Kimberly O’Connor-Soule is Senior Inpatient Officer for Camber Mental Health, a nonprofit subsidiary of KVC Health Systems. In this role, she oversees inpatient mental health hospitals, residential treatment, admissions, clinical quality, and operations across all Camber locations.

Previously, Kim served as Executive Vice President of Inpatient Services for KVC Health Systems and Senior Vice President for Camber Children’s Mental Health where she led strategic planning across the organization and collaborated with leadership team members to prioritize business strategies, with a strong focus on initiatives that work to improve communication, teamwork, employee engagement and project management.

With over 20 years of experience in children’s behavioral health, Kim has held many leadership positions in a range of settings, including residential treatment centers, outpatient services, social services and schools. Throughout her career, she has gained experience leading compassionate, trauma-informed treatment teams ensuring effective treatment and clinical best practices. Kimberly has extensive knowledge about children’s mental health and wellness, substance use disorder treatment, family therapy, staff training and development, and clinical and quality supervision. Prior to her return to Camber, Kimberly was Vice President of Clinical Services for Daytop Village of New Jersey, Inc. where she oversaw clinical services and quality outcomes for eight programs providing drug and alcohol treatment for adolescents and adults.

Kimberly is a certified Trauma Systems Therapy trainer and received advanced clinical training in Structural Family Therapy from the Minuchin Center for the Family in New York City. She earned a post-master’s certification in executive leadership in the nonprofit sector from New York University. Kimberly has been trained as a Gallup Engagement Champion. She has also participated in the National Child Traumatic Stress Network committee, an initiative led by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), where she and other experts created a fact sheet and resource on childhood trauma and opiate use.

Kimberly earned a master’s degree in social work from New York University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from West Virginia University. She is a licensed specialist clinical social worker in Kansas.

“I’ve been in the mental health field for over 20 years and have been blessed to witness thousands of people learn and grow into their true potential. Here at KVC and Camber Children’s Mental Health, I am surrounded by professionals who believe it’s our job to provide safe spaces so that youth can explore, discover and achieve mental health wellness. As a mother, I feel a personal commitment to ensuring we provide children with emotionally rich and supportive, trauma-informed care, as that is what I would want for my own child.” – Kimberly O’Connor-Soule

Bobby Eklofe is the Executive Vice President of Inpatient Operations. Eklofe has invested an incredible 34 years into KVC’s mission, making game-changing contributions such as opening Camber Wichita and the new Camber Hays. He is a servant-leader who constantly reminds colleagues and partners to stay connected to our “why” for helping children and adults in crisis access help and achieve mental wellness.

Throughout his career in behavioral health, most of that with Camber and the KVC Health Systems family of nonprofits, Bobby has gained experience working in residential services, psychiatric hospitals, social services and school settings. He has held positions in a range of disciplines giving him a well-rounded understanding of the psychiatric treatment environment, including direct patient care, human resources, training, staff development, hospital administration and executive leadership.

Bobby participates in many local and state committees in Kansas to advocate for community behavioral health needs and is a longtime member of Kiwanis. He currently serves on the Kansas Governor’s Behavioral Health Services Planning Council Children’s Subcommittee and the Kansas School Mental Health Advisory Council. He previously served as co-chair of the Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) Stakeholder Committee, Wyandotte County Children’s Services Coordinating Council, Child Abuse and Neglect Conference Planning Committee, and the Kansas Children’s Alliance Training Committee.

Bobby earned a master’s degree in health services administration from the University of Kansas School of Medicine.

“There is no better job and fulfillment than to have the opportunity to work for families and children and support them through life’s ups and downs. You can’t replace that. Once you get a taste of it, you want to continue that feeling of knowing you’re helping others and investing in their futures. I am joined by a passionate, multi-disciplinary team of professionals that is here to serve families and children with compassion!” – Bobby Eklofe

Dr. Anh Vinh has been with Camber Children’s Mental Health for more than four years and serves as the Executive Medical Director of Medical Services. With evidence of how childhood trauma is correlated to chronic illnesses and addiction, Dr. Vinh focuses on combining her physical health expertise as a family physician with Camber’s world-renowned behavioral and mental healthcare services. This collaboration allows Camber to move beyond assessments and meaningfully address long-term health issues in individuals and communities.

Additionally, Dr. Vinh enhances Camber’s health and wellness programs to improve clinical outcomes for both clients and employees. She performs both regional and national research related to integrated healthcare and models of service provision, suggests clinical pathways to monitor health and wellness outcomes, provides guidance on the growth of technology platforms that prevent medical risks, and develops protocols influenced by evidence-based and best practice guidelines.

Professional affiliations include the American Board of Family Medicine and the American Academy of Family Physicians. Dr. Vinh received her medical degree from the University of Kansas Medical Center and completed her residency in its Department of Family Medicine. She is also a Kansas Reynolds Program in Aging Faculty Scholar.

“As a primary care physician, I was trusted with patients’ stories of their deepest traumas. Some of these same patients were hardest ones to care for due to illnesses and addictions. All physicians knew there was a backstory of trauma in our hardest patients before ACEs studies, but when those studies were published, we finally had help in defining exactly what trauma and resilience does to our physical health.

“I work with some of the most traumatized children in Kansas. Some of these clients have been neglected or experienced other trauma and as a result, they neglect their own physical health. Camber and the larger KVC Health Systems family of nonprofits are unique in their emphasis on trauma-informed care and focus on the future health impact. Caring for this extremely vulnerable population, and the possibility of making a real impact on their future health, is why Camber is the future of how we view chronic illness and prevention.” – Dr. Anh Vinh

Travis Stecklein is the Senior Vice President of Inpatient Mental Health for Camber Children’s Mental Health. In this role, he oversees the Executive Directors at our Kansas City, Hays and Wichita Hospitals. Travis is responsible for ensuring operational excellence, strategic leadership and the continued delivery of high-quality mental health services across these critical locations.

Previously, Travis served as the Division Director of Behavioral Health for the HCA Mid America Division, where he provided oversight for behavioral health assessments and operations across 16 medical and surgical hospitals and one psychiatric hospital. His leadership was instrumental in expanding behavioral health services within the Kansas City market, optimizing departmental efficiency and improving patient care through innovative strategies such as tele-psychiatry.

With over a decade of experience in behavioral health and leadership roles, Travis has a proven track record of driving organizational success through strategic planning, team development and a commitment to regulatory and legal compliance. His expertise spans a variety of areas, including coaching and mentoring, organizational development and financial management.

Travis holds a Master’s degree in Health Services Administration from Kansas University Medical Center, a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Kansas and a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Fort Hays State University. He is a Licensed Master’s Social Worker in both Kansas and Missouri and is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Dr. Jyotsna Adma serves as Medical Director of Psychiatry Services for Camber’s inpatient hospitals and residential treatment centers serving youth psychiatric needs in Kansas City, Wichita and Hays. She has been with Camber since 2007, starting as a Child Psychiatrist to provide therapeutic treatment and healing for children ages 6 to 18 as they work to overcome mental and behavioral health challenges. She is dual board-certified in General Adult Psychiatry and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and specializes in mood and anxiety disorders.

Throughout her career, Dr. Adma has gained extensive experience working with individuals with severe mental illness in inpatient, outpatient, and residential programs as well as utilizing telepsychiatry.

Dr. Adma graduated from B.L.D.E.A. Medical School in India and completed her residency and fellowship training in Psychiatry at the University of Kansas Medical Center.

“I want to provide the best possible psychiatric care to children and families so that we can build stronger, healthier communities.” – Dr. Jyotsna Adma

Frederick (Fred) Watts serves as Senior Clinical Consultant with Camber Children’s Mental Health where he manages contracts and focuses on internal program development. He has been part of the Camber team for 10 years and has more than 40 years of experience as a social worker.

Prior to working at Camber, Fred held various positions managing emergency services at Truman Medical Center Emergency Room and Shawnee Mission ER and was Clinical Director at Crittenton Psychiatric Hospital. He has gained extensive experience providing individual and group therapy and crisis intervention services.

Fred earned a master’s degree in social work from the University of Missouri and is clinically licensed in Kansas and Missouri.

“The reason I do this is easy – helping an organization provide support to kids who have not had easy lives. As a grandfather to three young boys, I can observe all the work that goes into raising children and if I can help others in this endeavor, I have given something back to the lives of kids.” – Fred Watts

Annmarie Arensberg serves as the Vice President of Clinical Access and Outreach for all of Camber Children’s Mental Health’s psychiatric programs in Kansas. She oversees the operations and clinical services for all inpatient and residential treatment programs, provides oversight for utilization review, develops Camber’s therapeutic services and nurtures referral partner relationships. She also serves as an employee engagement champion and works to instill initiatives that drive retention and an enhanced employee culture.

Beginning her career with Camber Mental Health in 2012, Annmarie has gained experience as a Therapist Intern, Admissions Coordinator, Residential Therapist, Clinical Manager and Director of Clinical Services. Prior to Camber, she worked in the case management department at the University of Kansas Hospital as a social work intern.

Annmarie has been trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Trauma Systems Therapy, and Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports. She earned a master’s degree in social work from the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare, is a licensed specialist clinical social worker in Kansas. She has received a certification in Adaptive Leadership from NYU. Prior to being employed at Camber, she was a longtime Camber volunteer.

“Camber and the larger KVC Health Systems family of nonprofits are a part of my DNA at this point. I love the work we do here and am passionate about being part of a team and company that goes above and beyond for children and families who need support. If we see gaps in services, we take steps to fill them and build a better and brighter future for those that we serve.” – Annmarie Arensberg

Brittany Broeckelman is Vice President of Clinical Services at Camber Children’s Mental Health where she leads and oversees acute hospital services and programming. She leads a team of clinicians and direct care staff, and helps ensure a safe, therapeutic environment that accommodates the needs of each youth being served at Camber as well as compliance with meeting licensing standards.

Since joining Camber Mental Health in 2013, Brittany has gained experience through a variety of roles including Intake Coordinator, Therapist, Clinical Supervisor, Clinical Director, and Executive Director of Acute Hospital Services at Camber Children’s Mental Health Kansas City. She is trained in Positive Behavioral Intervention Supports, Trauma Systems Therapy, and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT).

Brittany earned a master’s degree in clinical social work from the University of Kansas. She enjoys giving back to her alma mater as a field instructor for clinical practicum students and was awarded the Margo Schutz Gordon Award in 2017 for “Outstanding Achievement in Field Instruction.” Brittany is also currently an adjunct professor for the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare.

“I started at Camber as a therapist intern in 2013, and I believed in the organization’s mission and values. Camber is a vessel for helping children and families heal, and I feel so grateful to have the opportunity to positively impact people’s lives every day. Little did I know, they would positively impact my life too!” – Brittany Broeckelman

Taylor Ziegler is Vice President of Nursing at Camber Children’s Mental Health where she oversees nursing and program services for Camber’s children’s psychiatric hospitals and residential treatment facilities. This includes focusing on enhancing the patient experience, directing all aspects of nursing and direct patient care, and coordinating with all other disciplines to provide the highest possible quality of care. She also manages the maintenance of quality improvement activities to adhere to Camber’s policies and procedures along with the regulations and standards provided by Camber’s regulating bodies.

Taylor began her career with Camber in 2013 as a Behavioral Health Technician. She has gained experience as a Registered Nurse, Lead Nurse, Nursing Supervisor, Director of Nursing and Senior Director of Nursing while at Camber.

Taylor earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) and a doctorate in nursing practice (DNP) at Fort Hays State University and is board-certified through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) as a Family Nurse Practitioner. She is also certified to teach Basic Life Support (BLS) classes.

Taylor is located in Hays and is deeply involved in the community, serving on the BSN and DNP Nursing Advisory Board at Fort Hays State University, Nursing Advisory Board at Northwest Kansas Technical College, and the Annual Mental Health Symposium Planning Committee.

“I work with passionate people assisting children and families through times of crisis and need. It’s hard to put into words how it feels to see children gain skills and confidence because of our team’s work.” – Taylor Ziegler

Brynn Fowler is the Senior Director of Operations and Compliance for Camber Children’s Mental Health. In this role, she provides support and oversight of operations, compliance, and facilities management for Camber’s hospitals and residential treatment programs in Kansas City, Wichita, and Hays as well as new projects.

Starting her career with Camber as a Milieu Manager, Brynn oversaw direct care staff, the Camber Academy, and psychiatric residential treatment services in Kansas City. She also served as Associate Director of Program Operations and Director of Administration where she gained expertise in healthcare operations, licensing/accreditation and project management. Most recently, she served as the Executive Director, overseeing residential treatment operations, strategic planning and interdepartmental projects. She also managed projects with the compliance, quality assurance, and scheduling teams while having administrative oversight and responsibilities supporting all departments at the Camber Kansas City facility. 

In these roles, Brynn has become specialized in healthcare operations, licensing/accreditation and facilities project management. She has gained experience developing procedures, monitoring strategic plans, and leading multi-faceted teams to ensure children and families receive quality care.

Brynn earned a bachelor’s degree in child, adult and family services at Iowa State University and a master’s degree in social work from Capella University. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in both Kansas and Missouri. Brynn is also currently an adjunct professor for the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare. 

“I love my role at Camber because I am able to do all the behind-the-scenes work that helps our programs run smoothly. I love that my work not only benefits the children and families we serve, but also the employees that dedicate themselves to this work!” – Brynn Fowler

Pete Barndollar serves as Director of Human Resources for Camber Children’s Mental Health where he oversees the development and implementation of human resource initiatives to ensure fulfillment of the overall talent management needs of Camber. This includes new employee experience, onboarding, training, development and employee engagement. He is also on Camber’s Safety Management Committee.

Prior to joining Camber in 2013, Pete worked as a Division Operations Manager for a leading staffing firm where he supervised strategic account management, compliance, and training for more than 60 locations in the United States.

Pete is a graduate of Pittsburg State University and enjoys giving back to the Kansas City community through volunteer work at a variety of nonprofits. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Hope Care Center.

Alex Beineman serves as Director of Program and Staff Development at Camber Children’s Mental Health where she focuses on the development of treatment programs and ensures employees receive the necessary skills and tools to support each client through their treatment journey. Additionally, she oversees employee training and partners with multi-disciplinary teams in program development and employee engagement initiatives.

With more than seven years of experience working in behavioral health hospitals and residential treatment facility settings, Alex brings vast knowledge to program operations and has served in a diverse array of roles throughout her career including Milieu Manager, Therapist, Staff Coordinator and Behavioral Health Technician. She also spent time interning on an interdisciplinary community development team in Belize where she worked alongside public health students, student engineers, and business students to accomplish project goals.

Alex is a licensed master social worker in Kansas and Missouri. She received a master’s degree in social work from the University of Missouri in Kansas City and a bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Arkansas.

“From the first day of one of my social work classes I knew I wanted to be a part of the mental health field. I love working for Camber because I get to be part of an organization that not only focuses on serving children and families impacted by trauma and mental health struggles but also strives to fill service gaps and create trauma-informed communities.” – Alex Beineman

Venessa Kondo is Director of Utilization Review at Camber Children’s Mental Health where she directs and oversees the utilization review and discharge planning processes at our children’s psychiatric hospitals and residential treatment centers. In this role, she directs a team of employees who act as liaisons between external payor sources and our internal treatment teams. This team ensures the highest quality patient care while also maintaining fiscal responsibility.

With over 10 years of experience in the human services field, Venessa uses the knowledge she gained from previous positions to ensure the children and families we serve have access to the best possible treatment. She earned a bachelor’s degree in human resources development from Southwestern College in Winfield, KS.

“Camber’s role in our communities is something I’m very proud of. It’s important to me that children and families can count on us to be a safe place when they need one most. We work hard to ensure we provide the highest quality services and connect them with community-based resources for continued success after they leave our care.” – Venessa Kondo

Eric Marley has been with Camber Children’s Mental Health for more than 6 years and serves as Director of Financial Reporting. In this role, he uses data and analytics to enhance hospital systems and promote financial health.

Throughout his career with Camber and the larger KVC Health Systems family of nonprofits, Eric has also held roles as Senior Financial Analyst, Associate Director of Business Operations, Business Analyst and Admissions Manager. He has gained proficiencies in electronic health record management, census monitoring, data and financial analysis and contract management. Eric earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Baker University.

“I strive to support our team in providing mental health services to children and families in Kansas and beyond. I work hard to identify financial and systemic barriers that may prevent individuals from receiving services and work on solutions to overcome those barriers.” – Eric Marley

Emma Brink serves as Director of Marketing and Communications for Camber Children’s Mental Health where she creates and executes marketing and communications plans. This includes brand awareness, lead generation, customer experience, and financial growth.

Prior to joining Camber, Emma was in director level roles at both non-profit and for-profit health organizations, managing complex projects, translating problems into solutions, and building relationships within internal and external stakeholders. With over 10 years experience in health strategy, health equity, and healthcare delivery, Emma is passionate about leveraging her expertise to make a meaningful impact in the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare marketing.

Emma is a graduate of the University of Kansas and holds a Marketing Analytics certification from University of California, Berkeley.

Janny Sivilay is Associate Director of Admissions at Camber Children’s Mental Health. In this role, she oversees client admissions for Camber’s youth mental health treatment, builds and maintains strong relationships with community healthcare providers and partners throughout Kansas and Missouri, and supervises admissions professionals.

With nine years of mental healthcare and social work experience, Janny has a true passion for helping youth achieve mental health wellness, especially those who identify as LGBTQIA+. Janny started her career with Camber working as a therapist and coordinating with the admissions team. As a therapist, she supervised five students, empowering them with valuable real-life experience and confidence to become responsible mental health professionals. Janny is also part of the Camber’s Third-Party Software Committee.

Janny is a licensed specialist clinical social worker in Kansas. She received a master’s degree in social work and a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in behavioral sciences from the University of Kansas.

“I’m passionate about building connections between people and empowering individuals to be the creator of their own reality. I love working at Camber because our mission is aligned with my personal values. Helping children and families access mental health services and destigmatizing mental health care is very important to me and working at Camber helps me do that on a larger scale.” – Janny Sivilay

Dr. Shilpa Agraharkar is a dual board-certified adult, child, and adolescent psychiatrist. She earned her medical degree from New York University School of Medicine. Dr. Agraharkar continued at NYU where she completed her residency and child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship. She previously served as faculty at NYU and Bellevue Hospital, where she served as the Interim Director and Associate Director of the Children’s Comprehensive Child Psychiatric Emergency Program. She has also worked as a consultant psychiatrist for the Administration for Children’s Services for New York City’s youths in foster care. She is passionate about acute care child and adolescent psychiatry. At Camber Children’s Mental Health, Dr. Agraharkar is working as a telepsychiatrist on the child and adolescent inpatient unit.

Dr. Srinivasa Panuganti currently serves as a Psychiatrist at Camber Children’s Mental Health Wichita, a 54-bed inpatient acute hospital for children ages 6 to 18. Prior to working with youth at our Wichita hospital, he served as a Psychiatrist at Camber Hays for four years.

Dr. Panuganti earned his medical degree in India and completed a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry fellowship at the University of Toledo Medical Center in Toledo, Ohio.

“I enjoy working with children and their families to treat depression, anxiety, aggression and other mental health issues. It’s a joy working at Camber with staff that show their dedication and passion to making a difference in kids’ lives. My goal is to make children happy, smile every day and successful in life.” – Dr. Panuganti

Dr. Raghu “Reddy” Davalapur has been a Psychiatrist at Camber Children’s Mental Health for 15 years, providing treatment to children and adolescents who struggle with depression, anxiety, aggression, suicidal thoughts and other mental health challenges.

Prior to Camber, Dr. Reddy worked in other psychiatric inpatient and outpatient settings serving children, adults and geriatric patients. He also has experience working with individuals in substance abuse programs.

Dr. Reddy attended medical school in India and completed his residency in General Psychiatry at the University of Kansas Medical Center.

“I am passionate about helping children overcome mental health problems, and in turn making a difference for families and communities.” – Dr. Reddy

Dr. Van Tran serves as a Medical Provider at Camber Children’s Mental Health and has been with the organization since August 2021. She helps manage the acute and chronic medical conditions of youth ages 6-18 receiving behavioral health treatment in Camber’s inpatient and residential treatment programs. Dr. Tran brings 23 years of outpatient family medical and psychiatric healthcare experience.

Dr. Tran received her medical degree at Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed her family practice residency at Bi-County Hospital-Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, Michigan.

“I like working with children because you can make a difference in their lives.  I try to provide the best care for them and their families especially when they need you the most.” – Dr. Tran

Melissa Barkemeyer, APRN, has been with Camber Children’s Mental Health for four years providing evaluation and management of acute and chronic health conditions for youth in our inpatient acute and residential treatment programs. She works closely with our psychiatry team to provide care for clients with medical and psychiatric concerns as well as community providers to help coordinate ongoing care for each child as they prepare to discharge from Camber.

Prior to Camber, Melissa gained experience in case management and as a registered nurse in labor and delivery, high-risk antenatal care and newborn care. She also worked in an urgent care setting.

Melissa is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, received her master’s degree in nursing from the University of Central Missouri, and received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Baker University.

“I am very passionate about helping children achieve health and wellness. I provide care for them that allows me to be part of their story and journey to healing.” – Melissa Barkemeyer

Jennifer Brown serves as an Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioner at Camber Children’s Mental Health Wichita where she manages the acute and chronic medical conditions of youth receiving inpatient psychiatric treatment. She collaborates with a team of multi-disciplinary medical professionals, as well as outpatient providers and caregivers to ensure high-quality care and comprehensive discharge planning.

Throughout her career, Jennifer has obtained valuable nursing experience while caring for both children and adults in acute mental health settings. She also served as a nursing instructor for local nursing programs where she gave back to new nurses through mentorship and teaching. In this role, she taught students about pharmacology, medical, surgical, maternal, pediatric and mental health nursing.

Jennifer is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and received her master’s and bachelor’s degrees in nursing from Wichita State University. In July 2020, the Wichita Business Journal honored Jennifer with an “Excellence in Health Care” award for her outstanding work in pediatric nursing. She is also an active mental health advocate and community speaker working to educate the community about mental health and reduce stigma.

“During my career, I have certainly learned a great deal from my colleagues. But I have been forever changed by what my clients have taught me in sharing their unique experiences, struggles, and recoveries. I am honored to partner with them as we work together toward their best health. Genuine human-to-human connection is what drives me to continue in this challenging but rewarding field!” – Jennifer Brown

Shonda Colella is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse at Camber Children’s Mental Health Wichita. In this role, she evaluates and manages acute and chronic health conditions for youth ages 6 to 18 who are receiving treatment at our inpatient acute psychiatric hospital.

Shonda has more than 11 years’ experience as a nurse and nurse practitioner in emergency medicine and forensic nursing. She received her master’s degree from Walden University and a bachelor’s degree from Newman University. She is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner.

“Working with children and helping them manage any acute or chronic conditions they may have is one of my most sincere passions. Throughout my nursing career, I’ve found that children are excellent learners. They’re really open to what I teach them about how they can best take care of themselves. It’s an honor to be a part of their journey toward wellness—both physical and mental.” — Shonda Colella

Mia Manfredi is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse for Camber Children’s Mental Health where she cares for youth receiving psychiatric treatment. She is a board certified family nurse practitioner and earned a post-master’s certificate as a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner from Wichita State University.

With nearly a decade of experience, Mia works with children and adolescents experiencing a variety of mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety. Her goal is to provide effective psychiatric medication treatments that are easy for clients and families to understand and maintain.

“By far, the most rewarding aspect of my work are the relationships I have with my patients and their caregivers. My patients allow me a window to their greatest vulnerabilities and trust me to partner with them and their caregivers to help them feel better. This is a great privilege that I will never take for granted. I learn something new from my patients daily and this allows me to be a better ally for them.” – Mia Manfredi

Holly is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner at KVC Hospitals Wichita where she works with youth receiving inpatient mental health treatment. She also collaborates with the treatment team at KVC Hospitals Kansas City to provide virtual consultations.

During graduate school, Holly developed a special interest in working with children, adolescents and their families. She is passionate about providing evidence-based, person-centered care and brings more than seven years of experience working in inpatient settings as a registered nurse. Holly has gained experience in medical/surgical nursing and behavioral health nursing.

Holly received a master’s degree in nursing from Maryville University as well as a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

Sarah Berens serves as Executive Director at Camber Children’s Mental Health in Kansas City. She leads the multi-disciplinary team providing inpatient and residential services in Kansas City to ensure children and their families receive positive outcomes and compassionate care through enhanced collaboration, clinical practices and operations.

During her career with Camber, Sarah has gained experience at Camber Hays as Executive Director, Clinical Supervisor, Hospital Therapist, Residential Therapist, Associate Clinical Director and Clinical Director. Outside of her role with Camber, she is a screener for Big Brothers Big Sisters where she helps approve mentors and children into the program. She is also a member of a local mental health committee working on vaping prevention and education.

Prior to her role with Camber, Sarah worked in child welfare helping children and families in the foster care system reunify as well as providing family preservation services. She also worked for a local nonprofit providing mentorship services where she completed assessments of mentors and children entering the program as well as helped with fundraising and community outreach.

She has completed training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Systems Therapy, and Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports. Sarah earned her master’s degree in social work at the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare.

“I believe every child deserves a voice to advocate, a person to be a beacon for hope, and a champion to see their potential when they cannot.” – Sarah Berens

Phillip E. Caldwell Sr. is Associate Director of Programs for Camber Children’s Mental Health Kansas City. He has been with Camber and the larger KVC Health Systems family of nonprofits for 15 years and brings more than 25 years of experience working in conflict resolution and crisis management.

Prior to his current role with Camber, Phillip held roles as Associate Director of Program Services at KVC Niles, and Senior Milieu Manager, Hospital Supervisor, and Campus Supervisor at Camber and has been an integral part of the Crisis Management team since 2005.

Additional experience includes serving as Youth Program Director for the YMCA of Greater Kansas City Missouri where he was responsible for the computer lab and educational services and created a Neighborhood Youth Advisory Board for Eastern Wyandotte County and an At-Risk Youth Program. He was also a board member for five years and received the Youth Worker of the Year award in 2000.

“Although I have held many roles in my professional career, I truly know in my heart why I was placed with Camber and the larger KVC Health Systems family. It is to give to others what is needed to help them grow, develop, and be successful in whatever path they make take in life. I’m an advocate for positive change.” – Phillip Caldwell

Cayde Sterling serves as the Director of Administration at Camber Children’s Mental Health Kansas City, where he oversees operations, processes, procedures and the mid-level management team, ensuring the campus functions smoothly for the benefit of direct care staff and the clients and families served. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Science with a focus on Secondary Education from Kansas State University.

With over 4.5 years in the field, Cayde has a diverse background, including three years as a middle school geography teacher and coach at Fort Riley Middle School. At KidsTLC, he advanced from Behavioral Health Technician to Operations Administrator, managing campus donations, supply distribution, compliance processes, and more.

Cayde is certified in Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy I & II, Child Nutrition Management (KSDE) and holds a Coaching Endorsement from Kansas State University. He is also a graduate of JCCC’s Living as a Leader program.

“I enjoy my role at Camber as it allows me to work behind the scenes, ensuring our campus functions effectively and benefits our direct care staff and the clients and families we serve.”  – Cayde Sterling

Shannan Theno is the Associate Director of Nursing Services at Camber Mental Health. In this role, she oversees all aspects of the nursing department, coordinates with the multidisciplinary team to ensure excellence, quality and equity in the population served, and ensures the nursing department operates safely, adhering to all regulatory guidelines and standards of nursing care.

Shannan holds an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing from Kansas City Kansas Community College, which she earned in 2010. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Western Governors University in 2022, receiving the WGU Excellence Award for Advancing Evidence-Based Innovation in Nursing Practice. Shannan also obtained her Master of Science in Nursing Leadership and Management from Western Governors University in 2023.

With 14 years of experience in the mental health field, Shannan began her career at St. John Hospital, primarily serving as a charge nurse on the geriatric psych unit. During her time there, she received training in various nursing areas, including med-surg, ICU, skilled nursing, GI clinic, pain clinic, eye clinic, and house supervision. In 2021, she transitioned to assist with opening a geriatric behavioral health hospital and has since been in nursing leadership.

Shannan is a 2024 DAISY Award Nominee.

“Camber’s Vision is ‘A world in which every person is connected to inclusive, quality behavioral healthcare and treatment.’ This vision resonates with her both personally and professionally, as she believes that healthcare is a right, not a privilege. Working for Camber allows her to embody this vision alongside her team, making a meaningful difference every day. It is incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact their care has on others.” – Shannan Theno

Rachael Sanders serves as the Associate Director of Clinical Services at Camber Children’s Mental Health. In her role, she supervises the hospital and residential therapists, expressive therapy team and case managers. Rachael is responsible for ensuring the strength and quality of clinical services provided by the program and works closely with the multi-disciplinary treatment team to meet the diverse needs of clients.

Rachael began her career at Camber in 2013 as a Behavioral Health Technician (BHT), progressing through roles as Campus Supervisor/Safety & Security, Therapist and eventually Clinical Manager. She has also worked at ReDiscover Mental Health as a Clinical Case Manager, providing support to adults with mental health concerns, and served as a Foster Care Case Manager at Cornerstones of Care.

With 12 years of experience in the mental health field, Rachael brings a wealth of expertise and leadership to her position. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Virginia State University (2012) and a Master’s degree in Social Work from Park University (2018). Rachael is also a Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker (LSCSW) and is currently completing training to become a Registered Play Therapist.

Rachael is a dedicated mentor, serving as a Field Instructor and supervising Social Work interns from various schools. Her commitment to professional development and education further strengthens her impact in the mental health community.

“I always say I didn’t choose social work or this field, but rather it chose me, and that is why I show up and give my best to this work each day. The hard work we do every day is making a difference in this world, and I’m grateful to be a part of this journey.” – Rachael Sanders

Erin Connelly Marceau, LSCSW, serves as Camber Children’s Mental Health Wichita’s Executive Director. She leads the multi-disciplinary team at this facility to ensure children and their families receive positive outcomes and compassionate care through enhanced collaboration, clinical practices, and operations. 

Erin brings more than ten years of experience working with children in the mental health field. Joining Camber when the Wichita hospital opened in 2019, Erin has also served as the Clinical Director and a Therapist, providing group, individual, and family therapy for the children receiving treatment. Prior to joining Camber, Erin helped develop a program providing children with mental health services while at school, including educating staff about mental health and how to respond to mental health crises.

Erin is a clinically licensed social worker and earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Wichita State University.

“I have a passion for helping children get set up for a successful future. Acute hospitalization can be such a difficult time for kids and it’s so meaningful to be able to help the kids we serve see hope in their future and help them get on the right path.” – Erin Connelly Marceau

Tyler Terry is Director of Programs at Camber Children’s Mental Health Wichita. In this role, he is responsible for ensuring treatment programs reflect Camber’s values and standards of care. Tyler does so by maintaining program compliance with all company, local, state and federal regulatory standards and accrediting bodies and ensuring the implementation of trauma-informed, evidence-based practices that foster safety, stability, and family and community connection.

Starting his career in mental health as a Behavioral Health Technician at Camber Hays, Tyler gained valuable experience by working directly with youth struggling with their mental health. After graduating college, Tyler provided and supervised teams providing community-based services to children and families in the Wichita area for six years. He has extensive knowledge in developing evidence-based group curriculums for summer programs and after-school psychosocial child and family groups. He is skilled in building relationships with school administrators and teachers to implement classroom-based support.

Tyler earned a bachelor’s degree in justice studies with a minor in psychology from Fort Hays State University.

Jannah Clark, Associate Clinical Director

Camber Children’s Mental Health Wichita

Matt Mercer is the Director of Administration at Camber Children’s Mental Health Wichita, overseeing departmental coordination, workflow management, project completion, fiscal stability, supply optimization, timely reporting and maintaining licensing and accreditation.

Working over 25 years at all levels of government, mainly in the fields of law enforcement and emergency management, has given him extensive experience in program and project management, incident action planning and emergency response and providing guidance to senior elected and appointed officials during times of crisis. He was a member of the Southwest Kansas Critical Incident Stress Management Team, supporting first responders after traumatic line-of-duty situations. Matt also served as the Chief Operating Officer at Larned State Hospital where he oversaw all non-clinical operations which included security, facilities and grounds, dietary services, environmental services, laundry and information technology.

Matt holds a Master of Management degree from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from Kansas State University. He also has various professional certifications including those of FEMA Master Exercise Practitioner, FEMA Certified Basic Instructor, DHS Weapons of Mass Destruction General Instructor, DHS Incident Command System Trainer (Train the Trainer) and is a State of Kansas Certified Full-Time Law Enforcement Officer.

“Helping those in need has been the focus of my professional life. Whether assisting a family in turmoil, supporting first responders during a hurricane, or ensuring a safe environment for the vulnerable, my goal is always to improve difficult situations. At Camber, I am honored to help create a safe space where individuals can find the tools to make positive changes in themselves. I can’t think of a better way to give back than supporting this team and our mission.” – Matt Mercer

Tiffany Deschner, Associate Director of Nursing

Camber Children’s Mental Health Wichita

Marlayna Hargitt is the Director of Nursing at Camber Children’s Mental Health Hays where she oversees all aspects of nursing care, coordinates with other departments and disciplines to ensure high-quality patient care and program improvement and maintains compliance with regulatory bodies.

Over the past nine years, Marlayna has served as a Registered Nurse, Charge Nurse, and most recently Nursing Supervisor at Camber Hays. She has been a Safety Crisis Management Instructor since 2018, providing training to new and seasoned employees. Marlayna received a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Fort Hays State University.

“Working for Camber has given me the opportunity to come to work knowing that I can be a positive influence in someone’s life every day, whether that is a child in our care or a fellow employee. Sharing my experiences and skills has become my passion as we all work together to have the greatest positive impact on the families we serve.” – Marlayna Hargitt

Kevin Bawden serves as the Director of Administration at Camber Children’s Mental Health Hays, where he oversees operations, processes, procedures and the mid-level management team, ensuring the campus functions smoothly for the benefit of direct care staff and the clients and families served.

He holds a Master of Science in Social Work from Northern Arizona University and a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from Kaplan University. He is a return Peace Corps volunteer where he served 2 years in Albania. With over 7 years of experience working in the realms of mental health services, community outreach and community resource development, he is passionate about supporting individuals and families through advocacy, counseling, and resource navigation. He is a Licensed Master of Social work in both Kansas and Arizona.

“Mental health is at the core of what makes us whole, yet so many people face barriers in accessing the support they need. My journey into social work stems from a deep belief that everyone deserves to feel heard, supported, and empowered to lead fulfilling lives. I’ve been fortunate to work with individuals and communities, helping them navigate their mental health challenges and building systems that foster resilience and healing. Joining Camber/KVC allows me to continue this mission, ensuring that each person receives compassionate care and the resources they need to thrive in their mental and emotional wellbeing.” – Kevin Bawden

Trevor Kennedy serves as Associate Director of Programs at Camber Children’s Mental Health where he ensures treatment programs reflect Camber’s values and standards of care. In this role, Trevor helps create all-inclusive treatments that ensure the implementation of trauma-informed, evidence-based practices that foster safety, stability, and family and community connection while maintaining positive relationships.

Trevor brings to the role six years of mental health and hospital administration experience. Prior to taking on the role of Associate Director of Programs, Trevor served as a behavior health technician and a Milieu Manager at Camber Hays as well as a Clinic Manager at Hays Medical Pediatric Center. He also serves as a Board of Directors Member for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and is a Kansas Hospital Association Leadership Institute graduate and two-time Camber leadership award winner.

Trevor earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Fort Hays State University and a certificate in leadership studies from Fort Hays State University.

“I chose Camber so I could be a light in the lives of the families we serve in what can otherwise seem to be unsure times. To be a stable pillar for these children and help them cope with what life will bring their way. Be the change you want to see in the world.” – Trevor Kennedy

As the Associate Clinical Director at Camber Hays, Courtney Keener oversees a critical spectrum of services, guiding residential and acute therapists and case managers to deliver exemplary clinical services.

With over five years dedicated to supporting children and families navigating behavioral and mental health challenges, Courtney’s professional journey at Camber has been marked by significant development and diversification. Her career path started with an undergraduate practicum in adoptions at St. Francis Ministries in 2018, enriching her understanding of Kansas’s foster care system. Progressing through roles such as therapist intern, social service liaison, and acute and residential therapist, she has now ascended to the position of Associate Clinical Director. Courtney’s credentials are further bolstered by her LSCSW certification obtained in 2023, alongside her continuous pursuit of expertise in adoption competency. Courtney’s philosophy is deeply intertwined with Camber’s mission.

Her academic achievements include a Bachelor’s in Social Work from Fort Hays State University and a Master’s in Social Work from Kansas University, laying a solid foundation for her impactful career.

“Embarking on my Camber journey as an intern in 2018, I was captivated by the organization’s commitment to individual care and support. It’s a privilege to impact children’s lives positively daily, a testament to the nurturing environment Camber fosters for both its clients and staff. I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to contribute to our community’s wellbeing, furthering my development as a clinician and an individual dedicated to care and empathy.” – Courtney Keener

Sara Schlagel is the Senior Vice President of Children’s Mercy + Camber Mental Health. Schlagel has been with KVC for over 13 years, currently serving as Vice President of Administration for Camber. For more than a decade, Sara’s steadfast commitment to enhancing Camber’s culture, programming, employee training, safety, quality assurance and compliance have helped make it the Midwest regional leader in children’s inpatient psychiatric treatment.

Previously, Sara served as Vice President of Administration at Camber Children’s Mental Health where she oversaw administrative operations for Camber’s children’s psychiatric treatment centers in Kansas. Leading in the areas of programming, staff development, compliance, and quality assurance, Sara partnered with leadership to promote best practices and innovation and worked to enhance employee engagement, DEIB and special projects. 

Sara also previously served as Director of Program and Staff Development and Program Director at Camber Kansas City. She also held other leadership roles with KVC Kansas, which is a sister organization to Camber Mental Health, and a local community mental health center. She has international experience providing consulting services to schools, psychiatric hospitals, and residential centers as well as extensive experience working with families through the Strengthening Families program, survivors of human trafficking, and providing services and support to immigrant families.

As a nationally certified Trauma Systems Therapy trainer, Sara provides training on trauma-informed care, enhancing client experiences and service-provider safety. Along with 13 years of experience working in mental health, she is bilingual in English and Spanish.

Sara has a master’s degree in social work from Washburn University and is licensed as a clinical social worker and specialist clinical social worker.

“I’m proud to work for an organization that strives to identify and meet the needs of our communities head-on. We push ourselves to be resourceful in our work with children and families and drive innovative treatment practices.” – Sara Schlagel

Annabelle Darby, BSN, RN, serves as the Associate Director of Nursing at Children’s Mercy + Camber Mental Health, overseeing nursing services provided to both adult and pediatric patients. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Washburn University and has experience implementing ABA therapy for children with Level III support needs autism, providing outpatient substance use disorder services at a Suboxone clinic and overseeing residential psychiatric care. With four years of experience in mental health, Annabelle is dedicated to enhancing the overall wellbeing of the community.

“I believe that proactively providing trauma-informed care and community resources to our vulnerable populations paves the way for better long-term outcomes both mentally and physically for the community as a whole.” – Annabelle Darby

Laurel Phillips serves as the Clinical Director at Children’s Mercy + Camber Mental Health where she ensures clients receive high quality therapeutic services. She supervises the expressive therapy team and residential therapists and oversees enhancements with clinical services to continually find innovative ways to partner with clients and their families. 

With 10 years of social work experience, Laurel brings invaluable experience and passion to help children struggling with depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, self-harming, the impacts of trauma, and other mental health conditions. During her career with Camber, she has provided mental healthcare to youth as a Therapist and led clinical teams as Clinical Manager. Prior to her role with Camber, Laurel supported young children and families in Kansas City, Kansas as a Family Support Coordinator.

Laurel has completed training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy. She earned a master’s degree in social work from the University of Kansas and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Creighton University. While completing her master’s degree, Laurel worked with youth in foster care, children and adults experiencing domestic violence, and was deeply involved in research seeking to understand trauma’s impact on brain development and health outcomes.

Sarah Clark-Williams serves as the Director of Program Services for Children’s Mercy + Camber Mental Health where she is responsible for ensuring treatment programs reflect the organization’s values and standards of care. In this role, Sarah ensures the implementation of trauma-informed, evidence-based practices that foster stability and family and community connectedness, while maintaining safety and compliance with all local, state and federal regulatory standards and accrediting bodies.

Sarah has over 23 years of experience serving communities and families in the areas of psychiatric residential treatment, community and personal preparedness and resilience, juvenile corrections and intake and assessment, staff and leadership development and suicide prevention. Sarah holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and has extensive training and continued education in Behavioral Neuroscience, Trauma Informed Care, Healing Centered Engagement, Building Trust and Resolving Conflict and Leading with Empathy.

After completing a portion of her career with the American Red Cross, she remains a volunteer. She has served in Operations Management on Disaster Relief Operations and is trained in the National Incident Management System (NIMS) as well as Mass Casualty Incident Response Management. Sarah’s training and focus in crisis and disaster prevention, response and recovery – enhances her understanding of how to build more equipped, empowered and resilient communities.

“I believe the world we live in reminds us every day there is still so much opportunity to learn and grow and I am thankful for the professionals I work alongside in serving others as we continue to learn together. Many are desperate, sad, disconnected and wounded and I believe in a world where connection and authentic relationship empower our overall health and wellness. I believe there is no program, tool, study or method stronger than the power of human connection, and this fuels my passionate pursuit to the heart of humanity.” – Sarah Clark-Williams