Due Process Hearing Officer and Mediator for the Missouri department of education.  He is also a Missouri Autism Consultant and scholarship recepient through the Missouri department of education allowing him to consult with school districs in the area of Applied Behavior Analysis.  Mr. Whaley received his undergraduate, Masters of Education, and Educational Specialist degrees from the University of Missouri-Columbia.  He is completing another Educational Specialist degree from the University of Central Missouri in Educational Leadership with an emphasis in Special Education Administration.

Carol is an organization development and human resources professional with more than 25 years of experience in business, not-for-profits, major league baseball, and the public sector. Currently, she is Director of Human Resources for Axcet HR Solutions, the region’s largest locally owned professional employers’ organization. In her role, she manages the corporate human resources function and leads a team of consultants that provide human resources and organization development services to nearly 250 client companies. Carol also coaches executives of Axcet client companies. She has been an independent consultant, working with small to mid size companies to design customized solutions for change management, leadership development, succession management, planning processes, and performance management. Carol served as Director of Organization Development for the Kauffman Foundation for nearly ten years before assuming responsibilities for the development of a Kansas City regional citizen engagement initiative. She was Director of Curriculum and Instruction for a local university and has taught organization development and business courses to hundreds of graduate students. With degrees in psychology, sociology, and social work, Carol has continued her personal and professional development through the Center for Creative Leadership, Harvard University, Columbia University, Babson College Entrepreneurship Center, the University of Kansas, and Kansas State University.

Joe Barnhill is the Director of Learning Services and Disability Services at Avila University. He received an undergraduate degree in Economics from Millersville University of Pennsylvania and a graduate degree in Economics from the University of Central Missouri.  He has taught in the Avila Advantage program since 1999. He teaches economics, finance, statistics and math courses. Joe lives in Lee’s Summit, Missouri with his wife Karla and two boys Aaron and Owen. He enjoys watching college sports, especially the Avila Eagles.

Kevin Costello has been with the University of Kansas Hospital since 2005 and serves as the Manager for the Employee Development division of Human Resources. Kevin was the director of the Training and Staff Development department at Truman Medical Center from 1995 to 2004. During his nine years there, he instituted a curriculum for development of leaders and staff and created a train-the-trainer program. Kevin holds a number of certifications and has an M.Ed in Counseling Psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a BS Ed. from the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

Janet Sunderland teaches writing and literature in the Avila Advantage program. She grew up on a Kansas homestead in Marshall County, Kansas - a homestead that remains in the family and is now planted to native prairie. She and her husband Cliff Kroski retreat to the quiet of wind and tallgrass in the summer. In the years between the farm in Kansas and teaching in Kansas City, she also lived throughout the U.S., in Europe, Mexico, and the Caribbean. She moved to Kansas City in 1999. She holds a BFA from Kansas State University and an MA from St. John’s College in Santa Fe.

Janet is a professional actor and a writer in addition to being a teacher. She recently completed a Creative Nonfiction memoir, Standing at the Crossroad. Her essays and poetry have been published in The Chicago Tribune, The Kansas City Star, The Writer, KC Voices, The Rockhurst Review and other publications and have won prizes with The Oklahoma Writers Federation, The Kansas Writers Club, and the Springfield Writers Guild. She’s a member of AWP, Kansas City Writers Group, and Oklahoma Writers Federation.