The School–based team is comprised of mental and behavioral health professionals that work together to support school initiatives around mental health in Boone County
Our goal is to work alongside school personnel to build capacity to deliver
effective support and services and meet student and school needs through a
coordinated multidisciplinary effort. Our model implements a scientifically
based model of prevention and intervention to improve youth’s well-being and
coordinate of services for at-risk youth and their families
Our Staff
Director of FACE School-Based Services
Sarah Owens (she/her)
Sarah Owens
While a Missouri native, most of my childhood was spent in Overland Park, Kansas. With roots in Missouri, I returned to complete my undergraduate degree at Drury University in Springfield, MO. From there, my education took me to Illinois, where I received my Master’s degree in Clinical Child and School Psychology from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE).
After completing my master’s, I found myself back in Missouri, where I completed my Ph.D. in School Psychology at the University of Missouri. Currently, I work as the Director of the Coalition and as an Assistant Teaching Professor in School Psychology at Mizzou, training future school psychologists. Throughout my career, I have worked as a Behavioral Health Specialist in East St. Louis Head Start Centers, provided individualized ABA therapy to children with autism in the home, worked in residential treatment facilities, and provided cognitive behavioral therapy to children and families across private practice and schools. All my work centers around children and families. Working in schools allows me to be where kids are every day to make an impact on their well-being and prevent long-term problems.
Outside of my work, I enjoy visiting my friends and family across Missouri and Kansas and spending time with my husband and daughter. In my spare time, you will find me watching NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League), reading, writing, and trying new things (yoga, gardening, and hopefully pickleball soon!)
Contact Sarah
Regional Coordinator Team
Chelsea Clark
I was born and raised in the small town of Aledo, Illinois. Although I am an Illinois native, I love the St. Louis Cardinals! My passion for helping children started in college at Iowa State University, where I studied as an undergraduate in the psychology program during the day and as a youth athletic coach in the evenings. When I graduated, I knew I wanted a career that combined my love for the two. I continued my education at the University of Missouri (M-I-Z!) and obtained a graduate degree in School Psychology. I am going on my ninth year with the FACE School-Based Services and my fifth year as the Director of Assessment. I am looking forward to continuing to provide analytic information to our team to better serve our students and families. When I’m not running data reports, you can find me chasing around my two kids or volunteering at our church/preschool.
Aly Sansoucie
I was born and raised in a suburb outside of St. Louis and moved to Columbia in 2012 to attend Central Methodist University. While there, I earned bachelor’s degrees in psychology and history, with a minor in education, and I was a member of the CMU Co-Ed Cheerleading squad (Go Eagles!). For the first 6 years of my career, I was an In-School Suspension and Student Support teacher in Wentzville, MO, in the same district where I graduated high school! This experience shaped me like no other. I had the opportunity to help our building and district rethink how we look at suspension at the secondary level and help build systems that support all students. Through my tenure in the classroom, I developed a passion for studying and learning ways that schools could adapt a trauma-informed lens when working with students and learn ways to effectively de-escalate students and intervene in large-scale crises. This motivated me to receive my M.A. in Human Services Counseling- Crisis Intervention and Trauma and my Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Community Care Counseling-Traumatology. Having the opportunity to now work for FACE school-based services and funnel all my passions into this career has been a dream come true. Above all things, I want to be an advocate for students and teachers!
My husband and I moved back to Columbia in August of 2022. My husband had the opportunity to come back home to Mizzou and coach the Swim and Dive team and give back to the program that gave him so much. The University of Missouri holds such a near and dear place in our hearts; fun fact we got engaged on campus in front of Townsend Hall during MU Homecoming. We are beyond excited to be back in the place we love (and closer to our favorite sushi spot and Flatbranch)! In my free time, I enjoy baking, making flower arrangements, decorating, playing board games, coaching Ridgeway Elementary Cheer, trying new coffee shops, soaking up time with my family, traveling, watching Mizzou Sports (Go Tigers!), and spending time with our two dogs Brandy and Sushi!
Jessica Burbridge
I grew up in Harrisburg, MO; the daughter of an elementary principal and a high school English teacher. I am a Mizzou graduate and later earned my master’s degree from Stephens College. My entire career has been dedicated to working with children and families. I started out working for Coyote Hill Children’s Home, a home for abused and neglected children. I then spent the next 16 years working for the Harrisburg School District, the last nine as a professional school counselor. As a school counselor, I have been involved with the Boone County Schools Mental Health Coalition from the beginning stages. I have seen firsthand the impact of the Coalition’s collaboration with local schools and am excited to be a part of that work. I love working with school teams to support students and teachers. Nothing is more exciting than helping develop a plan and then seeing it work!
My husband Brad and I have two daughters, Abigail and Lindsey. I enjoy the spring and summer and all the wonderful opportunities to be outside those seasons. I love growing flowers, being in the pool, and spending time with friends and family on a deck, porch, or patio. I am an animal lover and especially love my own pets. We have a standard poodle named Winnie, a yellow lab named Cosmo, and two cats, Marshmallow and Nala.
Tara Collier
My family and I moved to Columbia from Atchison, Kansas, in 1981; this is where my relationship with Columbia Public Schools formally started. I attended Fairview Elementary and West Junior High and graduated from Hickman High in 1992. Upon graduation, I attended Missouri Valley College in Marshall, MO, on an athletic scholarship for both softball and basketball. I graduated in 1996 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in Alcohol and Drug Studies. After college, I began my career at Charter Behavioral Health, working in the Intake/Needs Assessment department. During this time, I realized my passion for helping and working with children and families. In 1999, I began my graduate work at the University of Missouri School of Social Work. In May 2001, I received my master’s degree in social work. Most of my career has centered around working with children and families in various capacities. I worked 5 years at University Behavioral Health and ended my time there as a supervisor in the Adolescent Community Psychiatric Rehabilitation Center (CPRC). Additionally, I spent 9 years as a homeschool communicator in Columbia Public Schools. Over the last 8 years, I have been privileged to be a part of FACE School Based Services (also known as Boone County Schools Mental Health Coalition) as a Regional Coordinator. FACE is a multidisciplinary collaboration among Boone County’s six independent school districts and the University of Missouri to promote the mental health and well-being of all children in our county.
In all my free time, I spend time with my three amazing daughters, Madalyn and twins Kyndall and Kyndra. We spend our time playing and watching sports, and cooking. baking, trying new restaurants, and enjoying family. I am also looking forward to becoming a grandmother in July 2023.
Becky Hart
Born in Upstate New York, I have been calling Missouri “home” since 1995. While growing up in O’Fallon, I always had an interest in both mental health and helping others. I first moved to Columbia in 2007 to obtain my bachelor’s in psychology from the University of Missouri. In 2015, I moved back to Columbia to pursue my master’s degree in social work at Mizzou. While in graduate school, I was able to put my social work skills into practice by working at the LGBTQ Resource Center on campus and the Integrated Behavioral Health Clinic, providing free therapy to adults in and around Boone County. I was fortunate enough to work with the FACE school-based team as a practicum student during my final semester of graduate school. During this time, I felt connected to the mission of the Coalition and knew I wanted to continue this work. I have been with the Coalition since 2017 and enjoy getting to work with all aspects of the school system. I have a specific interest in LGBTQIA+ inclusivity within schools and use this passion to train school staff on LGBTQIA+ diversity and inclusivity. In my free time, I enjoy reading, traveling the world with my wife, and spending time with our many cats and dog.
Dennisa Niles
My mid-Missouri roots are deep, as I was born and raised here in Columbia. I attended Columbia Public Schools for all my school-aged education and then went on to obtain my bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of Missouri. Once a Tiger, always a Tiger, am I right? Growing up here in Columbia, I naturally gained a love for this city and the community. In addition to my love for the tigers, I grew up in a family that worked in education. I witnessed the passion and love they had for helping students. As I have grown to carve out my own path, I have always had an interest and passion for mental health. Through my experiences, I witnessed families and students struggling without a place to turn for help. I truly believe that children spend almost half of their time in school, which creates an amazing opportunity for people in the education setting to positively influence student’s lives.
My husband and I have a 1-year-old son. He is our whole world and keeps us on our toes! In my free time, you can find me chasing him around the backyard, boating on any body of water, hiking to find another beautiful view, or spending time with our family that lives just 5 minutes down the road. I am so thankful to be part of this amazing team, and I look forward to supporting staff and students in Boone County.
Lindsay Oetker
As a Columbia native, I appreciate the opportunity to work within the same school district that educated me as a student (go Fairview Falcons, Smithton Wildcats, West Vikings, and Hickman Kewpies!). Prior to earning a master’s degree in social work in 2014, I was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Mongolia. I had the opportunity to co-teach with Mongolian teachers and develop youth programs. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and joined the FACE school-based team in 2015. I love the classroom and appreciate the opportunities that school systems implement to promote social and emotional learning.
I enjoy cycling on the Katy Trail, hiking at Rockbridge State Park, baking scrumptious cakes, doing yoga, and eating at Sparky’s Ice Cream!
Kelly Off
Originally from out of state, my family transplanted to Columbia in 2009. Both of our sons attended Columbia Public Schools, including Russell Boulevard, Gentry, and Rock Bridge High School. I have worked in education since 2002, when I graduated from Western Illinois University with my bachelor’s in education. As I evolved in my teaching career, I earned a master’s in education from Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa, and then a second master’s in counseling from Stephens College here in Columbia. My journey has taken me from teacher to school counselor to Regional Coordinator at BCSMHC and FACE of Boone County. This opportunity affords me the chance to help in many capacities in the school setting. In addition, I have a small private practice where I work some evenings.
When I am not engrossed in work, I spend time outside gardening, reading, or hanging in the pool with my husband, Matt, two sons, and two dogs.
Family Intervention Specialist Team
Sandy Miller
Bio Coming Soon.
Whitani Beck
I fell in love with the field of Psychology while I was pursuing my Associate of Arts degree from Longview Community College and volunteering for Special Olympics. I received my bachelor’s in psychology from Northwest Missouri State University in December of 2009 and also adopted my dog, Bella Rae. The following year, I became extremely ill; I quit my job and moved back home to Grain Valley, MO. I spent 2011 fighting for my life!! Once my health improved, I wanted a fresh start, and that led me to move to Columbia, MO, where my sister was residing. With the mindset that I had nothing to lose, I applied to Stephens College. While I was going to school to get my master’s, I worked full-time at an adolescent rehab, first as a tech, then as a case manager, and finally as a Drug and Alcohol Certified Counselor. In 2013 I met my husband (and Bella approved of him), so we started dating. Then in 2014, I graduated from Stephens College with my Master of Education in Counseling and began working with children in the foster care system. I became a provisionally licensed counselor in 2015 and worked in various settings such as the Juvenile Justice System, After School/Summer Programs, and Public Schools. I became a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in 2017, the same year I married my husband. Prior to becoming a Family Intervention Specialist in Columbia Public Schools, we adopted our second dog, Texas Toast.
Shonna Bexten
I was born and raised in Missouri near the Rolla/Newburg area. I completed my undergraduate degree from Drury University and then earned my master’s degree in education from Missouri Baptist University.
As I completed my degree, I also acquired my School Psychological Examiner certification. In 2015, I became a board-certified behavior analyst through the University of West Florida. Throughout my career, I have worked in school systems in a variety of roles, including School Psychological Examiner, Special Education Process Coordinator, Behavior Interventionist, and Behavior Analyst. These roles have allowed me to work with school teams to provide evidenced-based interventions rooted in Applied Behavior Analysis for students with behavior needs, develop programming for children with Autism, complete special education and gifted evaluations, and promote early intervention and positive, proactive solutions.
My husband Jeremy and I have one son Carter. Outside of work, we stay busy with all things sports-related. We enjoy watching Mizzou Sports, the St. Louis Cardinals, and the KC Chiefs.
Samantha Myers
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and grew up in Columbia, MO. From an early age, I wanted to understand and help others overcome their challenges. Due to this calling, I focused my education on earning a bachelor’s in psychology and master’s in social work from the University of Missouri – Columbia. My work experience has ranged from providing case management services in Kansas City (go Chiefs!) to several years counseling youth individually and in groups at Columbia Public School as an Outreach Counselor. In this role, I also had the opportunity to create and implement an at-risk social learning project that ran successfully for three years. I joined the community side of FACE of Boone County in August of 2018, exactly one year after FACE opened its doors. At FACE, I provided case management services to families until 2019 when I moved into a supervisory role. I love supporting and managing the clinical case management team and working at FACE. I wholly believe in our mission to help youth and families attain goals and reduce obstacles by helping them access resources through the support of compassionate case management. In my spare time, I love spending time with my family, cuddling with our two dogs, gardening and spending time in the mountains
Kendall Dewein
Bio Coming Soon.
Megan Sapp
Born and raised on the East Coast, my family found their way to Columbia, MO, when I was a Junior in High School. I graduated from Hickman High School and then received my bachelor’s in health sciences from the University of Missouri (GO TIGERS!!). My journey led me towards teaching preschool, a wild and fulfilling experience. While I had always worked with children, this experience allowed me to hone my skills in supporting behavior and child development. I discovered a passion for wanting to support children in developing social emotional skills. I wanted to continue to develop my skills and find a way to positively impact and support systems that work with children. I earned my master’s degree in social work from the University of Missouri and have since become a Licensed Master’s Social Worker I am on track to complete my clinical licensure. I then worked for the Boys and Girls Club of Columbia, providing individual counseling, developing social emotional curriculum, and assisting in creating cultures that support youth mental health. This journey led me to join the Boone County Schools Mental Health Coalition as a Family Intervention Specialist. I am thrilled to be a part of this team! As a new mom, I love spending time with my daughter! Our family loves anything outdoors (especially the water!), discovering new local eats, and romping around with our four large and fluffy dogs.
LaToya Gatewood
I relocated to Columbia from Long Beach, California, in 2000, as this is where my husband’s family is rooted. Both my daughter and son attended Columbia Public Schools and graduated from Rock Bridge High School in 2017 and 2019. I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Columbia College and began my career working in various settings, including the court system, the Children’s Division, and the State of Missouri Office of Child Advocate. In these roles, I had the privilege of advocating for children and families across Missouri, prioritizing the best interests of children while supporting families in addressing their challenges and navigating complex situations—a passion that continues to guide my work today.
I later earned my Master of Science in Psychology with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis from Capella University in 2019, providing ABA therapy services to children and families with autism part-time. I also obtained certification as a Mediator, facilitating meaningful communication and resolution on complex family issues. My desire to expand my ability to support individuals’ mental and emotional well-being led me to earn my second master’s degree— a Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
I am currently a Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor and co-own a small private practice with my husband, providing counseling services to individuals in the evenings. This rewarding journey has also given me the opportunity to work with FACE School-Based Services as a Family Intervention Specialist, serving the Columbia Public School system and collaborating with the coalition to meet the needs of our students and families- an endeavor I am truly honored and excited to be a part of.
Outside of work, I love spending time with my family. My husband and I are proud grandparents to two grandsons and one “grand-dog,” Bella, “AKA” the energetic Yorkie.
Graduate Student Clinicians
Leadership Team
Aaron Thompson, Ph.D.
Aaron completed his Ph.D. in Social Work at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Before this, Aaron worked as a counselor and special educator in a juvenile detention facility, as an evaluation specialist in a clinical setting, and as a school social worker and principal in a public school setting. Currently, Aaron is an Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work at the University of Missouri. Aaron is the developer of The Self-Management Training and Regulation Strategy (STARS), and his research interests include the origins of mental and behavioral health issues among youth, training for school-based mental health service providers, and the development and evaluation of early prevention and intervention efforts to improve school readiness and reduce disruptive and aggressive behaviors for high-risk children.
Wendy Reinke, Ph.D.
Wendy completed her doctoral training in school psychology at the University of Oregon and is currently an Associate Professor in School Psychology at the University of Missouri. She teaches classes on prevention of emotional and behavioral disturbances in children, public health perspectives, research design, and evidence-based practices for children with emotional disturbances. Prior to coming to MU, she was a Prevention Science Fellow at Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. Her research focuses on preventing disruptive behavior problems in children. Dr. Reinke is also an expert in teacher consultation models in classroom management and is the developer of the Classroom Check-Up. She is the co-author of two books on the topic of teacher consultation, including one with Randy Sprick and Jim Knight, entitled Coaching Classroom Management, and another with Keith Herman and Randy Sprick, entitled Motivational Interviewing for Effective Classroom Management: The Classroom Check-up.
Keith C. Herman, Ph.D.
Keith is a Professor in the Department of Educational, School, & Counseling Psychology at the University of Missouri. Dr. Herman primarily teaches doctoral coursework in the areas of parent behavior management, developmental psychopathology, and research design. Originally trained as a counseling psychologist at the University of Florida, Dr. Herman retrained in school psychology at the University of Oregon and also completed postdoctoral fellowships at Brown University and Johns Hopkins University. Before joining the department at Mizzou, he was a faculty member in the School of Medicine at Johns Hopkins University. His research takes a prevention science approach to understanding, preventing, and treating child depression. He has developed a conceptual model describing social developmental pathways to child depression with emphasis on modifiable aspects of schooling and parenting that contribute to children’s risk. This model has informed the development of school and family interventions for children who are depressed.
Kristin Hawley, Ph.D.
Kristin’s passion is helping clinicians provide the best possible care for the children, youth and families they serve. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia and her Ph.D. from the University of California-Los Angeles, with a focus on clinical child and adolescent psychology. Her background and expertise include community-based mental health; evidence-based therapies for anxiety, mood, trauma and behavior related concerns; clinician training, support and feedback; and practice-based, translational research. She is currently an associate professor within the Psychological Sciences Department at the University of Missouri. Her role within FACE is focused on technical assistance, supporting clinicians and agencies in their implementation of effective mental health services and supports for children, youth and families.
