Our Leadership

OCCK Leadership Team Shelia Nelson Stout
Shelia Nelson-Stout President/Chief Executive Officer

Shelia Nelson-Stout

President/Chief Executive Officer

“I like to be a part of an organization that assists people to gain or maintain their independence. I enjoy seeing children and adults succeed at the things they want to do. Being a part of the many communities we serve is fulfilling.”

  • Serving Since:

    1981

  • Fun Facts:
    • Collects antiques, refinishes furniture, and helped her husband restore their 100+-year-old home
    • Has raised deer, calves, horses, cats, muskrats, and a raccoon
    • Trained and showed horses professionally and currently has a horse named Jake
OCCK Leadership Team Patrick Wallerius
Patrick Wallerius Vice President/Chief Financial Officer

Patrick Wallerius

Vice President/Chief Financial Officer

“I like working at OCCK because of its mission, diversification, the challenges of my position, and the staff.”

  • Serving Since:

    1990

  • Fun Facts:
    • Is increasingly passionate about life because it “beats the alternative!”
    • Enjoys watching movings, reading, working in the yard, and spending quiet time with his wife
    • Grew up on a farm/ranch, used to ride a Harley, used to drive a cool car, played sports, and still has many of the same friends to this day
OCCK Leadership Team Susan Sprague
Susan Sprague Vice President of Expansion and Communication

Susan Sprague

Vice President of Expansion and Communication

“OCCK has a strong mission statement about working with individuals and communities, regardless of their age or disability. It is a place where people share a culture of kindness, diversity, and integrity.”

  • Serving Since:

    2018

  • Fun Facts:
    • Loves to run or bike with 50-and-over friends, including Crossfit trainers
    • Enjoys reading outside on the porch with her boxer/lab mix by her side
    • Earned $1.80 per hour at her first job at a woman’s clothing store in her small Nebraska hometown
    • Wishes she still had her powder blue Maverick that she drove in high school  
OCCK Leadership Team Kendra Krier
Kendra Krier Vice President of Rural Outreach and Services

Kendra Krier

Vice President of Rural Outreach and Services

“I was originally drawn to OCCK because of its employment opportunities. I have continued to work at OCCK because it is a place that demands excellence, and it continually allows people to grow professionally.”

  • Serving Since:

    2007

  • Fun Facts:
    • Likes to see the countryside with family, hunt, fish, and coach competitive sports
    • Described as competitive (competed in gymnastics and volleyball in childhood) and passionate
    • Is a risk-taker and willing to take on any challenge put in her path
Mieke Hoeffner
Mieke Hoeffner Vice President of Systems Operations

Mieke Hoeffner

Vice President of Systems Operations

“I wanted to be part of an organization that is focused on making a difference, solving problems, and embraces rural values. I am grateful to have found this with OCCK. To partner with so many amazing people to deliver what rural Kansans need in their homes and throughout their communities, and to spend every day seeing these benefits, truly makes me smile.”

  • Serving Since:

    2022

  • Fun Facts:
    • My brother and I are fifth-generation farmers and ranchers; Ellwood Farm LLC is a small grain and cow-calf operation.
    • I believe you can never have to many animals – dogs, cats, chickens, cows, calves, and so on!
Carrie Free
Carrie Free Vice President/Chief Human Resources Officer

Carrie Free

Vice President/Chief Human Resources Officer

"OCCK, Inc. is a phenomenal non-profit organization to be a part of. It’s a place where challenges become opportunities and I see that every day as I work with a very talented group of individuals who have a strong passion for what they do. In my opinion, the OCCK culture is unmatched."

  • Serving Since:

    2023

  • Fun Facts:

    Time with my husband, children, grandchildren and furry kids are always at the top of my list.

    • Spending time with her husband, children, grandchildren, and furry kids are always at the top of her list that she loves doing.
    • Loves traveling for enjoyment especially if it takes her to the ocean.
    • Completed requirements for a nursing degree before changing to the degree that took her on a lifelong career in human resources.
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Shanna Sowers Director of Workforce Solutions

Shanna Sowers

Director of Workforce Solutions

“Working for OCCK has been a very rewarding and fulfilling experience. They have the same philosophy that I do and show concern for their employees. They plan fun activities to reward staff for a job well done.”

  • Serving Since:

    2014

  • Fun Facts:
    • Likes spending time with family, grandchildren, her two dogs, two cats, and one rabbit
    • Enjoys the National Hot Rod Association and watching her husband drag race
    • Is a news junkie who always seeks out the good in our crazy world
OCCK Leadership Team Leslie Webb
Leslie Webb Director of Risk Management

Leslie Webb

Director of Risk Management

“I am committed to advocating for individuals with disabilities and the organizations that serve them. In addition to my duties at OCCK, I continue to consult on insurance and risk management issues for other non-profits in the state that serve the needs of disabled individuals.”

  • Serving Since:

    2016

  • Fun Facts:
    • Has two large “doodles” that she spends much of her spare time grooming and caring for
    • Enjoys working in her yard, tending to flowers, and taking day trips with her husband
    • Used to race jet skis and was ranked sixth best female amateur racer in the world
OCCK Leadership Team Michelle Griffin
Michelle Griffin Director of Mobility Management

Michelle Griffin

Director of Mobility Management

“OCCK's mission is to make transportation safe, affordable, high-quality, and efficient in Salina and the surrounding communities. Providing the best possible service for Salina's residents, while also having a regional focus, makes OCCK a leader in our field.”

  • Serving Since:

    2016

  • Fun Facts:
    • Has five children and relies on Dr. Pepper to get her through a very busy schedule
    • Coaches youth athletics, volunteers at school, organizes community service projects, and leads the local 4-H club
    • Bleeds purple, so her favorite place is game day in “Manhappiness” (otherwise known as Manhattan)— go Wildcats!
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Trell Grinter Director of Transportation

Trell Grinter

Director of Transportation

"OCCK has a mission that positively changes people’s lives. It is an honor to work with a team that embraces diversity and promotes personal and professional growth."

  • Serving Since:

    2018

  • Fun Facts:
    • Has high energy and a passion for getting people moving toward their goals
    • Loves motivational quotes and putting them into action with her team
    • Spends free time with son, husband and mini Aussie
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Yesica Swenson Director of Empowerment & Community Resources

Yesica Swenson

Director of Empowerment & Community Resources

"OCCK is a place where anyone can get the services that they need no matter the age or ability. Seeing people strive towards independence daily makes every day different but so rewarding. OCCK truly understands that everyone can be themselves and does not have to fit into a "box.""

  • Serving Since:

    2014

  • Fun Facts:
    • Loves to spend time with her husband and three children
    • Her first language is Spanish
    • Enjoys playing violin, coaching soccer and teaching fitness classes in her spare time

Learn About Our Staff

At OCCK, we believe our staff is the mainstay of the quality services we provide to children and adults with disabilities in North Central Kansas.

OCCK Staff