Author: Kala Wiederholt

Mallorie Crane, Vice President of Health Services, is a decade long Registered Nurse who has not only been driven to make an impact in the fast-paced environment of the Emergency Department but has also extended her influence and knowledge through teaching and leadership roles. Most recently she came from University Health Truman Medical Center but has worked at eight area hospitals. She has a passion for delivering exceptional patient care and strives to inspire those around her to do the same by providing the tools and support necessary. She is dedicated to continuous learning and is nearly finished with her master’s degree in nursing. At home she is busy with her husband, Eddie, and four step kids: Wyatt (16), Chloe (14), Wynfield (12), and Elias (8). The Crane’s also have four lively pets including two Maine Coon cats. She enjoys traveling to Scotland (second home), running half marathons, and maintaining her photography business on the side.

Christy McGuire began her journey with Life Unlimited in 2020, initially taking on the role of Director of Employment Services. Christy was promoted to the position of Vice President of Community Programs in 2022.  Starting in September 2023 she will continue in that role where she oversees our employment programs but will also begin to work with our partner organization, MERIL, to expand programs in the St. Joe community. Dedicating nearly two decades of experience in providing support to individuals with disabilities, Christy’s commitment to this field began at the age of 17 when she started her career as a Direct Support Professional. It was during this time that she realized her true calling lay in serving the disability community. As her career evolved, Christy played a pivotal role in the expansion and enhancement of programs focusing on Employment and residential services with a few different agencies in the Kansas City and St. Joseph area. Christy is not only dedicated to her professional pursuits but also is a wife and mother. She enjoys hiking and traveling with her husband, Erik, and their two children, Jackson and Maggie. Their furry family member, Henry the dog, adds an extra layer of joy to their lives. Deeply intertwined with the St. Joseph community, Christy finds fulfillment in her involvement by volunteering with several local organizations. She is eagerly anticipating the opportunity to introduce Life Unlimited’s innovative approach to disability services to her community, striving to make a meaningful difference.

Originally from Manhattan, KS, Andrea Black, our Vice President of Day Services, is a proud member of a military family, roots that have deeply influenced and shaped her values. She attended Washburn University in Topeka, KS, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Human Service, with a focused emphasis on Developmental Disabilities. Spending 15 years with the Big Lakes Developmental Center, Andrea’s commitment to her profession was unwavering. She then took the role of Executive Director at Rescare in Parsons, KS, a position she held for 4 years. Throughout her career, her expertise has spanned across multiple states like Oklahoma, Ohio, and Texas. Her most recent role brought her to Kansas as the Regional Director for GoodLife Innovation, where she served Johnson, Douglas, and Wyandotte counties. A year ago, Andrea embarked on a new chapter, relocating to the Northland with her husband and three sons, the youngest being 6 years old. Thrilled to join LU, Andrea, armed with over two decades of experience, steps into Julie Turley’s shoes with enthusiasm. She is steadfast in her goals: to empower individuals, foster their pursuit of dignity and respect while helping them achieve their aspirations.