Britain Center Staff

The Britain Center staff includes, Front Row (left to right): Cari Cucar, Amy Milroy, Shannon Lockwood; Second Row: Kristin Brokaw, Janie Best, Angie McDermed, Erin Haynes, Sara Releford, Connie Schmitt, Michelle Gumminger; Third Row: Ann Wheeler, Barb Johnson, Debbie Foster, Erin Slicker, Wendy Kuhlman, Amy Montague, Amy Suiter, Krista Sederquist, Maureen Mitchell; Top Row: Lanette DeGroot, Linda O'Grady, Holly Buser, Shanan Lee, Lori Moore, Angie Ward, Gloria Hernandez, Janet Schnacker.   Not pictured:  Jami Combs, Amy Cook, Tarah Flynn, Julie Kelly, LeAnn Walters, Debbie Whittaker, Allison Candler, Rosie Cresswell and Kristin Shipp.

Amy Milroy, ECSE, M.S.-Ed, Director
Before coming to the Britain Center as an early childhood special educator in 1999, Amy taught in the DeSoto and Wellsville school districts. In August 2006 she became Director of the Britain Center. Amy loves being a part of the Britain Center staff and working with all of the wonderful children and families. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Hearing from the University of Kansas and her Master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education also from KU. She enjoys reading, baking, watching movies and spending time with her husband, two daughters, Claire and Grace and two vizslas, Jesse and Lucy.

Janie Best, B.S., Early Childhood Teacher
Janie Best joined the staff at the Britain Center in August of 1996. She first found herself on the doorstep of the Britain Center in 1984 when a friend referred her after learning that one of her children had special needs. She found many friends and much hope there! Janie later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Family Studies and Human Services from Kansas State University and holds an Associate of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from Johnson County Community College as well. She is currently working toward her Master's degree at K-State. In her spare time Janie enjoys sewing, reading and spending time with her family and friends. Janie is grateful for the opportunity to partner with families and children with special needs.

Kristin Brokaw, OTR/L, Occupational Therapist
Kristin joined the staff at the Britain Center in August of 2008.  She earned her Bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Missouri in 1999.  As an occupational therapist, she has worked in the public school system as well as home-based early intervention.  In her spare time she enjoys reading, outdoor activities and spending time with her husband and three daughters.

Holly Buser, PT, Physical Therapist
Holly joined the staff at the Britain Center in May 2002. As a Physical Therapist, she has worked in a variety of pediatric settings. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy at the University of Maryland. She enjoys golf, traveling and cooking in her spare time. She has been married to Mike for over thirty years and has two grown sons, Mark and Andrew. 

Allison Candler, OTR/L, Occupational Therapist
Allison began working as needed at the Britain Center in February of 2008.  Allison earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Kansas in 1999.  Since then she has worked with children in a variety of settings.  Prior to joining the Britain Center team, she worked for a children's hospital doing home health, as well as birth to three.  Allison enjoys getting to know the families of the children she serves and having the opportunity to be a part of such a talented and experienced team.  Allison likes to read, garden, and spend time outside playing with her two boys, Sam and Jack.

Jami Combs, M.A., CCC-SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist
Jami joined the staff at the Britain Center in January of 1995.  She earned her Master's degree from Oklahoma State University in 1985 and has had the opportunity to work in a variety of setting while in Oklahoma, Texas, Minnesota and Kansas.  Prior to joining the Britain Center, Jami worked in the medical setting where she became particularly interested in feeding/swallowing disorders and developmental care in the NICU.  She has continued her education in the area of feeding disorders and completed NOMAS assessment certification in 2009.  Jami enjoys raquetball, reading, and spending time with family and friends.  She is married to Bobby and they enjoy their two grown children, Brant and Morgan.

Amy Cook, M.S., CCC-SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist
Amy began working at the Britain Center in 2007. She received her bachelor's degree in Speech-Language-Hearing from the University of Kansas in 1999 and her master's degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences from the University of Arizona in 2001. Prior to joining the Britain Center, Amy provided in home speech and language intervention to infants and toddlers.  Amy enjoys working with children of all ages, but has found her work in early intervention extremely rewarding. When Amy is not at the Britain Center she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She and her husband have twin boys and two dogs. 

Rosie Cresswell, PT, Physical Therapist
Rosie joined the staff in IDC in 1996.  She earned her Master's degree in Physical Therapy at UMKC.  She is married and has five children. 

Cari Cucar, OTR/L, Occupational Therapist
Cari joined the Britain Center staff in September of 2003. She earned her Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from Rockhurst College in 1999 and has been working with children with special needs ever since. Cari's love for the water motivated her to get certified in aquatic therapy in 2001. Cari is married and has two children. She enjoys reading and hanging out with her husband and children. 

Lanette DeGroot, M.A., Speech-Language Pathologist
Lanette joined the staff at the Britain Center in November of 2009.  She received her Master's degree in Speech-Language-Hearing from the University of Kansas in 2005.  Prior to coming to IDC, Lanette provided in home speech and language intervention through Outreach Therapies and Consulting, Inc, as well as served children 4-14 years of age at Marion Hope Center for Children's Therapy.  When she is not at IDC, Lanette enjoys date nights with her husband Brent and spending time with her 8 month old son, David Colt.  She also likes doing yoga and making greeting cards. 

Tarah Flynn, Paraprofessional
Tarah joined the staff at the Britain Center in June of 2009.  She earned her Bachelor's degree in Rehabilitative Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in May of 2009.  During school, she enjoyed teaching swimming lessons to children with disabilities.  She has worked over 2,000 hours doing ABA home-based therapy.  In her free time, Tarah enjoys playing with her dog, watching movies and reading.

Debbie Foster, PT, Physical Therapist
Debbie joined the staff at the Britain Center in February 2006. As a Physical Therapist, she previously worked at the Britain Center from 1985-1997 and is thrilled to be back! She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy at KU. She enjoys reading, walking, swimming and attending her children’s activities. She is married and has four kids and one dog. 

Janette Foster, OTR/L, Occupational Therapist
Janette began working at the Britain Center in 2007.  She received her bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy in 1999 and her Master's degree in Special Education with an emphasis in Autism/Asperger's Syndrome in May 2007 both from the University of Kansas.  Janette worked at IDC from January 2001-July 2006 and now has returned to IDC after a year away. Janette has a background in early intervention prior to coming to the Britain Center and enjoys working with young children and their families especially in the area of sensory integration dysfunction. In her free time Janette enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and dog, Mazie.  She likes to read, cook, and photograph her favorite subject, her daughter. 

Erin Haynes, MT-BC, Music Therapist
Erin joined the staff at the Britain Center in August 2006. She earned her Bachelor's degrees in both Music Therapy and Music Education from the University of Georgia. Before coming to IDC, Erin was employed at a psychoeducational center in Athens, Georgia, serving school-age children wtih emotional and behavioral disorders. She also taught music classes at a local preschool. Erin loves sharing the joys of participation, learning and success through music with children of all ages. She lives in Lawrence with her husband, Greg. In her spare time she enjoys being outdoors, reading and watching movies.

Gloria Hernandez, Paraprofessional
Gloria joined the staff at the Britain Center in January 2007. She is a proud mother of three, including one child with special needs. She has always enjoyed being around and working with children. Her employment history involves jobs of that nature including working at a daycare, and being a nanny for several years. She is an active officer on the PTA board at her childrens' school. Gloria's hobbies include spending time with her husband, Ricardo, and spending time with her nieces and nephew.

Barb Johnson, M.S., SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist
Barb joined the staff at the Britain Center in 1997, as a Speech Language Pathologist. She earned her M.S. degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. Before joining IDC, Barb was a therapist in an elementary school in Rapid City, South Dakota. She then worked for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, in an infant program. Upon moving to Kansas City, Barb worked at Children’s Therapeutic Learning Center for 19 years. Barb is married, has two children, and enjoys sewing and playing golf.

Julie Kelly, Paraprofessional
A native Californian, Julie relocated to Kansas in 2002 and first came to the Britain Center as a volunteer in 2003.  In 2006, she became an IDC employee and loves working with the children and being part of such an exceptional team.  Julie received her Bachelor's degree in Marketing/Communications from San Diego State University.  In her spare time, she enjoys volunteering, reading and anything outdoors.  She and her husband Scott have a son, Matthew and a dog, Sophie.

Amy Kentfield, Paraprofessional
Amy began volunteering at the Britain Center in 2008.  She has a elementary special education degree from Creighton University in Omaha where she taught for 2 years.  Amy then taught in Blue Valley School District for nine years where she earned her Master's degree in in Special Education from the University of Kansas.  Amy stayed home for 7 years raising her three children.  Wanting to get back into the field, Amy found a home at the Britain Center.  In her spare time, she enjoys running, reading and spending time with her husband and kids.  

Wendy Kuhlman, Paraprofessional
Wendy joined the staff at the Britain Center in 2008. She has worked with children for over ten years, seven of those as a Paraprofessional with the USD 232 Early Childhood Special Education program. She has always loved working with children and feels very blessed to have the opportunity to support the staff, parents and the children of IDC. In her spare time, Wendy enjoys spending time with her husband of 20 years and her three sons, Sheldon, Brent and Devin. She loves movies, camping, boating and spending time outdoors with her family and two dogs.
 
Shanan Lee, M.S., Ed., Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Shanan joined the staff at the Britain Center in 1999.  She earned a Bachelor of Arts with dual degrees in Psychology and Human Development and Family Life and her Master's in Early Childhood Special Education from the University of Kansas. Prior to joining the Britain Center, she taught in the Wellsville School District. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, watching movies, baking, and watching the Jayhawks. Shanan and her husband live in Olathe with their 3 children. 

Shannon Lockwood, OTR/L, Occupational Therapist
Shannon joined the staff at the Britain Center in June, 2004. As an Occupational Therapist, she came from the Leavenworth County Special Education Cooperative. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy at the University of Kansas. She enjoys playing with her kids, cooking, and reading in her spare time. She lives in Lawrence with her husband, son, two daughters and cat.

Angie McDermed, OTR/L, Occupational Therapist
Angie joined the staff in August 2006. She has worked with children in a variety of settings since graduating from the University of Kansas in 1997 with a degree in Elementary Education. In 2005, she completed a Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from KU Med.  Angie has been married to Elliott for 7 years and they have two daughters, Delaney and Ellie. When she is not feeding, bathing, reading or playing with her girls she enjoys visiting the gym, reading and traveling.

Amy Meek, PT, Physical Therapist
Amy joined the Shawnee Mission Medical Center staff in 2005.  In addition to working at the Britain Center, primarily in aquatic therapy, she sees adult inpatients and outpatients.  She earned her Bachelor's degree in Nutrition and Exercise Science from Kansas State University and her Master's degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Kansas.  She has been married to her husband Marshall for 7 years and they have a daughter, Audrey and a son, Wesley. 

Maureen Mitchell, PT, Physical Therapist
Maureen joined the Britain Center staff in 1990. She earned her Physical Therapy degree in 1986 from Rockhurst University. She enjoys running, tennis and coaching her kids. She is married and has three kids and one dog.  

Amy Montague, M.A., CCC-SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist
Amy joined the staff at the Britain Center in 2003. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders from Truman State University in 2001 and her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Kansas in 2003.  Amy and her husband, Michael, live in downtown Kansas City.  She enjoys running, volunteering and spending time with friends and family.

Lori Moore, Paraprofessional 
Lori feels very blessed to be returning to the Britain Center.  She was the music therapist at the Britain Center from 1997-2002 before moving to South Central Kansas for seven years.  She earned her Bachelor's degree in Music Therapy from Phillips University.  Lori enjoys music, reading, scrapbooking, and walking.  She and Todd, her husband of nearly 24 years, have one daughter, Lauren. 

Linda O’Grady, OTR/L, Occupational Therapist
Linda joined the staff at the Britain Center in June of 1997 as an Occupational Therapist. She has worked in Pediatrics for 18 years. She earned her degree at the University of Kansas. She is married and has three children. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her children, swimming, golfing and reading.
 
Sara Releford, M.A., CCC-SLP, Speech Language Pathologist
Sara joined the staff at the Britain Center in 2006. She earned her undergraduate degree in Speech-Language-Hearing from the University of Kansas in 1998 and her Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Kansas in 2000. Sara's previous experience includes providing services in a public school and providing home-based services for children ages birth-3 years.  Sara lives in Olathe with her husband, son and two dogs. In her spare time she enjoys reading and scrapbooking.    

Connie Schmitt, Secretary
Connie was employed by Shawnee Mission Medical Center in 1996. A year later she transferred to the Britain Center. She attended Baker University and has an Associate Degree. She has had approximately 25 years experience in the secretarial field, from working in research at a drug company to working in human resources. She has three married daughters; two of them are twins. She enjoys reading, politics, playing board games, watching HGTV, decorating and crafts and dinner theatre. She and her husband of 35 years enjoy being active in their church.

Krista Sederquist, M.A., CCC-SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist
Krista joined the staff at the Britain Center in January 2010.  She earned her Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology from the University of Colorado in 1995 and her Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology in from the University of Kansas in 1999.  Prior to coming to IDC, Krista provided speech and language services for Children's Mercy, home health services and Headstart.  When she is not at IDC, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband, Davin, and three young children.

Kristen Shipp, Paraprofessional

Erin Slicker, PT, Physical Therapist

Amy Suiter, OTR/L, Occupational Therapist
Amy joined the Britain Center staff in 2006.  She earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology in 1995 and her Occupational Therapy degree from Kansas University Medical Center in 1998.  Amy has worked in a variety of pediatric settings including the outpatient and rehabilitation units at the Children's Hospital of San Diego, the San Diego Unified School District, and has worked in early intervention services in the Boston and Kansas City areas.  Amy has three daughters and enjoys traveling and outdoor activities in her spare time. 
 
LeAnn Walters, Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
LeAnn joined the staff at the Britain Center in May 2005. As an Early Childhood Special Education Teacher, LeAnn enjoys working side by side with families to meet the individual needs of her students. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Human Development and Family Life and her Master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education from the University of Kansas. Before coming to IDC, LeAnn worked for five years as a behavior analyst. She is married to a firefighter. They have three daughters and a St. Bernard. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family.
 
Angie Ward, ECSE, M.S.-Ed, Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Angie joined the staff at the Britain Center in 1992 . She earned her Master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education at Kansas State University.  She met her husband Tom, who is a veterinarian, at K-State and they have been married for 17 years. They have two daughters, Ellie and Abbey. Angie enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, going on walks, and playing with her three dogs and one cat.    

Ann Wheeler, M.A., ECU Teacher, BCBA
Ann joined the staff at the Britain Center in 2009 after returning from Ireland where she worked as the Early Intervention Specialist for Down Syndrome Ireland.  She gained her Master's in Early Childhood Education from the University of Kansas in 1987 and is Board Certified Behavior Analyst.  Ann has two children, ages 17 and 10, and enjoys working with young children and their families. 

Debbie Whittaker, Paraprofessional
Debbie joined the staff at the Britain Center in August 2008 as a paraprofessional. In her previous life, she worked in various Finance and Accounting positions at Sprint, but really enjoys her work with the children much, much more. Her son Peter attended the Britain Center from 2000-2007, so she is familiar with the facility and the miracles it can work. Debbie has two other children besides Peter and also a dog, so she has very little time for leisure activities. When she can sneak some time to herself, she enjoys soccer and other sports, as well as reading.