KELLY LEE
Kelly received an undergraduate degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia in Special Education (K through 12) and a masterβs degree in Special Education with an emphasis in autism from the University of Kansas. Past experiences include teaching, serving as an Autism Education Consultant, designing and facilitating social development groups, and serving as a summer camp counselor and director. After being in the nonprofit world since founding Camp Encourage in 2007, she has gained knowledge and experiences to strongly lead our organization with heart and expertise.
AIMEE GORROW
Aimee began her career in education as a paraeducator for the Leeβs Summit R-7 school district, working under the direction of our Executive Director, Kelly Lee. It was there her passion for working with individuals on the autism spectrum was ignited. Aimee earned undergraduate degree in Special Education from Graceland University and a masters degree in Assessment with an emphasis in Autism from Missouri Western State University. Prior to joining the Camp Encourage family, Aimee served as a special education teacher in classrooms for autistic individuals in the Blue Springs and Leeβs Summit school districts for 10 years.
KRISTI LOFTUS
Kristi received an undergraduate degree in Psychology from MidAmerica Nazarene University and a Masterβs in Special Education (K-12) along with a Masterβs Certification in Autism through Pittsburg State University. She worked for over 12 years in the Olathe Public Schools serving as a Program Coordinator, Resource Teacher and most recently, a Behavior Coach. Since joining the camp family as a volunteer in 2011, Kristi has loved growing and learning from the amazing people that make this place so special!
SANDY SMITH
Sandy earned an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and a masterβs degree in Special Education in the area of Behavior Disorders (K-9). While working on her masterβs degree at Kansas University, she worked as a graduate assistant in one of the University’s very early teacher training programs in the area of autism. Recently retired, she taught for 40 years in the field of special education.
JO ANN BLEVINS
Jo Ann has a BS in Nursing and a Masterβs in Intercultural Studies. During her nursing career she has worked in almost every area of Nursing, including 4 years in Manzini, Eswatini as the director of a hospital emergency room and as a School Nurse since 1994. Jo Ann filled in at Camp Encourage at the last minute as Medical Staff for one of our very first weekend camps and she never wanted to leave. She loves the opportunity to work with campers in a setting that is created just for them!
BROOKE BAILEY
Brooke graduated from the University of Central Missouri in 2016 with undergraduate degrees in Special Education and Spanish Language and Culture.Since graduating with her bachelorβs degree, Since graduating in 2016, Brooke has worked as a Special Education Teacher in the Leeβs Summit R-7 School District. She returned to UCM to receive her masterβs degree in Behavior Analysis and Therapy and received her Board Certified Behavior Analyst certification in 2021. Brooke is currently pursuing her doctorate in Behavior Analysis at The Chicago School. Brooke began volunteering with Camp Encourage in 2017 and immediately fell in love. After filling many roles as a volunteer with Camp Encourage for years, she joined our staff as a Camper Support Specialist and is excited to help Camp Encourage continue to grow while in this role!
Lacey Rozycki
Lacey received an undergraduate degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia in Cross Categorical Special Education (K-12) and went on to receive a masterβs degree in Special Education with an emphasis in autism from the University of Kansas. Lacey has worked in the Lee’s Summit School District since 2007, serving as a Special Education teacher and building facilitator. In 2018, Lacey began volunteering at Camp Encourage and has filled many roles throughout her time, loving each role in which she has served. Camp Encourage provides a place for Lacey to use her passion for serving others while celebrating each person for exactly who they are in a safe, nurturing environment in which Camp provides.Β Lacey can’t wait to continue to be a part of Camp Encourage as a staff member and to continue to watch how Camp Encourage, and all of the campers, continue to grow!
Kati Lawrence
BRADY MEREDITH
Brady is very active and loves to be in the community and around people. He participates in organized basketball, bowling and baseball. A fantastic swimmer, Brady loves to go to the lake to ride in the boat and on the jet ski and especially to go tubing. Brady has an identical twin brother that he lives with and they love to go shopping and spend time on the weekend with family. Brady has a great sense of humor and loves to be the center of attention. He is joyful to help around the office with various tasks and is a valuable team member.