#BeMoreLikeClaire Board of Directors
President
Shelly Triplett, Development Administrator. Communications and Donor Relations department, KU Endowment
Shelly joined the Lawrence community a few years ago and is becoming more comfortable with her empty nest lifestyle. Shelly was a golfer at the University of Kansas and a member of the Big 8 champion Women’s golf team. She was a stay at home mom for 20 years in Topeka and volunteered for various preschool, elementary and secondary parent roles. She is the mother to son, Lukas, a recent graduate of Missouri State University and daughter, Chessa, also a recent graduate from the University of Kansas. Realizing that much of her free time was spent doing things her family wanted, Shelly has found a desire to give back by volunteering for a charity near to her heart. Losing her best childhood friend to domestic violence has sparked a need to give back in her friend's memory. She is excited for the opportunity to serve on the #BeMoreLikeClaire board, looking forward to forming new relationships and hoping to share what she is learning through her current role with KU Endowment as a Development Administrator in the Communications and Donor Relations department.
Shelly Triplett, Development Administrator. Communications and Donor Relations department, KU Endowment
Shelly joined the Lawrence community a few years ago and is becoming more comfortable with her empty nest lifestyle. Shelly was a golfer at the University of Kansas and a member of the Big 8 champion Women’s golf team. She was a stay at home mom for 20 years in Topeka and volunteered for various preschool, elementary and secondary parent roles. She is the mother to son, Lukas, a recent graduate of Missouri State University and daughter, Chessa, also a recent graduate from the University of Kansas. Realizing that much of her free time was spent doing things her family wanted, Shelly has found a desire to give back by volunteering for a charity near to her heart. Losing her best childhood friend to domestic violence has sparked a need to give back in her friend's memory. She is excited for the opportunity to serve on the #BeMoreLikeClaire board, looking forward to forming new relationships and hoping to share what she is learning through her current role with KU Endowment as a Development Administrator in the Communications and Donor Relations department.
Vice President
Amanda Davis, Owner of Solutions by Amanda
Amanda is a Lawrence, Kansas native with a passion for non-profit work. Boasting dual Bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration and eMarketing from Franklin University and a Master’s degree in Digital Content Strategy from Kansas University, Amanda has been supporting local non-profits as both a donor and volunteer for the past 30 years. She has held significant leadership positions and been a board member for more than seven local organizations and nonprofits. Amanda has a deep love of her hometown and especially loves doing work that benefits the Lawrence community.
Throughout her professional life, Amanda has gone down several different paths including financial services, government contract work, airport consulting, and marketing and communications. She spent the largest portion of her career working in marketing and communications for several different organizations, both in an in-house and agency setting. When she is not working or at one of her many volunteer gigs, Amanda enjoys spending time with her husband, Josh, and their two dogs, LB and Miles in their home in the heart of East Lawrence. Amanda became involved with #BMLC after following the organization for several years. She has several friends and family members who have experienced domestic violence directly and knows how important early education and empowerment is to preventing it in future relationships.
Amanda Davis, Owner of Solutions by Amanda
Amanda is a Lawrence, Kansas native with a passion for non-profit work. Boasting dual Bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration and eMarketing from Franklin University and a Master’s degree in Digital Content Strategy from Kansas University, Amanda has been supporting local non-profits as both a donor and volunteer for the past 30 years. She has held significant leadership positions and been a board member for more than seven local organizations and nonprofits. Amanda has a deep love of her hometown and especially loves doing work that benefits the Lawrence community.
Throughout her professional life, Amanda has gone down several different paths including financial services, government contract work, airport consulting, and marketing and communications. She spent the largest portion of her career working in marketing and communications for several different organizations, both in an in-house and agency setting. When she is not working or at one of her many volunteer gigs, Amanda enjoys spending time with her husband, Josh, and their two dogs, LB and Miles in their home in the heart of East Lawrence. Amanda became involved with #BMLC after following the organization for several years. She has several friends and family members who have experienced domestic violence directly and knows how important early education and empowerment is to preventing it in future relationships.
Treasurer
Chris Peoples, Shareholder and the LegalShield supervising attorney at Riling, Burkhead & Nitcher, Chtd.
Chris originally came to Lawrence as an undergraduate at the University of Kansas. After graduating in 2003 with a degree in Political Science, he moved back to Kansas City to attend law school at UMKC. It did not take long for him to realize how much he missed the Lawrence community. After graduating in 2006 and working in the Kansas City area for a couple of years, he moved back to Lawrence in 2008 and began working at Riling, Burkhead & Nitcher, Chtd. He has been here ever since. Chris brings with him over 16 years of legal experience. He is an avid Jayhawks fan...Rock Chalk! In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife Christina, family and friends, and their English-Bull Mastiff, Hosmer. Chris met Shannon through the Leadership Lawrence program and quickly realized that he wanted to be a part of this important organization and help continue Claire's mission to help others. One of the things that he loves most about Lawrence is the community's willingness, passion, and commitment to help others. This directly aligns with Claire's mission and Chris is excited to be a part of #BeMoreLikeClaire.
Chris Peoples, Shareholder and the LegalShield supervising attorney at Riling, Burkhead & Nitcher, Chtd.
Chris originally came to Lawrence as an undergraduate at the University of Kansas. After graduating in 2003 with a degree in Political Science, he moved back to Kansas City to attend law school at UMKC. It did not take long for him to realize how much he missed the Lawrence community. After graduating in 2006 and working in the Kansas City area for a couple of years, he moved back to Lawrence in 2008 and began working at Riling, Burkhead & Nitcher, Chtd. He has been here ever since. Chris brings with him over 16 years of legal experience. He is an avid Jayhawks fan...Rock Chalk! In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife Christina, family and friends, and their English-Bull Mastiff, Hosmer. Chris met Shannon through the Leadership Lawrence program and quickly realized that he wanted to be a part of this important organization and help continue Claire's mission to help others. One of the things that he loves most about Lawrence is the community's willingness, passion, and commitment to help others. This directly aligns with Claire's mission and Chris is excited to be a part of #BeMoreLikeClaire.
Secretary
Robyn Wagner. Community Engagement Coordinator at Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center and Co-Owner of 785 Productions
Robyn received her BSW and MSW from the University of Kansas. During her undergraduate career she worked at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City and Children’s Mercy Hospital with a focus on non-profit leadership and inclusion, diversity, equity and belonging initiatives. She is a passionate advocate for affordable, accessible, and equitable healthcare and all things related to IDEB work. When she’s not working, Robyn loves to stay active playing pickleball, tennis, and disc golf, spending time with Jackson, and traveling! Robyn is excited for the opportunity to serve as a board member for an organization that aligns so closely with her passions both personally and professionally in order to create a safe, equitable, and inclusive community for the future!
Robyn Wagner. Community Engagement Coordinator at Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center and Co-Owner of 785 Productions
Robyn received her BSW and MSW from the University of Kansas. During her undergraduate career she worked at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City and Children’s Mercy Hospital with a focus on non-profit leadership and inclusion, diversity, equity and belonging initiatives. She is a passionate advocate for affordable, accessible, and equitable healthcare and all things related to IDEB work. When she’s not working, Robyn loves to stay active playing pickleball, tennis, and disc golf, spending time with Jackson, and traveling! Robyn is excited for the opportunity to serve as a board member for an organization that aligns so closely with her passions both personally and professionally in order to create a safe, equitable, and inclusive community for the future!
Past President
Christine Metz Howard, Director of Strategic Communications, KU International Affairs
Christine brings to the board nearly 20 years of communication experience. She currently serves as
director of strategic communications at KU International Affairs. Starting her career as a journalist, Christine wrote for community newspapers in Colorado and Oregon before moving to Kansas to work for the Lawrence Journal-World in 2007. In 2014, she moved on to higher education and has previously served in communication roles for the KU School of Music and KU News Service. A passionate believer in the power of mentorship, Christine was a Big Sister with the Big Brothers Big Sister Program for more than 10 years. Christine, a Pennsylvania native, loves living in Lawrence and is consistently amazed by its residents’ strong sense of community and commitment to building a better city. In her downtime, Christine enjoys hiking, cooking, gardening and spending time with her husband Cody and five-year-old daughter Julia.
Christine Metz Howard, Director of Strategic Communications, KU International Affairs
Christine brings to the board nearly 20 years of communication experience. She currently serves as
director of strategic communications at KU International Affairs. Starting her career as a journalist, Christine wrote for community newspapers in Colorado and Oregon before moving to Kansas to work for the Lawrence Journal-World in 2007. In 2014, she moved on to higher education and has previously served in communication roles for the KU School of Music and KU News Service. A passionate believer in the power of mentorship, Christine was a Big Sister with the Big Brothers Big Sister Program for more than 10 years. Christine, a Pennsylvania native, loves living in Lawrence and is consistently amazed by its residents’ strong sense of community and commitment to building a better city. In her downtime, Christine enjoys hiking, cooking, gardening and spending time with her husband Cody and five-year-old daughter Julia.
Claudia Quigg, National Training Faculty, Brazelton Touchpoints Center, Boston Children’s Hospital
Claudia is passionate about children and families and has committed her work to them through education and nonprofit service. Founder of Baby TALK (a nonprofit model now used in over 35 states, serving families of very young children), Claudia has taught Early Childhood Education at Millikin University and written prolifically about families, including 4 published books and a weekly syndicated newspaper column as well as a weekly Illinois NPR segment. She is Shannon’s cousin and loved Claire from the day she was born.
Claudia is passionate about children and families and has committed her work to them through education and nonprofit service. Founder of Baby TALK (a nonprofit model now used in over 35 states, serving families of very young children), Claudia has taught Early Childhood Education at Millikin University and written prolifically about families, including 4 published books and a weekly syndicated newspaper column as well as a weekly Illinois NPR segment. She is Shannon’s cousin and loved Claire from the day she was born.
Kayla Deere, Co-owner and hairstylist at Images Salon
Kayla knew from a very young age that her dream was to become a hairstylist. With her gift of gab, love of beauty, and an eagerness to make others feel good about themselves, Kayla moved to Lawrence in 2000 and began her career as a hairstylist. After working at a few salons she settled at Images in 2004 and became a Co-owner in 2009. Kayla is a wife and mother of 3, and enjoys spending time with family and friends. In her spare time she enjoys watching her kids play basketball, repurposing furniture, trivia, buying all the plants, being outside, music, hosting any theme party, sunshine and laughing. Another passion of Kayla's has always been volunteering and giving back to our community. Kayla met Shannon in their Leadership Lawrence class and was moved when she heard Claire's story. She is honored to be on the Board and a part of this amazing organization. Kayla's values align with #BeMoreLikeClaire and Claire's community. A mother herself, her children's happiness and wellbeing is paramount. She is dedicated to Claire's mission of educating our community and putting an end to interpersonal violence.
Kayla knew from a very young age that her dream was to become a hairstylist. With her gift of gab, love of beauty, and an eagerness to make others feel good about themselves, Kayla moved to Lawrence in 2000 and began her career as a hairstylist. After working at a few salons she settled at Images in 2004 and became a Co-owner in 2009. Kayla is a wife and mother of 3, and enjoys spending time with family and friends. In her spare time she enjoys watching her kids play basketball, repurposing furniture, trivia, buying all the plants, being outside, music, hosting any theme party, sunshine and laughing. Another passion of Kayla's has always been volunteering and giving back to our community. Kayla met Shannon in their Leadership Lawrence class and was moved when she heard Claire's story. She is honored to be on the Board and a part of this amazing organization. Kayla's values align with #BeMoreLikeClaire and Claire's community. A mother herself, her children's happiness and wellbeing is paramount. She is dedicated to Claire's mission of educating our community and putting an end to interpersonal violence.
Micki Chestnut, Owner, Chestnut Communications
Micki has spent her career in strategic communications. She launched her boutique communications firm in 1987, and has had an opportunity to write for magazines, co-author three books, write a nationally syndicated column, and help a host of companies and nonprofit organizations with their strategic communications goals. She has also worked in communications at the University of Kansas Endowment Association, served as the communications director for the United Way of Douglas County, and as a marketing strategist for the University of Kansas Center for Public Partnerships and Research. Micki’s other passions include hiking, adventures with friends, travel, and community volunteerism, including working as an animal-assisted therapy team with her standard poodle, Daisy. She and her husband, Rob, are college sweethearts and have three children, Spencer, Connor and Madeline.
Micki has spent her career in strategic communications. She launched her boutique communications firm in 1987, and has had an opportunity to write for magazines, co-author three books, write a nationally syndicated column, and help a host of companies and nonprofit organizations with their strategic communications goals. She has also worked in communications at the University of Kansas Endowment Association, served as the communications director for the United Way of Douglas County, and as a marketing strategist for the University of Kansas Center for Public Partnerships and Research. Micki’s other passions include hiking, adventures with friends, travel, and community volunteerism, including working as an animal-assisted therapy team with her standard poodle, Daisy. She and her husband, Rob, are college sweethearts and have three children, Spencer, Connor and Madeline.
Kristy Weeks, Owner, Sacred Self Hypnotherapy and Coaching
Kristy Weeks is the owner of Sacred Self Hypnotherapy and Coaching, a private hypnosis practice in Lawrence, KS. She has over 20 years of experience in the human services field. She received her BA in Psychology at Pittsburg State University in 2003, then her MS in Counseling at Oklahoma State University in 2011. Kristy is a counselor, hypnotherapist, NLP Practitioner, TIME Techniques Practitioner, Success Coach, EFT Practitioner, and Reiki Practitioner. All these modalities together mean that she works with people to reach a deeper level of transformation through holistic practices to make lasting change utilizing the subconscious mind. Kristy is married to her husband, Nick, with a 5-year-old daughter, Lorelei, and two older pets. In her spare time, Kristy likes to spend time with friends and family, travel, read, and spend time in the nearest body of water. She got involved with #BeMoreLikeClaire because she is passionate about working with victims of domestic violence and addressing the systemic issues that contribute to the stigma surrounding relationship violence.
Kristy Weeks is the owner of Sacred Self Hypnotherapy and Coaching, a private hypnosis practice in Lawrence, KS. She has over 20 years of experience in the human services field. She received her BA in Psychology at Pittsburg State University in 2003, then her MS in Counseling at Oklahoma State University in 2011. Kristy is a counselor, hypnotherapist, NLP Practitioner, TIME Techniques Practitioner, Success Coach, EFT Practitioner, and Reiki Practitioner. All these modalities together mean that she works with people to reach a deeper level of transformation through holistic practices to make lasting change utilizing the subconscious mind. Kristy is married to her husband, Nick, with a 5-year-old daughter, Lorelei, and two older pets. In her spare time, Kristy likes to spend time with friends and family, travel, read, and spend time in the nearest body of water. She got involved with #BeMoreLikeClaire because she is passionate about working with victims of domestic violence and addressing the systemic issues that contribute to the stigma surrounding relationship violence.
Jana Wallen, Speech Language Pathologist, Sound Speech Therapy
Jana, a Texas native, has lived in Lawrence for over 26 years. She has practiced Speech Language Pathology for over 28 years and has worked in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools and now private practice. Jana and her husband, Paul are empty nesters, and their 22 year-old twins, Andrew and Olivia are both in college, pursing Business and Nursing, respectively. Jana has always had an interest in serving on a board for a meaningful organization with a good purpose. She became interested in #BMLC when she met Shannon at a fundraising event and learned more about its mission to educate and increase awareness of domestic violence and abuse. It is important to Jana, as she watches her own young adult children navigate the terrain of relationships and instilling in them how to foster healthy relationships with others. Jana is very excited to be apart of the #BMLC Board!
Jana, a Texas native, has lived in Lawrence for over 26 years. She has practiced Speech Language Pathology for over 28 years and has worked in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools and now private practice. Jana and her husband, Paul are empty nesters, and their 22 year-old twins, Andrew and Olivia are both in college, pursing Business and Nursing, respectively. Jana has always had an interest in serving on a board for a meaningful organization with a good purpose. She became interested in #BMLC when she met Shannon at a fundraising event and learned more about its mission to educate and increase awareness of domestic violence and abuse. It is important to Jana, as she watches her own young adult children navigate the terrain of relationships and instilling in them how to foster healthy relationships with others. Jana is very excited to be apart of the #BMLC Board!
Executive Director, Founder of #BeMoreLikeClaire
Shannon VanLandingham
Shannon brings a lifetime of experience in leadership and non-profit volunteering. Throughout her life she has served as a trainer, facilitator, and educator, while organizing leadership programs, planning events, and honing her skills in fundraising for good causes. She loves her family and friends, music, big laughs, and finding the right person for the job. Working to continue her daughter's legacy of love and service is helping her find healing for her shattered heart.
Shannon VanLandingham
Shannon brings a lifetime of experience in leadership and non-profit volunteering. Throughout her life she has served as a trainer, facilitator, and educator, while organizing leadership programs, planning events, and honing her skills in fundraising for good causes. She loves her family and friends, music, big laughs, and finding the right person for the job. Working to continue her daughter's legacy of love and service is helping her find healing for her shattered heart.
