ABOUT US
We're in the people business and we want to help the people in our community.
We believe it's the relationship that heals. Because of this guiding principle, we make it our priority to focus on a meaningful, personal relationship. Here's a little bit more about us!
Clinical Staff
Dr. Jon Thompson
Executive Director
I've worked in the mental health field since 2002. For 3 years I worked in a psychiatric hospital. I spent 8 years as a school counselor, and I've been the director of PP since 2013. I'm an LPC in MO, a licensed K-12 Professional School Counselor in MO, and a Nationally Certified Counselor. I have a Bachelors in Biblical Counseling, a Masters in Educational Psychology, and a Doctorate in Counseling with a specialization in grief and trauma. I've been in school most of my life and I want to share with you what I've learned.
That's my professional experience and education. Here's the important stuff:
- I'm a huge foodie and I love eating out with friends!
- I'm a competitive long-range precision shooter.
- I love watching soccer (especially FC Barcelona).
- I've traveled all over the world: Netherlands, Spain, England, France, Ecuador and Venezuela.
- I'm terrified of sharks.
Jamie White
LPC
I became a member of the Peace Partnership team in 2024. I’ve always known I wanted to work directly with people which drove my decision to obtain a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Oklahoma State University. I went on to earn my M.A. in Counseling from UMKC and have since obtained full licensure as a Missouri LPC. I have spent three years in high-level outpatient care, utilizing Dialectical Behavior Therapy to work with individuals managing Borderline Personality Disorder in addition to running intensive outpatient groups to help bring stability to clients' lives. My passion is working with clients through accumulated hurt, trauma, and ineffective thoughts and behaviors to establish effective daily functioning in order to enhance life satisfaction.
Fun or not, here are some extra things about me:
- I will always choose lifting over running
- John Wick is my favorite movie series
- I like to do sudoku puzzles before bed
- I definitely saw a shark while SCUBA diving. Super cool!
Ryan Lefler
PLPC
Regina Schweizer
LPC
I initially joined the Peace Partnership team in 2020 during my counseling internship. After earning my Masters in Counseling in 2021, I officially became a part of the Peace Partnership team. Prior to that, I earned my Bachelors in Counseling and have had the opportunity to help people through a resource pregnancy center, college campus trauma recovery groups, and youth work in the United States and in Portugal. I have been married to a wonderful guy since 2016 and have two really amazing kids. I look forward to meeting you!
Fun facts about me:
- I love traveling and exploring new places.
- Naps are a hobby for me.
- I enjoy listening to audio books.
- I was born and raised in Portugal.
- I went scuba diving once, thought I saw a shark, jumped back in the boat and will never do it again.
I first joined Peace Partnership for the entirety of 2022 as I completed my counseling Internship. Once completing my M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University I was given the great opportunity to join their amazing team. Prior to finding my calling of becoming a professional counselor I attended the University of Kansas where I achieved a B.A. in Political Science and Government. I am home grown in the Kansas City area where I met, and have been happily married to, my wonderful wife of 4 years.
Fun things about me:
- Yearly attendant of the Renaissance Faire and Comicon
- Half of my family is from Argentina
- I hate anything raspberry flavored
- Weekly donor to chipotle
- My wife's biggest fear is sharks
Kevin Cohan
PLPC
I joined Peace Partnership in 2024. My journey began when I worked at a residential treatment program a number of years ago. It was there that I helped teenage girls work through their past trauma and learn how to navigate relationships in a healthy way. Just a few years ago, I felt the calling to continue to pursue my passion to help others and achieved my Masters in Biblical Counseling at Calvary University. I believe that one's mind, body, emotions and spirit are all connected; therefore all should receive some positive attention. My undergrad work was in philosophy and religion at College of the Ozarks. That is where I met my beautiful wife, Jaime. We have been married for 16 years and have four amazing children together. We just had our fourth, Jane, a year ago (We got our first girl..woo hoo!). I love helping at-risk youth feel heard and understood. As well as married couples be able to work together toward a common goal. Can't wait to meet you.
Some fun facts about me:
- I have an identical twin brother (I'm five minutes older..lol).
- I have never broken a bone.
- I eat my pizza with no cheese.
-I love all superhero movies!
- As far as sharks go- Jaws ruined me for life.
Administrative Staff
Naomi Thompson
Director of Development
Moving from Office Manager of 8 years to Director of Development was a big change in 2022. As the founder’s wife, I have been involved in Peace Partnership from the ground up, so when the position became available, it made so much sense. Having the opportunity to meet with our donors on a more personal level and get to know those who lock arms with us to move PP forward is a joy! I love getting to know our donors, volunteers, and event participants and look forward to seeing PP grow because of their generosity. Wanna hear more? Let’s meet soon for breakfast or lunch!
More fun facts:
- I can't live without music!
- I'm a big-time foodie and I love eating at new restaurants.
- I love baking and make a mean molten lava cake.
- I enjoy watching and playing volleyball.
- I love taking walks with Jon.
- I think sharks are pretty... in pictures.
Maddie Clark
Office Coordinator
I joined Peace Partnership in 2024. It is a pleasure to have the opportunity to serve our clients and counselors in the role of Office Coordinator. I am a Kansas City native. I have a deep passion for guiding people toward living well. I have years of experience working with children in various capacities. My undergraduate degrees are in Biblical Theology and Counseling. I am currently pursuing my Master’s in Counseling from Calvary University.
Fun Facts:
- I love quality coffee
- I hate PB & J
- In my free time I enjoy studying theology
- My favorite kind of sharks are the little blue shark gummies
Avery James
Office Manager
I have been a part of the Peace Partnership team since 2021. I am passionate about Peace Partnership's vision to help and serve others, and I enjoy providing behind-the-scenes support for counselors and clients. I have been married to my wonderful husband since Fall, 2021. We are active in our local church and enjoy serving in youth ministry together.
More about me:
- Coffee and scones are my favorite.
- I love sunny Saturday mornings at the farmers market.
- I enjoy hiking, gardening, and being creative.
- I love spending time with my family, especially playing a card game or chatting around a fire.
- I'm indifferent to sharks.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Rick Britton
President
Cathy McGaughey
Treasurer
Don Pearce
Mike Horsley
John Otradovec
