Consultant Bios & Info
BIST DIRECTOR
Marty Huitt, M.S. Ed.
816.797.1407
marty.huitt@gmail.com • marty.huitt@cornerstonesofcare.org
Marty has been a BIST educational consultant since 1997 and the team's director since 2003. After earning her BSE in physical education and health with a certification in behavior disorders from Missouri Western State University, Marty received her master's degree in administration from the University of Central Missouri. Prior to joining the BIST team, Marty taught students with behavior disorders and even had the opportunity to utilize BIST in her classroom, as well as to facilitate the implementation of the model throughout the junior high building.
AREA CONSULTANTS
Mary Alvarado
816.406.4801
maryalvarado9503@gmail.com • mary.alvarado@cornerstonesofcare.org
Mary joined the BIST team in July of 2021. Before that she spent 5 years working as the focus room facilitator in a middle school. Prior to that Mary was a para for special needs kids. Mary graduated in 2002 from Maplewoods with a degree in Sign Language Interpreting.
Meka Bauer, M.Ed. Education Leadership
816-377-1962
MekaBauerBIST@gmail.com • Meka.Bauer@cornerstonesofcare.org
Meka joined the BIST team in July of 2023. Meka earned her bachelors in education from Oklahoma State University and masters degree in education leadership from Doane University-Lincoln. Meka spent 19 years in the elementary and middle school setting in Nebraska, Missouri and Kansas. During this time, she served as a 4th-grade teacher, middle school teacher, BIST Vision Team leader, elementary & secondary instructional coach, K-5 instructional/special education coordinator, and K-12 curriculum coordinator. Most recently, Meka served as K-5 principal at Timber Sage Elementary School in the Spring Hill School District.
Rex Blevins, M.A., L.P.C.
816.832.1741
blevins.bist@gmail.com • rex.blevins@cornerstonesofcare.org
Rex joined the BIST team in the summer of 2019. He holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's degree in Counseling & Guidance. He has been a Licensed Professional Counselor since 1991. Rex has worked with behaviorally challenged youth and their families for 33 years, prior to joining the BIST team. Most recently, he served as lead clinician for residential treatment teams though Cornerstones of Care, agencies, and consulted/partnered with alternative education programs and teams throughout his career.
Cameron Carnegie, M. Ed.
913.940.8857
cameron.carnegie@cornerstonesofcare.org
Cameron earned a bachelor's degree in music education from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. After her time in the classroom, she pursued her passion through a masters degree with a focus on trauma and resilience. She aims to connect SEL and character development with trauma-informed practices and BIST to cause lasting change in the lives of students.
Rebecca Cook, M.S. Ed.
816.726.6390
rebecca.cookbist@gmail.com • rebecca.cook@cornerstonesofcare.org
Rebecca joined the BIST team in 2017. After earning her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from William Jewell College, Rebecca earned her master’s degree in education from Baker University. As a classroom teacher, she implemented the BIST strategy with her students and was also a member of the BIST Vision Team where she developed plans for student success and supported staff as BIST was implemented school wide.
Amanda Drinkwater, Ed. Specialist Secondary Administration
816.572.2171
adrinkwater.bist@gmail.com • amanda.drinkwater@cornerstonesofcare.org
Amanda joined the BIST team in the summer of 2022 after 23 years in education as a K-12 Spanish teacher and middle school assistant principal. Amanda earned her Bachelor of Science degree in K-12 Spanish from Northwest Missouri State, her Master’s in Education from Southwest Baptist University and her Educational Specialist degree in Secondary Administration from the University of Central Missouri. As a classroom teacher for 19 years, Amanda used BIST strategies throughout her career with multiple grade levels, served as a peer mentor and helped develop building-wide BIST strategies as a member of the Building Leadership Team. As the coordinator of a cadet teacher program, Amanda trained future teachers on the implementation of BIST in the classroom. As an assistant principal of grades 6-8, Amanda helped to develop and implement building-wide BIST strategies to support staff and students. Amanda is experienced in working with grade level teams in building positive, data-based behavioral plans that help every student succeed.
Christopher Eager
816.718.8386 • 816.506.3621
ceager64055@gmail.com • christopher.eager@cornerstonesofcare.org
Christopher joined the BIST team after 16 years as a classroom teacher and BIST practitioner. He majored in history and English at Drury College then went on to receive his degree from Notre Dame Law School. Christopher practiced law for a few years prior to pursuing teaching. He has served in school leadership roles and as president of a 600+ member education association.
Morgan Ely, Ed. Specialist Human Services
816-914-7208
Morgan.Ely.BIST@gmail.com • Morgan.Ely@cornerstonesofcare.org
Morgan joined the BIST team in July of 2023. Morgan earned her bachelor’s in education and masters in curriculum and instruction from the University of Missouri- Columbia. She then completed her education specialist degree in human services from the University of Central Missouri. Her classroom experience includes 7 years in a 7th grade ELA classroom and 2 years as a Reading Specialist for 7th and 8th graders. Following 9 years in the middle school classroom, Morgan spent 9 years as an instructor of literacy at the university level.
Kim Erholtz
Bachelor of Science in Education; 1987; University of Kansas
Master of Science in Education; 1993; University of Kansas
kimerholtz.BIST@gmail.com • Kim.Erholtz@cornerstonesofcare.org
816-206-567
Kim Erholtz joined the BIST team in the summer of 2023 after a 35 year career in elementary education. Kim received her Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Kansas in 1987. She then received her Master of Science in Education in 1993 from the same university. Kim has implemented the BIST philosophy for over 30 years in the public school classroom. She has proudly been a part of various BIST Vision teams creating common school wide expectations, mentoring colleagues, and writing success plans for students.
Virginia Gibbons, BA Elem Ed, ECSE
Virginia joined the BIST Team in 2012. She received her bachelor's degree in early education and elementary education from Graceland University and also received her early childhood special ed certification. Prior to joining the BIST team, Virginia held various educational positions for 18 years including teacher's assistant, before and after school supervisor, teacher and learning coach.
Jodi Hayward, B.S. Organizational Management
816.699.2715
jodi.hayward@cornerstonesofcare.org
Jodi came to the BIST team in 2007 with a bachelor's degree in management/organizational sequence and a minor in economics from Illinois State University. Prior to joining the team, she has worked with youth through counseling and mission services and was a behavior interventionist providing support to students with behavioral challenges. Jodi's experience includes creating behavior modification plans for students with emotional and physical needs, as well as incorporating partnerships with parents.
Linda Hosman, B.S. Criminal Justice/Behavioral Psychology
816.699.3960
lindahosman@yahoo.com • linda.hosman@cornerstonesofcare.org
Linda joined the BIST team in 2005 with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice with an emphasis in behavioral psychology. Before joining the team, Linda was a classroom teacher, music teacher, daycare/preschool director and a Recovery Room interventionist. Linda and her husband have also been foster parents since 1992. She provides Level A and B trainings for foster/adoptive parents and represents the foster/adoptive community as a commissioned member of the gubernatorial Missouri State Foster-Adoptive Advisory Board.
Shannon Johnson
Shannon joined the BIST team in the Summer of 2022. Shannon earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Criminal Justice from the University of Central Missouri. Prior to joining the BIST team, Shannon worked as a Children Service Worker, Deputy Juvenile Officer and most recently as a Behavior Interventionist within the Center School District #58. While working with this district, Shannon helped with developing behavior plans, supported staff to implement BIST and was on the Trauma Informed Care and the Leadership Teams.
Jennifer Jusseaume
Jennifer joined the BIST team in the summer of 2021 after 29 years as a classroom teacher. She majored in Elementary Education from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and went on to earn her master's degree in education from Webster University. As a classroom teacher, Jennifer was a member of her school's Leadership/Vision Team and supported staff with the development and implementation of BIST. Jennifer is experienced creating plans for students with chronic behaviors to foster success in school and life.
Nate Northcraft, M.S. Ed.
816.651.5110
natenorth13@gmail.com • nate.northcraft@cornerstonesofcare.org
Nate earned his bachelor’s degree in education at the University of Missouri, followed by his master’s degree in education in curriculum and instruction at Baker University. As a classroom teacher, Nate utilized BIST for 14 years, was a member of his school’s BIST Vision Team and fulfilled a leadership role on his school’s Building Leadership Team.
Nick Oddo, M.S. Ed.
816.812.1593
noddo.bist@gmail.com • nick.oddo@cornerstonesofcare.org
Nick joined the BIST team in 2016. He earned his bachelor’s degree in social science education from Northwest Missouri State University and his master's degree in administration from the University of Central Missouri. In his role as a classroom teacher, Nick was part of his school's BIST Vision Team, supported staff with the implementation and development of BIST and served as a peer mentor.
Sherrie Piedimonte BA – Elementary Ed; MA – Educational Administration; ED.S. – Educational Administration
816.832.7784
Sherrie.bist@gmail.com • Sherrie.piedimonte@cornerstonesofcare.org
My career spans a few decades. I began as an elementary teacher in Shawnee Mission, KS, which lasted 15 years. It continued in Raymore-Peculiar, MO Schools where I served as a principal for eight years and a Director of Professional Development in central office for five more. I moved to Odessa, TX to continue my career as a PD director and then to Chicago, IL for another two in a similar position. My education career concluded in Kansas City, Kansas as an HR Advisor for Talent Development. I count my blessing to be an educator and to serve as a BIST Consultant!
Terri Sievers, Ed. SP.
816.462.3287 • 816.651.8601
tsieversbist@gmail.com • terri.sievers@cornerstonesofcare.org
Terri earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education from the University of Missouri, as well as a master's degree in reading education and an educational specialist degree in administration from the University of Missouri — Kanas City. She taught for more than 30 years as an elementary and middle school teacher and reading specialist. She helped implement a school-within-a school BIST model to support at-risk students in the regular school setting. In addition, Terri worked as a district mentor supporting new teachers and student interns.
Judith Soltys, B.S. Elem. ED/SPED K-12
816.308.8024
jdjsoltys@gmail.com • judith.soltys@cornerstonesofcare.org
Judith joined the BIST team in 2007. She earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education from William Jewell College with an emphasis in special education. Judith brings to the team 25 years of teaching experience in alternative settings working primarily with middle school IEP students who were dually diagnosed. She has experience in creating behavioral plans to help chronic students be successful in the classroom as well as transitional plans for students returning from alternative settings to the regular classroom.
Bob Sweeny, MAT
314-452-1411
bobsweenybist@gmail.com • bob.sweeny@cornerstonesofcare.org
Bob joins the BIST team after 25 years in the educational field holding positions from classroom teacher to school leadership in the PreK – 8 environment. After completing his master’s degree in the art of teaching from Webster University, Bob has been involved leading and assisting communities with school start-ups. He began as a practitioner of BIST in 1995 and continued including and implementing BIST in school cultures ever since.
Sarah Tucker B.A. Ed Studies
816.506.9043
sarah.tucker@cornerstonesofcare.org
Sarah Tucker joined the BIST team in January 2023. Before joining BIST, Sarah was a one-on-one behavior coach and a behavior interventionist in the Lee’s Summit R7 school district. Sarah join the BIST in-home foster care support team. Sarah will finish her undergrad degree in education this summer and in the fall will begin her graduate degree in cognitive behavioral therapy. Before joining the behavior world, Sarah spent 15 years in the graphic design print industry.
Karen Wilson, BSW
312.371.6155 • 816.679.1675
karenwithbist@gmail.com • karen.wilson2@cornerstonesofcare.org
Karen joined the BIST team in the summer of 2019. Karen earned her Bachelor's of Social Work from the University of Central Missouri. Prior to joining the BIST team, Karen worked as a Behavioral Interventionist within the Lee's Summit R7 School District. While working with the district, Karen helped create and implement the BIST Vision Team within her school. Not only was Karen a vital member of the Vision Team, she continued to support students and staff members as BIST continued to grow throughout the district.
Jacquie Winbolt, LMHP
402.617.8241 • 816.516.4168
jwinbolt.bist@gmail.com • jacquie.winbolt@cornerstonesofcare.org
Jacquie joined the BIST team in 2012. She earned bachelor's degrees in both human relations and communications, followed by a master's degree in counseling, all from Doane College. She is a licensed mental health practitioner in Nebraska and spent 13 years working in child welfare. Prior to joining the team, she has worked as an outpatient therapist, outpatient clinical manager and program manager of the aftercare department.
Stephen Wyly MA, EdSp
Stephen joined the BIST team in 2022 after retiring from 26 years in school administration and many years in the classroom. Stephen earned his elementary education degree at Kansas State University and then Master’s and Education Specialist degrees in school administration at UMKC. Stephen was the Director of Education at Ozanam for 20 years and then transitioned to administration in the public school arena as Principal of Arrowhead Day School in the Shawnee Mission School District. Stephen’s 30-plus years working with special education and at-risk students and families has always had a foundation in the BIST philosophy and program implementation.
