Dynamic community volunteers and civic leaders serve on the EarlystART Board of Directors. Their diversity, expertise, advocacy, and philanthropic commitment drive our mission. Likewise, representatives of our founding organizations, St. Mark Union Church and the Heartland Presbytery, continue to provide leadership and support to EarlystART.
Board of Directors
Joni Wickham, President – Wickham James Strategies & Solutions
Matthew Oates, Vice President – Burns & McDonnell
Phyllis Hardwick, Treasurer – Community Capital Fund
Theodis Watson, Secretary – CrossFirst Bank
Mary Jorgenson, Director – Heartland Presbytery Representative
Alexis Kerr, Director – Hallmark
Ruth Stricklen Pullins, Director – University Health
Jessica Ann, Director – Missouri Senate
Tarold Davis, Director – The Acquisition Group (TAG)
Tyjuan Lee, Director – Metropolitan Community College (MCC)
Lara Krug, Director – Kansas City Chiefs
Leadership Team
June McDaniel, Chief Executive Officer
June McDaniel has an extensive background in Human Resources and Leadership Development. June holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources and a Master’s in Communication and Leadership. “Discover your strengths; build on them, and let them lead you to your destiny”.
Latresse Yarbough, Chief Finance & Operations Officer
Latresse Yarbough brings to EarlystART more than 15 years of experience in finance and operational management for educational institutions in Kansas City. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, a Master’s degree in Business Administration, and a Master of Science in Accountancy.
Mariah Roady, Chief Development Officer
With a background in the arts and nonprofit development and marketing, Mariah Roady leads EarlystART’s fund development, donor engagement, and communications initiatives. She is involved with local performing arts organizations as a teaching artist and is an active parent advocate through her leadership with Kid’s Win Missouri and Parent Leadership Training Institute – Kansas City. Mariah is also proud to have recently participated in the Kauffman Education Fellowship and also been named a 2023 Next Gen Leader with the Kansas City Business Journal.
Matrika Hornsby, St. Mark Center Early Learning & Inclusion Director
Matrika has worked in the education field for 18 years. She obtained a Bachelors of Science Degree from the University of Central Missouri in Child and Family Development.
For the last 7 years, she has worked with EarlystART serving as a Lead Teacher, Family Advocate, Assistant Director and now in her current role as the Early Learning and Inclusion Director for St. Mark Center. Matrika is a mother of two girls, loves working with children and families, and is passionate about helping others reach their full potential.
Rhonda Mays, Director of Family & Community Engagement
Rhonda Mays has a diverse background in broadcast communications, community development, family engagement, event planning, and resource coordination. With a Bachelor’s degree in communications, she serves on the 2Gen Thrive Community Action Board and works diligently to connect families with resources and support.
