Ryan Speier, L.M.S.W. is the President of KVC Hospitals, a nonprofit psychiatric hospital system that each year serves thousands of children, adolescents and adults who struggle with depression, anxiety, trauma, substance abuse, suicidal thoughts and feelings of violence. KVC’s two psychiatric hospitals – KVC Prairie Ridge Hospital in Kansas City, KS and KVC Wheatland Hospital in Hays, KS – offer acute/inpatient and residential psychiatric treatment.

Ryan began his career with KVC in 2007 as a therapist in inpatient, outpatient and in-home settings. In 2009, Ryan was selected to be Director of Administration at KVC Hospitals and later, Vice President of Administration. In that role, he oversaw the hospitals’ operations, strategic development and growth, fiscal accountability and quality assurance initiatives. He worked in collaboration with physicians and clinical teams to implement trauma-focused treatment modalities and led programs through accreditation and licensing surveys to maintain state and national standards. Over the last several years, Ryan has developed collaborative relationships with government agencies and other community stakeholders. Ryan also possesses a strong and innovative technology background which has helped KVC leverage technology across the medical and behavioral health environments to achieve improved population health.

Ryan earned his Master’s of Social Work degree at the University of Kansas.

He can be found on Twitter @Ryan_Speier and on LinkedIn. More information about KVC Hospitals is at www.kvchospitals.org.

Dr. Vishal Adma, Medical Director, oversees medical services at KVC’s psychiatric hospitals and psychiatric residential treatment facilities.  Additionally, he provides psychiatric care to children and families.  Dr. Adma began working at KVC in 1999.

Dr. Adma uses a broad-based, multidisciplinary treatment approach to achieve KVC’s mission of providing the best possible medical and behavioral healthcare.  Dr. Adma acts as a liaison with community mental health centers, case managers and family members, and his vision for KVC is to continue expanding services so children and families can have the opportunity to receive essential specialized treatment.

Dr. Adma has Certification in Medical Quality, as well as a master’s in nutrition and food management.  He is an assistant professor in the University of Kansas Department of Psychiatry, serves as a hospital surveyor for The Joint Commission and is a diplomat for the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.  Dr. Adma serves as the chairman of the board of trustees for the Telugu Association of Greater Kansas City.

James earned his Masters of Social Work from The University of Kansas. He has worked for KVC since 2004. He has specialized in program development on projects including the development of alternative school settings, psychiatric hospitals, residential and secure care programs.  James currently serves as the Vice President of Program Services, where he oversees areas of inpatient and residential programming, performance improvement, innovation, special initiatives and the implementation of evidenced based practices. He 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 in developing practices and hands-on tools to support the implementation of best practice approaches in classrooms and residential milieus has led to engagement in projects with various school districts, residential centers, detention centers and health systems throughout the U.S. and internationally.

Robert (Bobby) Eklofe is the Vice President of Behavioral Health Operations for KVC Hospitals. Bobby Holds a Masters of Health Care Administration from the University Of Kansas School Of Medicine and is a passionate professional with over twenty seven years working in the behavioral health field. He has worked in residential services, psychiatric hospitals, schools and community correctional settings. He has held positions in patient care, human resources, training, hospital administration and executive leadership. He has previously taught Crisis Intervention, Adventure Based Counseling and Anger Management for over fifteen years to children, mental health staff, teachers, police officers, juvenile detention staff, foster care parents, social workers, and other interested parties. He has served on many local and state stakeholder committees in Kansas to advocate for community behavioral health needs. Bobby has proven skills in forming positive relationships with all staff disciplines and colleagues, public and private partners and donors. He is recognized as a servant leader that operates with integrity and commitment for lives of the children, adults and families and other stakeholders served.

Astra Garner, L.P.C., L.C.P.C., R.P.T. serves as the President of Niles and Vice President of Clinical Advancement for KVC Hospitals. Niles is a nonprofit that provides residential and day treatment behavioral health programs for children and youth in the heart of Kansas City, Missouri.

In her role, Astra provides leadership to strategic planning, manages the residential and day treatment programs and develops collaborative relationships with government and community agencies.

Astra began her career with KVC Health Systems in 2009 as a therapist, helping children and adolescents in acute inpatient and residential settings. In 2014, she was selected to be Director of Clinical Services and Community Outreach at KVC Prairie Ridge Hospital in Kansas City, Kansas where she oversaw treatment implementation, interventions, program evaluations, and consultations. In 2016, Astra was asked to be Vice President of Program Services for Niles helping to ensure performance standards, developing program direction and elevating therapeutic care.

With extensive experience in staff supervision, treatment, and client care, Astra has been an integral part the growth of KVC Hospitals, which serves thousands of children, adolescents and adults each year.

Astra completed her master’s in counseling and guidance with an emphasis in mental health from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. She serves as a member of the Family Advisory Board and the Intensive Care Nursery Patient-Family Advisory Committee at Children’s Mercy Hospital.

Dr. Anh Vinh serves as the Director of Integrated Health Services for KVC Hospitals, Inc.  Vinh, who was previously on faculty at the University of Kansas Medical Center (KU Med West), will focus on combining her physical health expertise as a family physician with KVC’s world-renowned behavioral and mental healthcare services.

Vinh is based at KVC Prairie Ridge Hospital in Kansas City, Kan. which each year helps thousands of children and adolescents who struggle with depression, anxiety, trauma, substance abuse, suicidal thoughts and feelings of violence.

In addition to serving youth receiving acute and residential psychiatric treatment, Vinh will collaborate on outpatient physical health services provided to children and families involved in the Kansas child welfare system through a different division of the organization. This will allow KVC to move beyond assessments and meaningfully address long-term health issues in individuals and communities. Vinh will also enhance KVC’s health and wellness programs to improve clinical outcomes for both clients and employees.

As part of her role, Vinh will gather and disseminate information, both regionally and nationally, related to integrated healthcare and models of service provision; suggest clinical pathways to monitor health and wellness outcomes; provide guidance on the growth of technology platforms that prevent medical risks; and develop protocols influenced by evidence-based, best practice guidelines.

Lauren Lueck is the Director of Strategic Initiatives for KVC Hospitals. In this role, she oversees opportunities for growth and program development, communication strategy, development activities and leads initiatives that enhance both the client and employee experience. Lauren is involved in the planning and implementation of community-wide health initiatives as well.

Prior to joining KVC Hospitals, Lauren worked as the Grant Consultant for KVC Health Systems where she wrote and secured federal, state and private foundation grant awards.

In previous roles, Lauren served as the Communications Manager of Compass Behavioral Health, a Community Mental Health Center in Southwest Kansas. In this role, she oversaw all aspects of communications and marketing. In addition, she provided leadership to a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation funded project that focused on integrating behavioral health into primary healthcare settings. She also has experience working at a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program as a Volunteer Recruiter and Case Manager and was an Assistant Assessment Coordinator for the University of Missouri Department of Student Life.

Lauren is a 2015 graduate of Leadership Olathe and served for three years on the Board of Directors for the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund. She currently serves on the Leadership Olathe Alumni Board.

Annmarie Arensberg serves as the Director of Clinical Operations for KVC Hospitals. She earned her LMSW at the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare. Arensberg is a Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker in Kansas and has been with KVC since 2012. She has held numerous positions including therapist intern, social service liaison, weekend admissions coordinator, residential therapist, clinical manager of hospital admissions and utilization review. In her current role, she oversees the admissions departments for both KVC Wheatland Hospital and KVC Prairie Ridge Hospital and across all program levels along with overseeing the utilization review on the KVC Prairie Ridge Hospital campus and KVC Wheatland Hosptial campus. Arensberg also provides support to the clinical team as well as implementing employee engagement initiatives throughout KVC Prairie Ridge Hospital campus. Prior to working at KVC, she worked in the case management department at the University of Kansas Hospital as a social work intern. She has also been trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Trauma Systems Therapy and Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports.

Peter Barndollar is the Director of Human Resources for KVC Hospitals. In his role, he oversees development and implementation of human resource initiatives to ensure fulfillment of the overall talent management needs of KVC; including the new employee experience, onboarding, training and development, and employee engagement. He is also on the Safety Management Committee.

Prior to joining KVC in 2013, Pete worked as a Division Operations Manager for one of the world’s leading staffing firms, overseeing strategic account management, compliance, and training for over 60 locations throughout the United States.

Pete is a graduate of Pittsburg State University. In his spare time, Pete volunteers with various non-profits, and serves on the Board of Directors of Hope Care Center in Kansas City, MO.

Fred Watts received his Masters of Social Work from the University of Missouri, and he holds his clinical license in both Missouri and Kansas. He has served in leadership roles in the Kansas City area as well as working as the director of outpatient mental health centers in Missouri. Fred Watts has been with KVC Hospitals for nine years, and currently serves as the Senior Clinical Consultant. He has trained in numerous areas over the years, most recently in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectic behavioral therapy.

Dr. Jyotsna Adma graduated from B.L.D.E.A.’s Shri B.M. Patil Medical College in Bijapur, India.  She completed her Fellowship training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Kansas Medical Center.  As a Child Psychiatrist at KVC Hospitals, Dr. Adma works with a wide range of patients, and lists her primary interests as childhood and adult ADHD, childhood mood disorders, and childhood anxiety disorders.  Her passion is providing the best possible psychiatric care to children and families.  Dr. Jyotsna Adma has been with KVC since 2006.

Dr. Sadiq Naveed is a child psychiatrist at KVC Prairie Ridge Hospital, and is board certified in child and adolescent psychiatry, as well as adult psychiatry.  Dr. Naveed earned his Medical Degree from Nishtar Medical College in Multan, Pakistan and received his training in Adult Psychiatry at Griffin Memorial Hospital in Norman, Oklahoma.  Dr. Naveed completed his training in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Kansas Medical Center.  As a child psychiatrist at KVC Hospitals, Dr. Naveed works with a wide range of patients and lists his primary interests as treatment of mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, Autism Spectrum disorders and intellectual disabilities.

With faculty appointment at University of Kansas as Volunteer Assistant Professor, Dr. Naveed also serves as Site Director for the University of Kansas psychiatry fellows at KVC Prairie Ridge Hospital. In addition to serving as President-elect for the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry- Kansas Chapter, Dr. Naveed also works on AACAP’s Autism and Intellectual Disability Committee. Dr. Naveed is a member of American Psychiatric Association and Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America.

Dr. Raghu Reddy is a psychiatrist at KVC Hospitals. More information about his background and expertise coming soon!

Dr. Kapil Aedma is a psychiatrist at KVC Prairie Ridge Hospital, and is board certified in psychiatry.  Dr. Aedma earned his Medical Degree from Odessa Medical University in Ukraine and received his training at Gandhi Medical College in India.  Dr. Aedma completed his training in psychiatry at the University of Kansas Medical Center.  Dr. Aedma’s clinical practice is focused on child psychiatry and psychiatric hospitalist. Dr. Aedma’s specialties include child psychiatry, psychiatric hospitalist and psychiatry.

Dr. Sirnivasa Panuganti is a psychiatrist at KVC Wheatland Hospital in Hays, KS. Full bio coming soon!

Jamie Lambotte serves as an APRN at KVC Hospitals.  More information coming soon!

Melissa Barkemeyer is the Advance Practice Registered Nurse at KVC Prairie Ridge Hospital. Bio coming soon!

Sara Schlagel serves as the Director of Program Services at KVC Prairie Ridge Hospital. She earned her Masters of Social Work from Washburn University. Sara worked for KVC for four years as a case manager, lead case manager and most recently as training coordinator for KVC Permanency in Topeka and Lenexa. She has also been a supervisor within Community Mental Health Services in Kansas City, KS. Sara has provided training to new employees in Trauma Systems Therapy, Structured Decision Making, Case Manager Community Safety training and Safe and Connected. She is a certified trainer in Deciding Together, TIPS-MAPP, as well as 8 to Great.  As a licensed therapist, she brings with her experience in helping children and families engage in the therapeutic change process. Sara has led the Strengthening Families therapy groups for KVC’s outpatient programs for the last two years. She also has led KVC’s participation in the state wide initiative to battle human trafficking and exploitation of teens. She is bilingual in English and Spanish and is passionate about enhancing cultural competence within services provided at KVC.

Regena Pearl currently serves as Director of Staffing and Training. As director, Regena manages strategic training programs for employees, ensures program measures for individual achievement of learning objectives and recruitment efforts for professionals of KVC Prairie Ridge Hospital. Regena serves as a member of the training team providing training in Trauma Systems Therapy and PBIS. Regena began her career with KVC Health Systems in 1992 impacting many in numerous positions including Behavioral Health Technician, Supervisor, Campus Supervisor, Associate Director of Hospital Services, Associate Director or Residential Services, Administrator of KVC Academy and Director of Programs at Niles. Regena is the Head Safety Crisis Management Instructor for Niles and KVC Hospitals.

Full bio coming soon!

Brittany Kroeger is the Associate Director of Clinical Services at KVC Prairie Ridge Hospital. She earned her Master of Clinical Social Work degree at the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare. Kroeger is a Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker in Kansas and has been with KVC since 2012. She has held numerous positions at KVC Prairie Ridge Hospital in Kansas City, Kan. and KVC Wheatland Hospital in Hays, Kan., including Therapist Intern, Intake Coordinator, Hospital/Residential Therapist, Clinical Supervisor, and now as Associate Director of Clinical Services.

Full Bio coming soon!

Full bio coming soon!

Full bio coming soon!

Audrey earned her Master of Liberal Studies in Organizational Leadership Studies from Fort Hays State University. She has dedicated 15 years in the social service field working with children and families. Audrey has been with KVC Wheatland Hospital for eight years, working as a Unit Coordinator, Associate Director, and now Program Director. Audrey has had extensive training in Trauma System Therapy and continues to educate on trauma through the many trainings she has conducted for others. Audrey also spends her time as a professor at Fort Hays State University sharing her knowledge in the Leadership Department.

Taylor Ziegler began her career with KVC Wheatland as a Behavioral Health Technician in 2013. She then graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Fort Hays State University. After receiving her degree, Taylor moved from her role to Registered Nurse, then to a lead nurse role. She currently serves as the Associate Director of Nursing Services. Taylor is currently seeking a Doctorate of Nursing Practice degree from Fort Hays State Graduate School and serves on the Fort Hays State University Nursing Advisory Board.

Rystal Waldman graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Fort Hays State University. She began her career with KVC Wheatland as a Registered Nurse in 2015. Rystal began the role of Lead Nurse in 2017 and currently serves as the Nursing Supervisor.

Sarah Berens has been with KVC Wheatland Hospital since 2016 and serves as Clinical Supervisor. She earned her Master of Social Work degree at the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare. Other positions Sarah has held at KVC Wheatland Hospital include Hospital Therapist and Residential Therapist. She has also been trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Systems Therapy, and Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports.

Shannon currently serves as the Director of Clinical Services and oversees the clinical team and treatment implementation within the guidelines of Trauma Systems Therapy. Prior to joining the Niles team, Shannon began her career at KVC Prairie Ridge Psychiatric Hospital in 2010. Shannon worked as a hospital therapist before transitioning to her role as the Clinical Manager of the hospital program at Prairie Ridge. Shannon supervised the hospital therapists and coordinated processes for new interns. Shannon also spent time developing plans to enhance time management within the clinical team and worked toward maintaining high compliance standards for treatment providers.

Shannon completed her undergraduate education at The University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a minor in Applied Behavioral Science. Shannon worked at Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center before pursuing further education at MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe, Kansas. Shannon graduated from MNU with a Master of Arts degree in Counseling. The program was one of few in Kansas that offered CACREP accreditation, which demonstrates the highest academic standards for counselors. Shannon completed requirements to become a Licensed Professional Counselor and holds certification as a National Certified Counselor. Shannon also completed requirements through Parallel Pathways for eligibility as a PreK-12 School Counselor. In addition to this, Shannon has enhanced her clinical skillset through completing EMDR training and consultation in 2015.

Lindsey Russell is the Director of Niles Prep School. Full bio coming soon!

Mendez is the Associate Director of Program Services at Niles. He supports staff while providing a strong milieu experience for youth.