Skip to main content

Who We Are

Helping Children: It’s What We’re All About.

Working to create and restore healthy parent-child relationships

Using evidence-based programming, we provide services such as child abuse prevention, school readiness, family support, and education. 

Currently, we have offices in 17 cities across the state of Kansas. We serve thousands of children and families each year however, the positive, long-term effects of our work reach beyond those we serve to foster prosperity for all Kansans.

children playing with bubbles
children playing with bubbles

Key Staff

Gail Cozadd

CEO

“I am honored to be leading an organization like Kansas Children’s Service League. And every day, I have the privilege of seeing families transform. I can’t imagine myself anywhere else.”

Kent Curran KCSL CFO

Kent Curran

CFO

“I am truly grateful for the opportunity to represent Kansas Children’s Service League as the CFO. I believe in the mission and the amazing positive impact KCSL has on children, families, and communities.”

Board of Directors

*Denotes Executive Committee Member

Jeri Hewitt

Jeri Hewitt

Emprise Bank | Wichita, Chair*

“I care deeply about the welfare of children and want to help give them opportunities to be the best they can be.”

Jason Pruitt

JE Dunn Construction | Kansas City, 1st Vice Chair*

“Providing the resources needed for families to stay together is a mission my family and I are honored to join.”

headshot of Lara Bors

Lara Blake Bors

Bors Law, PA | Garden City, 2nd Vice Chair*

“Children are a top priority in my practice. My work and community involvements allow me a broad perspective of the resources available to the people I serve, not only in child abuse or neglect cases, but divorce and custody proceedings. Being part of KCSL will allow me to further my passion for serving the children of Kansas while aiding KCSL in achieving their mission: to protect and promote the well-being of children.”

Melinda Clemens

Melinda Clemens

Clemens Insurance Agency | Wichita, Treasurer*

“Both my sister and I were adopted as infants through KCSL. As a mother, I understood what a difficult choice that was and without organizations like KCSL, it could have been a different outcome. I want to give back to the organization that shaped my life and provide support to the families in our communities that may not find support anywhere else.”

Bethanie Popejoy

Bethanie Popejoy

Kansas Bureau of Investigation | Topeka, Secretary*

“My passion is to take the expertise I have acquired through decades of investigating the victimization of children and use it to help KCSL’s child abuse prevention initiatives.”

Cecilia Alonso

Cecilia Alonso

Liberal, Ex-Officio

“I want to be involved, make a difference and support parents, children and staff in any way possible.”

headshot of Tiffany Arnold

Tiffany Arnold

Henderson Engineers, Inc. | Olathe, Ex-Officio

“After working in juvenile court and seeing the impact that abuse and neglect have on families and children, I believe strongly in the mission of KCSL and want to increase my involvement and support for KCSL and its programs.”

Miranda Carmona

Goodell, Stratton, Edmonds & Palmer, L.L.P. | Topeka

“Our law firm has been a long time partner with Kansas Children’s Service League, and I appreciate their commitment to early childhood services.”

Matthew Chappell

Matthew Chappell

Kansas State Historical Society | Topeka

“As an adoptive parent and supporter of KCSL, I feel that both my personal and professional experiences with child welfare are extremely valuable. I see my background as a benefit for the continued support of Kansas families. I’m excited to have an opportunity to be a KCSL Board member and share my talent.”

Cheryl Childers

Cox Machine, Inc. | Topeka

“I am deeply passionate about the mission of KCSL and the incredible support it provides to individuals and families within our community. The services KCSL offers are vital in fostering the growth and well-being of the next generation. Being part of KCSL will allow me to make a meaningful impact, ensuring that more individuals have the resources and support they need to thrive. I look forward to the opportunity to give back to my community in this important role and to help strengthen KCSL’s vital services for future generations.”

Stacy Clarke

Kansas State Department of Education | Topeka

“As an educator, I deeply understand the unique needs of children and their families. My passion lies in advocating for children and empowering families with the tools and skills necessary to foster healthy child development.”

Toby Cook

Toby Cook

The University of Kansas Health System | Kansas City

“Our families are the backbone of society, however they’re constructed. As a people, we can come alongside others to encourage healthy family living, which directly impacts the social, economic and spiritual well-being of everyone. My passion is to bring hope and encouragement and then see both spread.”

Lacey Bisnett

Lacey Deiter

Advisor’s Excel | Topeka, Ex-Officio

“Child welfare is a cause near and dear to my heart, and I want to do my part to help families in Kansas communities.”

Teresa Maley

Teresa Maley Epperson

Retired | Olathe

“I love the accomplishments of KCSL. The organization is amazing and accomplishes so much. The participants in our community are learning appropriate parenting skills that they will pass on to their children. The entire KCSL team is committed to making a difference in the lives of Kansas children.”

Nick Gardner

USD 501 | Topeka

“As a principal, I am committed to fostering a safe and supportive school environment where students and families have access to resources that strengthen their wellbeing and academic success. Collaborating with KCSL, we can provide families with the essential support systems that encourage school readiness and assist with overall development.”

Manuel Guzman

USD 457 | Garden City

“As an engaged father, I know how crucial father involvement is in a child’s early years. My daughter is now transitioning from Early Head Start to the Head Start program this fall, and I’m passionate about encouraging other fathers to take an active role in their children’s development through HS/EHS programs. My dedication to child health and well-being runs deep from coaching youth for the YMCA, Garden City Parks and Recreation, and Garden City Public Schools to now serving on the Policy Council. I hope my work inspires more fathers to engage meaningfully in their children’s lives and with KCSL’s programs.”

Tisha Johnson

Tisha Johnson

Evergy | Wichita

“As a passionate advocate for education and community empowerment, I am deeply inspired by the mission and vision of KCSL. The commitment to fostering school readiness and providing vital family support services resonates strongly with my personal values. I am eager to offer my skills and expertise with the goal of making a meaningful impact in the lives of families.”

Annette Lawless

KWCH | Wichita

Becca Marsh

Joy Academy | Wichita

“As a mother of four young children, both biological and adoptive, as well as a former foster parent, I have a deep personal commitment to supporting children and families. My professional experience working with families who have experienced trauma has reinforced my belief that strong, healthy communities are built upon the well-being of their children and families. I am passionate about KCSL’s mission and eager to contribute my perspective as a parent and advocate to help create safe, nurturing environment where all children can thrive.”

Brittany Martin

Brittany Martin

Aim to Inspire Meliorism/CarePortal | Garden City, Ex-Officio

“I am a parent of a child who participated in KCSL programming. I think it is important to get involved and provide first hand insight about what KCSL does for families in Kansas. I come from a diverse background and have spent my life advocating for others. I am excited to continue this work and further KCSL’s mission to protect and promote the well-being of children.”

Mary Moffatt, MD

Mary Moffatt, M.D.

Children’s Mercy | Prairie Village

“I have been aware of child maltreatment and adversity prevention programming by KCSL for many years. Given my role as a Pediatrician, I share passion and energy for improving outcomes for children and families facing significant life challenges. Empowering families to achieve the goals they have for their children is our shared responsibility. Every child deserves the very best of health and comprehensive well‐being across their life trajectory.”

Marco Reyes

Landmark National Bank | Garden City

“As a father of two, I have made it a mission to help those around me find quality early childhood education for their children. In alignment with my mission, KCSL provides a nurturing space where children can develop their social and academic skills. This helps them build confidence and ignite a lifelong passion for learning. KCSL helps strengthen communities by strengthening families.”

Randy Steinert

Randy Steinert

Retired | Wichita, Ex-Officio

Lisa Thimmesch

LASTing Coach & Consulting | Inman

“Our children are the future, for our communities, our state and our country. Being able to help provide resources and programs that enrich the lives of our children and more importantly the family dynamic is needed. Sitting on the sideline and wishing for things to improve won’t get the job done. One can’t complain or raise concerns but if they aren’t willing to be part of the solution, nothing changes. Becoming part of KCSL allows me the opportunity to touch more lives and make a bigger impact than anything I could do individually.”

Brandon Whitley

Brandon Whitley

IMA Financial Group | Wichita

“As a father of six, I understand the joy that family brings as well as the challenges that come with parenting. My wife and I have been blessed with five biological children and one adopted child. Through our long road to adoption, we saw some of the devastation that abuse and neglect can cause in those early formative years. I believe in the mission, the staff and know that the organization is making significant impact to children, families and the broader community.”

Corporate Partners

We’re proud of our legacy of accomplishments since 1893, but there is more work to do.

YOUR support helps us assist families in need, today and tomorrow.

Questions?

Call (877) 530-5275 for more information.

Contact Us

Zip Code(Required)
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.