Glenna has over 24 years of experience in community mental health. Her previous position on CKMHC’s Leadership Team is Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) Project Director. This position meant that Glenna is in charge of a smooth transition for our patients and staff to our new CCBHC model of care. Some of Glenna’s past projects include getting our Mental Health In Schools Initiative up and running, as well as getting mental health services integrated in corrections/parole and our local jail. Glenna is involved in many committees and boards, including Community Corrections. In her free time, Glenna enjoys spending time with her husband of 32 years and her daughter.
Scott joined Central Kansas Mental Health Center in 2023 as Director of Human Resources. He has over 16 years in the Human Resources field after serving in Human Resource leadership roles in healthcare and retail. Scott received his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Human Resource Management from Kansas State University and holds a SHRM-SCP. He is active in the community and has served on the Salina Area United Way Board, including as board president. Scott enjoys outdoor activities, including golfing, fishing, and hunting – and with how he plays golf, he gets to hunt for the balls in the woods and fish them out of the water!
Dr. Owens joined Central Kansas Mental Health Center in October of 2018. He has been practicing psychiatry over 25 years. His prior experience not only includes community mental health, but also forensic psychiatry, consult-liaison psychiatry, and private practice. He has worked in outpatient, inpatient, and correctional settings. As the Associate Clinical Director of Central New York Psychiatric Center, he supervised 9 psychiatrist serving involuntarily committed male and female inmates. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Illinois, a Master’s Degree in Psychology from Eastern Illinois University, and a Medical Degree from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. He completed his psychiatry training at the University of Florida and the University of South Florida. While at the University of Florida he also completed a Fellowship in Forensic Psychiatry. Dr. Owens has enjoyed working with children, adolescents, adults, geriatric patients, and veterans.
Renee first joined the CKMHC team as a psychosocial trainer and job coach, then continued supporting patients in their recovery journey as a case manager, then as an evidence-based practices (EBP) case management supervisor. Currently, as Director of Operations, Renee oversees the agency’s information technology, business support, medical, and quality departments. Her areas of focus include staff training, compliance, risk management, analysis, improvement, development, operations, security, privacy, patient engagement, and resolution. Renee is a Kansas native and lifelong resident. She graduated summa cum laude from Bethany College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and administration of justice.
Jennifer joined the CKMHC team as a child case manager in August 2010, and took over as Community Based Services Coordinator in April 2016. Jennifer was promoted to her current role as Director of Community Support Services in January 2020. She currently oversees community adult services programming, and is a certified Managing Aggressive Behaviors trainer for all CKMHC staff. Jennifer and her husband Tyler have been married since 2011, and have a son Soren and daughter Siv. Jennifer enjoys anything Marvel related and is an avid Harry Potter fan, and likes to spend her time going on family trips or reading a good nerdy book.
Ms. Kency has spent most of her career working with adolescents and their families; including the foster care system. She has worked in a residential setting, and for the last 8 years has worked in community mental health. Ms. Kency received her undergraduate degree from Wichita State University in Psychology, and her Master’s Degree from Friends University in Family Therapy. She is also a certified MAB (Managing Aggressive Behavior) trainer. Ms. Kency enjoys spending time with her husband and son, doing yoga, and watching movies.
Ms. Lathan has worked at CKMHC since 2014, and served as Health Homes Director before becoming Integrated Care Director. She was a Residential Director at Central Kansas Foundation for Addiction Treatment before being employed at Central Kansas Mental Health Center. Jamie also worked in Home Health doing a variety of nursing tasks. Jamie is the proud parent of three girls.
Mr. Lobato joined CKMHC in 1998 after graduating from Fort Hays State University. He has held several positions within the Community Based Services department including group leader, case manager, wraparound facilitator, coordinator, and administrative director. Mr. Lobato is currently the Director of Community Based Services. He and his wife Angie married in 2001 and have 3 awesome kids- Sophie, Sydney and Jack.
Marissa has served in the behavioral health and educational fields since 2001. She grew up on a farm in rural North Central Kansas and after graduating from college at KSU, she lived, worked, and received graduate degrees/licensure in Colorado and Oregon until she and her family moved back to Kansas in 2017. Marissa is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), Licensed School Counselor (LSC), and Licensed School Psychologist. She continues to work on a doctorate degree in Educational Leadership at Kansas State University.
Marissa’s experiences include working with persons who have been incarcerated/transitioning out of incarceration/parole/probation, in-home family services, residential treatment, community-based services, program management of non-residential funds/providers, clinical supervisor of intensive services, Director of Psychological Health for the State of Colorado Army National Guard, and school psychologist/psychometrician. Marissa and her husband have a son, whom they are immensely proud of, as he is witty, kind, imaginative, and altruistic. Her interests and lived experiences include rural and veteran populations, reducing the stigma in behavioral health, lifelong learning, reading, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends.
Becky McCary joined Central Kansas Mental Health Center in December 2014 as the Executive Administrative Assistant. For 20 years she has worked for non-profits and believes CKMHC truly makes a difference in people’s lives by offering hope. Becky has a BFA in Graphic Design from Wichita State University and is married with a grown daughter and son.
Nicki has nearly 25 years experience in the mental health field. She began her career at Central Kansas Mental Health Center in 2000 as a case manager, and became CSS Team Coordinator in 2017. Nicki graduated from Emporia State University in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Rehabilitation Services. She and husband Dewayne are proud parents to 3 children; 2 sons and 1 daughter. She spends most free time enjoying her kids’ various school and extra-curricular activities.
Mr. Sparks has over 35 years of experience in community mental health. He is licensed as a Master’s Level Psychologist, Licensed Clinical Psychotherapist and a Licensed Masters Addiction Counselor. Mr. Sparks received his undergraduate degree in Psychology at Baker University and his master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Fort Hays State University. He was also trained in Family Systems Therapy at the Menninger Foundation. Cody is also an Adjunct Instructor of General Psychology at Wichita State University Technical College in Wichita, KS.
Sheila Srna joined the agency in 2009 as the Director of Finance. Prior to joining Central Kansas Mental Health Center, she has worked in banking, manufacturing, marketing, and public accounting. She graduated from Benedictine College with Bachelor Degrees in Accounting and Management. Sheila’s passion for giving back to people is demonstrated through volunteerism in the community.
Steve joined our team as IT Director in 2019. He attended Kansas State University and has over 20 years of professional IT experience, specializing in Network design and Administration. He has designed and built numerous wide area networks, VOIP phone systems, multi-location video conferencing solutions, as well as Windows Server environments and Office 365. In his spare time he enjoys woodworking, grilling and spending time with family and friends.
Ms. Christians joined CKMHC in 2013, starting in case management and is now CBS Coordinator for Saline and Ellsworth Counties. She received her Bachelor’s in Psychology at Kansas State University before coming to CKMHC. Ashley is dually trained in both Youth Mental Health First Aid and Adult Mental Health First Aid and enjoys connecting with those in the community who want to further their passion in helping those with mental health struggles. When Ashley is not reading she enjoys spending her time being outside, fishing, kayaking, gardening, watching her nephews and niece play sports, and spending time with her loved ones. Ashley also enjoys being a fur mom and spends lots of hours playing and snuggling with all of her dogs.
Julie has over 16 years of experience serving children, teens, families and community agencies in educating and providing evidence based strategies including Conscious Discipline. She began with CKMHC 8 years ago as a child case manager and group leader. Julie was promoted to her current role as Community Based Services Coordinator in November of 2021. She attended Cloud County Community College earning her Associates of Science in Family Studies and Human services. Julie helps spread awareness as a Youth and Adult Mental Health First Aid trainer. She is motivated by the mission of giving children and adults the power to know they are unique and able to do hard things. Julie and her husband Nick were married in 2003 and have 3 ambitious and God fearing adult children: Jasmine and husband Kyle, Neena and Nicholas II. They also have 3 curious, creative, and strong minded grandchildren. Their family enjoys outdoor activities, music, church camp and anything that brings the family together.
Jeff graduated from Fort Hays State with a masters in Clinical Psychology. He has been with Central Kansas Mental Health Center since 2007, starting as a case manager working with mostly teenagers. In 2014 he became an outpatient therapist, and began to work with a wide range of people from older children and adolescents through to adults. Other duties have included psychological evaluations and competency evaluations. In 2023, he became the team leader/therapist for the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team.
Missy came to Central Kansas Mental Health Center in 2004 and has held various roles in our Business Office. She has been the Support Staff Coordinator since 2016 and has over 20 years’ experience with customer care. Missy feels passionate about customer service, the ease of scheduling appointments, and continuing great care throughout your services with us. Missy is a proud mom of 3 kids; a daughter and two sons.
Taylor joined Central Kansas Mental Health Center in 2018 within the CBS department as a case manager and is now serving as CBS Coordinator for Dickinson, Ottawa, and Lincoln Counties. Taylor helps spread awareness for mental health as a Youth and Adult Mental Health First Aid trainer. Taylor attended Kansas Wesleyan University as a student athlete playing volleyball and earning Champion of Character award her senior season and a Bachelor of Arts degree for History and Secondary Education. She then taught and coached within Ottawa County for five years before transitioning to the mental health field. Taylor is passionate about supporting rural communities within central Kansas and the unique mental health challenges they face. Taylor and her husband Brennon enjoy watching sports and movies together, spending time with their large families, and of course getting into all kinds of shenanigans with their two kids.
Mr. Knopp joined the CKMHC team while working toward his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice at Bethany College. Following graduation from Bethany, he transitioned to a full-time CBS Case Manager while attending Newman University to obtain his Master of Social Work degree. Mr. Knopp served as a school-based therapist in the Salina area for three years before moving into his new role as the School-Based Clinical Services Coordinator. In his current role, Mr. Knopp collaborates with school districts within CKMHC’s five-county catchment area to provide therapists who can meet youth in the school setting, helping to reduce barriers to services. He enjoys spending his free time with his wife, traveling, hiking, and playing board games with friends and family.
Mike Lynam began working with CKMHC in December of 1990. He currently holds the position of CSS Special Projects Manager. He is responsible for much of the work for our patients in the community that is tied to grant funded services, as well as significant work with Larned State Hospital and its staff. Mike was the winner of the 2017 Marian Nichols Caring Service Award for his work with the development of housing and services in Salina. The award is part of the Ad Astra awards provided by the Kansas Housing Resources Commission.
Cristina Nieto was born in Chihuahua Mexico, but has lived in Salina, KS since the age of 7. She graduated from Fort Hays state University with a bachelor’s in Psychology. Cristina joined CKMHC in 2016, starting as a CBS case manager and is now Wellness Navigator Coordinator.
Cristina’s greatest joy is spending time with her son and family.
Renee began working at CKMHC in 2007 as a psychosocial trainer and then on to become a case manager within the Community Support Services department. She had the opportunity to be involved in ensuring clients had access to all the necessary resources available to improve their mental health. Most are familiar with Renee from the crisis team, where she works with an amazing team that’s able to reduce the intensity of a client’s current crisis.
In her down time, Renee enjoys spending time with her husband and their 3 children as that keeps her extremely busy.
Deanna joined the CKMHC team in July of 2003. She has worked as a Psychosocial Trainer, Attendant Care Coordinator and in her current role as Coordinator of the Martin Youth Center (MYC). Deanna also is a certified Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid trainer. Deanna is mom to three wonderful children – Jake, Emmie and Maggie.
Kelli joined Central Kansas Mental Health Center in August 2023. She comes experienced in Accounts Receivable and Medical Billing with an Associate’s Degree in Medical Billing and Coding. Before CKMHC, she gained her experience in Abilene as Lead Financial Counselor. Camping, kayaking, and volunteering at our ball association, along with spending time with her family and son, Benntlee, fills past time and keeps her very busy.
Crystal joined Central Kansas Mental Health Center in 2014. She worked as a community support services case manager in Saline, Ellsworth and Lincoln counties and until March of 2022 when Crystal accepted her current role as the CSS Coordinator. Prior to CKMHC she worked for USD 305 for several years as well as the YMCA in their afterschool programs. Crystal graduated from Kansas Wesleyan with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. When she is not working, Crystal is spending time with her husband and going to various sporting events that their three children are involved in. She enjoys reading, going on walks, family trips and photography.
Bio coming soon!
Vicky Donley – Ellsworth County
Jerome Hellmer – Saline County
Becky Gassman – Ottawa County
Julie Lemons – Saline County
LaVeda Montgomery – Dickinson County
Lynn Peterson – Dickinson County
Rodger Sparks – Saline County
Carol Viar – Saline County
Central Kansas Mental Health Center Board Meetings are held at 3:00 pm on the third Monday of the month, with the exception of January and August. At this time, meetings will be held via a combination of in-person, Zoom and/or conference call. For connectivity information, please contact Becky McCary at 785-823-6322 by the Friday preceding the meeting.
We help people of all ages -- children, teens, adults -- find new, more effective ways to deal with the challenges and problems everyone encounters at various times in life.
START HERE“If it wasn’t for this place I would have died a long time ago. Thank God for you.”
“Please know and believe that your gifts and leadership ARE truly changing the world, you have definitely changed ours!”
“As a client of CKMHC, I was treated with dignity. This center provides empathy and patience which is so important.”
“My son spent a number of years in a VA hospital before I brought him to Kansas. The Crossroads program SAVED his life. The help he got was the greatest. I am indebted to you and have referred a lot of people to your program.”
“By far the best doctor I have ever had (and I have had a lot). Keep up the good work.”
“My son has been in and out of jail and I was struggling with what to do. I called the mental health center and was able to get all the information I needed and everyone was so nice. I couldn’t believe how wonderful everyone was to talk to, everyone really cared about my situation and wanted to really help us.”
“Our case manager shares information, resources and perspective on life with a flare of kindness that rivals none. She invests that flare into our community and families and makes our Salina a beautiful place, filled with encouraged souls.”
“So much investment being shared from so many people into our son… I can’t wait to see what he grows into!”
