Bobby Eklofe is President of KVC Hospitals where he leads strategy and operations and provides oversight to all leaders within a network of nonprofit children’s psychiatric hospitals and residential treatment centers serving Kansas and Missouri.

Throughout his 30-year career in behavioral health, most of that with KVC, 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

Kimberly O’Connor-Soule serves as Vice President of Clinical Advancement for KVC Hospitals where she oversees therapeutic services for a network of nonprofit children’s psychiatric hospitals and residential treatment centers. Kimberly ensures quality clinical outcomes using evidence-based practices and continuous quality improvement as well as compliance with regulatory agencies. She also provides oversight of KVC Hospitals’ clinical teams, utilization review and admissions departments.

With 20 years of experience in children’s behavioral health, Kimberly 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 and behavioral health services, substance use disorder treatment, family therapy, staff training and development, and clinical and quality supervision. Most recently, 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 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 20 years and have been blessed to witness thousands of people learn and grow into their true potential. Here at KVC, 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

James Roberson has worked for KVC Hospitals since 2004 and currently serves as Vice President of Behavioral Health Services. He is passionate about improving health outcomes for children and families through innovative, science-based treatments. James uses his expertise in childhood trauma and positive behavior supports to strengthen KVC’s inclusive, trauma-informed treatment experience.

Throughout his career, James has gained extensive expertise in organizational development of psychiatric 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.

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 Kansas and Missouri. I challenge our team every day to address gaps in the system and be part of the solution for children and families.” – James Roberson

Dr. Anh Vinh has been with KVC Hospitals for more than four 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 KVC’s world-renowned behavioral and mental healthcare services. This collaboration allows KVC to move beyond assessments and meaningfully address long-term health issues in individuals and communities.

Additionally, Dr. Vinh enhances KVC’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. KVC is unique in its emphasis to 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 KVC will be the future of how we view chronic illness and prevention.” – Dr. Anh Vinh

Dr. Jyotsna Adma serves as Medical Director of Psychiatry Services for our inpatient hospitals and residential treatment center serving youth psychiatric needs in Kansas City, Wichita and Hays. Dr. Adma has been with KVC Hospitals since 2007 as a Child Psychiatrist providing therapeutic treatment and healing for children ages 6 to 18 and their families as youth work to overcome mental and behavioral health challenges. She is dual board-certified in General Adult Psychiatry and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and specializes in mood and anxiety disorders.

Throughout her career, Dr. Adma has gained extensive experience working with individuals with severe mental illness in inpatient, outpatient, and residential programs as well as utilizing telepsychiatry.

Dr. Adma graduated from B.L.D.E.A. Medical School in India and completed her residency and fellowship training in Psychiatry at the University of Kansas Medical Center.

“I want to provide the best possible psychiatric care to children and families so that we can build stronger, healthier communities.” – Dr. Jyotsna Adma

Frederick (Fred) Watts serves as Senior Clinical Consultant with KVC Hospitals where he manages contracts and focuses on internal program development. He has been part of the KVC team for 10 years and has more than 40 years of experience as a social worker.

Prior to working at KVC, Fred held various positions managing emergency services at Truman Medical Center Emergency Room and Shawnee Mission ER and was Clinical Director at Crittenton Psychiatric Hospital. He has gained extensive experience providing individual and group therapy and crisis intervention services.

Fred earned a master’s degree in social work from the University of Missouri and is clinically licensed in Kansas and Missouri.

“The reason I do this is easy – helping an organization provide support to kids who have not had easy lives. As a grandfather to three young boys, I can observe all the work that goes into raising children and if I can help others in this endeavor, I have given something back to the lives of kids.” – Fred Watts

Annmarie Arensberg serves as Director of Clinical Operations at KVC Hospitals where she oversees the admissions department for all inpatient and residential treatment programs, provides clinical oversight for utilization review, helps develop KVC’s therapeutic services, and assists in community outreach. 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 KVC Hospitals in 2012, Annmarie has gained experience as a Therapist Intern, Admissions Coordinator, Residential Therapist, Clinical Manager and Associate Director of Clinical Services. Prior to KVC, 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, and a licensed clinical social worker in Missouri. Prior to being employed at KVC, she was a longtime KVC volunteer.

“KVC is 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

Pete Barndollar serves as Director of Human Resources for KVC Hospitals where he oversees the development and implementation of human resource initiatives to ensure fulfillment of the overall talent management needs of KVC. This includes new employee experience, onboarding, training, development and employee engagement. He is also on KVC’s Safety Management Committee.

Prior to joining KVC in 2013, Pete worked as a Division Operations Manager for a leading staffing firm where he supervised strategic account management, compliance, and training for more than 60 locations in the United States.

Pete is a graduate of Pittsburg State University and enjoys giving back to the Kansas City community through volunteer work at a variety of nonprofits. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Hope Care Center.

Blythe Hinderliter, MBA, is Director of Marketing and Communications for KVC Hospitals, a network of nonprofit children’s psychiatric hospitals and residential treatment centers. In this role, she is responsible for developing and implementing strategic marketing and communications plans that achieve business growth goals, enhance brand awareness, and develop strategic partnerships.

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 KVC, 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

Venessa Kondo is Director of Utilization Review at KVC Hospitals where she directs and oversees the utilization review and discharge planning processes at our children’s psychiatric hospitals and residential treatment centers. In this role, she directs a team of employees who act as liaisons between external payor sources and our internal treatment teams. This team ensures the highest quality patient care while also maintaining fiscal responsibility.

With over 10 years of experience in the human services field, Venessa uses the knowledge she gained from previous positions to ensure the children and families we serve have access to the best possible treatment. She earned a bachelor’s degree in human resources development from Southwestern College in Winfield, KS.

“KVC’s role in our communities is something I’m very proud of. It’s important to me that children and families can count on us to be a safe place when they need one most. We work hard to ensure we provide the highest quality services and connect them with community-based resources for continued success after they leave our care.” – Venessa Kondo

Eric Marley has been with KVC Hospitals for more than 6 years and serves as Senior Financial Reporting Analyst. In this role, he uses data and analytics to enhance hospital systems and promote financial health.

Throughout his career with KVC, Eric has also held roles as Associate Director of Business Operations, Business Analyst and Admissions Manager. He has gained proficiencies in electronic health record management, census monitoring, data and financial analysis and contract management. Eric earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Baker University.

“I strive to support our team in providing mental health services to children and families in Kansas and beyond. I work hard to identify financial and systemic barriers that may prevent individuals from receiving services and work on solutions to overcome those barriers.” – Eric Marley

Sara Schlagel is Director of Program and Staff Development at KVC Hospitals where she oversees program innovation and staff training for KVC’s children’s psychiatric treatment centers in Kansas and Missouri.

Previously, Sara served as Program Director at KVC Hospitals Kansas City and held other leadership roles with KVC Kansas 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

Taylor Ziegler is Director of Nursing at KVC Hospitals where she oversees nursing and program services for each of KVC’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 KVC’s policies and procedures along with the regulations and standards provided by KVC’s regulating bodies.

Taylor began her career with KVC in 2013 as a Behavioral Health Technician and advanced to become a Registered Nurse then Lead Nurse. She is certified to teach Basic Life Support (BLS) classes and oversees CPR training.

Taylor is located in Hays and is deeply involved in the local community, serving on the Nursing Advisory Board at Fort Hays State University and the Annual Mental Health Symposium Planning Committee. Taylor received a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Fort Hays State University.

“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

Dr. Srinivasa Panuganti currently serves as a Psychiatrist at KVC Hospitals Wichita, a 54-bed inpatient acute hospital for children ages 6 to 18. Prior to working with youth at our Wichita hospital, he served as a Psychiatrist at KVC Hospitals Hays for four years.

Dr. Panuganti earned his medical degree in India and completed a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry fellowship at the University of Toledo Medical Center in Toledo, Ohio.

“I enjoy working with children and their families to treat depression, anxiety, aggression and other mental health issues. It’s a joy working at KVC with staff that show their dedication and passion to making a difference in kids’ lives. My goal is to make children happy, smile every day and successful in life.” – Dr. Panuganti

Dr. Gregory Prier is a Child Psychiatrist at KVC Hospitals where he provides treatment for children ages 6 to 18 receiving inpatient and residential psychiatric treatment. He graduated medical school at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences in Kansas City, MO. He went on to complete his residency training at the University of Hawaii in Pediatrics, Psychiatry, and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (a triple board program).

Dr. Prier was previously on faculty at Tripler Army Medical Center’s fellowship program in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. He has more than 13 years of experience treating children, adolescents and adults, working in inpatient facilities, outpatient clinics, residential programs, and partial hospitalization programs.

Dr. Raghu “Reddy” Davalapur has been a Psychiatrist at KVC Hospitals for 15 years, providing treatment to children and adolescents who struggle with depression, anxiety, aggression, suicidal thoughts and other mental health challenges.

Prior to KVC, Dr. Reddy worked in other psychiatric inpatient and outpatient settings serving children, adults and geriatric patients. He also has experience working with individuals in substance abuse programs.

Dr. Reddy attended medical school in India and completed his residency in General Psychiatry at the University of Kansas Medical Center.

“I am passionate about helping children overcome mental health problems, and in turn making a difference for families and communities.” – Dr. Reddy

Melissa Barkemeyer, APRN, has been with KVC Hospitals for four years providing evaluation and management of acute and chronic health conditions for youth in our inpatient acute and residential treatment programs. She works closely with our psychiatry team to provide care for clients with medical and psychiatric concerns as well as community providers to help coordinate ongoing care for each child as they prepare to discharge from KVC.

Prior to KVC, Melissa gained experience in case management and as a registered nurse in labor and delivery, high-risk antenatal care and newborn care. She also worked in an urgent care setting.

Melissa is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, received her master’s degree in nursing from the University of Central Missouri, and received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Baker University.

“I am very passionate about helping children achieve health and wellness. I provide care for them that allows me to be part of their story and journey to healing.” – Melissa Barkemeyer

Jennifer Brown serves as an Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioner at KVC Hospitals Wichita where she manages the acute and chronic medical conditions of youth receiving inpatient psychiatric treatment. She collaborates with a team of multi-disciplinary medical professionals, as well as outpatient providers and caregivers to ensure high-quality care and comprehensive discharge planning.

Throughout her career, Jennifer has obtained valuable nursing experience while caring for both children and adults in acute mental health settings. She also served as a nursing instructor for local nursing programs where she gave back to new nurses through mentorship and teaching. In this role, she taught students about pharmacology, medical, surgical, maternal, pediatric and mental health nursing.

Jennifer is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and received her master’s and bachelor’s degrees in nursing from Wichita State University. In July 2020, the Wichita Business Journal honored Jennifer with an “Excellence in Health Care” award for her outstanding work in pediatric nursing. She is also an active mental health advocate and community speaker working to educate the community about mental health and reduce stigma.

“During my career, I have certainly learned a great deal from my colleagues. But I have been forever changed by what my clients have taught me in sharing their unique experiences, struggles, and recoveries. I am honored to partner with them as we work together toward their best health. Genuine human-to-human connection is what drives me to continue in this challenging but rewarding field!” – Jennifer Brown

Shonda Colella is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse at KVC Hospitals Wichita. In this role, she evaluates and manages acute and chronic health conditions for youth ages 6 to 18 who are receiving treatment at our inpatient acute psychiatric hospital.

Shonda has more than 11 years’ experience as a nurse and nurse practitioner in emergency medicine and forensic nursing. She received her master’s degree from Walden University and a bachelor’s degree from Newman University. She is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner.

“Working with children and helping them manage any acute or chronic conditions they may have is one of my most sincere passions. Throughout my nursing career, I’ve found that children are excellent learners. They’re really open to what I teach them about how they can best take care of themselves. It’s an honor to be a part of their journey toward wellness—both physical and mental.” — Shonda Colella

Mia Manfredi is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse for KVC Hospitals where she cares for youth receiving psychiatric treatment. She is a board certified family nurse practitioner and earned a post-master’s certificate as a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner from Wichita State University.

With nearly a decade of experience, Mia works with children and adolescents experiencing a variety of mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety. Her goal is to provide effective psychiatric medication treatments that are easy for clients and families to understand and maintain.

“By far, the most rewarding aspect of my work are the relationships I have with my patients and their caregivers. My patients allow me a window to their greatest vulnerabilities and trust me to partner with them and their caregivers to help them feel better. This is a great privilege that I will never take for granted. I learn something new from my patients daily and this allows me to be a better ally for them.” – Mia Manfredi

Brittany Broeckelman is Clinical Director at KVC Hospitals Kansas City where she oversees clinical services and programming for psychiatric residential treatment. She helps ensure a safe, therapeutic environment that accommodates the needs of each youth being served at KVC as well as compliance with meeting licensing standards.

Since joining KVC Hospitals in 2013, Brittany has gained experience through a variety of roles including Intake Coordinator, Therapist, and Clinical Supervisor. She is trained in Positive Behavioral Intervention Supports and Trauma Systems Therapy.

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”.

“I started at KVC as a therapist intern in 2013, and I believed in the organization’s mission and values. KVC 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

Brynn Fowler serves as Director of Administration at KVC Hospitals Kansas City. In this role, she oversees business operations and provides leadership of strategic planning and interdepartmental projects, including facility operations and ancillary and contracted services. She also manages projects with the compliance, quality assurance and scheduling teams. Brynn has administrative oversight and responsibilities supporting all departments at this facility.

Starting her career with KVC as a Milieu Manager, Brynn oversaw direct care staff, the KVC Academy, and psychiatric residential treatment services in Kansas City. She also served as Associate Direction of Program Operations where she gained expertise in healthcare operations, licensing/accreditation and project management. Prior to KVC, she worked in the behavioral health field as a Program Supervisor and Department of Child Safety liaison at Arizona Children’s Association.

Brynn is certified in National High Fidelity Wraparound Training. She earned a bachelor’s degree in child, adult and family services at Iowa State University and a master’s degree in social work from Capella University.

“I love my role at KVC because I am able to do all the behind the scenes work that helps our programs in Kansas City run smoothly. I love that my work not only benefits the children and families we serve, but also the employees that dedicate themselves to this work!” – Brynn Fowler

Joleen Sams, MSN, APRN, is Director of Nursing at KVC Hospitals Kansas City where she coordinates all aspects of nursing, ensures high-quality patient care, and maintains compliance with regulatory bodies. She collaborates with other leaders to provide a trauma-informed continuum of psychiatric inpatient and residential treatment services. Joleen also provides development and growth opportunities for nursing team members to continuously improve their performance and skills. 

With nine years of inpatient pediatric/NICU experience and two years of providing direct APRN practice with families, Joleen has developed a wealth of knowledge and experience in nursing, medical care, and regulatory and safety compliance.  

Joleen is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner through the American Assocation of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), a certified Pediatric Nurse through the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board, and is licensed as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse in Kansas and Missouri. She received a master’s degree in nursing from Maryville University and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Baker University. 

“I have always had a passion for helping children and families. While most of my professional nursing experience has centered around medical needs, the behavioral health needs of children are closely intertwined and must always be a priority of integrated healthcare. I am thrilled to be part of an organization that prioritizes building stronger families through evidence-based treatments and services.” — Joleen Sams 

Joe Toney serves as the Associate Director of Programs for KVC Hospitals Kansas City’s inpatient psychiatric hospital and residential treatment program. In this role, he is responsible for ensuring treatment programs reflect KVC’s values and standards of care; maintaining program compliance with all company, local, state and federal regulatory standards and accrediting bodies; and ensures the implementation of trauma-informed, evidence-based practices that foster safety, stability, and family and community connection.

As an advocate for at-risk youth and their families, Joe has been serving children who have experienced trauma since 2004. His experience includes working with this population of youth in various settings including juvenile corrections, transitional living, residential treatment, public schools, emergency shelters, acute psychiatric hospitals, and other settings in the Kansas City community. Roles served in these settings include youth specialist, behavioral health technician, life-coach, mentor, foster care case manager, community volunteer, and Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA).

Joe is a former President Select of the Mid-Town Chapter of Kiwanis International and he is a former member of the Louisiana Army National Guard. He earned a master’s degree in psychology from Avila University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Southeastern Louisiana University. He is also certified in Community and Economic Development from the University of Missouri at Kansas City.

“I do what I do because God has tasked me with doing it. I love doing it with KVC because I feel like everyone around me is doing it for the same reasons I am doing it.” – Joe Toney

Wichita, KS native, Juston White, is Executive Director of KVC Hospitals Wichita. Juston brings 10 years of experience in the development and treatment of children and teens who are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, substance abuse and other mental health challenges.

Prior to his role with KVC, Juston served as the Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Kansas where his leadership led to enhanced after school and summer-based programming, stronger corporate partnerships, and an increased capacity to serve the growing number of youth in need. His background in mental health services began in 2009 with the United Methodist Youthville in Wichita.

Juston serves as a board member for the Child Advocacy Center of Sedgwick County, participates with the Custody to Transition Citizen Review Panel for the Kansas Department for Children and Families, and is an Honorary Commander for the McConnell Air Force Base’s 22nd Logistics Readiness Squadron. Juston is also one of four co-chairs for Project Wichita. Juston is a former Wichita State University Men’s Basketball player and a graduate of Winston-Salem State University.

“A child’s relationships and experiences have a significant influence on their development. I’m fortunate to have an opportunity to influence such factors in a positive way with the hopes of them lasting a lifetime. I strongly believe in “If not you, then who?”. That’s what keeps me going each day.” – Juston White

Click here for an in-depth interview with Juston.

Erin Connelly Marceau, LSCSW, serves as KVC Hospitals Wichita’s Clinical Director and brings more than seven years of experience working with children in the mental health field.

In her previous role as a Therapist for KVC Hospitals Wichita, Erin provided group, individual, and family therapy for the children receiving treatment. Prior to joining KVC, Erin helped develop a program providing children with mental health services while at school, including educating staff about mental health and how to respond to mental health crises.

Erin is a clinically licensed social worker and earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Wichita State University.

“I have a passion for helping children get set up for a successful future. Acute hospitalization can be such a difficult time for kids. It’s so meaningful to be able to help the kids see hope in their future and help them get on the right path.” – Erin Connelly Marceau

Sarah Berens serves as Clinical Director at KVC Hospitals Hays. She works to enhance the quality of clinical services, manages clinicians and case managers, and collaborates with members of the multi-disciplinary treatment team to ensure client needs are met.

During her career with KVC, Sarah has gained experience as a Clinical Supervisor, Hospital Therapist, Residential Therapist and Associate Clinical Director. Outside of her role with KVC, she is a screener for Big Brothers Big Sisters where she helps approve mentors and children into the program. She is also a member of a local mental health committee working on vaping prevention and education.

Prior to her role with KVC, Sarah worked in child welfare helping children and families in the foster care system reunify as well as providing family preservation services. She also worked for a local nonprofit providing mentorship services where she completed assessments of mentors and children entering the program as well as helped with fundraising and community outreach.

She has completed training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Systems Therapy, and Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports. Sarah earned her master’s degree in social work at the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare.

“I believe every child deserves a voice to advocate, a person to be a beacon for hope, and a champion to see their potential when they cannot.” – Sarah Berens

Audrey Lindenmeyer serves as Director of Administration at KVC Hospitals Hays and brings 17 years of experience in the mental health field, devoting the past 10 years to KVC. She works with staff and outside contractors to ensure a safe environment and proper treatment for the children and teens we serve.

Prior to her current role, Audrey served as Hays’ Campus Supervisor and Associate Director, gaining beneficial expertise allowing her to succeed in her capacity as Program Director. Her past experiences provided Audrey the opportunity to master the numerous aspects of running a safe, trauma-informed treatment facility.

Audrey is trained and certified in Trauma System Therapy and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). She is highly involved in the Hays community, contributing her time and expertise to the United Way of Ellis County and Leadership Hays. She earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in organizational leadership from Fort Hays State University.

“There’s no better sight than seeing a child succeed and overcome barriers. At KVC, we get to be the ones who help a child see the world differently—seeing them smile and hearing their laughter, we truly have the most rewarding job!” – Audrey Lindenmeyer

Taylor Ziegler is Director of Nursing at KVC Hospitals where she oversees nursing and program services for each of KVC’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 KVC’s policies and procedures along with the regulations and standards provided by KVC’s regulating bodies.

Taylor began her career with KVC in 2013 as a Behavioral Health Technician and advanced to become a Registered Nurse then Lead Nurse. She is certified to teach Basic Life Support (BLS) classes and oversees CPR training.

Taylor is located in Hays and is deeply involved in the local community, serving on the Nursing Advisory Board at Fort Hays State University and the Annual Mental Health Symposium Planning Committee. Taylor received a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Fort Hays State University.

“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

Marlayna Hargitt is the Associate Director of Nursing at KVC Hospitals Hays where she oversees all aspects of nursing care, coordinates with other departments and disciplines to ensure high-quality patient care and program improvement, and maintains compliance with regulatory bodies.

Over the past nine years, Marlayna has served as a Registered Nurse, Charge Nurse, and most recently Nursing Supervisor at KVC Hospitals Hays. She has been a Safety Crisis Management Instructor since 2018, providing training to new and seasoned employees. Marlayna received a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Fort Hays State University.

“Working for KVC has given me the opportunity to come to work knowing that I can be a positive influence in someone’s life every day, whether that is a child in our care or a fellow employee. Sharing my experiences and skills has become my passion as we all work together to have the greatest positive impact on the families we serve.” – Marlayna Hargitt