Board of Directors
Board members
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Interested in joining the board?We are committed to filling board positions with leaders that are representative of the persons and communities that we serve.
If you have any interest in serving on our Board, contact Michael Countryman, Chief Executive Officer at michaelcountryman@scmhcc.org or by phone 316-775-5491, ext. 490
Why did you choose to be on the board?
I was invited to be on the board by Judge Hart soon after the death of my son who died from a fentanyl overdose. Not only am I a retired RN who brings experience and conversation to the table, but an advocate and facilitator for addiction and co-dependency recovery. I believe when individuals are mentally healthy, they are able to realize their own abilities, cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively, and make positive contributions to their community. How long have you been a member? 4 years What difference do you hope to make in the community? Improving sustainability by building a sense of trust, practicing open communication, and reducing the stigma placed on mental health. What do you like most about being on the board? I find it's a great way to give back to the community whose mission I believe in and am passionate about. Working with such an eclectic group, I've quickly broadened my horizons and seen things from a multitude of different points of view, which is a great quality and experience. Who has been the most influential person in your life? My parents Tom & Peggy Palmer. They taught me a strong work ethic, to aim high, work hard, and value my relationships. My husband Jeff Schmidt of 22 years. He encourages me to go for the goals that I want to achieve, no matter how lofty. What is something you have learned about mental health while being on the board? The biggest secret is this: Recovery is possible. Managing a mental illness is common. People at your work and church and health club who have gone through a similar crisis may not advertise it, but many of them are now living well with a mental illness. What is a fun fact about you? I too often generate “church laughs"—aka laughing hysterically in an inappropriate place, especially in the presence of my sister. I do a 3-minute plank every day and I can “still” do the splits. What is something memorable that the board has accomplished during your service? Selection, hiring, and smooth transition of Michael Countryman, Executive Director. He does what he says he will do and executes flawlessly. I'm proud of SCMHC increasing partnerships with surrounding K-12 schools which have provided more robust mental health support for students. When there are services at schools, kids are more likely to ask for help. 
Why did you choose to be on the board?
I was invited to be on the board when a Judge colleague, Mike Jaworsky, suddenly died in 1999. I believed it was important for someone with the Court to be involved because of the use by the Court of SCMH’s services. How long have you been a member? 23 years What difference do you hope to make in the community? Maintaining a high level of service to our community, whatever the mental health need may be. What do you like most about being on the board? Being privy to the care and concern our staff and board have as to the needs of our clients. Who has been the most influential person in your life? My bride of 46 years, Karla S Hart. What is something you have learned about mental health while being on the board? SCMH Staff administers psychotropic medications for many, many clients. What is a fun fact about you? I have been an avid Yoga practitioner for the past 30 years. I have completed the 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training Course @ Yandara Yoga Institute in Todos Santos, Mexico. Currently and for the past 8 years I have taught a one hour class on Thursday evenings @ 6:30 pm at St. Vincent d Paul Catholic Church in Andover. No fee and all are welcome. What is something memorable that the board has accomplished during your service? Staffing of SCMH with extremely capable, competent and dedicated professionals. Providing new appropriate facilities through Butler County. Maintaining fiscal integrity of the Entity. (My personal Benchmark is maintaining 90 days of reserve funding for the operation of SCMH.) "I am Darrell Whitney and have served on the SCMH Board of Directors since 1978 and have with the exception of two years been board president for the past 22 years. It has been exciting and very satisfying to see all the changes and accomplishments of the Mental Health Center over the years. I am now retired after working as a banker for 42 years. During my banking career in El Dorado, I had the privilege of serving on the boards of many organizations and have been President of the El Dorado Chamber of Commerce, El Dorado Main Street and El Dorado, Inc. I am married to Loretta, who is now retired from a career of being a school teacher. We have three children, our oldest son Russell and his family live in Lenexa, Kansas, our second son Michael lives with his family in Olathe,
Kansas and our youngest daughter Christina lives in Wichita, Kansas. Our family is a very close family and we enjoy spending time together celebrating birthdays, holidays and vacations. We particularly enjoy boating and spending time at our son’s lake house at Lake of the Ozarks and visiting Branson and Table Rock Lake. It has been a privilege and an honor for me to work with the outstanding people associated with SCMH over the years. Also, I am very proud of the fact that we have helped so many clients improve their mental heath and live a normal life.” |
