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Community Engagement Institute

Meet Our Team

Together, we are committed to building a stronger community.

Sonja Armbruster

(she/her/hers)

Center for Public Health Initiatives

Sonja provides training and technical assistance for public health specific areas focused on workforce development, leadership, community health improvement planning and systems change. She also provides facilitation support to health and public health related projects.
 

Outside of CEI, Sonja enjoys baking, spending quality time with friends and family and hiking.

Seth Bate

Center for Organizational Development

Seth helps organizations and individuals plan for and adapt to changing times. He also teaches leadership skills to assist those working to achieve their goals. Seth guides planning processes and other capacity-building work to strengthen teams.
 
Outside of CEI, Seth enjoys playing music on the porch with his kids, cooking food from the garden and the neighbor’s farm, and researching and writing about local history.

Amy Becker-Amend

Community Engagement Institute Administration

Amy is responsible for keeping track of accounts payables, grant, and fund balances. She works with staff to provide guidance on expenditures and travel issues.

Outside of CEI, Amy enjoys gardening, walking, and watching her fascinating cats.

Megan Betts

(she/her/hers)

Center for Public Health Initiatives

Megan designs, develops, and proposes public health capacity-building or related processes to proposed clients. She manages all aspects of these projects, responding to client needs and expectations, and fulfilling agreed-upon commitments.

Outside of CEI, Megan enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and cooking with her kids!

Aaron Bloyer

(he/him/his)

Community Engagement Institute Administration

Aaron assists with the development and monitoring of federal/state project budgets and the invoicing. He maintains center and institute budgets, provides trend analyses, and responds to other financial analysis and reporting needs.
 
Outside of CEI, Aaron enjoys spending time with family and friends, gardening, and being in the outdoors.

Emily Brinkman

(she/her/hers)

Center for Public Health Initiatives

Emily designs, develops, and proposes public health capacity-building or related processes to proposed clients. She manages all aspects of the project, responding to client needs and expectations, and fulfilling agreed upon commitments.

Outside of CEI, Emily enjoys reading, baking, and spending time with her husband and two kids.

Katrina Caide-Schneweis

(she/her/hers)

Center for Public Health Initiatives

Taylor Carter

Center for Public Health Initiatives

Chad Childs

Prevention Initiatives

Chad has over 20 years of experience in the mental and behavioral healthcare field in Kansas and management and leadership experience in other nonprofit organizations in the fields of higher education, child welfare and prevention. He has a wealth of experience volunteering for various agencies and has served as an adjunct professor and guest lecturer.

Chad’s career focus has been on providing both direct services and facilitating larger systems changes with the goal of helping people to both overcome barriers to their well-being and use their strengths and resources to improve their quality of life. He is interested in the integration of social services, healthcare, science, and research and he values community efforts to make and sustain lasting changes for the better.

Outside of CEI, Chad enjoys:
  – Keeping up with his kids.
  – Keeping up with his kids.
  – Keeping up with his kids.

Teresa Cornejo

The IMPACT Center

Teresa oversees the IMPACT Center’s programs and develops new opportunities to meet the center’s commitment to community engagement, applied learning and Innovative Mobilizations for People To Act. Teresa collaborates with IMPACT’s team of dedicated and compassionate people focused on helping others help others.

Outside of CEI, Teresa is an AVID fan of basketball and football and an even BIGGER fan of her children and love of her life, Ed.

Diana Correa

(she/her/hers)

Center for Public Health Initiatives

Outside of CEI, Diana enjoys spending time with her one and a half year-old daughter, attending local events such as open streets, going on walks, and reading.

Whitney Cravens

The IMPACT Center

As a project specialist, Whitney assists the IMPACT center with facilitation on multiple projects, including promoting coordination with other centers at CEI.

Outside of CEI, Whitney enjoys practicing self-care, spending time with family, and trying new things.

AAron Davis

Center for Public Health Initiatives

Amber Dean

Center for Applied Research & Evaluation

Mark Earnest

Center for Applied Research & Evaluation

Mark assists researchers in writing code for cleaning and wrangling early childhood data. He creates online dashboards and maps, and works with setup, program and administer websites for researchers, grantees and providers.

Outside of CEI, Mark enjoys hiking, Netflix, and podcasts.

Kiera Eckhardt

(she/her/hers)

IMPACT Center

Kiera expands and enhances current project success and sustainability by promoting VISTA sites. She plans trainings, tracks timesheets and weekly reports, writes member success stories, plans service day events, and develops recruitment and social media materials.

Outside of CEI, Kiera enjoys reading, going to coffee shops, and spending time with her dog, Brutus.

Ashton Engdahl

(she/her/hers)

Community Engagement Institute Administration

Ashton coordinates grant operations and services as well as conducts various project management tasks. She also identifies ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of operations and procedures.

Outside of CEI, Ashton enjoys reading, writing poetry and songs, and spending time with her family.

Angela Gaughan

(she/her/hers)

The IMPACT Center

Angela coordinates the Wichita State VISTA Fellows Project, promoting the benefits of service to potential volunteers and nonprofit organizations across Kansas. She works with a variety of audiences including nonprofit and business leaders, social service providers, and university faculty and students. Angela works to make a positive impact toward moving Kansans out of poverty.

Outside of CEI, Angela enjoys spending time with her family, traveling and scrapbooking.

Anesha Gonzalez

Community Engagement Institute Administration

Anesha provides support for CEI Operations, Prevention Initiatives, and the Creative Design Team.

Outside of CEI, Anesha is a Licensed Esthetician and performs makeup and lash services. In her spare time she enjoys spending quality time with her husband and children.

Daniel Green

(he/him/his)

Center for Public Health Initiatives

Daniel designs, develops, and proposes public health capacity-building or related processes to proposed clients.

Outside of CEI, Daniel enjoys spending time with his two teenage children, supporting Sporting Kansas City, watching anime, and gathering with friends and family for board games and computer games.

Tara Gregory, Ph.D.

(she/her/hers)

Center for Applied Research & Evaluation

Tara oversees staff and operations of the Center for Applied Research and Evaluation by assisting in the development and implementation of projects. She acts as lead on evaluation projects such as community needs assessments, program evaluations, survey development and administration, focus groups, etc.

Outside of CEI, Tara enjoys traveling and going to concerts (especially in UK and Europe); playing with my dogs, Cappie and Layla; and fitness activities (kickboxing, walking/running, weights, etc.).

Kristina Helmer

Center for Public Health Initiatives

Kristina is a boy mom. She loves going to all their activities and being their biggest cheerleader. And cheering on the Butler Grizzlies. Kristina also appreciates the outdoors and walking her dog Penny. Of course, she is up for trying anything new and creating new adventures.

Patricia Houston

Community Engagement Institute Administration

Patricia directs the design, planning, implementation, and monitoring of strategies and programs that enhance the organization’s culture and overall employee experience for CEI.

Outside of CEI, Patricia enjoys volunteering, mentoring, and playing scrabble.

Sarah Jolley, PhD

(she/her/hers)

Center for Applied Research & Evaluation

Sarah manages research and evaluation projects from start to finish, including proposal development, project design/conceptualization, implementation, data collection, analysis, report creation, and presentation. She also supervises other contributing staff and maintains relationships with funders and partners.

Outside of CEI, Sarah enjoys yoga, baking, and spending time with her husband and kids.

Lisa Jones

Center for Organizational Development

Lisa is in charge of logistics for the Center for Organizational Development. She makes sure the team has what they need to do their jobs as seamlessly as possible.

Outside of CEI, Lisa enjoys raising a good human – her son, Leif, creating inspirational/motivating content, and working out.

Ty Kane

Center for Public Health Initiatives

Ty manages and supports a variety of public health programs and contracts.

Outside of CEI, he enjoys exploring Kansas, being outdoors, and spending time with family and friends.

Howard Keim

Center for Organizational Development

Howard supports projects as needed, as well as initiates his own work in the center with nonprofit, business, and education organizations.

Outside of CEI, Howard enjoys anything connected to theatre, gardening, traveling and exploring new places.

Georgina LaFoe

Prevention Initiatives

Georgina coordinates, facilitates, monitors, and reports on assigned grant activities and/or services with participating public or social service agencies and programs. This may include addressing workforce development, educational, and research objectives.

Outside of CEI, Georgina enjoys traveling and visiting new cultures and cities. She adores her two nephews and spending time watching them encounter this world as new. Georgina also loves a good movie every now and then (preferably scary).

Cassandra LeBrun-Martin

Center for Applied Research & Evaluation

Cassandra has over eight years of experience in early childhood research, evaluation, and implementation of evidence based prevention and interventions. She has been a part of the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund (KCCTF) statewide evaluation and common measures initiative since its beginning in 2013. Through this project, she has experience in early childhood research and evaluation, analyzing large datasets, data base management, technical assistance, and capacity building with multiple grantees throughout the state.

Outside of CEI, Cassandra enjoys spending time with her husband and two kids, being outside, and laughing with friends and family.

Vanessa Lohf, LBSW

(she/her/hers)

Center for Public Health Initiatives

Vanessa’s work focuses on the many facets of organizational development, including collaborative processes for strategic thinking, outcome development, nonprofit board skill building, and peer-to-peer learning. She has a particular passion for helping to create stronger organizations, systems, and communities through increased understanding of the impacts of positive and adverse experiences (PACEs) on physical and mental well-being.

Adriana Lopez

Creative Design Team

With a team, Adriana helps design, develop, and implement communications and advertising content for a variety of media platforms including website, social media, print media and more!

Outside of CEI, Adriana enjoys cuddling with her dog, hanging out with loved ones, and catching up on tv series/new movies.

Zane May

(he/him/his)

Center for Organizational Development

Zane is passionate about cultivating the power and potential in teamwork and collaboration. At the Community Engagement Institute, he designs engagement strategies and helps people find solutions to complex problems. Before joining the Community Engagement Institute, he worked as a para educator at an alternative K-12 school, a student advocate at a university, and a family support staff for children in center-based care.

Megan Mickens

Creative Design Team

With a team, Megan helps design, develop, and implement communications and advertising content for a variety of media platforms including website, social media, print media and more!

Outside of CEI, Megan enjoys photography, shopping, interior decorating, traveling all over the United States and beyond, creating memories with family and friends, and taking care of her succulents and dog; Sophie.

LeeAnne Mullen

Early Childhood Initiatives

As a Project Specialist, LeeAnne works with organizations on projects promoting the physical and mental wellbeing of individuals and communities. She brings experience with program and project management, facilitation and leadership.

Outside of CEI, LeeAnne enjoys spending time outdoors on their family farm and spending time with her family.

Aurora Myers

(she/her/hers)

The IMPACT Center

Aurora oversees the Wichita satellite office of the KanCare Ombudsman Office. Her team helps KanCare members, applicants, and community partners with problems regarding services, coverage, access, and rights.

Outside of CEI, Aurora enjoys running, reading, and hanging out with her family.

Chantal Nez

Center for Public Health Initiatives

Chantal helps manage and support a variety of public health programs and contracts.

Outside of CEI, Chantal enjoys running, going on road trips with her family, and watching college basketball and NFL games with her husband.

Kendra Nguyen

Center for Public Health Initiatives

Kendra assists with the coordination of information sharing and story telling of public health projects through various mediums such as website updates, newsletters, distribution and social media.

Outside of CEI, Kendra enjoys going to concerts, crafting (cross stitch & crocheting currently), and watching documentaries.

Tasha Parker

(she/her/hers)

Center for Applied Research & Evaluation

Tasha provides support on CARE community projects as a Contract Consultant.

Outside of CEI, Tasha enjoys cooking, relaxing and traveling.

Tina Payne

Center for Public Health Initiatives

Tina designs, develops, and proposes public health capacity-building or related processes to proposed clients. She manages all aspects of the project, responding to client needs and expectations, and fulfilling agreed upon
commitments. Tina also manages multiple clients simultaneously.

Outside of CEI, Tina enjoys spending time with her kids, watching football, and traveling Kansas – (she has a goal to visit all 105 counties).

Heather Perkins

Community Engagement Institute Admin

Heather provides leadership, expertise, and management for Center administration operations. She creates and maintains the financial infrastructure to be responsive to Centers, the University, and community partners. Heather also provides financial analysis and reporting for the research organizations and individual business units.

Outside of CEI, Heather enjoys reading mysteries, gardening, and playing music.

Alissa Rankin, MPH

(she/her/hers)

Center for Public Health Initiatives

Alissa designs, develops and proposes public health capacity-building or related processes to proposed clients. She manages all aspects of these projects, responding to client needs and expectations, and fulfilling agreed upon commitments. Alissa primarily works with Kansas Community Health Workers.

Outside of CEI, Alissa loves hanging out with her husband and two kiddos. She likes to knit to relax and enjoys playing piano.

Cy Rogers

(he/him/his)

Center for Organizational Development

Cy works with partners across the state of Kansas to help them improve internal processes, develop capacity, and develop so they can maximize their impact.  As a certified Process Communication Model© (PCM) trainer, he helps organizations and individuals communicate more efficiently and effectively. 

Learn More about PCM

Outside of CEI, Cy enjoys music, cooking, basketball, and cats. 

Joanna Sabally

(she/her/hers)

Center for Public Health Initiatives

Joanna designs, develops and proposes public health capacity-buildings or related processes to proposed clients. She manages all aspects of the projects responding to clients needs and expectations and fulling agreed upon commitments.
 
Outside of CEI, Joanna enjoys spending quality time with her sons, taking a variety of group exercise classes at the local YMCA, being outdoors and hosting game nights for friends and family.

Lynn Schrepferman, PhD

(she/her/hers)

Center for Applied Research & Evaluation

Lynn has been leading research, evaluation, intervention development, and implementation of evidence-based practices with children and families for the past 25 years. She has extensive experience working with community organizations, state agencies, and federally funded grants. In addition, she has worked with a variety of school districts and organizations serving children and families, providing psychometric analyses, evaluation, and research. She applies best practices in communicating results to facilitate data driven decisions and help organizations put data into action. She leads the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund evaluations team.

Outside of CEI, Lynn enjoys baking, reading, and walking dogs.

Jeff Sheldon

Center for Applied Research & Evaluation

Jessica Smith

Center for Public Health Initiatives

Janell Stang

(she/her/hers)

Prevention Initiatives

Janell works with the Kansas Prevention Collaborative (KPC) and lead a planning committee to plan the annual Kansas Prevention Conference. She also supports the PreventionWorKS Steering Committee and recently provided technical support to the Kansas Suicide Prevention Coalition’s Steering Committee as they created the coalition.

Outside of CEI, Janell enjoys gardening, spending time outdoors with her husband and dog; Sirius, and starting and finishing a new TV series all in one weekend.

Angie Stegman

Prevention Initiatives

Outside of CEI, Angie enjoys spending time with her two dogs and two cats, taking care of her plants and gardening. She also enjoys spending time on their cattle farm.

Jasper Thi

(they/them)

Center for Applied Research & Evaluation

Percy Turner

Center for Organizational Development

Percy assists with the development and delivery of KDHE-DHCF professional development trainings. He develops new educational tracks. Percy also helps set training schedules and interface with trainers to ensure success of the project.

Outside of CEI, Percy enjoys spending time with his kids and grandkids, pampering his little bald dog; Bobby, playing video games, and spoiling his wife; Adella.

Jason Vandecreek

Center for Applied Research & Evaluation

Ngoc Vuong

(he/him/his)

Center for Applied Research & Evaluation

Ngoc assists with research and evaluation projects related to behavioral health.


Outside of CEI, Ngoc enjoys biking, playing with his dog Beary, and making food.

Juliane Walker

Center for Public Health Initiatives

Working within an amazing team environment, Juliane has the opportunity to work with public health-related clients, engage in and foster external partner relationships, and support conceptualization, design, and delivery of work related to ongoing public health-related projects.

Outside of CEI, Juliane enjoys meal prepping and cooking, especially repurposing leftovers and pantry items into something new. She has two grandchildren, two dogs, and an amazing husband she loves spending time with.

Carri Wead

(she/her/hers)

Center for Organizational Development

Carri supports facilitation of processes that strengthen coalitions, groups, and organizations. This includes strategic planning, board development, nonprofit start up, succession planning, and other custom programs to help partners set and achieve their goals.

Outside of CEI, Carri enjoys home renovation, fostering animals, and travel!

Abbi Wend

(she/her/hers)

Prevention Initiatives

Abbi oversees promotional projects, campaigns, events, programs, and services to provide support resources to the public, behavioral health professionals, and substance abuse prevention coalitions. She  also leads staff and community partners in the design and implementation of marketing materials and assists with the mentoring, tracking, and management of several social media platforms.

Outside of CEI, Abbi enjoys spending time with her husband, birds, and dog. She also enjoys sewing clothes or gifts and playing cozy video games.

Olivia Vest

(she/her/hers)

The IMPACT Center

Olivia assists with the facilitation of two incredible programs focused on the alleviation of poverty: AmeriCorps VISTA and AmeriCorps State.

Outside of CEI, Olivia is a vintage textile collector, so you can find her every weekend at estate sales and antique stores! She also spend a lot of time with her friends, camping and hosting documentary nights and other fun little arbitrary events. She also love to garden!

Heather Winklepleck

Prevention Initiatives

Heather assists with program development, facilitation, planning and implementing community-based approaches for substance abuse prevention.

Outside of CEI, Heather enjoys any activity that includes the family, attending sporting events (KC Chiefs, KC Royals, Sporting KC, KU Basketball), and playing in the dirt; she loves to garden and add flowers to every corner of her world.

Josh Villa

Prevention Initiatives

Scott Wituk

(he/him/his)

Community Engagement Institute Administration

As the Executive Director of the Community Engagement Institute (CEI) at Wichita State University, Dr. Wituk oversees all activities, services, budget, and operations. CEI has a $8.0 million annual budget and 85 full and part-time staff. Dr. Wituk has been with CEI for 25 years. He is committed to creating thriving and supportive communities and organizations and has background in community leadership, organizational capacity building, and applied research and evaluation methods. He works with nonprofits, community coalitions, government agencies, health departments, mental health organizations, and support groups.

Outside of CEI, Dr. Wituk enjoys watching movies, any outdoor activities, spending time with family.