Dawn Shepler

President/CEO

With a deep-seated passion for advocacy, Dawn Shepler is dedicated to influencing public policy, enhancing individual and community health and reducing health disparities.

Dawn’s career spans over 30 years in law enforcement, where she has worked as a communication specialist and a specialized mental health parole officer. She recently served as the Executive Director of the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Coalition. Throughout her tenure, Dawn has been a staunch supporter of those in corrections and law enforcement, providing peer support and promoting wellness initiatives.

Her exemplary work has been recognized by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and the Kansas Department of Corrections, particularly for her collaborative work to implement the Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) in Sedgwick County.

Dawn holds a bachelor’s degree in administration of justice with a focus on sociology from Wichita State University. She grew up in a small town in Cowley County, where she developed a love for the outdoors and nature. In her personal time, Dawn enjoys baking for others and cherishes moments spent with her son, Cale.

Her commitment to improving mental health services and supporting law enforcement professionals has made a significant impact on her community, making Dawn a respected leader and advocate in her field.

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Amy Coppage

Chief Operating Officer

Amy is an operations and facilities professional who believes in the power of human connection, empathetic management, and the continuous growth of her community. Earning a bachelor’s degree in business and corporate communications from Southern New Hampshire University has allowed Amy to align her passion with her professional career. Originally from southwestern Colorado, Amy moved to Wichita in 2006 and quickly fell in love with the Wichita culture. She discovered her passion for nonprofits while working as the Director of Administration at a local children’s mental health facility, where she quickly realized a deeper need within the Wichita community. In her free time, she enjoys camping, spending quality time with her husband and daughter and reading a good paperback novel.

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Erica Davis

Chief Program Officer

Erica Davis has passionately served this community in various leadership roles in the government, profit, and non-profit environments for 15 years. Her experience spans from working in law enforcement and corrections, State of Kansas program management contractor and managing a local homeless shelter and outreach program. She has focused her career on supporting underserved populations. A native Wichitan and longtime Derby resident, she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems and a Master’s in Business Administration from Friends University. She is working toward completing a Master of Science in Management. Erica is a servant leader who believes in embracing new challenges with positivity and building strong cohesive teams. 

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Lisa Borger

Human Resources Manager

Lisa is an accomplished Human Resources professional, mediator, and job coach. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Oklahoma Panhandle State University as well as a Master Certificate in Mediation and Conflict Resolution from Kansas State University. She enjoys using her experiences to contribute to the everyday success of her employer and fellow employees and is passionate about positive workplace culture, employee engagement, and professional development.  “ I am very glad to be a part of HumanKind and believe strongly in serving and encouraging the most vulnerable in our community.”

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Brie Ireton

Program Manager for Homeless Services

Brie is passionate about making an impact in the Wichita community. She received her Master’s and Bachelor’s of Science from Oklahoma State University (Go Pokes!) and has since returned to Kansas, working with area nonprofits for over 10 years. She loves playing pickle ball with her husband, spending time with her two boys, and is excited to welcome a baby girl to the family . Brie is looking forward to working with our clients and helping them feel empowered to find permanent supportive housing. Brie oversees our homeless services, including Street Outreach, Emergency Winter Shelters and The Inn.

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Jessica Wells

Programs Manager - Housing Services

With 15 years of experience in non-profit leadership, Jessica specializes in program management and development. While her expertise has mainly focused on working with at-risk youth, she is eager to broaden her horizons and contribute to the betterment of our community. Jessica is from a small town south of Kansas City but has made Wichita her home after completing her studies at McPherson College. When she’s not working, she loves spending time outdoors and cherishing moments with her loved ones, including her husband Tommy, and their family and friends.

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Meredith Beal

Events Manager

Meredith is a new resident of Wichita. She grew up in Overland Park, Kansas, and has been a kindergarten teacher for the past three years. She is grateful to be a part of the HumanKind team working to serve those who suffer from housing insecurity. “I believe every act of kindness has the power to change somebody’s life.” In her free time, Meredith is pursuing a Master’s in Instructional Design and Performance technology from Baker University. When she is not studying or working, Meredith likes to travel, read, and spend time with her friends, family, and dog Bear.

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Dara Underwood

Marketing Manager

Dara, a long-time resident of Wichita, is passionate about empowering HumanKind clients by giving them a voice to share their stories. With three years of marketing experience and a Public Relations degree from Baker University, Dara is excited to work for an organization where she can use her skills to give back to the Wichita community. In her free time, Dara coaches an all-star cheer team and teaches piano lessons.

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Lorenzo Davis

Accounting Specialist

Lorenzo is a first generational college graduate with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance with a Real Estate Emphasis. He graduated from WSU and has been part of the Wichita community since 2008. He has been using his talents in accounting for over 3 years. “Kansas has always been my home. I am excited for the opportunity to use the skills I have learned in school to positively affect my community.”

“Family has always been my number one priority and I would do anything for them.” He and his wife Samantha have one child and love spending their free time gardening, going on walks, and going to the zoo.

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Dominique Ross

Program Coordinator

Dominique is a born and raised Wichitan. She graduated from Wichita South High School and has since been using her skills to help others. With 10 years of experience in customer service and data entry, she is excited to join the HumanKind team as the Program Coordinator. “I’m very passionate about making an impact in the Wichita Community. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to work here and help those in need.” Outside of work Dominique enjoys spending time with her family, including, her two boys Kaleb and Adonis.

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Dawn Cano

Fundraising Coordinator

Originally from Texas, Dawn has a deep-rooted belief in the potential of every individual. She has dedicated her career to empowering individuals to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. Dawn’s experience in marketing and nonprofit work has equipped her with the skills to drive positive change and make a meaningful impact in the community. As a wife, mother and grandmother, Dawn is passionate about creating a better future for generations to come.

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Ashley Blackmon

Executive Assistant to President/CEO

Ashley is a Wichita native who is passionate about serving our community. She joins the team at HumanKind after spending 10 years as an Executive Assistant to a prominent local business owner. She serves as the Executive Assistant to Dawn Shepler, HumanKind President/CEO and oversees her daily schedule, meetings, and manages her assignments. She serves as the primary point of contact for internal and external communications on all matters pertaining to the Office of the President. She also organizes and coordinates executive outreach and external relations efforts; and oversees special projects. When not a work, Ashley spends time with her wonderful children and pets, with whom she enjoys hiking, camping, and spending time outdoors.

“I am a strong believer in community and understand the importance of a support system. I am looking forward to being a part of the support system for those we serve.”

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Alison Bottom

Administrative Assistant

Alison and her family are happy to have moved back home to Kansas after spending the last 20 years San Diego. She joins HumanKind with nearly 30 years of experience in customer services.”I’m thrilled to be given the opportunity to work at HK, and look forward to applying my customer service experience in this position.” In her free time, Alison enjoys spending time with her two children and going boating on the lake.

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