About NCircle

A unique, diverse group of passionate people who want to spark change.

Lee Jost

Executive Director and Instructor

In early elementary school I remember a teacher, Octa Macker, who saw potential in a chubby ruddy kid who never felt like he fit in. She affirmed my potential at every turn. I think of her affirming words often and realize that I trace much of my heart for the “underdog” to those formational moments in my own childhood. Today I continue to pursue the underdog and have found places to serve my community through civic engagement and starting NCircle. Our organization is dedicated to providing skills and networks for interpersonal and professional development by utilizing evidence based practices and industry professionals for at risk individuals and families.

My most important roles are as a husband and father to three strong daughters and a granddaughter. Eight years ago a group of faithful folks started Christ the Servant Church, where I continue to serve as pastor. Two years ago, I started NCircle, which engages scores of volunteers who are willing to speak affirmation into individuals who struggle to see hope for themselves. Today NCircle offers real hope for families through Strengthening Families, a program providing connection, communication skills and help with setting limits for children. NCircle is providing opportunities to grow for adults who are under the care of Johnson County Corrections through Professional (Life) Skills, Certificate Training and partnering with Mentoring 2 Excel to provide mentors. NCircle is seeking solutions to the looming housing crisis in Johnson County. Our work has brought together County partners, local nonprofits, businesses and community members to empower positive life change.

Other roles include: County Commissioners representative on the Johnson County Drug and Alcoholism Council, served as Chair of the Council for 2 years. I have been asked to serve on the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Committee and assisted in establishing the Johnson County Evening Reporting Center, the after school program for at risk youth. Currently I chair the Employment Sub Committee for Johnson County Continuum of Care on Homelessness. I also serve as the Board of County Commissioners Faith Community representative on the Criminal Justice Advisory Council. I also serve on the board for Johnson County’s United Community Services.

Katelyn Rauckman

Program Coordinator

Katelyn Rauckman was a graduate student intern with NCircle for a year while working toward her master’s degree in Social Work through Boston University. Upon Graduation in August 2020, she was hired on as our Program Coordinator. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Bethel College in North Newton, KS in 2015. Prior to working at NCircle, Katelyn worked four years in child welfare here in Johnson County and is passionate about connecting parents and families to the resources and support they need.

NCircle Board

Danielle Hamilton Slate, Board Secretary

Danielle Hamilton Slate is a 2008 graduate of Kansas State University and a 2015 graduate of the University of Kansas School of Law. After law school, Danielle spent two years serving as a research attorney at the Kansas Court of Appeals before going to work as a public defender in Johnson County, Kansas. Danielle’s work at the public defender’s office provides her with unique insight into the struggles faced by NCircle’s clients and her legal training makes her an asset to the board. Danielle is passionate about helping individuals charged with and convicted of crimes mitigate the impact of their encounters with the criminal justice system on their futures and believes that NCircle plays an important role in this—transforming the negative experience of conviction and placement at the Adult Residential Center into an opportunity for life-changing community, training, and job placement.

Erin Moeder, Board Chair

Erin Moeder is the Volunteers & Programs Coordinator for the Johnson County Department of Corrections. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a Minor in Criminal Justice, as well as a Masters of Social Work from Washburn University. Erin has worked for the Department of Corrections for 14 years and still loves what she does. Serving this population and seeing clients reach their full potential is the best part of Erin’s job. Our clients will return to the community, they will go to the same stores and churches as everyone else. Their children will go to school with our children. It’s important they are given the tools needed to succeed and stay out of the system. Erin is honored to serve on NCircle’s board and work with an amazing community of volunteers dedicated to helping clients get out of the criminal justice system.

Charlene Whitney, Board Treasurer

Charlene is a native of Kansas City whose passion for providing services to the youth and young families of Johnson County stems from a lifelong career as a Court Services Officer. A University of Kansas graduate in education, she has dedicated her life to helping those in the community learn about and obtain services through various organizations. Charlene also serves on the Drug and Alcoholism Council, a program of United Community Services of Johnson County.

Kelli Schutte

Kelli Schutte is the chair of the Business and Leadership Department at William Jewell College. She holds a PhD in Human Resource Management from Michigan State University, an MBA with a concentration in Finance from Western Michigan University and a BA degree in Economics and Business from Calvin College. Kelli and her husband Kevin have been foster parents for several years and specifically work with high risk teenage boys. This experience has fueled her research interest in economic opportunities for at risk populations and the practical application of that research in her local community. Kelli believes that it is our responsibility to develop systems and structures that help the most vulnerable in our communities, only then can we all truly flourish.

Kara Hess

Kara Hess is an accomplished marketer, designer and communicator. She graduated from Baker University with her Bachelors of Arts degree in Fine Arts. By day, Kara takes on the world of small business with her own Kansas City marketing agency known as Dazium Design. For over 20 years, Kara has continued to build her business through her superpowers of innovation, collaboration and adaptability. By night, Kara seeks community involvement by giving back through active volunteering efforts and taking on impressive roles in the non-profit industry. She truly appreciates the benefits of a good work ethic and strength of character… especially when tasked with the responsibility to solve problems. Kara is passionate about giving and empowering others through the building of connections that last a lifetime. It’s through this dedication and experience that Kara offers essential services to both our team and her community.

Tim Helsel

Since 1986, Mr. Helsel (“Tim”) has served in the retirement plan industry, primarily focused on company sponsored “ERISA” 401(k) plans. He specializes in plan design, compliance, government reporting, and administration and functions as a technical subject matter expert to his associates and clients. Tim received his Bachelor of Business Administration, with an emphasis in Finance, from New Mexico State University in 1986. Tim married his wife, Renee, in 2001 and in 2006, they adopted two young children out of the State of Kansas foster care system. To relax, Tim sits in the woods, frequently high in a tree, and simply enjoys creation; the sights, sounds, smells, and even tastes, when the opportunity presents itself. Tim believes that learning is a life-long process and is currently focused on learning more about humility. As King Solomon said, “Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit (humble) gain honor.

Charles Peeler

I have been justice involved since 2002. In 2019, I was a student in the college of trades and was involved in the forklift program as well as the life skills class. I have moved from institution to society and I want to share my story with others to help them prepare for this difficult transition.

Before leaving the Adult Residential Center, I worked at UPS. After a year as a package handler, I was promoted to part time supervisor. I then advanced to a full-time position at a fulfillment center in Edgerton, Kansas as a lead and worked my way to onsite manager after a month. In my current position I am in a leadership role at a distribution center for a well-known company. I recently got married in May and I now have a 15-year-old son. I have assisted in coaching a 15U boys basketball team and I am a full-time baseball dad. Over my 18 years of being justice involved I decided to put all my childish ambitions aside to become the best version of myself.

I have joined forces with NCircle initially as a council member and now as a board member to reach a greater audience. I have taken this opportunity to help teach life skills to share my story.