About Us

We assist parents, caregivers, and educators in preparing children to succeed — mentally, socially, and academically — from the very beginning.

 

Careers   Leadership   Reports   Culture

How You’re Investing in Kansas City’s Greatest Opportunity

Futures First creates equitable opportunities for all children to thrive and experience wellbeing throughout their lives, because the first five years of life represent the most important period of human development.

Opportunity The Reason
Strategy Our Approach
Outcomes Measuring Success

Impact

Children grow up in healthy communities with thriving families and experience well-being throughout their lives.

 

Futures First Leadership Team

Paula Neth President & CEO
Jocelyn Mourning Vice President of Advancement
Debbie Siragusa Vice President of Finance
Dr. Gino Taylor Vice President of People, Culture & Equity
Jenny Brandt Senior Director of Early Learning & Care
Brian McCollam Senior Director of Mental Health
Scott Hanson Director of Marketing & Communications
Jennifer Traffis Start Young Director
Casey Thomas Director of Impact & Strategy

Futures First Board of Directors

Jenny Faught Board Chair, Deloitte
Brett Loxterman Vice Chair, Finance Committee: GR8 Global
Ericka Duker Vice Chair, Board Development: T-Mobile
Chris Constant Vice Chair, Planning & Assessment Committee: Flanagan Wealth
Ernesto Márquez Vice Chair, Head Start Oversight Committee: KPMG
Anna Thomas-Rios Vice Chair, Resource Development: University Health
Courtney Starnes Secretary, Imperial PFS
Tony Jackson SelectQuote
Amy Wolf Park University
Angelia Ewing Commerce Bank
Lakshmi Komatreddy Black & Veatch
Anna Krstulic Stinson LLP
Annette Shelton University of Missouri-Kansas City
Ashley Daniels, LCSW Kansas City VA Medical Center
Brian Herrmann Lettermen's Energy
Chris Hermreck JE Dunn
Marcus McLaughlin USD 500
Megan Elder Bank of Labor
Jacqueline Rodriguez Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools
Jenn Miller Henderson Engineers
Jon Porter Community Volunteer
Kim Herman PNC Bank
Larry Lerner Retired Attorney
Melvin Sarmiento NBKC Bank
Monica Rayford University of Kansas Medical Systems

Our Culture

Futures First is committed to being thoughtful, responsible and accountable in its work around issues of diversity, cultural competency and inclusion, so we provide high quality services in an environment that is

welcoming, nurturing and equally beneficial to all. This commitment is outlined in our Cultural Competency Plan and is guided by the following core values:

Equity

We meet clients where they are emotionally, financially, and socially to promote a healthy and thriving life.

Dignity

We acknowledge the inherent value that each person brings to the world and treat every individual with compassion and respect.

Community

We collaborate with families, caregivers, educators, and other partners to create opportunities for children.

Quality

We utilize data to promote continuous quality improvement, innovative approaches, and client centered high quality services.

Stewardship

Sustain our mission by wisely managing our human and financial resources for the greatest impact.

Workplace Programs

Futures First strives to create a working environment that supports the growth of team members in work and life. We’re proud participants in the following workplace improvement programs:

workplace awards
breastfeeding award

 

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