Our Staff
Steps to End Poverty in McPherson County was founded in 2010 by a group of passionate leaders in the city of McPherson who were dedicated to fighting poverty and inspired by the power that relationships had in that fight. For the majority of our history, STEPMC was connected with the Circles USA movement. Over the past decade we have worked tirelessly to build relationships and walk alongside people as they overcome poverty.
Executive Director
Angela comes to STEPMC with extensive experience in the local school system having most recently served as a teacher in USD 418. Along with teaching, Angela has a passion for swimming and serves as the head coach for the USD 418 Girls High School Swim Team. In addition to these professional duties, Angela is deeply involved with the local community through service, including trail maintenance along the Meadowlark Trail with the high school swim teams and volunteering in multiple capacities for The Refuge Church Camp.
Moundridge Coach
Growing up we did not have a lot of money, I struggled with fitting in, and feeling accepted. I then turned to drugs to numb all the negative feelings I was dealing with from growing up. I became a single teen mother, struggling to just make it in everyday life. My life was nothing but chaos, while dragging along my innocent child in my chaos. I was in a very dark place in life, I could not see a way out of the darkness. I was feeling hopeless, worthless, and considered myself a major failure in life for myself and I felt I had failed my children. In 2021, I found STEPMC which was my light, leading the way out of my darkness. For the first time ever, I gained healthy relationships with some of the most important people in my life today. STEPMC has shown me a new way to live, and that life can be more than just chaos. My life is now full of success, happiness, and positive healthy relationships. I am now excited to share with others what has been shared with me, helping others by shining the light for them to help them find their way out of their darkness!
McPherson Coach
"I come to the coaching position here in Moundridge after being a Team Leader in the STEPMC program myself. After reaching a point where I was unemployed, homeless, and feeling broken due to years of trauma and poverty, I found a turning point and began to rebuild a healthy future for my family. I had nothing left but hope and the desire for a better life. Years later, I've completed some training, have found friends in my Team Partners through STEPMC, and have a deep passion for helping others build their futures into what they desire. I believe anyone can overcome anything they set their mind to. In my spare time I enjoy watching movies with my two kids."
Organizational Development VISTA
"I'm a part of the 2024 Getting Ahead class, but have been following STEPMC for a few years. I'm 31 years old with 3 beautiful children, and a certification in Fitness Training/Nutritional Specialist. I joined this group to branch out in our community and be a productive member in today's society. I'm passionate about reaching out to others in all areas. In my free time, I enjoy music, spending time with friends and family, running, and fitness activities."
McPherson Coach
"I graduated from the Getting Ahead class of 2021 and became a Team Leader at STEPMC. Before joining STEPMC, financially speaking, I didn't have much hope in getting myself out of the hole that I had dug. I'm so grateful for this opportunity and also for the new life that I'm building on my way out of poverty. Outside of working and STEPMC programming, I have a toddler at home and I enjoy growing spiritually, cooking, food, art, music, reading, going for walks, feeding the ducks, watching nature, family time, and friends."
Administrative Assistant
"I am originally from Central Kansas, and relocated to McPherson as a member of Oxford House Mitera. I grew up in generational poverty which included terrible, self-destructive cycles and patterns that carried on into my adulthood. I joined STEPMC and graduated from the 2023 Getting Ahead Class. STEPMC helped me find the proverbial "light at the end of the tunnel" by giving me the support and resources to change my life. My goal in life is to be an example of hope, because if I can change, anybody can. In my spare time, and weather permitting, I love camping and just being out in nature. "