A cornerstone of the Leadership Institute is our Executive Coaching & Mentoring Program. This initiative pairs each participant with an executive coach tailored to their individual goals and areas for growth. Provided by Mid-America ATTC, this program offers a personalized coaching experience to help participants achieve their Leadership Institute objectives.
Amy is a Certified Professional Organizer and Productivity Consultant with over 30 years of experience in creating customized, easy-to-maintain solutions. She helps clients identify their goals, priorities, and opportunities, providing tools to tackle productivity challenges such as time management, focus management, streamlining processes, and work/life integration.
Amy's diverse background includes engineering, lean manufacturing, household management as a mother of four, and small business management. Based in Kansas City, Missouri, she is a recognized industry leader who served as President of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals from 2021 to 2023.
In addition to her consulting work, Amy co-hosts the "Your Real, Your Ideal" podcast. Her organizing and productivity insights have been featured in various local and national media outlets, including NBC's Today, Entrepreneur Magazine, CNN, The New York Times, and The Washington Post.
Amy is a Certified Professional Organizer and Productivity Consultant with over 30 years of experience in creating customized, easy-to-maintain solutions. She helps clients identify their goals, priorities, and opportunities, providing tools to tackle productivity challenges such as time management, focus management, streamlining processes, and work/life integration.
Amy's diverse background includes engineering, lean manufacturing, household management as a mother of four, and small business management. Based in Kansas City, Missouri, she is a recognized industry leader who served as President of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals from 2021 to 2023.
In addition to her consulting work, Amy co-hosts the "Your Real, Your Ideal" podcast. Her organizing and productivity insights have been featured in various local and national media outlets, including NBC's Today, Entrepreneur Magazine, CNN, The New York Times, and The Washington Post.
Ashley Countryman is a dedicated professional with a Master's of Science in Mental Health Counseling and a Master's of Science in Art Therapy. She is the Director of Addiction Services and Clinical Training at Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center. With two decades of experience, Ashley has proven expertise in leading teams and fostering collaborative environments. Passionate about the intersection of mental health and creative expression, she brings a unique skill set to her work, promoting holistic well-being.
Ashley believes leadership coaching is a powerful tool for personal and professional development. It involves a skilled coach, like Ashley, guiding individuals in honing their leadership skills. Ashley brings an integrated approach to leadership coaching, focusing not only on traditional leadership competencies but also on emotional intelligence, interpersonal dynamics, and creative problem-solving. Through her coaching, individuals gain insights, refine their leadership style, and achieve their professional goals.
Ashley Countryman is a dedicated professional with a Master's of Science in Mental Health Counseling and a Master's of Science in Art Therapy. She is the Director of Addiction Services and Clinical Training at Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center. With two decades of experience, Ashley has proven expertise in leading teams and fostering collaborative environments. Passionate about the intersection of mental health and creative expression, she brings a unique skill set to her work, promoting holistic well-being.
Ashley believes leadership coaching is a powerful tool for personal and professional development. It involves a skilled coach, like Ashley, guiding individuals in honing their leadership skills. Ashley brings an integrated approach to leadership coaching, focusing not only on traditional leadership competencies but also on emotional intelligence, interpersonal dynamics, and creative problem-solving. Through her coaching, individuals gain insights, refine their leadership style, and achieve their professional goals.
Courtney is a visionary leader, dynamic public speaker, and skilled problem solver with a talent for motivating and inspiring people. Over the past 20 years, she has transformed customer and staff experiences, created award-winning marketing campaigns, and unlocked new revenue streams for four Kansas City organizations.
Originally from North Carolina, Courtney earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the Bryan School of Business and Economics at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She moved to Kansas City in 2002, joining the Executive Leadership Team at Wayside Waifs. During her eight years there as Chief Operating Officer, she grew the annual budget by 69% and established the agency as a national leader.
Courtney then led the merger of two Kansas nonprofits to form Great Plains SPCA, serving as President & CEO for over six years. She grew the budget by 290%, expanded the organization to be the first bi-state animal welfare campus in the U.S., and drove legislative change in Missouri and Kansas.
In 2017, she became CEO of Central Exchange, a professional leadership development organization. Within eight months, she revitalized the organization, reversing a six-year financial loss into a net income of $75K, and led an annual conference with over 1,200 attendees.
In 2019, Courtney joined Newhouse, Kansas City’s first domestic violence shelter. Amid a global pandemic, she rebranded the organization, improved financial stability, increased new donor revenue by 128%, and raised funds for a $1.2M shelter renovation and a $3.2M capital expansion. She also raised a record-breaking $1M at the 2023 annual gala.
Courtney is the Founder and CEO of Thrive 360, specializing in leadership development, executive coaching, strategic planning, and operational excellence. Outside of work, she enjoys family life with her husband and three children, loves dogs and horses, and is a hobby photographer. She serves on several boards, including the Big Shifts Foundation, InnovateHER KC, First Interstate Bank, and the Global Diversity and Inclusion Council for the YMCA.
Courtney is a visionary leader, dynamic public speaker, and skilled problem solver with a talent for motivating and inspiring people. Over the past 20 years, she has transformed customer and staff experiences, created award-winning marketing campaigns, and unlocked new revenue streams for four Kansas City organizations.
Originally from North Carolina, Courtney earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the Bryan School of Business and Economics at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She moved to Kansas City in 2002, joining the Executive Leadership Team at Wayside Waifs. During her eight years there as Chief Operating Officer, she grew the annual budget by 69% and established the agency as a national leader.
Courtney then led the merger of two Kansas nonprofits to form Great Plains SPCA, serving as President & CEO for over six years. She grew the budget by 290%, expanded the organization to be the first bi-state animal welfare campus in the U.S., and drove legislative change in Missouri and Kansas.
In 2017, she became CEO of Central Exchange, a professional leadership development organization. Within eight months, she revitalized the organization, reversing a six-year financial loss into a net income of $75K, and led an annual conference with over 1,200 attendees.
In 2019, Courtney joined Newhouse, Kansas City’s first domestic violence shelter. Amid a global pandemic, she rebranded the organization, improved financial stability, increased new donor revenue by 128%, and raised funds for a $1.2M shelter renovation and a $3.2M capital expansion. She also raised a record-breaking $1M at the 2023 annual gala.
Courtney is the Founder and CEO of Thrive 360, specializing in leadership development, executive coaching, strategic planning, and operational excellence. Outside of work, she enjoys family life with her husband and three children, loves dogs and horses, and is a hobby photographer. She serves on several boards, including the Big Shifts Foundation, InnovateHER KC, First Interstate Bank, and the Global Diversity and Inclusion Council for the YMCA.
Donna Wright brings over 25 years of corporate and non-profit experience to her role as Managing Principal of Kansas Business Services LLC (KBS). KBS is an administrative and business development consulting firm specializing in organizational management solutions, strategic planning, growth strategies, adaptive leadership training and coaching, and corporate governance for both governmental agencies and private companies. The firm also focuses on strategy development and policy enhancement for corporate purchasing organizations.
Currently, Donna is a member of the core faculty teaching and coaching team at the Kansas Leadership Center in Wichita, KS. From 2006 to 2015, she served as Regional Vice President for the National Minority Supplier Development Council, where she enhanced the visibility and footprint of Women & Minority Owned Enterprises (W/MBE). Prior to this, Donna spent 15 years at Boeing in various managerial roles, including Continuous Quality Improvement, Corporate Internal Audit, and managing the Supplier Chain Management Diversity program.
Donna is actively involved in her community, having served on the Board of Directors for the City of Wichita Diversity Task Team, Wichita Public Schools DBE Policy Committee, Make-A-Wish Foundation, American Red Cross, and the Wichita Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. She volunteers her time with several local organizations and is a proud member and immediate past President of the local chapter of The Links, Incorporated. She is also an alumna of Benedict College and the Harvard Kennedy School of Executive Leadership
Mrs. Wright enjoys reading and loves spending her free time traveling with her husband of 39 years, her six children and grandchildren.
Donna Wright brings over 25 years of corporate and non-profit experience to her role as Managing Principal of Kansas Business Services LLC (KBS). KBS is an administrative and business development consulting firm specializing in organizational management solutions, strategic planning, growth strategies, adaptive leadership training and coaching, and corporate governance for both governmental agencies and private companies. The firm also focuses on strategy development and policy enhancement for corporate purchasing organizations.
Currently, Donna is a member of the core faculty teaching and coaching team at the Kansas Leadership Center in Wichita, KS. From 2006 to 2015, she served as Regional Vice President for the National Minority Supplier Development Council, where she enhanced the visibility and footprint of Women & Minority Owned Enterprises (W/MBE). Prior to this, Donna spent 15 years at Boeing in various managerial roles, including Continuous Quality Improvement, Corporate Internal Audit, and managing the Supplier Chain Management Diversity program.
Donna is actively involved in her community, having served on the Board of Directors for the City of Wichita Diversity Task Team, Wichita Public Schools DBE Policy Committee, Make-A-Wish Foundation, American Red Cross, and the Wichita Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. She volunteers her time with several local organizations and is a proud member and immediate past President of the local chapter of The Links, Incorporated. She is also an alumna of Benedict College and the Harvard Kennedy School of Executive Leadership
Mrs. Wright enjoys reading and loves spending her free time traveling with her husband of 39 years, her six children and grandchildren.
Julie Solomon has 14 years of experience consulting with police departments and community stakeholders on police reform, crisis intervention, and officer wellness. She serves as the Associate Monitor for Crisis Intervention on the Chicago Police Department Consent Decree. An FBI-trained Crisis Negotiator, she was previously the VP of Emergency Stabilization Services at Wyandot Behavioral Health Center in Kansas City.
At Wyandot, Julie developed key initiatives such as the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT), Police/Mental Health Clinician Co-Responder Program, Jail Diversion Program, and a 24/7 Crisis Center. She also coordinated CIT at the county level and served on the Kansas State CIT council.
Julie has received grants from the Bureau of Justice Assistance and has presented nationally on law enforcement response to mental health crises. She authored a guide on best practices for crisis response and teaches law enforcement e-learning courses. She played a crucial role in passing a Kansas state statute revising involuntary commitment laws to allow local crisis center treatment.
Julie holds a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice and Psychology from Western Michigan University, a Master’s in Social Work from Smith College, and an MBA from the University of St. Mary. She is dedicated to implementing evidence-based practices that strengthen policing and build community trust.
Julie Solomon has 14 years of experience consulting with police departments and community stakeholders on police reform, crisis intervention, and officer wellness. She serves as the Associate Monitor for Crisis Intervention on the Chicago Police Department Consent Decree. An FBI-trained Crisis Negotiator, she was previously the VP of Emergency Stabilization Services at Wyandot Behavioral Health Center in Kansas City.
At Wyandot, Julie developed key initiatives such as the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT), Police/Mental Health Clinician Co-Responder Program, Jail Diversion Program, and a 24/7 Crisis Center. She also coordinated CIT at the county level and served on the Kansas State CIT council.
Julie has received grants from the Bureau of Justice Assistance and has presented nationally on law enforcement response to mental health crises. She authored a guide on best practices for crisis response and teaches law enforcement e-learning courses. She played a crucial role in passing a Kansas state statute revising involuntary commitment laws to allow local crisis center treatment.
Julie holds a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice and Psychology from Western Michigan University, a Master’s in Social Work from Smith College, and an MBA from the University of St. Mary. She is dedicated to implementing evidence-based practices that strengthen policing and build community trust.
Nick Szubiak has over 20 years of experience in direct service, administration, and clinical roles in healthcare. He is the founder of NSI Strategies, which supports integrated healthcare environments, and currently works as an Advanced Implementation Specialist for SAMHSA’s Opioid Response Network. Previously, he was the Assistant Vice President of Addiction and Recovery at the National Council for Behavioral Health and Director at the SAMHSA-HRSA Center for Integrated Health Solutions.
Nick has extensive experience in integrating behavioral health with primary care, implementing medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and using implementation science to improve clinical care. He has worked with FQHCs, developed trauma-informed care systems, and created recovery-oriented care models. He is known for his engaging presentations and has served on various expert panels.
He holds a Master’s in Social Work from Rutgers University. Nick founded NSI Strategies to enhance integrated care, driven by his passion for improving patient outcomes, provider satisfaction, and healthcare efficiency. NSI Strategies helps organizations navigate change management and elevate their integrated care practices, ultimately fostering healthier communities.
Nick Szubiak has over 20 years of experience in direct service, administration, and clinical roles in healthcare. He is the founder of NSI Strategies, which supports integrated healthcare environments, and currently works as an Advanced Implementation Specialist for SAMHSA’s Opioid Response Network. Previously, he was the Assistant Vice President of Addiction and Recovery at the National Council for Behavioral Health and Director at the SAMHSA-HRSA Center for Integrated Health Solutions.
Nick has extensive experience in integrating behavioral health with primary care, implementing medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and using implementation science to improve clinical care. He has worked with FQHCs, developed trauma-informed care systems, and created recovery-oriented care models. He is known for his engaging presentations and has served on various expert panels.
He holds a Master’s in Social Work from Rutgers University. Nick founded NSI Strategies to enhance integrated care, driven by his passion for improving patient outcomes, provider satisfaction, and healthcare efficiency. NSI Strategies helps organizations navigate change management and elevate their integrated care practices, ultimately fostering healthier communities.
Rachelle Huddleston, LCP, PCC is principal of CoachRachelle.com. Rachelle brings insight, energy, and compassion to her work. She stands with her clients, both individual and corporate, to shift possibilities into achievable realities. Her unassuming and comfortable demeanor paves the way for an engaging and provocative exploration of her clients' goals, dreams, and aspirations. She understands the dynamics of human relationships, whether in the corporate or non-profit world, or in our personal lives, and brings her highly developed skills as a coach to help unravel the seemingly complex into straight-forward thinking and action.
Rachelle is a certified facilitator/trainer of True Colors and Personality Dimensions team development workshops, The Coach U Coaching Clinic for Leaders, Mental Health First Aid, and Trauma Informed Systems of Care. Rachelle is a licensed clinical psychotherapist with a strong background in behavioral health leadership and organizational change. A graduate of Coach U, Rachelle has earned her Professional Coach Certification (PCC) through the International Coaching Federation (ICF). She has served as President of the ICF Arizona Charter Chapter, and she is also past President of the ICF Heartland Charter Chapter.
Rachelle Huddleston, LCP, PCC is principal of CoachRachelle.com. Rachelle brings insight, energy, and compassion to her work. She stands with her clients, both individual and corporate, to shift possibilities into achievable realities. Her unassuming and comfortable demeanor paves the way for an engaging and provocative exploration of her clients' goals, dreams, and aspirations. She understands the dynamics of human relationships, whether in the corporate or non-profit world, or in our personal lives, and brings her highly developed skills as a coach to help unravel the seemingly complex into straight-forward thinking and action.
Rachelle is a certified facilitator/trainer of True Colors and Personality Dimensions team development workshops, The Coach U Coaching Clinic for Leaders, Mental Health First Aid, and Trauma Informed Systems of Care. Rachelle is a licensed clinical psychotherapist with a strong background in behavioral health leadership and organizational change. A graduate of Coach U, Rachelle has earned her Professional Coach Certification (PCC) through the International Coaching Federation (ICF). She has served as President of the ICF Arizona Charter Chapter, and she is also past President of the ICF Heartland Charter Chapter.
