Jon Binder, President
OMNI Human Resources Management
Since 1974,
Operating in Kansas City.
Sherwood provides Special Education Services and Adult Services to individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related developmental disabilities.
Who We Are
Our Mission
Sherwood Autism Center educates, equips, and empowers children and adults with autism as well as other developmental disabilities to promote independence in family and community life.
Our Vision
Sherwood is a place where all individuals feel valued for their abilities and thrive as productive members of society.
Our History
It started in 1974, when three UMKC psychology students were working with a boy in the Olathe Psychiatric Hospital. They had been taking turns, working with him day and night for eight months. The hospital was getting ready to discharge him, yet there were no schools for him to attend. The graduates believed that there should be something better so they created Sherwood Center for the Exceptional Child. They started in a church basement with six students who had nowhere to go for services. They used a combination of their last names to create the name and drew toothpicks to see who would be the executive director.
At that time, it was the first agency to provide specialized education and support services to individuals with autism in the Kansas City area. Today, Sherwood provides high-quality services for both children and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and a wide range of developmental disabilities.
The philosophy that “there has to be something better” still drives us today. We constantly seek to find the most effective methods and resources available to support the individuals that we serve.
Executive Leadership
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
KIA WALSH
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
AMANDA SHATTO
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
BRAXTON BAKER
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
KIA WALSH
Kia Walsh joined Sherwood Autism Center a little over 2 years ago, initially serving as the Chief Operating Officer. This pivotal role allowed her to immerse herself in Sherwood’s operations, understand its dynamics, and lay the foundation for her transition to CEO in January 2023.
Kia is a well-seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience. She has a successful track
record in leading diverse organizations within a broad sector, including private equity, physician
group practice, and government programs. Kia is a fierce advocate for social justice, equity, and
inclusion. She is a team builder who thrives in fast-changing and adverse environments with
high integrity, strong character, and an unyielding work ethic.
As CEO of Sherwood Autism Center, Kia has set forth a bold vision for the organization’s future.
She is committed to fostering an integrated team approach that promotes synergy and
community engagement. Kia is dedicated to nurturing high-value partnerships and driving
strategic growth that aligns with Sherwood’s mission and values.
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
AMANDA SHATTO
Amanda Shatto joined Sherwood Autism Center from BrightStar Care where she served as the Financial Manager. She holds an Associate’s degree in Medical Billing and Coding, a Bachelor’s degree in Health Care Administration and a Master’s degree in Business Administration. Amanda brings over 20 years of experience to Sherwood. For the last 10 years, she has been providing financial oversight in Long Term Care, specific to home health, skilled nursing facilities and physician practice. Amanda is excited to share her unique combination of education and applied fiscal knowledge. As the Director of Finance, Amanda will help support Sherwood’s Mission by ensuring fiscal compliance to support sustainability and strategic growth.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
BRAXTON BAKER
Braxton Baker joined Sherwood Autism Center from private practice where he provides therapeutic services; and parent, school, and organization consulting. He’s provided professional development trainings on both sides of the globe. He holds a Masters of Communication Sciences and Disorders in Speech-language Pathology and completed post-graduate work in Applied Behavior Analysis. He is also one of only a few dually certified and licensed Speech-language Pathologists and Board Certified Behavior Analysts in the world.
Braxton brings over 10 years of professional experience developing and implementing a holistic big-picture approach to maximize growth and development for individuals from birth to 100+, and from a wide variety of backgrounds and needs.
Braxton’s mission is to develop what he calls “the 5 P’s” Processes to everyday interactions and people, giving them more Purpose in creating more Possibilities, to make greater overall Progress, and giving more Peace, happiness, and success for all involved.
Leadership Team
DIRECTOR OF TRAINING AND RELATED SERVICES
ALYSON BUCK
DIRECTOR OF ADULT DAY SERVICES
JIM MCKIDDIE
DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION
STACI GONZALEZ
DIRECTOR OF PARTNERSHIPS & FUND DEVELOPMENT
LINSEY FERRELL
DIRECTOR OF TRAINING AND RELATED SERVICES
ALYSON BUCK
Alyson Buck joined Sherwood Autism Center from KidsTLC where she served as a Programming Clinician and Clinical Lead for the Trellis Center. She holds a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Master’s in Applied Behavioral Science. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and is licensed in both Kansas and Missouri, as well as a certified Safe Crisis Management Instructor. Alyson brings over ten years of experience working with children and adults with autism and developmental disabilities across a variety of settings including schools, day programs, group homes, and clinics.
Alyson’s mission is to provide greater access to high quality therapeutic services for all individuals and to empower staff to discover their potential to make a meaningful difference through training and development opportunities.
DIRECTOR OF ADULT DAY SERVICES
JIM MCKIDDIE
Jim Mckiddie joined Sherwood Autism Center on January 1st, 2023 as Director of Adult Day Program services. He comes to us with a Bachelor’s degree in Social psychology from Park College. Jim has nearly 35 years of experience working in human services. Jim’s experience as an advocate in the fields of mental health, developmental disabilities and geriatrics makes him well positioned to join our leadership team. He began his career working at Western Missouri Mental Health Center on the acute floor, before later transferring to the team in the Emergency room.
After leaving the State Hospital, Jim worked as a Community Mental Health Case Worker for Swope Park Health Services. For the past 25 years, Jim has worked for the Office of the Public Administrator in Jackson County, Missouri. His most recent role was that of Team Leader for the Case Management team.
As a Team Leader, Jim worked collaboratively with the Jackson County Public Administrator, lawyers, social workers, investigators, and financial managers to make ethical decisions for individuals adjudicated and deemed incapacitated by the Jackson County Probate Court. Jim is passionate about advocacy, and believes that ALL individuals should have equal access to services and economic security. He is excited to work with Sherwood’s staff and enjoys being on a team focused on creating new opportunities, making a difference in people’s lives.
DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION
STACI GONZALEZ
Staci Gonzalez joined Sherwood Autism Center from Kansas City Behavioral Health where she served at the Lead Special Education Teacher and a member of the Milestones Academy Administration Team. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education with an emphasis in Special Education Severe Developmental Disabilities and a Master’s in Special Education with an emphasis in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Staci has worked with educational teams for individuals from Kindergarten through 21-years-old to ensure quality educational services are provided in their educational environment. Staci’s mission is to ensure all children throughout the Kansas City area have access to high quality educational services and programming.
DIRECTOR OF PARTNERSHIPS & FUND DEVELOPMENT
LINSEY FERRELL
Linsey Ferrell joined Sherwood Autism Center from Alteas Health, where she served as Regional Director of Client Services. She is a results-driven professional with nearly 20 years of experience in business development and leadership. With a bachelor’s degree in business management, she combines business acumen with a passion for creating social impact in the nonprofit sector.
Having excelled in healthcare development roles, Linsey brings strong skills in relationship building, strategic planning, and achieving fundraising targets. She is dedicated to building collaborations, fostering excellence, and creating a lasting social impact in the nonprofit sector.
With a strategic mindset, unwavering determination, and a genuine passion for creating positive change, Linsey is poised to excel. She looks forward to leveraging her skills and experiences to drive sustainable growth and contribute to the organization’s success.
Board of Directors
Lindsey Lanzisero, Vice President
H&R Block
David Green, Secretary
Kiewit Construction
Chris Newman, Treasurer
St. Teresa’s Academy
- Brian Brown | TeamHealth
- Craig Carr | MidContinental Chemical Company, Inc.
- Jay Cross | Samick Music Corp/Seiler – USA
- Ivan Nugent | Krigel & Krigel, P.C.
- Leslie Sims | RSM US LLP
- Phil Troyer | Resources Investment Advisors
- Alan Ware | Insight Industry, LLC
- Jauqua Preston Wilkins | Oracle Cerner
- Dr. Jo Ann (Bo) Youngblood | Children’s Mercy
