OCCK LeadershipAttaining and Expressing Community Goals and Values

“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.”

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  Serving Since:

  1981

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  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

“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.”

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  Serving Since:

  2007

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  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

“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.”

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  Serving Since:

  2018

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  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, 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."

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  Serving Since:

  2023

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  Fun Facts:

  • 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.

"I chose to work at OCCK because of its strong culture, exceptional leadership, and genuine passion for serving others. Those qualities continue to shine throughout the organization, and it’s truly special to be part of it."

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  Serving Since:

  2025

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  Fun Facts:

  • Spends most of his time with his wife and kids that are involved in several youth sports!
  • Is an identical twin.
  • Won a Hot DOg Derby race at ta Kansas City Royals game!

"During my time at OCCK, I have witnessed the organization's continual evolution and adaptation in response to the needs of the communities we serve. I value this commitment to growth and am proud to be a part of it."

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  Serving Since:

  2001

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  Fun Facts:

  • I enjoy spending time with family and kids—quality time is always well spent.
  • I’m all about reading, podcasts, and being outdoors when I can.
  • I’m a problem solver. I like gathering information and finding creative solutions.

I love working at OCCK because we have a solid reputation of working with people no matter their background. This job quickly turned into a career for me when I saw people and opinions were valued, getting to work with people to achieve success, and how we come together as a team to assist people in working through challenges to gain independence.

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  Serving Since:

  2005

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  Fun Facts:

  • Drinks coffee, 24 hours a day!
  • Loves  fishing, yard work and landscaping.
  • Is an avid English Bulldog lover, I currently have four of them!

"I was drawn to OCCK to support others in achieving independence, and I stay because it's a place where I can continue to grow while helping people reach their goals."

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  Serving Since:

  2011

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  Fun Facts:

  • Enjoys spending time with family.
  • Loves to go fishing in the summer and bow deer hunting in the winter.
  • Has two Airbnb’s located in Wakefield, Kansas – That have accommodated over 2000 guests worldwide

"At OCCK, we focus on creative solutions that match each person’s unique path forward. I’m proud to be part of a team that values learning, independence, and individuality."

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  Serving Since:

  2011

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  Fun Facts:

  • Spends free time with husband at their home away from home on Lake of the Ozarks
  • Likes traveling to new places, especially small towns in search of unique restaurants
  • Enjoys baking and decorating sugar cookies, crafting, quilting, adventures on UTV’s, snorkeling and other water activities.

“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.”

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  Serving Since:

  2014

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  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 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."

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  Serving Since:

  2018

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  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

“It’s an honor to be a part of an organization that values supporting people in achieving their fullest potential across the lifespan. OCCK is a place to feel welcome, accepted, and appreciated."

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  Serving Since:

  2021

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  Fun Facts:

  • Spends free time spoiling her Australian Shephard and Mini Aussie Doodle
  • Loves exploring the food scene in different cities
  • Enjoys anything fitness related including CrossFit, running, and biking

"I have always been an avid supporter and advocate of my community and those I serve. In selecting OCCK I believe I chose an organization that values the same things that I do. I am excited to see the positive impact that this organization has on individual lives and the growth of our communities because of the work we do."

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  Serving Since:

  2025

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  Fun Facts:

  • Huge puzzle lover. You can always find a puzzle in progress at my home along with a comfy blanket and some puppies to snuggle you.
  • Loves to travel both domestically and internationally, though I was born and have always lived in KS.
  •  Everything in life is “figure-out-able”, it just may not be the answer you seek. Take a breath and get it done.

"I have always had a passion for serving individuals in my community. Since starting my career, I have been searching for an employer that believes in doing whatever it takes to improve the quality of life, dignity, and independence of every friend I work with. OCCK, Inc. is that employer. The team members here at OCCK, Inc. are driven and have a heart to serve. This is a team I am proud to say I am a part of!"

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  Serving Since:

  2023

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  Fun Facts:

  • Is a family person, loves nothing more than family game nights or movie nights!
  • Loves swimming and being outdoors in nature.
  • Dreams of having great landscaping in my yard, and doing it herself!