2016 Graduating Class of the Center for Leadership

TOPEKA, KS – Nine professionals in the field of aging services graduated last week from the Center for Leadership. The program equips talented aging services professionals to positively influence the future of aging services in Kansas.

“Our goal is to grow our own leaders in Kansas”, states Dana Weaver, chief operating officer for LeadingAge Kansas, “The program provides the opportunity for these individuals to hone their leadership skills within their own organizations as well as influence the field on a macro level.”

Over 90 aging services professionals have participated in the year-long intensive. The program is celebrating its 7th year with great success. The group of fellows —administrators, operators, marketing managers, human resources professionals, nurses, housing managers, and food service professionals — includes representatives from all types, sizes, and locations of aging services providers in Kansas.

Over the course of the program, fellows convene in intense seminars led by established leaders in the field. The curriculum covers aging service issues from business, leadership, and public policy perspectives. Participants learn about innovative services, person-centeredness, and transformational leadership. They gain an understanding of how to lead through difficulty and continually improve the field for tomorrow’s seniors.

"Solving the challenges facing long-term care in Kansas requires highly skilled leaders from across the spectrum of professions and organizations that make up our patchwork system. By investing in emerging leaders, we are sowing seeds for better, more accessible aging services in Kansas. Individuals selected for this program are professionals with outstanding experience and commitment to aging services. It's a privilege to prepare them for the next level in their careers," states Debra Harmon Zehr, president/CEO of LeadingAge Kansas.

Graduating Class of 2016

• Tom Basore, Executive Chef at Kidron Bethel Village in North Newton
• Amanda Church, Director of Nursing at Bethesda Home in Goessel
• Briana Hodges, LPN/Life Coach at Pine Village in Moundridge
• Linda Kettles, Owner Kettles Healthcare Consulting, LLC in Osawatomie
• Kayla Poston Brown, Administrator at Anthony Community Care Home in Anthony
• Diana Stettnisch, Education Manager at LeadingAge Kansas in Topeka
• Amy Stubbs, Clinical Coordinator at Pleasant View Home in Inman
• Amy Wedel, Director of Social Services at Schowalter Villa in Hesston
• Eric Wray, Life Coach at Evergreen Community of Johnson County in Olathe

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