Tucker Leadership Lab Staff

Get to know our Staff! 

Suzanne Welch - Director - Suzanne has been working in experiential education for several years both here at the Tucker Leadership Lab as a facilitator, and previously at Adventure Woods in Kansas City. Suzanne is a Mizzou graduate with a B.A. in psychology and a UMKC grad with a M.A. in Counseling & Guidance.  She values her experiences on the challenge course daily, and feels honored to have the opportunity to see participants, her co-workers, and herself grow in uniquely profound ways. She is passionate about experiential education and has seen it positively impact many people’s lives.  Suzanne also enjoys many outdoor activities such as rock climbing, water skiing, hiking, and camping. 
 Diana Arrowsmith - Facilitator - After a 20 year career with the Blue Springs School District, Diana was finally able to pursuit her love of the outdoors when she started working with teams on challenge courses. As a facilitator, she has more than 5 years experience with a wide variety of groups. She has facilitated groups as small as 4 members to upwards of 200. In her spare time she likes to travel. She has been to China, Europe, Central America, Alaska and the continental United States. She enjoys backpacking, scuba diving & playing with her grandkids.
Sara Bailey - Facilitator - After graduating from William Jewell in 2004 with a degree in elementary education, Sara expected her journey to cover many milestones of a long teaching career.  The path, however, led her straight back to Jewell where she worked as an Assistant Resident Director while teaching fourth grade.  Sara now works full time in residence life at William Jewell and rejoices that she may draw from and use her teaching skills as a facilitator for Tucker in addition to her time in the residence hall.  When not surrounded by Jewell activities, Sara actively participates in her church's twenties group, delves into a book, picks up a pen and paper, or sprints into a game of Ultimate Frisbee.  

 Geri Barker- Facilitator

 

 
 Lindy Binns - Facilitator - Lindy is a physical educator that has spent her career in sport administration. Her challenges have included planning / managing eight sports for the 1996 Olympic Games, LPGA golf and NBCOlympics.com for Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. She recently teamed to develop a master plan for a new 100+ acre YMCA Camp near Boise-Cascade, Idaho and assisted in the development of the finest collegiate softball playing surface and eventual stadium at the  University of Kansas . A professed 'cowgirl' from Baxter Springs, Kansas , Lindy owns a covered wagon. Other passions include sailing, snow skiing, snorkeling for lobster and most other outdoor activities.
Kristi Burch - Facilitator - Kristi Gleason Burch graduated from William Jewell College as a Pryor Fellow in 1997 with a self-designed major in Human Resource Management. Since graduating from Jewell her goal has been to work in the Pryor Program and is excited to have this opportunity to develop her own leadership skills with the Tucker Lab. She has been married to Matt for almost 10 years and devotes the majority of her time to their three children. She is a volunteer in her children's classrooms and as a coach in their various sporting activities.

 Jim Caskey - Facilitator - Jim has an insatiable curiosity for truth and irrepressible desire to work with and help others develop.  An entrepreneur at heart, Jim's extremely high energy level and a contagious enthusiasm are known to inspire and uplift.  From his previous experiences with event marketing, business development and constant dreaming, Jim looks forward to developing the leadership skills in others along with his own.

Jim graduated from Benedictine College with a B.A. in Mass Communications and later graduated with a Master's in Business Administration.  Jim enjoys anything physical (training for Ironman), anything mentally stimulating and anything involving people development/encouragement.  Jim is excited to be a part of the Tucker Leadership Lab and can not wait to work with you.
 Maggie Chapman - Facilitator
 Rebecca Cornish - Facilitator - Rebecca is one of our newest facilitators at Tucker.  However, she has spent the last twelve years facilitating throughout Missouri and Texas.  Rebecca is currently a Library Media Specialist for the Independence School District and was previously a classroom teacher with the same district.  Rebecca attended Graceland College for her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education.  She continued her education at Webster University for a Master of Arts in Teaching degree and returned to Graceland University for a second masters in Collaborative Learning and Teaching.  Rebecca enjoys most outdoor activities including soccer, biking, mountain climbing, and rennovating her home.
Erik Crew - Facilitator
 Nancycaroline Cubine - Facilitator -
   Jim Davis - Facilitator - For the past 25 years Jim Davis has worked as a “guide”, in the fields of communication, sales, adventure travel, and, most recently, change management. During the 1990’s Jim worked as Primary Trail Staff with Wilderness Inquiry Inc., organizing and leading integrated groups of people- some with disabilities and some “able-bodied” folks- on canoe and sea kayak adventures in wilderness areas throughout North America. Currently, most of Jim’s time is spent facilitating experiential learning, helping individuals in schools, non-profit organizations, and corporations develop the skills necessary to fully benefit and profit from intense and constant change.
 Jana Frye - Facilitator
 Cheryle Grinter - Facilitator -  Cheryle is a trainer and facilitator with 20 years experience working with diverse populations. She has a B.S. in Psychology & has facilitated groups on the ropes course and in the classroom. Her experience allows her to step outside the group and observe its function & focus & modify initiatives to meet the group goals. Cheryle was a Facilitator at Adventure Woods & an independent consultant working nationally prior to joining Tucker Leadership Lab. She has worked with a variety of groups including early childhood education, at-risk students & top executives in large corporations. When not working, she regularly volunteers for the MS Society & also maintains a career in real estate. She & her husband Bob live on wooded acreage where she enjoys the wildlife and outdoors. Her hobbies include gardening, scrap booking, arts and crafts, and playing with her grandson.
 Mike Herr - Facilitator - Mike is a grandfather who gets his kicks playing silly games around here and providing fun and rewarding experiential learning for his clients at the same time. Mike is a KC boy who parlayed his Rockhurst University MBA into a 30 year Vice President level career with a Fortune 100 company. His generalist experience in management, finance, marketing, sales, training, retail operations, product distribution, strategic planning, and leadership positions provide Mike insights that allow him to tailor your adult/student group experience to fit your goals. Mike's extensive experience with 8 grandchildren makes him a very effective youth leader as well. Mike likes to laugh and he likes to learn and that, with your cooperation, is what Mike will bring to your group experience.
Tracy Hull - Facilitator
 Stephanie Hurla - Facilitator - Stephanie has a Hospitality background with 10+ years in the Hotel industry. Experiential learning is a true passion of Stephanie’s. She spent several years facilitating at Adventure Woods and is now very excited to have recently joined Tucker in September 2007.  She loves challenging groups and then watching them come together to accomplish their goal. She says that there is no better feeling than to have a group walk away having learned more about themselves and their group that they will be able to take back with them. One of her “quirks” is to visit the “worlds largest/smallest” things. She has sat on the “World’s Largest Porch Swing,” gazed upon the “World’s Largest Catsup Bottle,” has tried to hug the “World’s Largest Ball of Twine,” and the list goes on.
John Kinder – Facilitator - aka "Big John" as he is called (don't worry, he started the "Big John" stuff). The big describes, not only his physical stature, but it also describes his big heart, smile & passion for people. John is one of the gray haired facilitators with a few miles on him. But he can guarantee you that gray hair & wisdom as in living history (age) is the salt & pepper of life that adds flavor, variety & pizzazz. Professionally speaking John is a psychologist. He holds Masters degrees in Psychology and in Public Administration. He has a rich history of consulting, leading seminars & providing training & development. He currently offers personal consultation & Life Coaching & continues to design & present strategic training & development events. John is an old rock n roller & has a band. He had a friend who once said to him, "I thought you would grow out of this job."  He is still here & stays around to keep the younger folks here young in heart & spirit.
 Valerie Kynion - Facilitator
Danny Lane - Facilitator - After a 31-year career in education as a teacher of instrumental music & science, Danny retired to pursue other interests. One of the most rewarding of these has been his work on challenge courses. An individual with numerous interests, he directs the Spirit of Independence Concert Band, plays the trumpet, collects postcards, does substitute teaching, & is active in his church congregation. In the outdoor world, he most enjoys cave exploration. He says that every day he works at Tucker Leadership Lab is an exciting day in his life. Danny & his wife, Judi, live in Blue Springs.
Todd Long - Facilitator- Todd has been working in the Leadership Studies Program at William Jewell College since 1998. He started as an instructor for the Pryor Leadership Studies courses. When the Tucker Leadership Lab was built in 2000, he was hired as its first director. Todd has worked in the challenge course and training field for over 10 years. Currently, Todd is the Director of Leadership Development & Training for the Pryor Center at William Jewell College.  He loves to create new challenges, encourage people, and spend time with his family.
   John Melito - Facilitator -
Vicki Owensby - Facilitator
 Michele Roberts - Facilitator - Michele began working at Tucker in the spring of 2003. She has a BA in Psychology & a background working in social services. She has worked with adults with developmental disabilities, teens, & families with children ages 0-3 years. What really attracts her to Tucker is the phenomenal staff. "I have never worked with a better group of people. Everyone is so genuine. There's really a passion for what we do & who we serve." When she's not at the Lab, she's busy helping her husband with his business & creating a loving home for her two kids, Cole & Megan. Michele's other interests include reading, writing, & learning about wholistic healing & healthy living.
  Anne Schroeder - Facilitator
Hannah Smith - Facilitator
 Jodi Smith - Facilitator
Lance Staves - Facilitator & Maintenance Team - Lance was in the Navy aboard ballistic missile submarine, then the Air Force as a Flight Medic on the C-130. Lance has been a Firefighter/ Paramedic for the past 22 years, a high-angle rescue instructor for the Fire Service, and Regional Haz-Mat Team member. 
Lance loves the outdoors and has backpacked over the Continental Divide six times. "I believe experiential learning is like Fly Fishing, first you need all the right tools, then its an experiment to find the right rhythm, the right pattern, and never dishonor the fish by not giving it your best effort."
Scott Sutton - Facilitator & Maintenance Team - Scott (Scotty) has been working for Tucker since March of 2007. When he is not working for Tucker, he has worked for 13 years with the City of Liberty Fire Department as a Captain/Paramedic on Pumper 3. Scott loves to hunt, fish and camp with his family when possible, plays drums in a band with his friends, and rides with a motorcycle organization known as BACA (Bikers Against Child Abuse) here in the K.C. area. “Working at Tucker Leadership Lab is a wonderful experience, all the people are great and they are all dedicated to providing the best challenge course available to all participants involved and I am proud to be part of such an outstanding organization!"
April Stephenson - Facilitator - April Stephenson came to Tucker in 2007. She loves to work with people of all ages and she gets the opportunity to see many participants have “Awe-Ha” moments of awareness here on the course. She is also active with her church youth group and keeping up with her own three kids, Derek, Tiffany, and Sarah! April also works with the Elderly as an Assistant Social Director for an Assisted Living Center in Kearney and spends her free time riding motorcycles with her husband Kurt, camping with the kids, and spending time with friends. 
 Nick Walker - Facilitator - Nick joined the Tucker Leadership Team in 2005 after facilitating at Adventure Woods course for several years.   When not on the course, Nick works full time with DeMolay International consulting as a Field Representative.   DeMolay is an international character building and leadership organization for young men. In his position both on the course an off, Nick works on marketing, strategy, setting/reaching goals, effective communication, and much more. Originally a native of Illinois, Nick now lives in Grain Valley, MO and enjoys rock climbing, traveling, and always relaxing with friends. His creativity, as well as experience in working with all kinds of people have him ready, willing, and able to take your group to the next level.
Terry Williams - Facilitator - Terry looks forward to improving your organization’s leadership capabilities and to enhancing your skills to work as a team.  Terry’s work experience ranges from many years in the corporate world to self employment.  Hobbies include: Private Pilot, Ice Hockey, Snow Skiing, Scuba Diving, Hiking, Fishing, Travel and all sports in general. 
Lisa Winter - Facilitator - Lisa is married with two high-school aged children.  She is excited to be working at Tucker Leadership Lab because it combines some of her favorite things; having fun, working with people, and being in the outdoors.  In her free time, Lisa likes to read, garden, make art, and spend time with her family.