About Us
Who We Are
Peace Partnership is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit counseling center in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. We provide affordable, professional mental‑health services to children, teens, adults, and families across the Kansas City metro area.
Our Mission
To make counseling accessible to everyone - regardless of income - through compassionate, evidence‑based therapy that promotes personal growth, stronger families, and lasting peace.
Our Philosophy
We help individuals understand and navigate life’s difficulties through genuine counselor‑client relationships. Every session focuses on equipping clients with emotional tools, communication skills, and the confidence to thrive at home, in school, and in the community.
Impact Data
-
In 2025, we delivered 3,860 counseling sessions — 70% for families under $50,000 household income.
-
Over 90% of clients report improved communication and emotional well‑being.
-
90% of our yearly budget is donation funded. The remaining 10% is funded through modest service fees.
Donate Today!
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-S in Missouri, a LCPC in Kansas, a licensed K-12 Professional School Counselor in Missouri, 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 love learning, and I want to share 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 Spanish soccer.
-
I've traveled all over the world: Netherlands, Spain, England, France, Ecuador and Venezuela.
-
I'm terrified of sharks.
Jamie Cooke
LPC-S
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!
Kevin Cohan
PLPC
Ryan Lefler
LPC
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 had our fourth, Jane, in 2023 (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.
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 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.
Jolie Laaker
Intern Counselor
Maddie Clark
Intern Counselor
I joined Peace Partnership in 2026 while in my Internship. I have always wanted to have a career where I could work with and help others - but I was originally unsure what career field that would be in. During my undergraduate program at Drury University, I majored in Psychology and minored in Behavioral Neuroscience which sparked my interest in understanding others and this guided me toward a career in counseling. I am currently finishing my Masters of Biblical Counseling degree at Calvary University.
I previously worked as a behavioral health technician in the residential program at an inpatient psychiatric facility for youth. That job furthered my desire to work with people one-on-one and serve as a guide as they process through their journey in life. I have a passion for working alongside people as they process through their past, set goals for their future, implement change, and find healing in their lives.
Fun Facts:
-
I have the cutest dog to ever exist.
-
My husband and I are retired college athletes with shoulder pain.
-
I like to lift, throw javelin, kayak, play volleyball, and go on walks.
-
Springfield is my favorite city for dining out.
-
The lake is my favorite place to be.
-
I am grateful there are no sharks in the lake.
I came on board at Peace Partnership in 2024, starting out as the friendly face in the front office and stepping into a Counselor in Training role in 2025.
As a Kansas City native, I am deeply committed to the well-being of our community and passionate about helping individuals pursue healthy, fulfilling lives. I bring experience working with children, teens, and women across a range of settings and am dedicated to fostering environments of growth and support.
I hold undergraduate degrees in Biblical Theology and Counseling and am currently finishing a Master’s in Counseling at 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.
Administrative Staff
Naomi Thompson
Practice Manager
Ashley Kirn
Director of Development
As the founder’s wife, I’ve been involved in Peace Partnership since the very beginning in 2013. Over the years, I’ve worn many hats—consultant, Office Coordinator, Director of Development, and Practice Manager—but the role I treasure most is welcoming new clients, helping them find the counselor who’s the best fit, and cheering on our amazing team so they can do what they do best.
This work is deeply personal to me—not only because we’ve poured so much into it, but because I’ve walked through my own seasons of hardship and know how powerful real change can be.
It takes incredible courage to reach out and say, “I’m ready for help,” and it’s an honor to walk alongside people as they take that brave first step. Watching lives grow and transform through counseling is a gift I don’t take for granted. I’m also deeply grateful for our generous donors and community partners who make this work possible—we truly couldn’t do it without them.
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.
With over two decades of experience in real estate, business development, and event planning, I stepped into the role of Director of Development to help lead Peace Partnership into its next chapter of growth. After years of supporting community efforts through both nonprofit and business ventures, I found a deep calling in cultivating relationships that fuel life-changing impact.
My heart beats for connection—whether I’m planning a fundraiser, building donor partnerships, or sitting down for coffee with someone who wants to make a difference. I’m incredibly passionate about growing the mission of Peace Partnership and making sure every supporter knows just how vital they are to the work we do.
I'm a firm believer that faith and community are the foundation of real change; bringing energy, heart, and a healthy dose of humor to everything I do. Want to connect? I’d love to meet you over coffee or lunch—and chances are, I've already got it penciled into my planner (and noted on a sticky, just in case).
Fun Facts:
-
I own more planners, notebooks, and sticky notes than I care to admit… and yes, they all have a divine purpose.
-
I'm a proud mom of three, and our tight-knit, faith-driven crew lives for road trips, world travels, lake days, and RZR rides, always chasing new adventures together.
-
I'm joyfully “extra” and go all-in on details, themes, and anything I can personalize—usually while juggling five other things.
-
My husband is my rock and adventure partner, we’re building a life anchored in faith, love, and a little bit of wild.
-
I once swam with nurse sharks in Belize, after praying through the panic, I loved every second.
Alex McClain
Office Coordinator
I joined the Peace Partnership team at the beginning of 2026 as the Office Coordinator. I have always had a passion for helping and serving people. Being a former client granted me opportunities to take that knowledge and healing into this position to also help people get the resources they need for their journey.
I have always found myself very interested in logistics and helping a business run. Being able to both help people and the gears of a business turn. It is also a blessing to be doing that right here in my hometown. I was born and raised right here in KC, that is where I also met my amazing wife of 3 years.
The fun stuff:
-
I love studying history.
-
I love board/card games.
-
I am a huge movie buff.
-
I love trying new coffee shops with my wife.
-
Sharks….? Let's just say I’d leave it to Quint.
Board of Directors
Rick Britton
President
Mandi Pollard
Treasurer
John Otradovec
