Visionary thinkers who can put words into action have built Cornerstones of Care into the area’s premier provider of prevention, treatment, and support services to strengthen children and families in our community. Cornerstones of Care leadership teams set the strategic direction of the organization, aiming high to reach our goal of providing safety and health to all in need throughout the region.
A MESSAGE FROM MERIDETH
Later this month, many of Kansas City’s students will return to school, including those who will attend the inaugural year of the K-12 Learning Academy at the Cornerstones of Care Education Campus.
Some consider a day treatment school a last resort for students with behavioral challenges. We see it differently: it’s one of the best opportunities for students to learn academically while building the skills to manage their emotions and behaviors.
Crews are hard at work putting the finishing touches on the Education Campus renovations, transforming the former Archbishop O’Hara High School into a unique learning environment. The Learning Academy combines our day treatment schools: the K-8 school formerly on the Gillis Campus and grades 9-12 at our Ozanam Campus. More than 40 school districts in the metropolitan area refer students to the Learning Academy when they struggle in a traditional school setting.
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The Learning Academy has the spaces you’d expect in a traditional school — music and art, a gym, a cafeteria, a playground — and something more. Sensory-friendly design including rugs, chair pads, and rocking chairs give students calm-down spaces built right into the classroom. With roughly 100 students, class sizes stay small and, when necessary, additional paraprofessionals help students de-escalate in the moment.
In addition to 20 classrooms, the Education Campus includes five therapy rooms, where therapists work with students facing significant mental health, behavioral, or neurodivergent challenges including severe anxiety, PTSD, and oppositional defiant disorder.
The campus will also include a Resource Room, providing necessities for students and families in need, so nothing stands between a student and their ability to learn and grow.
When the bell rings to open the 2026-27 school year, we’ll be ready. .
– Merideth Rose, President & CEO
Senior LEADERSHIP
Tiarra Anderson
Director of Information Technology
MacKinzie Aulgur
Director of Placement Stability
Diana Banks
Director of Aftercare and Independent Living
Sara Barnes
Senior Director of Outpatient Programs & Services
Sarah Ann Browning
Assistant Director – Graphic Designer
Miranda Burciaga
Senior Manager of Environment of Care
Theo Bunch
Director of Career and Education
Lesa Chandler
Director of Collaborative Learning
Katie Culbertson
Director of Special Events
Dr. Angela Danley
Senior Director of Education Programs and Services
Tabitha Davidson-Jadwin
Director of Revenue Cycle
Nicole Firth-Lynch
Director of Youth and Family Support
Shana Franklin
Director of Foster Care and Adoption – Western Missouri
Maggie Gilliland
Director of Family Preservation Services – Kansas
Ann Marie Harris
Attorney – Kansas
Zach Hodson
Director of Purchasing and Procurement
Joseph Hoffman
Director of Facilities
Michaela Holcomb
Attorney – Kansas
Marty Huitt
Director of BIST
David Irwin
Director of Kansas Outpatient Services
Allison Jay
Director of Family Preservation Services – South Kansas
Terrell Johnson
Senior Director of Transitional Living Services
Valyn McClellan
Senior Director of Family Support Programs and Services
Amber Maledy
Senior Collaborative Learning Manager
Sara Nelson
Director of Student Services
Patricia Oduor
Director of Permanency Services – Kansas
Julie Plunkett
Director of Outpatient School Based Services
Shelia Rancatore
Executive Director of Programs and Services – Missouri
Jon Ratliff
Director of Marketing and Communications
Jason Ruoff
Deputy Director of Kansas Permanency Services
Dusty Scheiter
Director of IIS/FRS – Western Region
Heavin Schmidt
Director of IIS/FRS – Eastern Region
Larnell Smith
Director of Accounting Controller
Dane Sosniecki
Director of Grants
Rachel Spaethe
Executive Director of Kansas CPA & Foster Care
Melissa Taylor
Director of People Experience
Samantha Vogel
Director of Permanency Services – Kansas
Paige Webb
Senior Director of Performance Excellence
Marlo Williams
Director, Residential Treatment Services
Evan Wood
Director of Child Placing Agency
WE CREATE A LASTING
& POSITIVE IMPACT.”
