2019 CCV Selection Guide

 
 

2019 College & Career Village  
Student Selection Guide 

 
 
 

CCV Post-Secondary Planning Presentations 

 

Presentation Title:  Presenter:  

Selective College Admissions Taylor Athon, Truman State Univ 
Anna Koepke, Veterans United 
Resume Writing​ (​ 1st session only)   Anna Koepke, Veterans United 
Susan Lutz, St. Louis Univ.  
Interviewing Skills​ ​(2nd session only) Bob Nolte, Univ. of Missouri 
Melissa Lyman, VR Counselor 
College Essay Writing Kayla Klein, Univ. of Missouri 
Laura Steinbeck, Sallie Mae 
NCAA Eligibility Center Sgt. Bryan Johnson, US Army National Guard 
Evelyn Pearman
Vocational Rehabilitation 

FAFSA & Financial Aid

Paying for College

Military Careers

Mindfulness & Anxiety Management with EFT

 

CCV Career Panels 

ARTS & COMMUNICATION 

Panel 1:   

Jocelyn Cullity: Director of Creative Writing, BFA Program, Truman State University
I w​ orked in film and television for ten years and currently teach screenwriting​. I will talk about working in film
production and television, as well as the different career of being a professor. All these careers are for students who
might be interested in finding jobs where they can use their creative skills.

Lana Eklund: Owner / Photographer, Art & Soul Photography
Lana Eklund is the owner and head photographer of Art & Soul Photography Inc a boutique portrait studio in downtown
Columbia. She started her business while working on her BA in Fine Art Photography from Kansas State University.
Lana specializes in photographing weddings, babies and family portraits along with commercial photography and
selling fine art photography in several local shops.

Zachery Schwab:Columbia Performing Arts Center Ballet Instructor/CPAC Collective Director
Zachary grew up in Dearfield, NJ where he studied at Maxine Chapman’s Dance Studio and at age 14 he joined the
Vineland Regional Dance Company. In 1999 he attended SUNY Purchase where in his Junior year he joined Sasha
Spielvogel Dance Company in NYC. He continued his career dancing freelance around the country until 2004 when he
joined Cedar Lake II Contemporary Ballet in Missouri. Returning back east a few years later, he joined the Rebecca
Davis Dance Company in Philadelphia, PA. He enjoys being a part of the ballet and competition programs at CPAC.

 
 

1

Panel 2:  

Scotty Cox: Zimmer Radio & Marketing Group/Clear 99 Radio
Scotty was lucky enough to get his first radio job while still in high school, and has been doing it ever since. He has
been with the Zimmer Radio Group for 30+ years, in several different markets and job descriptions. Since 2000, he has
been the morning show co-host on Clear 99 radio station. That job description has changed quite a bit over the years,
and now includes on-air, online, digital & streaming duties.

Lisa Geger: Dance Instructor, CPAC, Stephens College, Self-Employed
After earning a​ BFA in Dance at Stephens College,​ Lisa has had many wonderful opportunities in the field of dance
from a magician’s assistant, professional concert dancer, ballroom competitor, Argentine Tango dancer,
choreographer, teacher, costume designer, lighting designer, manager, grant writer and even artistic director of her
own company. The world of dance is not just confined to the stage and the need for continued professional
development continues to be demanded of the artist, therefore, Lisa is pursuing certification of the Progressive Ballet
Technique, Level I Yoga and is enrolled in an Anatomy and Physiology course at Stephens College. In this manner,
she is able to help students of all ages and levels to pursue a healthy and long career in the arts no matter if their
dreams take them on stage, behind the scenes or sitting in the front row watching and supporting their fellow artists.

Annika Miller: SilverBox Photographers, Owner
Award​-winning and nationally-​ recognized portrait and commercial photographer, Annika Miller, has photographed more
than 250 high school seniors and 120 weddings. She was recently named Top Commercial Photographer in Columbia
Business Times' 'Top of the Town' awards. It’s safe to say she’s getting her money’s worth from that Bachelor of
Science degree in Photography! Annika and business partner, Kim Wade, own SilverBox Photographers and operate
out of a light-drenched studio in downtown Columbia. When she’s not building her clients’ confidence with fun,
flattering portraits, you can find Annika traveling off the beaten path with her husband or trying to convince her cat to
snuggle.

Amanda Staley Harrison: University of Missouri Museum of Anthropology, Assistant Curator &
Strategic Communications
As the Assistant Curator at the Museum of Anthropology, my primary roles include developing all strategic
communications and outreach for the museum, as well as designing the museum's exhibits and helping care for the
museum's collections. I have two degrees from MU - a ​Bachelor's in Classical Archaeology​ and a ​Bachelor of Fine
Arts in Graphic Design.​ I've done archaeological field work in the Mediterranean, Middle East, as well as right here in
Missouri. I had a hodgepodge of jobs in my early adult years. Some were jobs in education, others involved doing
marketing and sales for small businesses and nonprofits - I was even a barista once! They all contributed important

 skills I use daily to be a successful, professional communicator and museum curator.
 
Panel 3:  

Eric Blum, Columbia Daily Tribune & Mizzou Athletics Beat Reporter
I've covered MU athletics for the Tribune for a few months now and reached that career goal after grinding for five
years at newspapers in Maryland, Pennsylvania and Texas. I'm originally from right outside of Washington D.C. and
graduated with a journalism degree from Towson University, which is right outside of Baltimore. I had several
internships before coming a full-time sports journalist as well. My current job entails basically being the expert when it
comes to everything Mizzou. I'll interview players, write several stories a week, appear on the radio and record multiple
podcasts a week. It's a journey that appears as if my work is never done, but it's also incredibly rewarding. I got into
this field so I could help others understand what every action at a sporting event means and I'm happy to do that with
each word I type.

2

Amanda M.S. Brown: Strategic Communications Manager
Mrs. Brown started her journey as a high school student at a career center graphic arts class. She fell in love with the
craft and decided to continue her education at Truman State University. In 2003, she graduated with her​ BFA in visual
communications.​ Upon graduation, Mrs. Brown has taught graphic arts, designed for private advertising firms,
marketed for the Walt Disney Travel Company​ and served as the creative director for the Missouri Department of
Higher Education. During this time she also pursued her graduate degree and in 2010 received her M.Ed. in career
and technical education with an emphasis in business and marketing from the University of Missouri-Columbia.
Currently, she is serving as the strategic communications manager for Columbia Area Career Center. Her goal is to
serve CACC by providing effective communications to the community and beyond.

David Wilson, Freelance, Director and Film Consultant
David Wilson, together with Paul Sturtz, ​founded the Ragtag Film Society in 1998, the Ragtag Cinema in 2000,
and the True/False Film Fest in 2004.​ As director of True/False, David oversaw the growth of the fest into one of the
most respected film festivals in the world, and has been invited to serve as a panelist, moderator & juror at other
festivals, including Sundance, the Busan International Film Festival, Tribeca Film Festival, The Toronto Film Festival,
CPH:Dox & IFP Film Week. He has also served as a consultant for the Creative Capital Foundation, the LEF Moving
Image Fund, Film Independent and the National Endowment for the Arts. Wilson now balances advising the current
True/False leadership with producing and directing his own films and managing The Alethea Project, which screens
nonfiction films in theologically conservative churches across the U.S. Wilson is a 1996 graduate of Hampshire College
in Massachusetts and received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Missouri in 2015. He is a lifelong resident
of Columbia, Missouri.

Tim Worstell: Director of Storytellers and Creative Arts, The Crossing
I have ​owned and sold two different businesses in the last 20 years​. Currently, been working at The Crossing as
the Director of Storytellers and Creative Arts. At the end of the day my job is Create and Dream. 

 
 
Panel 4: 

Tessa Hulen, Dance Teacher/Choreographer
Tessa received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from The Hartt School at the University of Hartford. She went on to dance
professionally in both concert and commercial dance. ​She can be seen in various music videos and live shows.​
She started teaching at Columbia Performing Arts Centre in 2017 where she choreographs and rehearses dances for
their competition team along with teaching Jazz classes. She is also the Rock Bridge Bruin Girls assistant coach.

Trent Rash: Executive Director, The Missouri Symphony
Trent assumed the executive director position of The Missouri Symphony in August 2019. In this position, he oversees
a staff of seven and the day to day operations of the organization, which has been a mainstay of the Columbia
community for nearly fifty years. Trent most recently spent twelve years as an Assistant Professor of Music & Musical
Theatre at Stephens College where he taught applied private voice lessons, musical theatre performance techniques
classes, and musical theatre repertory classes. He was also the executive director of the Summer Theatre Institute, the
first summer intensive for the BFA Theatre Arts and Musical Theatre students. In addition to his duties at MOSY, he
teaches a handful of students of all ages through RashMusik, his private voice studio. Trent attended the University of
Missouri where he received both a BS in Music Education and a MM in Vocal Performance. Trent has directed, music
directed, or been onstage in over forty musicals, working with a number of theaters in the Columbia community. Other
solo engagements include concert appearances at the Missouri Theatre, in the Odyssey Chamber Music Series, and
with the Missouri Contemporary Ballet. Trent has delved into playwriting, having work accepted in both the Chicago
New Musical Theatre Festival and the Starting Gate New Play Festival.

3

Emily Spain, KOMU 8
Emily Spain is an ​award-winning journalist​ who has worked in television news for the last ten years. She has been
an anchor and reporter for KOMU 8 News in Columbia and for WFMY News 2 in Greensboro, North Carolina. In her
current role as evening anchor at KOMU 8, s​ he anchors the 5, 6, 9, and 10 p.m. newscasts​, oversees student
reporters and producers along with putting together special reports. She also took a brief break from the news
business to work in marketing as a videographer/photographer for Duke Health in Durham. In that role, Emily told
stories about patients and how the world-class medical care at Duke helped enhance their lives. Emily graduated from
RBHS in 2008 (Go Bruins!) and got her bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism from Mizzou in 2012.

BUSINESS MGMT & TECHNOLOGY 
Panel 5:   

Danny Grant: Auto Underwriter, State Farm Insurance
Born and raised in Columbia, MO. Graduate of Hickman HS in 1981. Graduate of University of Central Missouri in
1985 with a degree in Criminal Justice Administration. Hired by the Columbia Police Department in 1985 and retired as
a Police Sergeant in 2005. During my career at CPD worked as patrol officer, detective, traffic unit, SWAT Team and
crime prevention officer, DARE Officer. Promoted to Sergeant in 1995 and directed the Crime Prevention Unit and
Community Action Team. Hired by State Farm Insurance in 2005 and currently working there in the Underwriting
Services Unit as an Auto Underwriter specializing in complaints against State Farm and resolving problem files.

Terri Haake: Personnel Officer, Department of Agriculture
I work In Human Resources for the Missouri Dept of Agriculture and have over 20 years of experience in HR. I’ve done
everything from benefits to recruitment to discipline.

Gary Lee: Vice President - Technology at Veterans United
Gary is Vice President for Veterans United Home Loans. He is responsible for​ leading the information technology
team​ in its effort to build and manage the proprietary software and systems that power Veterans United Home Loans.
Gary works to provide a vision for how technology can provide the company a competitive advantage in offering the
best service to customers and partners. Before joining Veterans United Home Loans, Gary served as CTO at
CARFAX, the leading provider of vehicle history information. Joining the company in 2002, Gary led company efforts to
scale capacity in data center operations, product and database development as the company tripled in size over his
tenure. He also spearheaded the development and execution of a technology roadmap focusing on agility and time to
market. Prior to CARFAX, Gary had over 17 years of information technology experience with companies ranging in
size from start-ups to very large multinationals

Panel 6:  

Leslie Adams: Human Resources Officer at Central Bank
I am currently the HR Officer and recruiter for Central Bank of Boone County. I have over 8 years of experience in the
HR and Training fields and received both my Bachelors and Masters at Stephens College. I have ​lived and worked in
New York City, London, England; and Dublin​, Ireland; which has allowed me to understand different cultures and to
be able to understand what a diverse workforce brings to the office. At Central Bank of Boone County I spend most of
my days interviewing and looking for applicants and working with various committees within the bank to ensure that we
are getting the best applicants we can.

Dorrie Crawford: Claim Specialist, State Farm
I have been with State Farm for 11 years. I have a BSBA from Columbia College. Prior to State Farm I worked at
Columbia College in assisting students with their financial aid and course registration. For a time I worked temporarily
staffing to be flexible for my family.

4

Dan Hlavac: Missouri Employers Mutual
Dan ​doubled majored in Psychology and Communication and received his Masters in Communication.​ In
addition, he holds both the ChFC and CRISC certifications. His career spans multiple roles across several companies,
including server administrator, customer service support, information security analyst, information security architect,
identity theft response analyst, and business architect. He ​was also co-owner and president of a mobile software
company​. His current role is Director of Enterprise Architecture at Missouri Employers Mutual where he leads a team
that provides strategic insights to executives and solution oversight for development teams.

Katy Plaster: Personal Analyst / Recruiter, MO Dept. of Natural Resources
Katy joined the Missouri Department of Natural Resources in August 2019 as a Personnel Analyst II/Recruiter. Katy
has worked in ​Human Resources/Recruitment for over 14 years, and has a B.S in Human Resource
Management.​ In her current role Katy connects with Colleges, High Schools, and applicants in order to recruit, retain
and develop workforce for the Department of Natural Resources.

 
Panel 7:  

Emily Clapp: People Services Manager, Veterans United
Emily Clapp has worked in the Human Resources department at Veterans United Home Loans since 2012. In her
current role Emily serves as a People Services Manager, overseeing members of the Talent Management team in
Human Resources, as well as the Events department. Prior to Veterans United, Emily worked at the Columbia
Chamber of Commerce for four years. Emily graduated from DePaul University in Chicago with a bachelor’s degree in
marketing.

Shatenita Horton: VP, Bank Security and Fraud Investigative Officer
I have a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration with dual majors in Finance and Management from Columbia
College and a Masters in Business Administration from Stephens College. I have been in banking for over 23 years in
positions from teller to manager to business development officer to call center management to my current role. In my
current role, I administer the bank's security and protection program, train employees around security procedures and
best practices and conduct investigations of known or suspected fraud involving bank assets, staff, customers or
vendors.

Carrie Watkins: ​Influence & Co. | Director of Special Projects

Carrie Watkins is the Director of Special Projects for Influence & Co., a content marketing agency that combines a
team of content marketing experts with custom technology and relationships with top online publications to provide our
clients a full-service solution to content marketing. For two years, Carrie worked with online publication editors to make
sure the contributed articles our clients submit are living up to their publication guidelines and standards. Recently,
Carrie moved into the Special Projects role and is creating online courses on content marketing, using Influence &
Co.’s processes and best practices. Carrie graduated from the University of Missouri's School of Journalism and has
held marketing and training roles in financial services and education technology as well as roles in the advertising
industry.

Panel 8:  

Shannon Drewing: Realtor
I am a Missouri Licensed REALTOR who works with home sellers, home builders, and home buyers in the Columbia,
MO area. I have a B.S. in Business Administration from Columbia College, and went into my real estate career while
attending college. Since graduation, I've spent 18 years with House of Brokers Realty, Inc. My career involves listing
and marketing properties for sale, problem solving and negotiating on behalf of my clients, and showing properties to
prospective buyers for purchase. I also coordinate social media marketing and digital marketing of our listings and
services.

 

5

Nick Holman: Senior Loan Officer, Veterans United
I spent 5​ years on active duty in the Marine Corps​ and was deployed to the Al Anbar province of Iraq from late 2006
- early 2008. I separated from the Marine Corps to attend school at the University of Missouri from the fall of 2008 until
my graduation with a Bachelor's Degree in Parks, Recreation and Tourism in December 2012. I started as a Loan
Officer Assistant in November of 2012 and became a Loan Officer in December 2013. I currently work to get veterans
into homes using their VA home loan benefit or to refinance a home they already own using the VA loan across the 25
states in which I hold a license. I also work to professionally develop five other loan officers on my team as well as my
assistants.

Heather Huffman: Content & Brand Manager, StorageMart
With a​ degree in Integrated Marketing Communications​, Heather Huffman has spent the past decade helping
companies build their brand voice to forge strong relationships with their core consumer. Her social media, content,
and brand storytelling experience spans several industries, including publishing, sleep technology, family
entertainment, and storage. Huffman is also a published author, with twelve novels released since 2010. Her current
role at StorageMart encompasses branding, social media and content strategy, managing brand and charity
partnerships, and customer experience. Prior to her career in marketing, she worked in training and corporate
communication.

Blair Murphy: Owner, Johnston Paint & Decorating
I graduated from Hickman High School in 1986. I went on to attend the University of Missouri for a semester and
decided that college was not for me at that time so I started a full time job in the warehouse unloading paint at
Johnston Paint and Decorating. I eventually moved up to working the counter and then to manager. My career has
lasted 32 years so far and I have owned the business with my wife for almost 7 years.

Panel 9: 

Chris Huaman: HR Business Partner, Veterans United
Cris is a proud graduate of Rock Bridge High School. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management from
Mizzou. Cris started his professional career as a business development manager for Centurion Stone. In 2016, he
began his career with Veterans United as a Loan Officer and then joined the Human Resources team in December of
2018. Cris has the pleasure of recruiting talented individuals that have a passion for serving Veterans and making a
difference in their communities.

Alycia Lewis: Shakespeare's Pizza
Bachelor of Journalism from University of Missouri. Spent some time in graphic design and marketing locally, then
moved in to the "Family Business" in 2010. Current focus is marketing, social media, frozen pizza fundraising,
employee relations, and pizza partying. Working with 170 employees in 4 different departments.

Adam Reed: Boone Central Title Company - Title/Closing Specialist
I graduated from William Woods University with a degree in Sports Management and Business. After college I worked
at MBS in various capacities for around ten years. Earlier this year I was brought on at Boone Central Title Company
as a Title/Closing Specialist. My role at BCT is to assist throughout a real estate transaction, wherever our office is
experiencing a bottleneck. This includes anything from researching the history of a property all the way through
facilitating the actual closing between the buyers, sellers, realtors, and mortgage lenders.

Joel Schirmer: Mizzou Sports Properties/Manager-Business Development
I graduated from Mizzou with a major in Communication and Psychology. After several different jobs in the working
world, (from insurance to landscaping to working with people with special needs,) I started working at Learfield Sports
as an affiliate rep for collegiate programs radio networks. That position led me to my current job that I love selling
corporate sponsorships to businesses for Mizzou Athletics. I get to work with businesses to help expand their brand by
connecting to Mizzou fans. I work on end game promotions, in venue signage, radio, and digital platforms.

 

6

Panel 10:  

Adam Dushoff: Owner, Addison & Sophia’s Restaurants
Started in the restaurant business at 15 and never left. Moved to Columbia in 1987. Opened Addison's Downtown in
1999, Sophia's in 2001 and Addison's South in 2019. In between we started a real estate company and started
investing in commercial and rental real estate. Volunteer and participate in several civic organizations.(District CID,
CCA, Chamber of Commerce, MRA.....) Graduated HS and attended Mizzou for 2 years. Own and manage 4
businesses with an emphasis on restaurant management, office management and HR.

Austin Powell: Commercial Loan Officer, Central Bank of Boone County
Austin Powell is a Commercial Loan Officer with Central Bank of Boone County. He is a graduate of the University of
Missouri-Columbia where he ​earned a dual-emphasis degree in Finance & Banking and Real Estate​. He began his
career at the Bank as a teller after graduating from Rock Bridge High School. After graduating from college, Austin
started working as a Loan Review Analyst for the Bank before transitioning into the Commercial Lending role. Austin
has been with the Bank for over 3 years and assists both business and individual customers with a variety of financing
needs.

William Scott: State Farm Insurance, Auto Property Damage Appraiser
I currently have a B​ achelor of Business Administration (BBA) Degree with a concentration in Accounting​. Prior
to obtaining my degree, I worked primarily in manufacturing and construction. I have worked at State Farm Insurance
for the past seven years and have obtained three insurance industry designations: Associates in General Insurance
(AINS), Associates in Claims (AIC), and Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU). I have held several
positions during my time at State Farm, with my current position being Auto Property Damage Appraiser. My main
responsibilities are to write estimates for customers that have sustained damage to their automobiles, review estimates
for competitiveness, and negotiate labor rates / repair times with repair facilities.

 
Panel 11: 

David, Munns: Senior Production Lead, Veterans United
Bachelor's degree University of MO Columbia. Just finishing my 10th year at Veterans United. I was hired to start up a
couple of affiliate companies for VU. I then transitioned over to being a Loan Officer, then Team Lead and now Sr
Production Lead. In my current role I manage and coach teams of loan officers to be the best they can be in their role. I
also help veterans buy homes as well.

Mark Riebe: Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Orscheln Farm & Home
Mark Riebe began working for Orscheln Farm & Home in 2018 as the Chief Financial Officer. He came to Orscheln
Farm & Home with 20+ years of experience in financial management and retail development at both True Value
Company and Ace Hardware Corporation. Career highlights include being the​ finance manager of a $2 billion
division at Ace​ and leading a team of financial consultants focused on retail excellence and succession planning at
True Value. He started his career in consumer finance for Norwest and worked at Newark Electronics in Chicago
before moving into retail hardware.Mark has his MBA, focused on leadership development, from Benedictine University
in Lisle, IL and his undergraduate in Finance from Iowa State University in Ames, IA. Current job responsibilities
include ensuring the financial health of the company, overseeing the accounting and audit functions of the business
and strategically planning for the future success of the business.

John Schilling: SE Regional Sales Director
Mr. Schilling graduated Rock Bridge High School in 1986. From there he attended North Carolina State University
receiving a B​ A in Business Management​ in 1990. Mr. Schilling has spent the majority of his career in technical sales
and the design of mechanical equipment. The lone exception being a brief 2 year stint in banking. Mr. Schilling
suggests that the most important aspect of being successful (regardless of your chosen career path) is communication
and social skills. 

7

Rob Weagley: Certified Financial Planner, Retired Professor
Retired MU professor, after 32 years. PhD Cornell University, BS/MS from Mizzou. CFP with Sundvold Financial since

 1999. ​Real Estate and stock market investor​.
 
Panel 12: Business, Mgmt & Technology / Industrial & Engineering Technology 

Matt Boyd: Technical Consultant, Construction Management
I have a degree in construction management from John Brown University. I am currently the general manager for the
Service company of QuesTec. I am responsible for managing the business development and daily operations of
maintaining large commercial hvac equipment.

David Coil: Executive Vice President of Coil Construction
Education: Bachelor of Arts Degree from Southern Methodist University and a Masters of Business Administration from
the University of MIssouri
Background: Construction, Real Estate, Business Management
Employer: Coil Construction
Job Duties: Business Development, Estimating, Project Management, Personnel Management.
Job Summary: Helping businesses and organizations around the community with their construction and real estate
development needs. Coil Construction specializes in design/build and construction management services for
commercial construction projects in the central MIssouri area
Community Involvement: President of the Board for Woodhaven, and a Board Member of the Food Bank of Central
and Northeast Missouri

Justin Gay: Branch Manager - Emery Sapp and Sons
Justin Gay has more than 20 years of experience in the heavy/civil/site construction industry.For the past nine years
Justin has overseen the Columbia branch of ESS. Over this time span, he has managed a workforce of more than 150
employee owners and has successfully completed more than $200 million of site/municipality/airport projects. Project
innovation and aggressive project scheduling have been key to Justin’s success. His knowledge and outstanding
leadership ability have provided excellent results for many clients.

Tad King: Branch Manager
I currently work as a Branch Manager for the Kenworth truck dealership in Columbia, MO. I work with about 45
employees and customers from all over mid-Missouri. I oversee the branch sales operations of New and Used truck,
Parts, and Service departments. We function very much like a car dealer, however our product is solely dealing with
big rig trucks. MHC Kenworth is the largest truck dealer in the country with over 100 locations across 18 states.
University of Missouri - Political Science MS. Baker University - MBA.

HEALTH SERVICES 

Panel 13:  

Marvin Feldman: Nuclear Medicine, University of Missouri
Nuclear medicine is on the cutting edge of science and medicine. Using radioactive isotopes, we are able to diagnose
diseases afflicting our patients, and in the case of cancer and cardiovascular disease, treat patients that in the past
were thought to be untreatable. This high demand field offers many opportunities for our students to be employed in a
rewarding field, which is a great stepping stone to leadership roles, medical school or other post-graduate
opportunities. Marvin is both a Professor of Nuclear Medicine as well as a former Director of Radiology.

Lisa Gard: Emergency Physician, University Hospital
I attended the 6 year program at UMKC for my BA/MD. I did my residency in EM at Truman Med Ctr in KC. I have
worked as an EM physician for 23 years. I currently work as an attending at University Hospital teaching residents and
seeing patients. I have three kids, one at MIZZOU and two at RB a jr and soph this year.

8

Tom Greenlee: Retail Pharmacy Manager, MU Healthcare
Tom graduated with a B.S. in Biochemistry from the University of Missouri and had a strong interest in healthcare. He
completed his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Iowa and has worked in retail pharmacy now for 14
years. In his current role, he manages nine Mizzou Pharmacy locations in Columbia and leads a team of 75+
pharmacists, technicians and support staff. Pharmacy offers many paths to future employment, including community,
hospital and clinical roles. In his current role, he enjoys leading a high-functioning healthcare team with a passion for
patient care.

Deb Johnoff: Family Nurse Practitioner
A career as a Family Nurse Practitioner can be quite varied if desired. If you wish to work in the healthcare field and
really make a difference in people's lives and help them feel better, you can truly accomplish those goals as a Nurse
Practitioner! Plus, you can make a good, middle class income as a single person (without having to "wait years for that
promotion"). I got my BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing), then worked as a hospital nurse in various places for 17
years. Went back to school part time for 3 years at the University of Missouri for my MSN (Master of Science in
Nursing) with emphasis as Family Nurse Practitioner (and Gerontology NP) in 1998 and have been loving my work
ever since! I have worked general Family Practice Clinics, College Student Health and (for the past 11 years) at Allergy
and Asthma Consultants of the Ozarks.

 
Panel 14:  

Andy Basnett: Dermatologist, Central Missouri Dermatology
Dr. Basnett is a native of Fulton, MO and attended medical school at the University of Missouri. He completed his
internship in general surgery in San Diego, CA and then served as a flight surgeon with the U.S. Marines, deploying to
Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He completed his dermatology training at Naval Medical
Center San Diego followed by a tour serving as the chief of dermatology in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. After a 10 year career
in the U.S. Navy, he returned to the Mid-Missouri area. He currently practices at Central Missouri Dermatology and
Mohs Skin Cancer Surgery Center.

Tiffany Bohon: Physician, University of Missouri Health Care
I am a physician for University of Missouri with b​ oth a general family medicine practice and a sports medicine
practice​. In family medicine I take care of all ages of patients with a wide array of medical issues and in sports
medicine I see athletes of all ages with musculoskeletal/joint problems. I also take care of Mizzou athletes, specifically
the swimming/diving teams and the softball team. I attended Mizzou for both my undergraduate degree and medical
school and completed my Fellowship in New York City at the Hospital for Special Surgery.

Beth Frazier: Physical Therapist, Mizzou Therapy Services
I am a physical therapist. I got my Doctorate of Physical Therapy here at Mizzou. I work in orthopedics helping people
manage pain or recover from injury. I also treat women's health issues, which can include lots of various issues, like
pain during pregnancy. One nice element of physical therapy is getting to spend lots of one-on-one time with patients.

Taylor Strader: Registered Nurse, University Hospital
A 2016 Mizzou graduate, Taylor has worked at University Hospital for the past three years. She obtained her Bachelor
of Sciences in Nursing in 3.5 years, working as a Certified Technical Assistant during the school year and a Student
Nurse Extern during her last official summer. Since graduating, she has worked as a critical care nurse in the Medical
ICU. She works three 12-hour shifts a week, managing the care of two critically ill patients a day. While her ICU is
primarily focused on pulmonary disease, it serves as a catch-all for cardiac, neuroscience, and surgical/trauma

 patients.
 
 
 

9

Panel 15: 

Amy Bentinganan: Occupational Therapist, Columbia Public Schools
As a Support Service in schools, Occupational Therapists provide direct or consultative intervention for students with
special needs. For the past 23 years, I have worked in a wide variety of settings; acute care inpatient neurological
rehabilitation, orthopedic inpatient rehabilitation, neurological outpatient treatment, pediatric outpatient, home health,
First Steps programming, State schools and for the past 12 years Columbia Public schools. Most OTs have an
undergraduate degree in a subject related to health sciences. I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology
from Southeast Missouri State University and then received my Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy
from the University of Indianapolis. Continuing education is required each year, and since I have been working in the
school setting, I have primarily focused my continuing education on understanding sensory based differences and
supportive interaction for emotional and behavioral differences. My family and I have enjoyed living in Columbia since
2005. “Go Rock Bridge!- Go Mizzou! - Go Cardinals!”

Antoinette Gray: Charles L. Crist, MD/Lead Nurse Supervisor
Succeeding in a nursing career has been a desire that has remained with me since high school. From my early days as
a nurses’ assistant (NA) to licensed practical nurse (LPN), to a registered nurse (RN) and now working at a Master’s
level in a professional nurse management role. Confidence is gained through humble, learned experiences and each
nursing position has taught me how to excel in my current leadership position.

Mike Phaup: Executive District Business Manager Oncology
I work for the Oncology/Biotech division of AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals as a district manager for the ​DNA Damage
Response TA focused on Ovarian and Breast Cancer PARP molecule​s. Education - University of Missouri
Marketing and Biology, Clinical Oncology Immersion course Mayo Clinic. I manage a team that works with MedOncs
and GynOncs on clinical updates regarding the maintenance treatment and care of patients with ovarian and breast
cancer.

 
Panel 16:

Cindy Franke: Clinical Manager, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, MU Women’s and Children’s Hosp.
I am the Clinical Manager of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at MU's Women's and Children's Hospital. I am a
registered nurse with a certification in High Risk Neonatal Nursing. We are a 57 bed unit that cares for newborn infants
that includes premature, sick, surgical, cardiac, and infants born with genetic anomalies or syndromes. I graduated
from nursing school with an Associate Degree in Nursing from Lincoln University in Jefferson City, MO, then received
my Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from the University of Missouri, Columbia, MO. I am currently in graduate
school at the University of Missouri working on my Master's of Science in Nursing, Nursing Leadership and Health
Systems. I started as a bedside nurse in the NICU, became a transport nurse and went to hospitals across Missouri
with a respiratory therapist to stabilize sick and premature newborns, to bring them to our NICU to be taken care of.
During my career in the NICU at WCH, I also worked in home health administering intravenous antibiotics for infants in
their home, a stepdown nursery in a community hospital, and NICU's in St. Louis, MO, and Kansas City, KS.

Julie Jones: Registered Nurse, University of Missouri
Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Certified in Orthopedic Nursing. Awarded role model status at MU Healthcare.
Recipient of the Daisy award for extraordinary nurses. I have experience in cardiovascular acute care, orthopedic
trauma, and I now work as a ​research nurse clinician​ coordinating research studies for MU School of medicine.

Christy McCloud: Paramedic/MU EMS Education Program Director
I am the Program Director for MU EMS Education. We provide initial and continuing educational training for EMT's,
Paramedics, and Critical Care Paramedics. I have a bachelor's degree from Northwest Missouri State University and
am currently working on my Master's in Business Management. I have been a paramedic for over 15 years and have
worked in rural and urban EMS systems. I have been an EMS instructor for 5 years.

 

10

Panel 17:

Megan Blakemore: Physician Assistant Program Director, Stephens College
Dr. Megan Blakemore earned her B.S. in biology from the University of New Mexico, her Master of Physician Assistant
Studies from Missouri State University, and her Doctorate of Health Administration from the University of Phoenix.
Blakemore has worked as a physician assistant with cardiothoracic surgery and neurosurgery at the Harry S. Truman
Memorial Veterans’ Hospital since 2007. Courses taught include: Anatomy, Clinical Medicine, Clinical Skills,
Case-Based Medicine and Professional Practice.

Doug Clem: Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound Program Clinical Professor, University of Missouri
I am a Clinical Professor at the University of Missouri in the Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound Program. I teach cardiac
and vascular ultrasound. Clinically, I am a registered cardiac and vascular sonographer who performs sonograms,
looking at hearts, arteries, and veins. I have been a sonographer for 30 years, and I have been teaching at the
University of Missouri for 17 years. It is my pleasure to share with you information about being a sonographer, and
about our bachelor's degree program in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program at the University of Missouri.

Joe Comfort: Service Line Clinical Supervisor, University of Missouri Hospital
I have worked in the University Hospital since 2013. I started as Transporter and Hospitality worker who moved
patients throughout the hospital and assisted guests fulfill a variety of needs. I attended the Sinclair School of Nursing
Accelerated Program to get my BSN and I started work on Medical Specialties in 2017. I have been a ​charge nurse
and preceptor to several new nurses and I am currently a Supervisor on Medical Specialties​ working Friday,
Saturday and Sundays. I work with the other nurses on our unit to provide safe and excellent patient care. I do not take
patients of my own, but I provide support when our nurses need help and I work closely with house management to
ensure safe care can be provided hospital wide.

Aaron Shepherd: Respiratory Therapy Manager, MU Health Care
My Name is Aaron Shepherd and I am a Respiratory Therapist. I have a Bachelor's degree in Respiratory Therapy and
a Masters degree in Health Administration. I have been a respiratory therapist for 13 years and a Respiratory Therapy
department manager for 1 year. My department is responsible for all respiratory care services for MUHC (University
Hospital, MOI, Women's and Children's).

Panel 18: 

Isabelle Bouchard: Registered Dietitian, Bamboo Nutrition
Isabelle Bouchard is a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). A RDN must obtain a bachelor's degree from a university
that has a dietetics and nutrition program, then go on to achieve a masters degree. Dietitians can work in hospitals,
schools, professional sports, gyms, restaurants, large companies, private practice and more. Isabelle owns her own
practice where she specializes in treating eating disorders and also works with other individuals on their nutritional
needs. Although Isabelle is specialized, dietitians are nutrition experts and can do all sorts of different things.

Monique White: Chiropractor, Advanced Physical Health
I have the great joy of being a chiropractor here in Columbia. I actually went to high school here at Rock Bridge, did my
undergraduate studies in Biology at Mizzou, and got my doctorate in chiropractic from Logan University. We care for
many different patient populations, and a large part of my practice is pediatrics and pregnant women. I also have my
masters in sports science and rehabilitation, so I treat athletes daily and have served as a team doctor for a
competitive cheerleading team. We help patients with a variety of pain syndromes through a holistic and natural
approach. I am very passionate about my work and I love taking care of our patients everyday.

Kelsey Wilkinson: Occupational Therapist, University Hospital and Clinics
I am an occupational therapist at University Hospital in Columbia. As an occupational therapist, I evaluate and treat
patients with a variety of diagnoses/injuries (stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, orthopedic injuries, etc) in order to
help them regain independence in their daily living skills (bathing, dressing, toileting, working, driving, etc). I assess

11

(Kelsey Wilkinson cont.)
and treat their overall mobility, strength, coordination, vision, cognition and help to improve and maximize their quality
of life. I obtained my Bachelor and Master degrees in occupational therapy from MU. In order to practice as a
licensed/registered OT, you have to obtain a Master's degree from an accredited occupational therapy program. There
are both Master and Doctorate OT programs in various states. Once you have completed your Master's degree in
Occupational Therapy, you must sit for and pass the national OT board exam. Once this is complete, you will obtain
your license/registration and be able to practice in the state in which you live.

Natalie Wuest: Behavioral Consultant/Therapist, University of MO Dept of Psychiatry
My name is Natalie Wuest and I am currently a behavior consultant/coach for a grant funded project through the
University of Missouri-Dept. Of Psychiatry. In this position I am able to work with children and families throughout
Boone County on children’s mental health and well-being as well as coaching early childhood educators on how to
build social-emotional development in children birth-6 years. I am also a provisional licensed therapist and currently
providing therapy to adults and children. I have a masters degree in education and counseling (MEd) as well as my
PLPC. In a few months I will be a fully licensed mental health therapist.

Panel 19:

Tammy Hether: Supervisor Clinical Neurophysiology
I graduated from Western Wisconsin Technical College with an associate's degree in Electroneurodiagnostic
Technology in 1993. I worked at University of Missouri for 5 years. I obtained registries in E​ EG and Evoked
Potentials. I also learned how to do sleep studies and nerve conduction studies​. I worked at Froedtert Hospital in
Milwaukee for 10 years. I learned O​ R monitoring and Epilepsy Monitoring.​ I also obtained my registry in nerve
conduction. I came back to MU Healthcare and became the supervisor. I have been here for 10 years.

Jennifer Highbarger: Physical Therapist- Early Childhood Special Education and
Founder/Coordinator DanceAbility
I am a lifelong Columbia resident who graduated from RBHS and has two children that are recent RBHS graduates.
For over 25 years, I have been a ​pediatric physical therapist working with children with developmental
disabilities​. I have previous work experience in orthopedics as well as adult spinal cord injury and pediatric brain
injuries. Currently I work for CPS in their Early Childhood Special Education Program (agest 3-5) evaluating children to
see if they qualify for special education in the area of physical development as well as working with them in their
preschool environments, which include the classroom, playground and PE. My other passion is a local program​ I
started and coordinate called DanceAbility. An adaptive ballet program for ages 4-adult.

Missy Jost: MU Psychiatric Center Clinical Manager
My name is Missy Jost. I am a p​ sychiatric nurse​ and I manage two of the in-patient units in Missouri Psychiatric
Center. I attended Rush University in Chicago to obtain my BSN. I have worked exclusively in acute care mental health
services. As a manager, one of my favorite things is to interview and hire and mentor staff who work in this setting.
Mental health technicians are the largest part of our workforce. This job can be an entry level position that helps
individuals gain exposure to the health care system. It is a challenging job that requires you to always be on your toes,
to sharpen your communication skills, and think on your feet to problem solve.

HUMAN SERVICES 

Panel 20: 

Ethan Ahern: Lieutenant - Missouri State Highway Patrol
I am a Lieutenant with the Missouri State Highway Patrol Criminal Bureau my division is called the ​division of drug
and crime control.​ I have been with the Missouri State Highway Patrol 23 years, and have worked in our narcotics
unit, criminal division and our field operations bureau. I have worked undercover, supervised drug task forces, worked
all types of criminal investigations. I have been involved with SWAT and supervised our Patrol K-9 units. I hold a BS
degree in exercise science/kinesiology from CMSU, now UCM.

12

Angie Azzanni: Cor Co-Director
Angie went to Mizzou and received her Bachelors in Psychology and a Masters in Human Development in Family
Studies. After graduating from school, she worked for 10 years for an inner-city non-profit called "Granny's House" as
the Program Coordinator. In 2013, she started "Cor" with Travis Craig, which serves male student athletes at the
middle school and high school levels. Cor currently serves over 60 male student athletes, working to transform futures
by providing access to opportunities and resources students need to succeed.

Jessica Caldera: Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Boone County
As a prosecutor, I represent the State in criminal trials. I review police reports and evidence, interview witnesses,
negotiate with defense attorneys, and argue cases to juries. I graduated from the Indiana University Maurer School of
Law and from the Missouri School of Journalism. In my job, I love that I get to fight for justice for our community every
day.

Jeff Parrett: Student Ministry Staff, The Crossing
Jeff works on the student ministry team at The Crossing, a church in Columbia. After working in sales and banking for
four years, Jeff began a new career trajectory working alongside high school students in the church setting. His job
involves a combination of administration, teaching, and counseling with high school students and college students. Jeff
graduated from the University of Missouri in 2010 with a BA in History and currently attends Covenant Theological
Seminary in pursuit of a Master of Divinity.

 

Panel 21:  

Lori Lazzarini Gerling: Northwest / Delta Airlines (International Flight Attendant)
I graduated from college with a degree in Accounting. After I worked as a staff accountant for a CPA firm in Kansas
City-I got a little 'bored". I had a sorority sister who was a flight attendant for Northwest Orient Airlines (she became
bored with her job also). So....I applied. Why not see the world? I filled out an application and waited to hear back. I did
!!! I interviewed (at that time...the airlines received 2,000 applications per day). I was so excited I got the job offer, and I
flew away-for 23 years traveling the world, and embracing people and foreign cultures. Knowing a second language
and having a college degree were paramount for the hiring process. Each airline has their own training program you
must go through prior to actually flying on the aircraft as an employee. You must maintain a 90% average over a 6
week intensive program to graduate. I could definitely write a book on my adventures. A lifetime of memories and
lifelong friends from far away places.

Jeffrey Rukstad: Supervisor of the Vice Narcotics and Organized Crime Unit
I have been a police officer for 22 years, 20 of those with Columbia PD. I have 12 years of narcotics investigations
experience with the last 2 being as the supervisor of the Vice Narcotics and Organized Crime unit. In my current role, I
direct the investigations into illegal drugs and gun related crimes. I am a graduate of UMKC with a BA in Administration
of Justice.

Ashley Spence: SOAR
I work for a Boone County grant funded program that provides ​child-parent psychotherapy (​ CPP) to children from
birth through the age of five that have experienced at least one type of traumatic event. I work with children and their
parent/caregiver to help strengthen their attachment and enhance safety within their relationship and their home
environment. CPP is a weekly therapy that lasts between six - twelve months.

Bill Swift: Attorney, Missouri Public Defender
My educational background is a bachelor’s degree followed by a law degree. I am employed by the Appellate Division
of the Missouri State Public Defender. I represent people convicted of serious crimes who cannot otherwise afford an
attorney on their appeals. I appear in all the Missouri state appellate courts where I file briefs and present oral
arguments.

 
 

13

Panel 22: 

Betsy Jones: Secondary School Counseling Coordinator, CPS
I have a BSBA in Marketing and Spanish, Spanish Teacher Certification, a MEd. in Curriculum and Instruction Spanish
Language Teaching and a MEd. in Counseling and Psychology with School Counseling Certification. I have used
marketing skills throughout my career and enjoy working with diverse populations. I have specialized in serving
students who are typically under-served. I have been the MAC scholars sponsor and sponsored the Muslim Student
Union. I am an equity trainer for the school district and am particularly interested in social justice in schools.

Jonathan Kersha: Investigator, Boone County Prosecutor
After working in education as a teacher for 11 years, Jonathan Kersha decided to change careers and pursue a
profession within law enforcement. He worked as a Deputy Juvenile Officer for five years before becoming a Witness
Location Investigator for the Boone County Prosecuting Attorney's office. Jonathan currently serves as an Investigator
for the Prosecutor's office where he helps attorneys build cases for prosecution.

Terrell Morton: Assistant Professor of Identity and Justice in STEM Education, University of
Missouri - College of Education
Dr. Terrell Morton is an Assistant Professor of Identity and Justice in STEM Education at the University of Missouri. He
obtained a Ph.D. in Education, concentration Learning Sciences and Psychological Studies from UNC Chapel-Hill. He
also maintains an MS in Neuroscience from the University of Miami and a BS in Chemistry from North Carolina A&T
State University. Dr. Morton identifies as a Scholar-Activist! His research and work focuses on identity as it informs the
persistence and engagement of racialized and minoritized students in STEM postsecondary education. As a
scholar-activist, Dr. Morton works to transform the positioning and understanding of Blackness in mainstream
education, specifically STEM; seeking justice and joy for Black women, Black students, and other minoritized
individuals given the social-cultural-political-historical positioning of their identities. He advocates for identity, justice,
and joy to be fundamental for education. He also works to transform STEM learning environments, creating spaces
that are recognized and understood as extensions of students’ identity rather than sites of oppression that perpetuate
hostility and exclusion.

Panel 23:  

Brett Holdiman: US Navy Officer / FA-18 Pilot
CDR Brett Holdiman graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1999 with a degree in Computer Science and was
selected to fly FA-18 Hornets and Super Hornets in the US Navy. He is a TOPGUN graduate and has deployed around
the world on various aircraft carriers in support of combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. He is currently the
Executive Officer of the NROTC Battalion at the University of Missouri and teaches courses on Leadership and Naval
History.

Jim Pasley: Fire Marshall
I am currently a Battalion Chief and the Fire Marshal with the Columbia Fire Department.I am also a K9 handler. My
partner Izzo is an accelerant detection canine, or arson dog for short.I have been employed with the fire department for
12 years. I hold a BS degree from Columbia College.

Jessica Rodrigues: Assistant Professor of Special Education, University of Missouri
As a professor, Dr. Rodrigues teaches college students who are pursuing careers as special education teachers and
who are passionate about assisting children, youth and adults with disabilities to be academically and socially
successful lifelong learners. She also conducts research that investigates ways of helping young students who are
struggling with mathematics. In particular, her research focuses on the area of fraction learning. She earned her Ph.D.
at the University of Delaware, and she is happy to now be living in Missouri!

Don Thalhuber: Missouri State Senate Policy Director for the Minority Caucus
Masters in Public Affairs from the LBJ School at UT-Austin; BS History/Political Science from MU; Started in the
Senate in 2001 as a Senior Research Analyst and in 2007 became the Policy Director for the Senate Democrats.

14

Panel 24: 

Terra Crane: Convention Sales Manager, Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau
A Columbia, MO native, I graduated from Hickman High School and obtained a Bachelor of Science from the
University of Missouri in Psychology and Religious Studies. I have been employed with the City of Columbia for over
18 years holding positions in I.T., Finance, and currently the Convention and Visitors Bureau. As Convention Sales
Manager for the Columbia CVB, I am a Certified Tourism Ambassador who strives to ensure that conference attendees
and visitors feel welcome and have a positive and memorable experience in Columbia. I am also presently serving as
the secretary of Missouri's chapter of the Society of Government Meeting Professionals. I am passionate about
Columbia and all that it has to offer!

Kimberly Kimchi: Dept of Health Psychology, University of Missouri
I have a ​Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology​ and then went on to receive post-doctoral training in​ pediatric
neuropsychology and child clinical psychology.​ I have worked in academic medical centers: University of Michigan
and Northwestern, as well as been in private practice. I have returned to academic medicine at Mizzou where I work
within the Department of Health Psychology providing neuropsych services to neurosurgery patients as well as clinical
psychological services to individuals going through bariatric or weight loss surgery.

Josh Oxenhandler: Owner and Manager, Oxenhandler Law
Josh Oxenhandler is the owner and manager of Oxenhandler Law, a local downtown face-paced law firm the
represents clients in the areas of criminal defense, family law matter and business. Josh is a Columbia native and a
PROUD Hickman Kewpie. Josh graduated from Mizzou with a degree in Psychology and went to law school at UMKC.

 Josh has been practicing since 2001 and currently practices with his dad, who specializes in Mediation & Arbitration.
 

 
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING TECH 

Panel 25:  

John Conway: Civil Engineer, Retired
MU BSCE ‘71, MPA ‘86 ​Practicing Civil Engineer designing public water and wastewater systems​. Public finance
acumen conducting water and sewer rate studies. Served 28 years on the city’s water and light advisory board. 42
years in the local Boonslick Kiwanis Club serving the children of our community.

Philip Knocke: Aerospace Engineer, NASA Jet Propulsion Lab
I received the following degrees: BS Mechanical Engineering, Rice University, 1978; MS Aerospace Engineering,
Stanford, 1979; PhD Aerospace Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, 1989. During fifteen years at NASA’s Jet
Propulsion Laboratory I worked on advanced studies and flight projects, including the Galileo Probe, Mars missions, a
comet mission, and Cassini. Served as Approach Entry and Descent Mission Engineer for the Entry, Descent and
Landing and Navigation teams for the Mars Exploration Rovers (Spirit and Opportunity). Retired from JPL 2004.

Dan Rose: Geospatial Services Manager, City of Columbia
Experienced GIS Professional with a 20-year demonstrated history with utility GIS database design and management.
Skilled and versatile in GIS, AutoCAD, database creation/maintenance, Python, SQL statements, and asset/work order
management. Strong business development, project management and documentation skills, with a degree focused in
geography and environmental policy from KU.

15

Byan Ross: Railroad Operations Manager, MO Department of Transportation
I am the statewide Waterways and Freight Manager for the Missouri Department of Transportation. I work with
Missouri's 14 public port authorities and two ferries, and am responsible for all of the state programs relating to barge
transportation on the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. I have been working in this position for four years, and have
been with MoDOT for 14. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Public Administration degree from the
University of Missouri, and am currently taking online classes through the University of Alaska - Southeast in their
Career Training for Ports and Marinas program (last year I earned a Level 1 Marine Training Certificate, and am
working now on my Level 2 certificate).

 
Panel 26: 

Jorge Castorena: Research Assistant Professor, University of Missouri
I was born in Leon, Mexico. I received both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees of Science in Physics at the University
of Guanajuato. In 2014, I graduated from the University of Missouri with a P​ h.D. in Bioengineering.​ For the last 9
years, I have worked in various biology and physiology laboratories, first as a graduate student and then as a
postdoctoral fellow. My work involved performing biomedical experiments to study and understand cardiovascular
diseases. Recently, I received federal funding to start and run my own laboratory where I will continue to ​perform
independent research to study how obesity and type-2 diabetes increases the risk for developing
cardiovascular diseases.​ My work also focuses on designing and testing novel diagnosis tests, as well as, new drugs
for their treatment.

John Frerking: Civil Engineer
After graduating from Rock Bridge, I attended the Missouri University of Science & Technology, receiving my b​ achelor
of science in Civil Engineering.​ I moved to Kansas City to work first for a construction products manufacturer as a
plant/sales engineer, and later at a large Engineering/Architectural consulting firm (Burn & McDonnell), before moving
back to Columbia in 2012 to work for a Columbia-based civil engineering firm, Engineering Surveys & Services. Our
firm provides civil engineering design and construction-support services on infrastructure projects (think roads, sewers,
water mains, etc.) for cities, counties, State of Missouri. We also perform professional services on building projects for
institutional clients (for example, Columbia Public Schools - we performed the site design for Rock Bridge back in
1972, and more recently, the new southwest middle school on Sinclair Road!) and for commercial developments, like
the Columbia Mall (1984) or the Westbury Village project, currently under construction on Scott Boulevard. W​ hile I am
an engineer, most of my job duties revolve around pursuing new project opportunities and client relationships
for the firm.

Meaghann Stoelting: Planetarium Director, Columbia Public Schools
Meaghann has her Bachelor's degree in Physics, concentrating in Astrophysics, and minor in Astronomy. She also has
her Master of Science in Astrophysical Sciences and Technology, where she studied populations of stars within the
most distant galaxies. During graduate school, she worked at Strasenburgh Planetarium in Rochester, NY. After
completing her graduate thesis research, she began working at the Columbia Public Schools Planetarium in April 2019.
This is her first year leading the planetarium and is very excited to work this school year.

Lori Whitesides: Healthcare IT Consultant
I currently work for Cerner Corporation in Kansas City, which is a large Electronic Health Record vendor that has
clients across the world. I currently work as a Healthcare IT Consultant, working mostly with Government clients, like
the VA and Department of Defense, to help them design and install new software technology to support patient care. I
went to Mizzou and received a d​ egree in Industrial & Systems Engineering, as well as a Masters of Business
Administration.​ I have special training in Lean Six Sigma Performance Improvement methodology, which I use to help
my clients everyday. My day-to-day includes managing a team in KC, as well as frequent travel to Washington DC or
Seattle areas to meet with my client and e​ nsure that the IT system the VA and DOD use at their hospitals across
the country is deployed and used effectively.

 

16

Panel 27: 

Andy Bonderer: CEO, Professional Contractors & Engineers, Inc
Customer service oriented, a Professional Engineer that oversees his own projects and makes it a point to visit other
PCE projects so customers put a face with the name. He thrives in design-build project environments, applying his past
experience to ensure a successful project. Many of his clients are repeat customers. He is passionate about serving
his community, volunteering his time to the Fulton School Board, Missouri Task Force One and Newman Center
Church.

David Bryan: Physicist
Dr. Bryan, a laser physicist, has been shining bright lights in dark places for more than 30 years. He has worked with
an amazing variety of people, sending messages into outer space, lighting up little targets, inspecting defects of tiny
circuits, blasting microscopic nozzles for inkjet printers, drilling connections for computer chips, cutting stents to prop
open clogged arteries, cutting pretty patterns in polymers, propagating invisible waves, and just making interesting light
patterns. All this laser work starts from basic English, Science, and Mathematics --- the same things you amazing
people already do every day.

Kelly Heckemeyer: Civil Engineer, Engineering Surveys and Services
Kelly was raised in the small town of St. Elizabeth, Missouri. She attended Missouri University of Science &
Technology in Rolla, Missouri where she graduated from in 2017 with a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering. After
graduation, she worked for Black & Veatch in Kansas City for a year helping to design electric power substations. Kelly
now works at Engineering Surveys & Services in Columbia, Missouri designing site plans for residential and
commercial buildings. Designing site plans typically consist of creating the site layout, earthwork grading, storm sewer
design, utility connection, permitting, and coordinating with owners and architects for site or building requirements.

Tom O’Connor: H20’C Solar Engineering, Owner
Tom O’Connor is a graduate of some of the finest educational institutions in all of Columbia, Missouri, from Grant
Elementary School through the MU Colleges of Engineering and Business. He is a licensed Professional Engineer,
Master Electrician, and 40-plus year resident. Tom’s company is H2O’C Solar Engineering, where he helps a wide
variety of clients with solar energy and water issues.

NATURAL RESOURCES 

Panel 28: 

Nikki Enderle: Veterinary Medical Officer
Dr. Nikki Enderle is a Veterinary Medical Officer with the USDA APHIS Veterinary Services who works with exporters
to ship live animals and animal products internationally. Dr. Enderle knows that supporting international trade helps
promote US products and drive our agricultural economy. She is also a trained Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostician
and has participated in the animal disease outbreak emergency response to Virulent Newcastle Disease in California.
She also provides preventative medicine services at low cost vaccination clinics for dogs and cats. Dr. Enderle holds a
veterinary medicine degree from the University of Missouri – Columbia and a Master in Public Health degree from the
University of Minnesota.

Eric Lorenz: Agronomist
My college education took place between 1976 - 1989 during which time I earned a BS, MSc and PhD in Agronomy. I
attended Calif. State University, Chico, The University of Arkansas, Fayetteville and Texas A&M University, College
Station. Following my academic experience I w​ orked for Pioneer Hi-Bred International and later for Delta & Pine
Land Company.​ During my tenure with these two seed companies I​ worked as a Research Agronomist in Europe
and South America.​ While at Pioneer I performed field trials in corn, soybean, alfalfa and cotton. With Deltapine I
promoted our cotton varieties through demonstration plots in Central and South America and eventually built a cotton
breeding program in The Mercosur region of South America. Upon my return to the USA I accepted a position with
Analytical Bio-Chemistry Laboratories in Columbia, MO. After 10 years with ABC Labs I accepted a position with
SynTech Research Laboratory Services as their Director of USA Laboratory Services in Stilwell, KS.

17

Christopher Pierce: Entomologist, US Dept. of Agriculture
Christopher Pierce is an entomologist with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal Plant Health
Inspection Service (APHIS), Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) for Missouri and Iowa. He has a B.S. in Plant and
Soil Science, M.S. in Horticulture, and Ph.D. in Entomology. For the past 11 years he has served as a Pest Survey
Specialist focusing on invasive species (insects, plant diseases, weeds, and mollusks) that threaten our agricultural
and natural resources. As a pest survey specialist, he plans, coordinates, and conducts all aspects of operational
activities within Missouri and Iowa PPQ field staff, cooperators, industry and other government entities. He plans and
manages Missouri and Iowa’s invasive pest survey programs as well as providing outreach and education to the
general public, cooperators, industry, and other government entities.

Hank Stelzer: Professor, Natural Resources Science and Management
A native of St. Louis, Dr. Stelzer is an Associate Professor of Forestry in the School of Natural Resources and serves
as the Agricultural Systems & Natural Resources Education Director for MU Extension. In the School, Dr. Stelzer
teaches dendrology, forest utilization, and forest management. His Extension responsibilities include educating private
landowners in all aspects of woodland management and conducting tree care workshops for homeowners in
communities across the Show-Me State.

Panel 29: 

Noel Aloysius: Assistant Professor of Bioengineering and Natural Resources
I am an assistant professor at the Department of Biomedical, Biological and Chemical Engineering at the University of
Missouri. I received my BS degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Peradeniya in Sri Lanka and a P​ hD in
Forestry and Environmental Studies from Yale University​ in New Haven, Connecticut. At Mizzou I conduct
research and teach on topics related to water resource management, geospatial data analysis and environmental
informatics. My first job after college was Design Engineer at the Construction Company.

Rhys McCracken: Conservation Educator, MO Department of Conservation
I'm a Conservation Educator with the Outreach & Education Division for the Missouri Dept. of Conservation (MDC) in
Central Missouri. I accelerate conservation education in the community by providing active citizen involvement
opportunities, such as hunting, fishing, recreational shooting sports, camping, backpacking, and canoeing/kayaking,
and fostering relationships that support conservation efforts. I work with schools in the surrounding areas to deliver a
high quality outdoor education including the Discover Nature Schools curriculum as well as the National Archery in the
Schools Program (NASP), and Hunter Education. I have been with MDC 5 years where I worked for a few different
divisions including wildlife, forestry, resource science, and I most recently came from one of our five manned shooting
ranges in the state. I have a​ bachelor's degree in Parks and Recreation​ from the University of Missouri.

Justin Sexton: Performance Livestock Analytics, Vice President Strategy
Opportunity to hear a diverse career path through academia, industry and start-up. My career path started with
graduate school at the University of Illinois pursuing a Ph.D in beef cattle nutrition. Early career I worked as an
Extension Beef specialist and professor at Mizzou. After leaving academia to join industry as Director of Supply
Development at Certified Angus Beef providing education for ranchers, chefs and restaurateurs. Currently leading
business and product development for Performance Livestock Analytics a growing technology startup.

Panel 30: 

Christy Fischer: Veterinarian, All Creatures Animal Hospital
I attended William Woods University on a soccer scholarship before being accepted into veterinary school at MU. I
have been practicing at All Creatures Animal Hospital since 2010. Daily activities range from preventative care
(vaccines) to emergency surgeries, and also include a variety of medical ailments to treat for dogs, cats, and pocket
pets. In 2017 I took over as practice manager, and this summer took over ownership of the clinic. Although I never
thought of myself as running a small business, it has proven challenging but rewarding!

18

Ann Koenig: Community Forester
Ann Koenig has worked as a Community Forester for the Missouri Department of Conservation serving Central
Missouri for 20 years and spent three years developing and implementing MDC’s Trees Work campaign to increase
awareness of the benefits of trees. Ann is a certified arborist, graduate of the Municipal Forestry Institute, TRAQ
qualified, an ISA exam proctor, four time participant in the International Society of Arboriculture’s International Tree
Climbing Competition, and six time winner of the MW ISA Tree Climbing Competition. She previously served as a
resource forester in Hannibal and St. Joseph.
Lucas McClamroch: Missouri Conservation Agent
I have a bachelor's degree from the University of Central Missouri in the field of criminal justice. I have been employed
by the Missouri Department of Conservation “MDC” for seven years as a Conservation Agent. Before becoming a
conservation agent I spent two years working for MDC’s Forestry Division. Prior to working for MDC, I work for The
Iowa Department of natural resources as a state water patrol officer.
Darby Niswonger: Fisheries Management Biologist
I have been working in fisheries biology positions since 2004, when my first job (while still a college student) was
snorkeling in Ozark streams, searching for the endangered Niangua Darter. Since then, I have been hooked on
working with water and the cool creatures that live within. I have worked with Bull Trout and Coho Salmon in Oregon,
Grotto Sculpin in SE Missouri, Pallid Sturgeon in the Missouri River, and many more! My love of all things outdoors
came from a childhood spent camping, fishing, and hiking. I went to school at Northwest Missouri State University and
received a degree in wildlife Ecology and Conservation. I then went onto received a Master’s degree in Biology from
Southeast Missouri State University. I have been with MDC in various positions since 2004.

19