Humble, Optimistic, Caring Flexible and A Strong Work Ethic.

Ashton Stowell

East Coordinator

Employed since: 2016 - Ashton received her bachelors degree in Elementary Education from Tabor College and began working at SCMH in 2016 as a children's case manager. Ashton began working at Social Stars as a classroom teacher in 2018. Over the next few years Ashton continued to learn and develop her skills as a care coordinator for the children and families at Social Stars and SCMH. Ashton grew up playing softball and spending time at her siblings sporting events. Ashton was a collegiate softball player at Tabor College. In her free time Ashton enjoys spending time with her family, being outdoors and playing sports.

Cassie McAllister

West Coordinator

Employed Since: 2011 - Cassie received her Child Development Associate while working at South Central Mental Health Counseling Center. It wasn’t until she started in-depth Conscious Discipline training that she fully understood the importance of building connections to build positive attachments to provide children with the safety and empowerment to foster academic achievement. Over the course of her 13 years at SCMHCC she has had various roles and is now a Preschool Coordinator of Social Stars Learning Center. In her free time Cassie enjoys spending time with her Husband and children, being outside, and reading fiction stories.

Kelsey Gorton

East Assistant Coordinator

Employed since: 2019 - Kelsey started with South Central Mental Health as a Children’s Attendant Care Worker in November of 2019. She has a passion for helping others and an nurturing nature which helps her succeed in the field. She strongly believes in artistic expression for all ages. In her free time, she enjoys creating art and spending time with her dogs and family.

Megan Winter

West Assistant Coordinator

Employed since: 2019 - Megan has worked for South Central Mental Health twice now. Initially 2005-2009, returning in 2019 after enjoying 10 years of raising her children at home. Megan has worn many hats over the years providing case management for children, coordinating care with parents, leading summer and after school social skills groups, providing parent support, and now all that comes with being the Assistant Coordinator at Social Stars. Megan has a Bachelor of the Arts in Psychology and has a passion for helping families reconnect and find joy in their daily life. While at home, Megan loves to be in the garden, delighting in the little wonders that come with growing plants.

Heather Harrod

Blue Lead Teacher

Employed since: 2023 - Heather is the CEO to a family of 5. Heather has multiple years of experience with early childhood development and school age children. Heather is eager to incorporate social and emotional lessons into our daily conscious discipline routine. Heather strives to encourage children to grow with learning and be the best possible version of themselves. Heather is passionate about her ability to connect with children. In her free time, Heather likes to be outdoors, read books that help me grow and spend time with her family.

Morgan Limon

Green Lead Teacher

Employed Since: 2018 - Morgan started with South Central Mental Health as a Children’s Case Manager in March of 2018. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Creative Writing Minor. Through experience and education, Morgan is able to connect with children to adolescents to help learn age appropriate emotion regulation and expression, and social skills. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music and playing outdoors with her puppy.

Sidney Reynolds

Yellow Lead Teacher

Employed since: 2021 - Sidney began her employment with SCMH in November 2021 with one goal, impacting the lives of children in a positive, loving, and educational way. She has a long term goal of becoming a foster parent. This is seeded from being in foster care herself. She lives on a small ranch with her son and enjoys teaching the children about animals and nature, along with the resources they both provide. When given the chance she enjoys bringing the children an animal from her ranch and teaching them about it. In her free time she enjoys riding her horses, reading, and self education.

Rachel McDaniel

Indigo Lead Teacher

Employed Since: 2020 - Rachel McDaniel began her employment with SCMH in July of 2020 as a Children's Case Manager. Rachel has a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology/Human Services from Friends University and an Associates Degree in Psychology from Butler CC. She enjoys working with all aged children and expanding her knowledge in mental health management. Rachel is very creative and enjoys incorporating her artwork into the centers at the preschool. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her boyfriend and at the gym.

Cathy cuckler

Yellow Co Teacher

Employed since: 2017 - Cathy began her employment with SCMH in December of 2017 as a Children's Case Manager. Cathy has an Associate's Degree in Child Development from Butler Community College. She enjoys working with preschool through high school age children. Cathy has gained vast knowledge equipping her to help children meet their goals during the time they are at Social Stars. In her free time, Cathy enjoys baking goodies for others, going to bible study and going shopping with her close friends.

Lauren Newman

Indigo Co Teacher

Employed Since: 2022 - Lauren Newman began her employment with SCMH in February of 2022 as a Children’s case manager. Lauren is in the process of obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Fort Hays State University. Lauren enjoys working with people of all different ages and backgrounds and appreciates learning of different values and cultures. Lauren especially enjoys working with children because they offer a different perspective. Lauren wants to advocate for those that are not able to advocate for themselves and hopes to give a voice to children. In her free time, Lauren enjoys spending time with family and friends as well as reading books and watching Netflix!

Stephanie Baker

Yellow Co Teacher

​Employed since 2022- Stephanie began her employment with SCMH in February 2022 as a Children’s Attendant Care Worker. Stephanie is currently working towards a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Wichita State University. She has passion for working with children and has had the goal to do so from an early age. Stephanie more than anything treasures the connection she gets to build with her clients. In her free time, Stephanie loves playing with her three nieces and spending as much time she can with her boyfriend and her pets.

Stephanie Cryderman

Green Co Teacher

Employed since 2023- Stephanie began her employment with SCMH in May 2023 as a Children’s Case Manager. She has a passion for working with children and has had the goal to do so from an early age as she started working in a classroom the day she turned sixteen. In her spare time, Stephanie loves spending time with her three children and watching them play softball/baseball year round! When she’s not at a ball field, you can almost always find her camping with her family and friends!

Samantha Doll

Blue Co Teacher

Employed since 2023 - Samantha began employment with SCMH in April 2023. Samantha earned an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education in 2020. Samantha has always had a passion of working with kids and has wanted to become a teacher ever since she was in elementary school. Samantha spent the previous 9 years working in the Special Education field for Butler County Interlocal with children from the ages of 9 to 21 before joining SCMH. During her free time, Samantha enjoys family time with her children, reading, and being outdoors as much as possible.

Braelyn McSparen

Green Co Teacher

Braelyn started working with South Central in October of 2022. Braelyn has a bachelors in Phycology as well has a bachelors in criminal Justice. Braelyn likes to walk her dog and spend time with her family with her spare time. Braelyn is looking forward to getting married this June to her fiancé named Drake. Braelyn has a passion for making a change in children’s life by building strong connections.

Tabitha Hjerpe

Blue Co Teacher

Employed Since 2022 - Tabitha started her career at South Central Mental Health as a Children’s Case Manager in 2022. She received her Associate of Science in Psychology from Hutchinson Community College in 2018, and went on to graduate summa cum laude from Fort Hays State University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2021. She is passionate about advocating for those who can’t advocate for themselves, and loves helping children to build confidence in themselves while teaching skills that will make them more successful in life. In her free time, she loves cuddling her cats, self-educating, and spending time with friends and family.

Stacey Page

Indigo Co Teacher

Stacey had worked at South Central Mental Heath since 2022. Stacey started as an attendant care worker in community case management before transitioning to Social Stars West full time. Stacey has a passion for mental health and working with children. Stacey enjoys teaching children safe and healthy ways to manage their emotions and fully embracing conscious discipline. In her free time, Stacey enjoys spending time with her family and friends, crafting and baking.

Jessica Ferguson

Yellow Co Teacher

Employed Since 2024 - Jessica began her employment at SCMHCC in February 2024 as a Children's Case Manager. Jessica has a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. She has a passion for working with kids of all ages. She loves building positive connections with each child. In her free time Jessica enjoys spending time with family, planting flowers, and reading mystery books.

Hannah Clemons 

Indigo Co Teacher

Employed Since: 2024 - Hannah started with South Central Mental Health in January of 2024 as a Children's Case Manager. Hannah has multiple years of experience with early childhood development and is excited to mix that experience with the wonderful tools of conscious discipline at Social Stars to empower students to keep themselves regulated and safe so that they can learn with as few obstacles as possible! Hannah has a passion for connecting and understanding her clients so that they can reach goals and learn together. In her free time, Hannah enjoys being outside in nature, crafting, and spending time with her husband.

Kirby Shaffer

Blue Co Teacher

Kirby holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education. With a decade of experience in the early childhood field, she has dedicated her career to fostering positive connections with young children and supporting their developmental needs. Kirby’s passion for early intervention shines through with advocacy for preschool-aged children, ensuring they receive the support and resources necessary for a successful start in life. Outside of the classroom, Kirby enjoys reading, gardening, and crafting, often finding inspiration in nature and creativity to share with her students. She believes that learning extends beyond academics, and strives to incorporate hands-on experiences and exploration into her teaching practices.

Jacob Tollefson

Green Co Teacher

Jacob has been employed since 2023. He started with SCMH as a community case manager but decided to move full time to Social Stars. He loves working with and building connections with the kiddos during this very important developmental period. He is attending FHSU to get his bachelor's in education.

Latisha Espada

East CACFP Specialist 

Employed Since 2024 - I have been employed with SCMH since January. Before I was a food specialist at EHS for the past 9years. I believe it is very important and healthy for children to developed a relationship with different foods early on in life. In her spare time, you can catch her at one of her three kids sporting event or practice. She enjoys nature trails, camping, swimming, taking in a concert. But most importantly she loves spending time with her children and family.

Isabelle Santonge

West CACFP Specialist 

Employed since 2024- Isabelle started with SCMH as a CACFP specialist in February of 2024. In 2021, she graduated from Butler CC with an associates in culinary arts. She believes strongly in the power and benefits of helping children cultivate a good and healthy relationship with food early in life. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, riding motorcycles, and coaching children at her local Junior Olympic Archery Development program.