The mission of Show Me KC Schools: To empower families on their educational journey by providing vital information about their school options, inspiring school pride, and increasing access to free public education across the KC Metro area.
The vision of Show Me KC Schools: That all systems work for Kansas City families and community members have confidence in their school options.
Our burning questions: We approach our work guided by the principles of equity and transparency. In all that we do, we ask: Is it transparent? Does it work for families?
Our Core Values:
Meet Our Staff
At Show Me KC Schools we are very lucky to have an outstanding team supporting the families of Kansas City. We are proud Kansas Citians and are thrilled to be living in this great city. Between us we have children learning and thriving across KCPS neighborhood and signature schools, as well as charter schools. We know first-hand how important it is to know your options when it comes to our educational landscape and we are dedicated to helping you find a great school for your child just like we have.
Leslie Kohlmeyer
Executive Director
Leslie Kohlmeyer
“I chose the ‘art alley’ in the Crossroads as my iconic Kansas City location because I love seeing all the creative energy being displayed across our city and the ability for these artists to express their political opinions, fear, and hopes for our city.”
Leslie Kohlmeyer has lived and worked in KC most of her life. She has been watching as the city has shifted and shaped itself into one of the most beautiful, culturally significant, and family-friendly cities in which to build a future. Leslie has three great kids and has made the Historic Northeast her home for over 20 years. She is excited to share that passion for equity in educational options with all families across the city that she loves.
Danielle Dispenza
Director of School Navigation
Danielle Dispenza
“To say that the Kansas City Public Library system is an essential resource for me is an understatement. That is why I chose the Central Branch parking garage as my iconic Kansas City landmark. The individuals there have played an integral role in supporting me as a parent, from storytimes to lifelong friendships, I am forever grateful.”
Danielle Dispenza is a Kansas City area native who has lived in KCMO for over 14 years with her family. Prior to staying home to raise their two children, Danielle received her Child Development Associate Certificate through the Family Conservancy and worked for 12 years in early childhood and elementary special education. During her time as a paraprofessional in two local school districts Danielle worked one on one with students with special needs to provide them the best and most inclusive educational experience. Danielle spent 8 years providing home health care services for families of children with developmental and medical disabilities. An avid volunteer, Danielle is a mentor with Kansas City Public Schools District. When not working or volunteering Danielle and her family enjoy hiking and camping especially within the National Parks.
Citlali Valdes
Bilingual School Navigator
Hablo Español
Citlali Valdes
Citlali is the Bilingual School Navigator at Show Me KC Schools. Born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri she works to help students and families navigate and understand the local school landscape. She brings strong local experience, having graduated from Lincoln College preparatory Academy, and is currently pursuing her degree in Exercise Science on the path to Pre PT at Rockhurst University. She is fluent in Spanish, English, and French ensuring that all families receive the support they need. In her free time she can be found traveling or baking delicious sweet treats.
Citlali es la Navegadora Escolar Bilingüe en Show Me KC Schools. Nacida y criada en Kansas City, Missouri, trabaja para ayudar a estudiantes y familias a navegar y comprender el panorama escolar local. Aporta una sólida experiencia local, ya que se graduó de Lincoln College Preparatory Academy, y actualmente está cursando su licenciatura en Ciencias del Ejercicio con orientación hacia Terapia Física (Pre PT) en la Universidad de Rockhurst. Habla con fluidez español, inglés, y francés, lo que garantiza que todas las familias reciban el apoyo que necesitan. En su tiempo libre, se la puede encontrar viajando o horneando deliciosos postres.
Molly Schemm
Director of Programs and Events
Molly Schemm
Molly has called KC home for the last 5 years; having previously lived in Mobile, AL where she worked as Assistant Director of Camp SMILE — a camp for children and adults with special needs. She has spent the last 10 years of her career supporting children and young adults, and their families by providing education, resources, and respite. Molly is passionate about working with and for youth, and believes strongly in supporting the next generation through education. When not working for KC families, Molly enjoys cooking, reading, and spending time outdoors.
Parent Advisory Board
As an organzation created for families by families, we continue to engage parents and guardians on the quality of services that Show Me KC Schools’ provides.
Miriam Galan
Miriam Galan
I am an activist and advocate deeply committed to inclusion and equity. I am the proud mother of Pedro and Michael, who inspire my work every day.
I am a graduate of the Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI) and the Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council leadership program (MODDC). I currently serve as a member of the Northwest Missouri PAC and have completed the EDUmics certification through Georgetown University.
I am also the founder and CEO of Azul Esperanza, an organization launched a year and a half ago to support Latino families raising children with disabilities and neurodevelopmental conditions.
In 2024, I received the National Award from the National Parent Union as Special Education Advocate, which reinforces my commitment to families and special education.
My mission is to continue elevating the voices of our community and advocating for inclusive policies and practices that create opportunities for everyone.
Nina Velazquez
Nina Velazquez
As a mother of two daughters, ages 13 and 8, my family is my heart, and everything I do is centered around creating a brighter future for them. I’m currently pursuing a degree in psychology with a minor in sociology, hoping to better understand the world around me and help others in the process. My journey truly began when I graduated from the Parent Leadership Training Institute, a transformative experience that inspired me to become more involved in my children’s education and advocate for the greater good.
I’m passionate about community involvement and serve on the Active Families Community Advisory Board and as part of the Cohort 4 Community Wellness Ambassadors program with the Kansas City Health Department. Outside of my studies and volunteer work, I enjoy spending quality time with my family and giving back to the community. Joining the Parent Advisory Board felt like the next step in ensuring a better future for my daughters and all children in our community. I’m excited to learn, grow, and share knowledge with others, knowing that together we can help every child succeed.
Shalese Coleman
Shalese Coleman
Shalese Coleman is a dedicated mother of three and a passionate parent advocate. She is a graduate of PLTI (Parent Leadership Training Institute) and actively contributes to policy and community engagement through her roles on the MARC Policy Council and PAC. Shalese focuses her efforts on advocating for parents.
Meet Our Board Members
Nicole Collier White, CNP
Interim Board President
Nicole Collier White, CNP
Nicole Collier White joined Kansas City Public Schools (KCPS) in January 2011. Currently, she serves as the Director of the Kansas City Public Schools Education Foundation where, she works to enrich and enhance the educational experience of all KCPS students by providing financial support and other resources to supplement district-wide programs and activities.
Nicole’s career has focused on community development in the public, private and non-profit sectors. She currently serves on the Advisory Board for WIN for KC, KC Rising: Diversity and Inclusion Task Force, and Big Brother Big Sisters Kansas City.
Collier White received a Bachelor of Arts degree from William Jewell College in Nonprofit Leadership and a minor in Entrepreneurial Leadership in the spring of 2010, she just joined the WJC Alumni Board of Governors in 2017 with the intention of increasing diversity enrollment on campus.
Tricia Johnson
Secretary
Tricia Johnson
“As a parent, I see tremendous momentum building among parents, eager to seek out great schools and recognizing their capacity to help improve and create quality schools in every neighborhood.”
Tricia Johnson has taught middle school in Chicago and internationally. Originally from Southern California, Tricia earned her master’s degree from Teachers College, Columbia University, and worked in Indonesia in support of post-tsunami development before moving to Kansas City in 2009. In seeking a school for their two children, Tricia realized that many KC parents were struggling to find answers to their school-related questions and ended up moving from the city. Tricia founded Show Me KC Schools to help parents find the right information and the right school for their child, right here in Kansas City. In 2020, Tricia joined United Way of Greater Kansas City as their Director of Education Initiatives and is pleased to watch the continuous growth of Show Me KC Schools as a board member. Tricia enjoys jogs on the Trolley Trail, rousing games of UNO with her children, and discovering Kansas City’s many great neighborhoods.
Julie Steenson
Treasurer
Julie Steenson
Julie Steenson is co-founder of PorchLight Insights, a data and performance consulting firm based in Kansas City. Her work centers on helping organizations achieve positive and human-centered outcomes by using data. Prior to launching PorchLight Insights, Julie spent sixteen years working in local government for the City of Kansas City, Missouri in various roles. In 2011, she helped launch Kansas City’s DataKC program, where she built successful data and performance systems and led employee engagement and empowerment initiatives. Julie also served as Kansas City Parks and Recreations’ Chief Financial Officer and as the city’s Strategic and Capital Plan coordinator. Outside of work, Julie is an active volunteer in the Kansas City community and spends most of her free time at middle school orchestra concerts, sitting on her porch with family and friends, or biking around her neighborhood. Julie is a graduate of the University of Evansville and the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University.
Ron Hynum
Board Member
Ron Hynum
Ron Hynum is the parent of three middle school children enrolled in the KC Public School system, who are currently attending a charter school in the Midtown area.
Ron works remotely for the California Association of Marriage & Family Therapists as the Managing Director, Finance & Operations. He has more than 30 years’ experience in the not-for-profit accounting field, and once was a self-employed entrepreneur.
Ron and his family moved to Kansas City in 2020 from San Diego, California. He and his partner Kevin have navigated the foster care and adoptive care arena and are still navigating the IEP & 504 worlds for their 3 children.
When he’s not traveling for work, Ron enjoys tending their flower gardens, and spending time with the kids and the three family dogs.
Lindsay Mathews
Board Member
Lindsay Mathews
Lindsay is a family law attorney who represents individuals going through a divorce, modification of custody and child support, paternity, third party custody, stepparent adoption, or minor guardianship in Cass, Clay, Jackson, and Platte Counties in Missouri. She is regularly appointed as a Guardian ad Litem for children and is a trained mediator. She graduated from the University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Law with an emphasis in Family Law. Prior to attending law school, Lindsay spent five years working in the education field. She taught for three years in the classroom and worked with teachers on their professional development for two years. Lindsay studied Spanish, Latin American Studies, and History at the University of Kansas where she rowed on the Crew Team and studied abroad in Costa Rica. When she isn’t working, Lindsay enjoys spending time with her family and friends exploring Kansas City.
Dr. Kia Turner Ed.D
Board Member
Dr. Kia Turner Ed.D
Dr. Kia Turner Ed.D is President of Red Apple Education, a Kansas City based non-profit that partners with K-12 public school systems to elevate marginalized parent voices, create on ramps for authentic parent engagement and ensure student school and workplace success. As President of Red Apple EdCo, Dr. Turner has helped organizations revamp their theories of change, core values and strategic plans as well as analyze their data and operational processes, using a more inclusive asset based lens.
Our Supportive Funders
