Our Team

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.

Year Started at OCCK: 1981

• 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 is always looking forward as an organization in the services we provide. We value people being independent and build services around our values because we believe everyone can learn and grow.

Year Started at OCCK: 1997

• Loved to go camping as a kid and now enjoys running for its health benefits and the opportunities to think
• Has coached youth baseball and softball teams for nearly 20 years
• Is originally from Kokomo, Indiana

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

Year Started at OCCK: 1990

• 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, drive a cool car, played sports and still has many of the same friends to this day

OCCK looks at you as an individual and not just as an employee. Just as rewarding as the professional and personal support you get at OCCK is witnessing firsthand when the individuals we serve grow and successfully take on new responsibilities – for example, when they take on new jobs or move into their own apartments or learn new skills. It’s a privilege to work here and be part of it all.

Year Started at OCCK: 1976

• Enjoys spending time with her grandchildren and can often be found at the local coffee shop
• Is passionate about her house, which is unique and has been in various stages of remodeling since 1972
• Holds the record for longevity at OCCK

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.

Year Started at OCCK: 2007

• 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

OCCK has a history of treating all people with dignity and respect— both staff as well as the people we provide support to.

Year Started at OCCK: 1983

• Enjoys traveling with her daughter and learning new things
• Loves coffee and gourmet chocolate
• Has 14 siblings and was once very shy

I love seeing our customers reaching their goals and becoming more independent. Being with the company for almost 28 years, I am seeing the children we have worked with graduating from high school and heading off for the next phase of their life.

Year Started at OCCK: 1990

• Quilts, drawing from past experience as a seamstress who altered and created wedding gowns
• Loves spending time with her grandchildren
• Was on her high school track team and enjoyed running

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.

Year Started at OCCK: 2014

• 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

Being the first mobility manager for the region has been a great experience. I have met so many people throughout North Central Kansas that have an interest in public transportation and moving the region forward for the betterment of everyone.

Year Started at OCCK: 2016

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!

When I started at OCCK, I was not only impressed, but intrigued by the longevity of employment by many employees. I quickly noticed the employee appreciation, the diversity of opportunities, as well as the family oriented atmosphere within OCCK. I continue to be impressed with the values and how those values are portrayed in all of the services that OCCK provides.

Year Started at OCCK: 2014

• Favorite place is to be surrounded by friends and family
• Describes herself as “that mom” at her kids’ sporting events
• Performed in a college football game halftime show when she was in 8th grade

I enjoy working for OCCK because we assist all individuals with disabilities. In my role there are never two days alike in my job and I love the variety of my duties.

Year Started at OCCK: 1990

• Enjoys attending neighborhood get-togethers and cheering on favorite teams (go Royals, K-State Football, and Kansas City Chiefs!)
• Quilts, makes gifts for friends and family, and used to play the piano
• Is known for always going and not sitting idle

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.

Year Started at OCCK: 2016

• Has two large “doodles” 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

I appreciate that staff are truly valued by the OCCK leadership. We know that our services are only as good as the people who provide the services. Working for a mission-driven organization is very rewarding and the priorities are different than a for-profit company.

Year Started at OCCK: 1996

• Believes you must be open to opportunities in order to make wonderful discoveries, which is why she transitioned from medical technology studies to personnel administration studies
• Enjoys music and, despite her lack of a singing voice, got involved at church by joining the bell choir
• Loves everything Christmas, including decorating, Christmas music/movies and the traditions of the season

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

Year Started at OCCK: 2018

• I love to go running or bike riding with my friends, we are the 50 and over bunch! In fact, the gals I run with are Crossfit trainers!
• Love to read outside on the porch when it is warm out.  My 4 year old boxer/lab usually joins me.
• My first job was working downtown at a woman’s clothing store in my small Nebraska home town.  My hourly wage was $1.80 per hour!
• Drove a powder blue Maverick in high school and wish I had that car today.