He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Missouri Southern State University and a Master of Social Work Administration degree from the University of Kansas. He is a Licensed Mental Health Professional in Kansas and has over 30 years of experience in community mental health, where he has worked in various capacities.
He possesses extensive knowledge and experience in the public mental health delivery system, client-centered leadership, and program design/development. Tim also served more than 10 years as a commissioned officer in the Army Reserve and National Guard.
In Susan’s words:
“I believe in helping others and giving back to our community in ways big and small. I believe everyone is affected by or knows someone who is affected by mental health challenges so the prevention and treatment we provide is truly and essential service. I am very proud of the growth of Friends over the last few years and I’m grateful to be a part of the work of this board. Friends is able to help with individual needs as well as be an arm for larger initiatives such as #ZRW that create opportunities for furthering the work of the mental health center in ways we could not achieve on our own.”
Sherrie has over 30 years of experience in the Kansas City market. She has worked in both commercial and residential construction, interior residential design, marketing, public relations, communications, behavioral health, and the commercial furniture industry
Sherrie has been a volunteer within Kansas City for over 25 years. In addition to serving on the Friends board, she is currently a certified Sources of Strength Trainer, and a task force member for the MO/KAN Suicide Prevention Group.
Tanner spent more than five years as a city councilman for the City of Spring Hill, his hometown. He currently serves as Treasurer for Friends.
In Tanner’s words:
“Nearly 20% of the U.S. population is living with some form of mental illness, many of whom may not be aware they have such an illness or what resources exist in our community to assist them. As a result, this population is underserved and struggle with depression, substance abuse, and other mental illness. Providing needed resources to these residents is of paramount interest to the overall health and well-being of the Johnson County community. I want to use my experience working as public servant to build on the success Friends has had over the years in being a source of support.”
In the podcast, Susie talks with moms and dads who have parented a child with mental health issues so other parents know that they are not alone and there is hope. Susie also interviews mental health experts and resources to help parents know what help is available.
Susie is also the Executive Director of the You Matter Festival, a music festival raising awareness about teen mental health and suicide prevention founded by her son.
In addition to her work with the You Matter Festival, Susie is on the Board of Directors at the Hope Center in Kansas City. She served as the Board Chair of Johnson County Fellowship of Christian Athletes for 8 years and was Co-President of the Blue Valley High School Touchdown Club in 2014-15. She has also served in a variety of roles at Christ Community Church.
After a 21- year career at Johnson and Johnson, Rodney brings to the board a strong marketing, finance and non- profit involvement background. With personal and professional experiences in mental health, Rodney passionately believes that no one should be held back from personal success because of a physical or mental illness.
Rodney graduated from Emporia (KS) State University. He and his wife Molly have been married for 28 years and have two children, Jackson and Neva. They reside in Overland Park, Kansas.
In Tony’s words:
“I am a suicide loss-survivor and continue to work through the grief experienced from losing a sister. Part of this process has included the realization that I am not alone and the wide range of feelings I have had are not only normal, but they are okay. The self-discovery I have had has motivated me to become involved in suicide awareness and prevention efforts. Becoming vulnerable in discussing my experience and sharing with others the warning signs and available prevention resources is how I can make a difference while also remembering my sister through this work.”
Through her professional roles, she has worked closely with Olathe Communities That Care Coalition doing prevention work and previously worked with Johnson County school professionals and students around the areas of mental health promotion, substance use/misuse, and suicide prevention. Personally, Katherine work through the nonprofit to improve and assist with access to care, provide support to those who have lost a loved one to suicide or overdose, and support to those in recovery and their loved ones.
In addition to the Friends Board, she also serves as a board director for NAMI Johnson County.
In Katherine’s words:
“[The work of] Johnson County Mental Health Center matters to me because no one deserves to be on their journey alone. Whether it is someone with lived experience or an individual supporting a loved one, support, empathy, and a safe and nonjudgmental environment to process through their journey is important to their healing. Being a part of an organization that helps provide this support and space is humbling. I serve on the Friends Board as a way to give back to the Johnson County Mental Health Center community, whether that be the clients or staff. I’m proud to be part of an organization that strives to make a lasting impact on those that they work with and the community-at-large.”