Our Lead Staff Serving Principals
- Godly Character: We commit to work on Personal Spiritual Growth by actively seeing God’s “will” daily, to transform our character to be more Christ-like.
- Cherish Family: We value family as a vital aspect of healing hearts. Our Ultimate Goal is preserving and restoring families.
- Lead with Courage: We look to God for strength and not the world. We strive to do what is morally right while asking God for discernment, strength, and courage.
- Servant Leadership: Every aspect of our ministry is servant hood- putting other’s needs above ourselves, treating our staff as co-leaders in the kindness of God. We believe Jesus, others, and then our self.
Bryon Applegate | Executive Director
Raised in southwest Missouri, Bryon earned a BS in Elementary Education at Drury University in Springfield. He then taught for 12 years at Ozark Upper Elementary where he was recognized as District Teacher of the Year in 2013. Presently, Bryon is working on an MA in Nonprofit Management from Grace College, Winona Lake, IN which he is scheduled to complete in 2020.
With almost 20 years’ experience working with families and youth, Bryon brings a vast understanding of the importance of support, opportunity, and education. To quote one of his references, “Mr. Applegate is able to minister to children of all ages, especially teenagers. He is great dealing with complicated family situations.”
As Executive Director, Bryon’s skills and proven achievements in the areas of leadership, team building, program management, vision casting, communication, and creative strategies will be invaluable to the future success of HOH. In his own words, “I have a calling to serve women and children in need and will do so with the help of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”
Bryon’s goal is to lead House of Hope with integrity and excellence. We believe you will find him to be a sincere, thoughtful, humble man with a genuine servant’s heart.
Pamela Rodriguez | Business Administrator
Pamela has decades of experience working in non-profit association management administrative roles. Prior to coming to HOHKC, she was the Health Programs Manager at American Academy of Family Physicians, working with volunteer leaders and managing grants. Pamela is married to John, has two sons and a daughter in-law. She loves to go to the lake, decorate their old historic house, volunteer with her church and enjoys being around teenagers.
Laura Mueller | Program Director
Laura joined House of Hope in March 2015 as House staff. Prior to coming to HOH she worked as an Inventory Control Specialist at Family Christian Stores, in various positions with DST Systems and as a stay at home mom. She is married to Craig, has a daughter and son-in-love, a son and grandchildren. She and her husband love the Lord and spend a lot time volunteering at their church in various areas. She enjoys spending time with her family, reading and gardening.
Mary beth english, lscsw | Counseling Director
Mary Beth English is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in Missouri since 2007 and a licensed specialist clinical social worker (LSCSW) in Kansas since 2012. For most of her social work career she worked at KVC Behavioral Healthcare in a variety of roles and departments. Mary Beth started her career with KVC in 2003 as part of the Admissions department, while working on her Master’s Degree in Social Work from University of Missouri – Kansas City. She currently is a consultant for KVC doing Trauma Systems Therapy Training and TST Consultations. She privately provides clinical supervision and guidance to master’s level staff using Trauma based theory in combination with other therapeutic modalities such as Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She also provides Clinical Supervision to Signature Behavioral Health at the North Kansas City Hospital campus. She became the Counseling Director at House of Hope KC in March 2016.
Vicki Bartholomew, lmsw | counselor
Vicki Bartholomew has been with House of Hope KC since April 2018. She received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the School of Social Welfare from the University of Kansas. Go Jayhawks! Vicki is married and has 3 kiddos who keep her extremely busy with all of their various activities. She is thankful to be a counselor at House of Hope and being a part of the journey of healing with the girls and their families.
Brittani Williams, LMSW | Counselor
Brittani has been with House of Hope KC for nearly three years. She started as house staff, then started counseling when she received her master’s degree. She has a Bachelor’s degree is Social Work from the University of Missouri Columbia, and a Master’s in Social Work from University of Missouri Kansas City (UMKC).
Laurie White, lmsw | Counselor
I joined House of Hope KC in September 2010 as a volunteer while earning my Associate of Arts/Paralegal Certificate at Johnson County Community College. During this time I worked as a Paralegal for the District Court Trustee’s office and, after ten years of service at the Trustee’s office I had my Epiphany, “I wanted to be a Social Worker.” Shortly after, I began to work at House of Hope KC as a House Staff, mentoring the girls. I recently graduated from the University of Kansas, with a Masters in Social Work (MSW) and moved into a Counseling role (LSCSW) with House of Hope KC. I enjoy spending time with my family, gardening and cake decorating.
lexi null| Principal/Lead Teacher
Lexi graduated from Emporia State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She has a passion for young minds and believes that all children have special abilities and talents. Lexi says, “We can learn so much from listening to what they think and believe. I find so much joy in teaching, it is a rewarding job in seeing the growth that each student goes through within just a short year. I love to see what they will accomplish in their futures.” Lexi participated in both track and cross country in high school, and also loves soccer and other sports (big KC Chiefs fan!). Hobbies are sewing, knitting, running and crafts. She attends Olathe Bible Church.
Cheryl Johnson-Lee | Morning Manager
Cheryl recently ended her journey in the corporate world and took early retirement after 30 years of service at Sprint/Embarq/CenturyLink with a background in purchasing management. Cheryl has a burning passion to help others especially teenage girls. Cheryl has two sons, one daughter-in law and three grand-children. In her spare time Cheryl is in the studio listening to her oldest son write and record music and she operates her own clothing brand with her youngest son called Triumph Victory Limits None. Cheryl loves to volunteer at church, swim, play tennis, and travel.
Michele Buescher | Part-time Teacher
Michele Buescher joined House of Hope in early 2019. She enjoys teaching and encouraging her students to achieve more than they ever imagined. She has been married to Brad, a pastor, for over 30 years. They have three grown children, a daughter-in-law, and a grand-puppy. Michele enjoys spending time with her husband and children, meeting with her Bible study groups, doing yoga, and meeting friends for lunch or coffee.
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