×

MEET OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM

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. Our leadership team sets the strategic direction of the organization, aiming high to reach our goal of providing safety and health to all in need throughout the region.  

Executive Leadership Team

 

Merideth Rose
President Chief Executive Officer

Merideth Rose is the President and CEO of Cornerstones of Care.

She comes to Cornerstones of Care from the Community Services League in Independence, Mo., where she served as the Chief People Officer. Merideth’s work there included oversight of the organization’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Previously, she served as the Director of Neighborhood, Family Services, and Caring Communities for the Independence School District. In that position, Merideth oversaw 35 licensed social workers and case managers to support students from pre-school to 12th grade. She led efforts to reduce barriers to student success, including domestic violence, homelessness, abuse, and neglect.

Merideth also served communities as the Public Affairs Officer for the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), serving as principal advisor and Deputy to the External Affairs Director. Her work included the agency’s largest Community Relations deployment in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy in 2012.

Merideth is a graduate of Park University, earning her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Theory and Human Relations in 2006 and her Master of Public Affairs in 2008. She received the 2009 Stanley Fisher Award for outstanding Graduate Achievement in Public Administration by the American Society for Public Administration.

Merideth is also a 2009 Graduate of the Leadership Academy for Local Government Executives by the Mid-America Regional Council. She serves as a faculty member at Park University and University of Phoenix.

Jill Beck
Chief Financial Officer

Jill joined Cornerstones of Care’s executive leadership team in 2022. Responsible for the strategic development of finance and accounting initiatives, Jill works closely with executive leadership and board members to support the organization's mission through strong financial stewardship, risk management, and compliance.

Prior to Cornerstones of Care, Jill's long-standing nonprofit career included serving as the vice president of finance/controller for the YMCA, and the CFO for both reStart and El Centro. In 2016, the Kansas City Business Journal recognized Jill's work in the nonprofit sector by naming her the CFO of the Year. Jill also serves the metropolitan area as the Ward II Alderman in Riverside, Mo. 

“The most vulnerable people in our community are children who, for whatever reason, have caretakers or families unable to successfully care for them,” Jill explains. “I love the excellent work Cornerstones of Care does alongside these youth. They make a way for them, with trauma-informed care principles and a caring and genuine concern for these young people so that these individuals can grow, thrive, and eventually soar in their lives.”

Chad Harris, Ed.D.
Chief Development Officer

Chad joined Cornerstones of Care in 2018. Responsible for the strategic development of all fundraising activities, Chad works to engage our communities in our mission while stewarding a strong brand.

Prior to Cornerstones of Care, Chad was an independent facilitator, researcher, practitioner and consultant in the nonprofit, higher education and association management sectors. Most recently, he served as the executive director at FarmHouse Fraternity, Inc., for 10 years and held prior roles with the University of Wisconsin-Madison Alumni Association and the Indiana University Foundation. 

In addition to his professional leadership experience, Harris earned a Doctor of Education degree from the University of Missouri, holds the credential of Certified Association Executive (CAE) and is a BoardSource-certified trainer in nonprofit governance and board development.

Justin Horton 
Chief Programs and Innovation Officer

Justin joined Cornerstones of Care as the Technology to Practice Director in 2014 before joining our executive leadership team in 2019 as the Executive Director of Missouri Programs. In 2022, he was promoted to Chief Programs and Innovation Officer to oversee the agency's programming and strategic planning and business development. He will also work with our Chief Administrative Officer to manage all administrative and mission support aspects of the organization.

“It’s humbling to see the talent, selflessness, and commitment that is exhibited daily by our team members who go into residences, schools, offices, and dorms to help make their communities safer and healthier. I look forward to helping our teams and our agency continue to thrive and excel into what's possible, from this position as CPIO,” Justin explained. 

Prior to Cornerstones of Care, Justin began his career with the Missouri Department of Social Services, serving in a number of positions during his 11 years, including case management, quality assurance, quality improvement and county administration.

Sarah Scharinger
Chief Administrative Officer

Sarah joined Cornerstones of Care’s senior leadership team in 2022 as the senior director of administration before joining the executive team as our chief administrative officer. Responsible for overseeing a multitude of business functions, Sarah oversees risk assessment and management, implementation of quality improvement, budgetary oversight for programs, facilities needs, and advocacy.

Sarah's career in human services, primarily in the nonprofit sector, all focus on advocating and supporting the needs of the communities her organizations have served. Sarah holds an Executive Master's of Public Administration from UMKC's Bloch School of Management and her interest in public policy intersects with her dedication to match that policy with the needs of the community. 

Jamie Stevens  
Chief Human Resources Officer

Jamie joined Cornerstones of Care in July of 2022 as the Director of Human Resources Operations before being promoted to Chief Human Resources Officer. Jamie is responsible for leading organizational change initiatives and creating a strong organizational culture which is supportive of employees and the work they do. She is also responsible for setting policy and ensuring compliance with a range of employment and regulatory practices essential to leading the organization's strategy. Her goal is to support each team member by improving culture and increase retention to attract talent.

Prior to Cornerstones of Care, Jamie served at area nonprofit organizations for more than 21 years. Her passion and dedication for serving others who serve on the frontline is the driving force behind her love of human resources. Most recently, she served as Senior Director of Human Resources at Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas.

  • Tiarra Anderson, Director of Information Technology
  • MacKinzie Aulgur, Director of Placement Stability – Kansas
  • Sara Barnes, Senior Director of Outpatient Programs & Services
  • Sarah Ann Browning,  Assistant Director - Graphic Designer
  • Theo Bunch, Director of Career and Education
  • Lesa Chandler, Director of Collaborative Learning
  • Ky Clement, Director of Foster Care and Adoption – Western Missouri
  • Sally Cook, Director of Development
  • Katie Culbertson, Director of Special Events
  • Tabitha Davidson-Jadwin, Director of Revenue Cycle
  • Karyn Finn, Senior Director of Youth Programs and Services
  • Nicole Firth-Lynch, Director of Resource Development – Missouri
  • Shana Franklin, Director of Foster Care and Adoption – Western Missouri
  • Jessica Gage-Wanamaker, Director of Education
  • Maggie Gilliland, Director of Family Preservation Services – North Kansas
  • Ann Marie Harris, Attorney – Kansas
  • Zach Hodson, Director of Procurement
  • Michaela Holcomb, Attorney – Kansas
  • Marty Huitt, Director of BIST
  • David Irwin, Director of Kansas Outpatient Services
  • Destiny Jackson, Director of Pathways Transitional Living Program
  • Valyn McClellan, Director of Resource Development – Missouri
  • Paul McCorkle, Director of Education Programs and Services
  • Susan Murphy, Executive Administrative Assistant to Merideth Rose
  • Nicole Newton, Director or Resource Development – Kansas
  • Patricia Oduor, Director of Permanency Services – Kansas
  • Shelia Rancatore, Executive Director of Programs and Services – Missouri
  • Jon Ratliff, Director of Marketing and Communications
  • Jason Ruoff, Director of Managed Care and Clinical Services
  • Pam Sanders, Director of Education – Gillis Campus
  • Dusty Scheiter, Director of IIS/FRS – Western Region
  • Heavin Schmidt, Director of IIS/FRS – Eastern Region
  • Amanda Showalter, Deputy Director of Kansas Permanency Services
  • Larnell Smith, Director of Accounting Controller
  • Rachel Spaethe, Executive Director of Programs and Services – Kansas
  • Melissa Taylor, Director of Human Resources Operations
  • Samantha Vogel, Director of Permanency Services – Kansas
  • Jennell Volker, Senior Director of Environment of Care
  • Shelli Walrod, Director of Family Preservation Services – South Kansas
  • Laura Walters, Director of Client Support – Kansas
  • Paige Webb, Senior Director of Performance Excellence
  • Marlo Williams, Director, Residential Treatment Services