Denise Stafos is an accomplished educator with nearly three decades of experience helping students connect history, civics, and current events to the world around them. She currently completed almost a decade serving as the 7th and 8th grade Social Studies teacher at Smith-Hale Middle School in the Hickman Mills School District, where she was honored as the 2023–2024 Teacher of the Year.

Throughout her career, Denise has been known for creating engaging, student-centered classrooms rooted in project-based learning and writing to learn – strategies that help students think critically and demonstrate what they know in meaningful ways. She has also served as a Middle School District Team Leader and collaborated with Prep KC on data-driven, real-world learning initiatives.

Before joining Hickman Mills, Denise taught in both general and special education settings across Kansas and Missouri, including at Marillac, Kansas City Kansas Public Schools, and Maranatha Academy. Her diverse teaching background includes middle school history, Bible studies, and special education, as well as site coordination for Greenbush’s Future Visions program, which supported adult learners in completing their high school diplomas.

A lifelong learner, Denise holds a Bachelor of Arts from MidAmerica Nazarene University and a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction: Technology from Grand Canyon University. She is certified in both Kansas and Missouri to teach Social Studies for grades 6–12.

Denise’s leadership and innovation in education have earned her several distinctions, including a nomination for Fox 4’s Crystal Apple Award and national recognition from the U.S. Department of Education, which published one of her American History lessons. Beyond the classroom, she has organized diversity-focused school programs, sponsored clubs such as Chess and National Geographic Bee, and supported her students in discovering their passions through enrichment and service.

Passionate about helping every student succeed, Denise continues to inspire curiosity, confidence, and connection in the next generation of learners.

Kent Hawkins is a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in financial analysis and strategic planning. Currently serving as the Senior Director of Financial and Offsite Analysis at NeighborWorks America, Hawkins has been instrumental in driving the organization’s mission forward for the past 22 years. His expertise lies in analyzing complex financial data and providing valuable insights to inform decision-making processes. 

In addition to his role at NeighborWorks America, Hawkins serves as Treasurer on the Health Forward Foundation Board of Directors, where he brings his financial acumen to bear in support of the Foundation’s mission to improve the health and well-being of communities in Kansas and Missouri.

Prior to his role at NeighborWorks America, Hawkins served as the Director of Finance for the City of North Kansas City, where he demonstrated his proficiency in budgeting, forecasting, and fiscal management. Prior to that role, Hawkins was Deputy Auditor in Jackson County where he spent years honing his skills in auditing and compliance, laying the groundwork for his future success in financial leadership roles.

With a proven track record of driving financial performance and fostering organizational growth, Hawkins is a respected leader in the field of financial analysis and management. His expertise, combined with his unwavering commitment to excellence, makes him an invaluable asset to any organization fortunate enough to have him on board.

Ivan Nugent is a dedicated attorney who has been with Krigel Nugent + Moore since 2018, earning his position as a shareholder in 2021. With a passion for justice, Nugent has built his career on advocating for those whose voices often go unheard.

Starting out as a public defender, Nugent ensured that even those without means had access to compassionate legal representation. During his tenure, he fiercely defended the rights of his clients, including representing the Kansas City Public Schools for eight years, prevailing in over 13 jury trials.

His expertise extends across various legal domains, from litigating contracts and employment disputes to navigating complex educational and governmental matters. His extensive experience in educational, employment, and business law, coupled with his courtroom acumen, distinguishes him as a valuable asset to any legal team.

Nugent earned both his B.B.A in Finance and Economics and an M.B.A from Rockhurst University. He then received his Juris Doctor degree from Western Michigan University, Lansing, Michigan, in 2009. He’s a member of the Jackson County Bar Association, Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association, American Bar Association, and Minority In-house Counsel Association. 

In addition to his professional associations, he is also active in various community organizations. He has been on the Board of Directors at The Children’s Place and Christo Rey in Kansas City. He has also served on the Board of Trustees for Rockhurst High and a board member of Show Me KC Schools. He was in the Centurions Leadership Program in 2016 and the year before he was named the Big Brothers, Big Sisters Most Wanted.

Throughout her career, Darla Wilkerson has been a staunch advocate for disability inclusion in the workplace. With more than 37 years of expertise, Darla has been instrumental in driving the vision, direction, and overall success of various organizations.

Wilkerson recently retired as Chief Executive Officer in December 2023 after leading the Center for Disability Inclusion since 2019. As CEO, she presented the mission of CDI and championed the message of disability inclusion through focused consultation and training with business partners and other organizations. Her efforts have impacted national and international audiences, delivering training to thousands of corporate, government, and non-profit entities.

Wilkerson founded her consulting business, the CSI Network, in 2010, where she continues to provide specialized consultation and training tailored to the employment of people with disabilities. Her commitment to disability advocacy is deeply personal, as she identifies as a person with a disability herself, having acquired a brain injury in 2006. This firsthand experience informs her understanding of the challenges faced by individuals seeking employment opportunities.

Recognized as one of the 2021 Ace Award winners and Champions of Diversity, Darla’s dedication to partnering with businesses to elevate inclusion in the workplace remains unwavering.

She holds a Master’s degree in public administration with a non-profit emphasis from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and has served on numerous national and statewide boards dedicated to increasing employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

Before her executive roles, Darla served as Director of Employment & Training at the Missouri Department of Mental Health – DDD and Director of Employment at the University of Missouri, where she provided invaluable services, training, and consultation in organizational change and career development for individuals with disabilities.

Brenda Pelofsky has been a professional fundraiser for more than 30 years. She brings to The Transition Academy her passion for supporting organizations’ fundraising goals and creating successful fundraising strategies. She has expertly collaborated with community health and behavioral health centers, alongside foundations and government officials at local, state, and national levels. Her exceptional skills have helped secure more than $200 million in grants across all levels of government and the private sector.

Pelofsky spent 22 years as Executive Vice President of Swope Parkway Health where she was responsible for all fundraising initiatives for the health center. She is now a senior consultant with Byrne, Pelofsky & Associates in Kansas City where she has assisted more than 150 non-profits with their fundraising goals. She holds a Bachelor of Sciences Degree from Simmons College in Boston, Massachusetts, and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Missouri–Kansas City.

Throughout her distinguished career, Pelofsky has been involved in many significant nonprofit boards and committees including the Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City, MS Society, Greater Kansas City Mental Health Foundation, Missouri Coalition for Primary Health Care, KC CareLink, Kansas City Care Network, and the Applied Urban Research Institute. She was an active member of the Missouri Coalition for Primary Health Care and was president of the Greater Kansas City Mental Health Foundation Board and contributed as a legislative committee member for the National Association of Community Mental Health Centers. Her commitment extended to the Homeless Care Task Force, the community-wide HIV/AIDS program, and the Mayor’s Minority Health Task Force. She’s been recognized many times for her dedication and service including being named as one of the Kansas City Business Journal’s “25 Women Who Mean Business” in 2009. Additionally, she was honored by the Kansas City Care Network as “A Leader with Vision.”

Founder, The Grace Is Greener | Nonprofit Executive | Community and Workforce Development Leader | Health and Wellness Advocate

Anita Davis brings over 20 years of experience as a nonprofit leader and executive, specializing in community, economic, and workforce development, to her new venture in the health and wellness industry. As the founder of The Grace Is Greener, a wellness brand dedicated to empowering women over 40, Anita blends her deep expertise in creating impactful, sustainable programs with a passion for holistic health, longevity, and personal transformation.

Throughout her career, Anita has led initiatives that supported vulnerable populations through education, job training, and economic mobility. Now, she focuses on helping women embrace graceful aging, optimize their wellness, and cultivate energy, vitality, and confidence in every stage of life.

Her journey into health and wellness comes from both personal experience and a desire to inspire others. Navigating her own health journey, coupled with her role as a caregiver for her aging mother with dementia, has deepened her understanding of the challenges women face as they age. Anita is dedicated to helping women over 40 live with vitality, balance, and purpose. With her unique blend of nonprofit leadership and wellness expertise, she is committed to making a lasting impact on individuals’ lives, offering both community-driven support and personalized wellness solutions.

Shelley Coulter is a seasoned advocate and a dedicated agent of transformation, with an unwavering commitment to positively impact individuals facing challenges from diverse backgrounds. With over twenty years of experience, she has ardently supported students and families in urban core communities both locally and globally.

Her roles have included serving as the Executive Director of the KCKPS Education Foundation, where she successfully secured scholarships from esteemed sources such as legacy Alumni, the Brandmeyer Family, Bill Self Assist Foundation, Hall Foundation, General Motors Foundation, and the Will Shields to Succeed Foundation. Additionally, she was the Community Engagement Director at Bishop Ward High School, overseeing The Academy of Finance. She was also a board member of the Global One Foundation in Nairobi, Kenya where she was instrumental in constructing schools, ensuring access to clean water, cultivating gardens to feed over 200 students, and providing access to education, food, and clothing for those in need.

Shelley has earned a master’s degree in organizational leadership and a bachelor’s degree in organizational management from the University of Arizona.

Heather Jackson is an experienced office manager and event coordinator with a professional background in higher education and nonprofit organizations. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Oxbridge Literature & Theory with a minor in Studio Art from William Jewell College, where she also spent a year studying abroad at Oxford University.

Heather’s professional experience includes roles such as Event Coordinator at William Jewell College, Student Services Assistant at Metropolitan Community College, and Executive Assistant for Global Birthing Home Foundation, a Haitian nonprofit. Across these positions, she has demonstrated expertise in supporting diverse student populations, including students with disabilities, international students, first-generation students, and adult learners.

Known for her empathy and inclusivity, Heather strives to create environments where all students are valued and supported. Her background in illustrative art and graphic design adds a creative dimension to her work, enabling her to approach challenges with innovation and a unique perspective. Heather brings a passion for education and nonprofit service to her role at The Transition Academy and is dedicated to fostering growth and opportunity.

Kim Riley is a social entrepreneur based in Kansas City, MO. She has worked extensively in higher education, health care and nonprofits. She founded a nonprofit, The Transition Academy (TTA), in 2019 as a solution to the confusing and poorly-designed postsecondary preparation process for students with disabilities – a problem affecting her family and others like hers. In 2021, she began developing North Star, a college and career planning tech product for these same youth. Kim earned a Bachelor of Journalism degree from the University of Missouri and an Executive MBA from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Kisha Thomas is a Licensed Master Social Worker and Certified Nonprofit Professional with more than two decades of experience serving individuals, families, and communities across the Kansas City region. She joins The Transition Academy as a Social Worker, bringing deep expertise in trauma-informed care, case management, and community development.

Before joining The Transition Academy, Kisha served as Director of the Welcome Center for Catholic Charities of Kansas City–St. Joseph, where she led five programs across multiple locations and developed initiatives focused on poverty reduction, disaster preparedness, and cultural inclusion. Under her leadership, the agency enhanced its data-driven approach to service delivery and expanded programs to better meet community needs.

Kisha’s extensive background includes roles in family development, nonprofit consulting, and program management. As a Community Consultant, she has guided small businesses and nonprofit organizations through strategic planning, fundraising, and data analysis to strengthen impact and sustainability. She has also authored and managed grants securing more than $500,000 to expand critical services for families in need.

An advocate for lifelong learning and professional collaboration, Kisha serves on several regional councils and committees, including United Way’s 211 Advisory Committee, the Harvesters Advisory Council, and as Co-Chair of the Kansas City Regional Community Organizations Active in Disaster (KCRCOAD). She is also a Bridges Out of Poverty Lifetime Professional Trainer and a proud graduate of the University of Missouri–Kansas City, where she earned her Master of Social Work.

At The Transition Academy, Kisha is passionate about supporting students and families through holistic, person-centered approaches that build confidence, connection, and long-term stability. Her work reflects a career-long commitment to inclusion, equity, and the belief that every individual deserves the opportunity to thrive.

Christina Esteban is a passionate advocate for Kansas City families and a seasoned nonprofit leader. She has more than 25 years of experience driving change across social services, workforce development, food security, and violence prevention. Her career began in social work, supporting foster youth and navigating complex systems to connect families with the resources they needed to thrive.

Over the years, Christina has led community-based initiatives with a focus on equity, basic needs, and opportunity. Most recently, she served as Managing Director at KC Mothers in Charge, where she strengthened infrastructure, grew donor engagement, and expanded community partnerships for a crisis intervention agency serving families affected by homicide. She also held leadership roles at NourishKC, Guadalupe Centers, and Harvesters, developing sustainable programs and managing strategic fundraising efforts.

Christina is known for her collaborative leadership, her ability to build strong relationships across sectors, and her commitment to mission-driven work. She played a key role in growing the Coalition of Hispanic Organizations, served as an inaugural board member of the Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City, and in 2024, she completed the KC Chamber Centurions leadership program.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Rockhurst College and is certified through American Humanics. In her current role with The Transition Academy, Christina is focused on strengthening business partnerships to align the skills of youth with meaningful employment opportunities, ensuring a more inclusive and connected future for all.