Who We Are

About Show Me KC Schools

Show Me KC Schools is a nonprofit organization that helps families make well-informed decisions about their children’s education by providing vital information about district, charter, faith-based, and independent-private school options in Kansas City. The idea for Show Me KC Schools grew from a group of parents with school-aged children who were committed to living in Kansas City, Missouri and eager to find the right education for their children. Today Show Me KC Schools provides unbiased information and access to over 90 schools through this robust website, (complete with comparison tools and virtual tours), the City School Fair, school tours, parent workshops and one-on-one support. We’re a one stop shop to get you started on finding a right fit school for your family.

Meet Our Staff

At Show Me KC Schools we are very lucky to have an outstanding team supporting the families of Kansas City. Between us we have children and grandchildren learning and thriving across KCPS neighborhood and signature schools, as well as charter schools, faith-based schools and independent private 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.

Tricia JohnsonExecutive Director

Tricia Johnson has taught middle school in Chicago and internationally. Originally from Southern California, Tricia earned her master’s …

Leslie KohlmeyerDirector of Programs

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 …

Nicole BeckerMarketing and Communications Director

Nicole Pursley moved to Kansas City a little over two and a half years ago. In that time, she has recognized…

Diane CharityCommunity Outreach Coordinator

Diane Charity is a 30+ year community activist and organizer in Kansas City, MO. Her career background includes community liaison, secondary school …

Danielle DispenzaK-12 Special Education Specialist

Danielle Dispenza is a Kansas City area native who has lived in KCMO for over 10 years with her husband. Prior to staying home to raise their two children …

Jessica PeñaSchool Navigator - Spanish Bilingual Specialist

Jessica Peña is originally from the Mushroom Capital of the World – Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. She moved to the Kansas City area after graduating from High Point University in North Carolina…

Sabrina DowdyProject Coordinator

Sabrina Dowdy is originally from Kansas City but most recently returned back to Kansas City from Los Angeles County. She is a long time Early Child Education advocate and community supporter…

Meet Our Board Members

Ivan NugentPresident

Ivan Nugent is a lawyer at Krigel & Krigel in Kansas City, Missouri. Previously, Ivan served the Kansas City Public Schools for 8 years as their lead trial attorney …

Alicia DouglasSecretary

Alicia Douglas is director of community relations and outreach for Rockhurst University. She moved to the area from Milwaukee 15 years ago …

Anthony MartinezVice-President

Anthony Martinez is an attorney at Shook, Hardy & Bacon in Kansas City. He moved to Kansas City 6 years ago from Arkansas where he obtained his undergraduate and …

Shelly DoucetTreasurer

Shelly Doucet is a Director of Development with the UMKC Foundation where she serves the School of Education …

Patrick AmeyBoard Member

Patrick Amey is a Financial Planner with KHC Wealth Management in Overland Park. He was born and raised in Kansas City, received his undergraduate degree …

Tanesha FordBoard Member

Tanesha Ford serves as the executive director for Kauffman Scholars, Inc. (KSI), and is responsible for oversight and management of the program. She provides …

Amanda GarbachBoard Member

Amanda works as a lead project designer at the architecture firm, Gould Evans, based out of their Westport office. After finishing her master’s in architecture at Kansas State …

Erik WullschlegerBoard Member

Erik Wullschleger is leading a number of efforts to make Kansas City a better place to live, work and play. By day, his work as the Director of LiveKC has spanned everything …

Our Supportive Funders

Need Help?

Our team can guide you through the process. Contact us and a School Navigator will be in touch to schedule a free consultation.