Team

Kelly received an undergraduate degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia in Special Education (K through 12) and a master’s 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 began her career in education as a paraeducator for the Lee’s 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 Spectrum Disorders 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 Lee’s Summit school districts for 10 years.

Sandy earned an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in Special Education in the area of Behavior Disorders (K-9). While working on her master’s 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.

Kristi received an undergraduate degree in Psychology from MidAmerica Nazarene University and a Master’s in Special Education (K-12) along with a Master’s Certification in Autism through Pittsburg State University. She currently works for Olathe Public Schools as a Behavior Coach and has also served as a Program Coordinator & Resource Teacher. Since joining the camp family as a volunteer in 2011, Kristi as loved growing and learning from the amazing people that make this place so special!

Jo Ann has a BS in Nursing and a Master’s 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 graduated from the University of Central Missouri in 2016 with undergraduate degrees in Special Education and Spanish Language and Culture.Since graduating with her bachelor’s degree, Brooke has worked as a Special Education Teacher in the Lee’s Summit R-7 School District. She returned to UCM to receive her master’s degree in Behavior Analysis and Therapy and received her Board Certified Behavior Analyst certification in 2021. 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 Behavior Specialist and is excited to help Camp Encourage continue to grow while in this role!