Staff
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can
change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
~ Margaret Meade
As the staff of SAVE, Inc., we are truly committed to bringing about lasting change in the Kansas City community. We strive to ensure that each individual struggling with an impoverishing disability such as HIV/AIDS, mental illness or substance abuse can have access to safe, stable, and affordable housing. Our goal is to empower each of our residents to live healthy lives so they can pursue a life of dignity.
| Name | Position | |
|---|---|---|
| Zori Rodríguez | Chief Executive Officer | zrodriguez@saveinckc.org |
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| Kurt Cross | Director of Finance and Operations | kcross@saveinckc.org |
Kurt joined SAVE, Inc. in November 2011 and supervises the accounting and human resources functions, as well as operations of all 9 SAVE-owned properties. Kurt has a broad background in treasury management and financial management, having served as Director of Finance and Treasury Manager in HUD Low Income Housing and donor based organizations. Kurt has an MBA with an emphasis in Finance from Rockhurst University and a BS in Business Administration- Accounting from Missouri Western State University. He is also a Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) and a Certified Management Accountant (CMA). | ||
| Sara Gardner | Director of Development and Communications | sgardner@saveinckc.org |
Sara has been with SAVE, Inc. since May 2007 and is responsible for all Development planning, management, and events, as well as overseeing the constituent database and volunteer program. Sara is also responsible for all marketing and communications at SAVE, Inc. and takes the lead on raising awareness for the mission of SAVE, Inc. at public events and functions. Sara received her BA in Public Relations from the University of Miami (FL) and an MA in Russian Studies from the University of Kansas. | ||
| Stephen O'Neill | Director of Client Services | soneill@saveinckc.org |
Stephen O’Neill, Director of Client Services, brings a variety of educational and professional experiences with him to Save, Inc. Stephen received a B.S. in Sociology from Nebraska Wesleyan University and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Missouri, Kansas City. Stephen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Missouri and a Licensed Master Social Worker in the State of Kansas. Stephen is currently working on his Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the Bloch School of Management at the University of Missouri, Kansas City. Prior to coming to Save, Inc. Stephen spent 8 years working in the fields of mental Health and substance Abuse. In addition to Save, Inc., Stephen also maintains a position as Adjunct Faculty with the School of Social Work at the University of Missouri, Kansas City, where he teaches courses in social work practice, mental health and substance abuse. Stephen enjoys spending time with his partner, Beth, who is also a social worker, and his three children. | ||
| Ellen Channels | Housing Intake Specialist | |
Ellen joined SAVE, Inc. in August 2006 as the Housing Intake Specialist. In this role, Ellen is the first person clients meet and speak with and helps transition them onto the path to securing housing. She conducts all the intakes and assessments for SAVE clients and works with each individual and their case manager to figure out the best housing solution for their particular situation. Ellen has a vast knowledge of all of SAVE's housing programs, as well as additional resources throughout the community and works hard to pass this knowledge along to the client, empowering them to make smart decisions. Ellen also manages a number of the client assistance programs at SAVE - including the transitional housing program, known as Stepping Stones - as well as the household item pantry where clients can access a number of items to help make their new apartment a warm and inviting home. Ellen has a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies from Bethany College in West Virginia. | ||
| Lisa Elmer | Housing Specialist | |
Lisa has been with SAVE, Inc. since August 2006 as the Housing Specialist overseeing four of our rental-assistance voucher programs. She manages all paperwork for her clients to ensure each individual complies with government regulations to maintain their housing, and ensures that the apartment they choose is up to code. Previously, Lisa worked as the Senior Community Support Worker at ReDiscover Alt Care. Her vast social service experience - both professional and volunteer - working with children, women, and disabled populations makes her uniquely suited to serve our clients. In addition to top-rate services, she oftentimes provides that extra kind, understanding ear that our clients need. Lisa received dual BA Degrees in Sociology and Psychology with Honors from the University of Kansas. | ||
| Louis Goins | Housing Specialist | |
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| Mary Guerra | Housing Specialist | |
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| Kathy Elmore | Housing Specialist | |
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| Clint Meek | Maintenance Staff | |
| Eva Murff | SAVE Home Care Specialist | emurff@saveinckc.org |
| Martha Patton | Accounting Assistant | mpatton@saveinckc.org |
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| Lillian Porter | SAVE Home Care Specialist | lporter@saveinckc.org |
Lillian is SAVE, Inc.'s ranking staff member, having been a devoted Care Specialist for the residents of SAVE Home since November 1989. Lillian's commitment to SAVE is surpassed only by her compassionate spirit and her dedication to the health and dignity of the men and women who pass through the SAVE Home doors. | ||
| Saundra Robinson | SAVE Home Care Specialist | srobinson@saveinckc.org |
| Rochelle Wilson | SAVE Home Manager | rwilson@saveinckc.org |
Rochelle joined the SAVE, Inc. staff in April 2003 as the Resident Services Coordinator before becoming the SAVE Home Manager in September 2006. Prior to coming to SAVE, Rochelle worked with Swope Health Services as a Ryan White Case Manager. Her experience in the social service field spans over 10 years and includes one-on-one interaction with individuals battling mental as well as physical illness. This experience has proven invaluable, as Rochelle manages the daily operations of SAVE Home, SAVE, Inc.'s 24-hour care facility and works to ensure that each resident finds security and dignity in the home. Her compassionate and calming demeanor makes her an ideal pillar of support for many of SAVE's residents, who come to Rochelle for advice and guidance. Rochelle recieved a BS degree in Psychology from Central Missouri State University (U. of Central MO) and earned her MBA in 2005 from the University of Phoenix. | ||
| Amy Povich | Development Coordinator | apovich@saveinckc.org |
| Brandon Cunningham | Housing Specialist | |
| Jerry Peacher | Maintenance Technician | |
| Steve Smith | Maintenance Staff | |
Zori became SAVE, Inc.'s fourth CEO in October 2008. She comes to SAVE most recently from the American Academy of Family Physicians where she worked as the Health Disparities Manager. Zori - short for Zoraida - has over 20 years of experience working very closely with marginalized populations, including serving as Executive Director of the Colorado Coalition Against Domestic Violence and as a family and adult therapist for the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless. She also has worked with mental health patients and is a licensed clinical social worker in the State of Missouri. Zori's experience is backed by a strong commitment to serving those in our community that others would like to forget and a passion for the mission of SAVE, Inc. She also gives her time generously to MANA de Kansas City and Habitat ReStore and enjoys exploring ethnic cuisine and travel. Zori received her MA in Community Psychology from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
Louis joined SAVE, Inc. in November 2008 and works as a Housing Specialist on SAVE's largest housing option program. This program, known as Shelter+Care, is a rental assistance program and Louis works as part of a team managing nearly 400 individual housing vouchers every month. Louis brings many years of experience serving his fellow man, including work as a guidance counselor, psych-tech, and a case worker at a community mental health center. He comes to SAVE after working at The Guidance Center of Leavenworth and the Gillis Center, a background that helped stir his passion for helping those who cannot help themselves and be an advocate for those who are so often overlooked in our communities. Louis has a strong interest in old kung-fu movies and has aspirations of pursuing an MBA with an emphasis on non-profit management. He earned his BS in Psychology from Peru State College in Peru, Nebraska..jpg)
Mary has been with SAVE, Inc. since January 2007 and is a vital member of the Client Services Staff. She works with the Shelter+Care program and manages a vast number of housing vouchers stretching throughout Kansas City and the surrounding 15-county area. Mary ensures that clients can acquire safe housing and helps maintain the paperwork necessary to keep them stably housed. Her keen attention to detail and hard work make her a valuable resource for her clients, who rely on her throughout the process, from apartment inspection to filing all the appropriate paperwork. Mary previously served as an Educational Advisor for Lulac National Education Service Center and she earned dual BA degrees in Psychology and Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Missouri.
Kathy came to SAVE in May of 2004 after working for 5 years as a community support worker in the women and children's unit at the ReDiscover Mental Health Services-Inpatient/Outpatient Substance Abuse Program. Kathy is a vital part of the Shelter + Care Housing Voucher team, working diligently with clients to secure and maintain safe and stable housing. Her experience working with those in the local community, her extensive knowledge of the resources available and her professional and compassionate manner make Kathy well-respected and valued among her co-workers and the clients she serves. Kathy is also the proud mother of 4 exceptionally talented children and hopes to one day pursue a nursing degree. She currently holds a BS in Rehabilitation Psychology from Central Missouri State University (U. of Central Missouri).
Martha joined SAVE, Inc. as the Accounting Assistant in May 2002. She assists the Director of Finance & Operations with all daily accounting business and manages the financial relationships with all client utility companies. With a detailed accounting and customer service background from Sprint Corporation, Martha is uniquely qualified to serve as the client's voice in all transactions involving their apartment utilities. She also works hard to make sure all our residents receive their utility and rental assistance funds in a timely manner, and helps maintain good landlord-tenant relationships. In addition, Martha manages many of the responsibilities necessary in keeping the SAVE, Inc. office running smoothly and efficiently. She is the proud mother of 2 young children, and spends any free time serving as the Treasurer of her children's PTA or reading and scrapbooking. Martha received her BS in Business Administration and Accounting from Central Missouri State University (U. of Central MO).