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Karissa Coppedge
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Katrina Routh, LCSW
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Therapeutic Team
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Lauren Huskey, LCSW
Clinical Supervisor Lauren is a dedicated professional with extensive experience working in an acute mental health hospital setting for children. Her background in this high-intensity environment has equipped her with a deep understanding of the challenges clients face, as well as the ability to provide exceptional care and support. Lauren brings invaluable programmatic expertise to our team, consistently fostering an environment where both clients and staff feel supported and empowered. Her compassionate approach and strong leadership ensure that everyone she works with receives the guidance and encouragement they need to succeed. |
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Julie Wilson, LPC, CSTIP
Therapist Julie is a skilled professional specializing in relationships and concerns related to sexuality and intimacy. With a deep understanding of these sensitive topics, Julie excels at building strong connections with her clients, creating a safe and open space for them to explore their feelings and challenges. Her empathetic approach and expertise make her a valuable resource for clients and a knowledgeable, supportive colleague. Julie’s ability to engage and connect with others fosters trust, ensuring her clients receive the highest level of care and guidance. |
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Joey Martin, LPC
Therapist Joey is a compassionate professional with extensive experience working with adolescents, helping them navigate the complexities of identity, relationships, and mental health. As an active advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, Joey has dedicated much of his career to supporting homeless youth and adults in emergency shelters, offering a safe and affirming space for those in need. His approach is centered on acceptance, understanding, and empowerment, ensuring that every client feels heard, supported, and respected. Joey’s unwavering commitment to fostering a non-judgmental environment allows clients to explore their identities freely and find the strength to embrace their true selves. |
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Darla Cunningham, LPC
Therapist Darla joins us with over two decades of experience working in the child welfare field. She is certified in Eye Moveement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Play Therapy, allowing her to provide trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate care for children and families. Darla’s approach is compassionate and client-centered, drawing on her deep understanding of trauma, family systems, and recovery to support healing and lasting change. She has spent her career collaborating with child welfare professionals, courts, and community partners to promote reunification, strengthen relationships, and empower families to thrive. |
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Mackenzie Hart, LMSW
Therapist Mackenzie specializes in working with families involved in child welfare and foster care. With years of experience supporting vulnerable families in various roles, she has developed a deep understanding of the challenges they face. Mackenzie firmly believes that with the right support and healing, every family has the potential to overcome obstacles and thrive. Her compassionate approach and commitment to family well-being make her a dedicated advocate for those in the child welfare system, helping families rebuild and create lasting change. |
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Mary Oney, LMSW
Therapist Mary is dedicated to strengthening families by working with both adults and children individually, as well as together as a family unit. With a deep passion for serving children, Mary focuses on strengthening the parent-child bond and helping families thrive. As our Anger Management facilitator, she is committed to educating clients and empowering them to develop safe, healthy coping skills. Mary's approach emphasizes understanding, growth, and resilience, ensuring that clients have the tools they need to navigate challenges and build lasting, positive relationships within their families. |
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Dr. Stephanie Campbell, PhD
Psychologist Dr. Campbell collaborates closely with the Missouri Empowerment Project to enhance the quality and accuracy of client assessments. In partnership with MEP’s clinical and support teams, Dr. Campbell reviews psychosocial assessments to ensure thoroughness, clinical appropriateness, and diagnostic accuracy. She provides expert consultation on mental health screenings, diagnostic impressions, and treatment recommendations, helping guide individualized service plans that meet the complex needs of families involved in the child welfare system. Her expertise strengthens MEP’s commitment to delivering trauma-informed, evidence-based care across all programs. |
MEP Support Squad
Versaviya Buenrostro, BS MAADCII
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Brittany Kelsay, MAADCI
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Darren Proctor, MAADCI
Family Empowerment Specialist- Lead Darren is a dedicated Family Empowerment Specialist in our IFS program, with a strong commitment to advocating for human rights and ensuring every family has the tools they need to thrive. He works tirelessly to empower families, providing support and guidance as they navigate challenges. Darren’s compassionate approach helps families feel comfortable and supported, while his positive energy and ability to connect with others bring a sense of encouragement and hope to those he serves. |
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Kayla Bond
Family Empowerment Specialist Kayla is a compassionate Family Empowerment Specialist who believes deeply that every family deserves the opportunity to heal and thrive. She is a strong advocate for reunification whenever possible, working diligently to support families in overcoming obstacles and rebuilding their connections. Kayla’s dedication to fostering growth and healing ensures that families receive the support they need to move forward together, with a focus on long-term success and well-being. |
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Shelby Snider
Family Empowerment Specialist-Lebanon Shelby has extensive experience working with children, particularly those with special needs. Her ability to connect with and relate to her clients makes her an invaluable resource, as she creates a safe and supportive environment for children and their families. Shelby’s deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by children with special needs allows her to provide tailored guidance, helping each child and family navigate their journey with confidence and support. |
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Sandra McCann
Family Empowerment Specialist Sandra is a dedicated and detail-oriented, playing a vital role in supporting her clients with care and precision. Known for her proactive approach, Sandra takes the time to plan ahead and anticipate challenges, ensuring that each individual receives the support they need to move forward. Her passion for helping others succeed shines through in everything she does, making her an invaluable part of our team. |
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Amber Plummer, BSW
Family Empowerment Specialist Amber brings several years of experience working with children and families navigating behavioral challenges and involvement in the child welfare system. Her compassionate approach, combined with a strong background in family support, allows her to build trust and create meaningful connections with the individuals she serves. Amber is committed to empowering families with the tools and guidance they need to thrive. |
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Kayleigh Archembeau
Family Empowerment Specialist Kayleigh is a compassionate and dependable professional who brings strong leadership and hands-on experience to her work with children and families. Known for her calm and caring presence, she ensures that each individual feels supported and safe. With a background in behavioral health and team coordination, Kayleigh approaches every situation with patience, organization, and a genuine desire to help others grow—making her a trusted and valued member of our team. |
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Heidi Phillips
Family Empowerment Specialist Heidi is a compassionate and detail-oriented professional who brings extensive experience in behavioral health support. She has provided direct care to individuals with behavioral health disorders, ensuring safety, stability, and emotional growth. Her collaborative approach, combined with her dedication to promoting empowerment and positive change, makes her a valued and trusted member of our team. |
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Brittany Miller
Family Empowerment Specialist Brittany is a compassionate and dedicated professional who brings both personal and professional experience to her role as a Family Empowerment Specialist. As a foster and adoptive parent with over five years of experience, she understands the challenges and rewards families face firsthand. Brittany has spent several years working directly with children and families. Her empathy, lived experience, and commitment to empowering others make her an invaluable part of our team. |
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Jessica Smith, MS
Resource Family Coordinator Jessica is a passionate and experienced professional in the child welfare field, joining our team as the first Resource Family Coordinator. With several years of experience supporting foster and adoptive families, she brings deep understanding and compassion to her work. Jessica leads efforts in foster parent recruitment, outreach, and training, while also conducting home studies to ensure children are placed in nurturing, stable environments. Her dedication to strengthening families and building lasting connections makes her an essential part of our mission. |
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Wendy Delap
Peer Support Specialist Wendy is a Peer Support Specialist with over a decade of experience supporting individuals on their journey to recovery. As someone in long-term recovery herself, Wendy brings deep empathy, authenticity, and lived experience to her work. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in social work, furthering her commitment to serving others. Wendy has a powerful passion for helping those who are struggling, and she uses her story to inspire hope. She shows clients that with the right treatment, support, and determination, it is possible to overcome generational trauma, break free from substance use, and build a thriving, fulfilling life. |
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Brittani Harris
Administrative Assistant
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Brittani is the face of recovery and a true embodiment of what it means to make positive change. As our administrative assistant, she keeps the office running smoothly and ensures that all staff have the support they need to work efficiently. With her lived experience in both recovery and child welfare, Brittani offers invaluable insight into the challenges families face and the pathways to success. Her dedication, compassion, and commitment to making a difference inspire everyone around her and create a positive, supportive environment for both staff and families.
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Erin Phelps
Training and Outreach Coordinator
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Erin is our class facilitator, CPR instructor, and social media coordinator, bringing a positive and uplifting energy to everything she does. She has a natural ability to put a smile on everyone’s face, creating an encouraging and welcoming atmosphere in the office. Clients consistently provide great feedback about her classes, praising her non-judgmental attitude and her ability to create a supportive learning environment. Erin’s passion for helping others and her unwavering positivity make her an invaluable member of our team.
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