Cabinet Members & Staff

Lori Blake is a leader in nonprofit management, public education governance, and community development, known for her commitment to strengthening families, empowering communities, and advancing opportunities for children across Kansas. With more than two decades of professional experience, she brings a strategic, mission-driven approach to leadership, grounded in collaboration, service, and effective organizational stewardship.

Currently serving as a Leadership Services Specialist with the Kansas Association of School Boards, Blake works directly with elected school board members and superintendents across the state to improve public education outcomes. She previously served for nearly a decade as the Executive Director of Child Advocacy and Parenting Services, Inc., where she led a team across eight programs serving multiple counties. Under her leadership, the organization expanded its reach and impact through strategic planning, grant development, program evaluation, and community partnerships.

She and her husband own and operate the only retail storefront in Assaria, KS where they raised their three children who are their true pride and joy.

Blake has contributed extensively to civic and nonprofit organizations. She currently serves in advisory and leadership roles with groups including Core Communities Saline County, the Boys & Girls Club of Salina, Trinity United Methodist Church’s Social Justice Ministry, and Noon Network AMBUCS. She is a Kansas girl who seeks to leave places better than she found them. Her career reflects a deep commitment to servant leadership, community collaboration, and systems development that support strong families and thriving communities.

Dr. LeEtta Felter is a seasoned public servant, business leader, education advocate, and lifelong champion for Kansas children and families. She currently serves on the Olathe City Council and previously dedicated 12 years to the Olathe Public Schools Board of Education, where she helped guide policy, oversee significant public budgets, and strengthen trust in public institutions.

 Throughout her career, Dr. Felter has focused on bringing people together around shared purpose…aligning partners, stewarding resources responsibly, and advancing transparent, accountable governance. With a deep passion for early childhood and family well-being, she is committed to strengthening systems that ensure every Kansas child has the opportunity to thrive.

Dave Younger brings a lifetime of service to Kansas education, grounded in both classroom experience and administrative leadership. A graduate of Hays High School (USD 489), Dave began his postsecondary education at Fort Hays State University before serving four years in the U.S. Navy. Following his military service, he returned to Fort Hays State to complete his degree in Elementary Education.

Dave launched his teaching career in Wichita Public Schools (USD 259) and later earned a Master’s degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Wichita State University. His leadership journey began with a principalship at Halstead Middle School (USD 440), where he served for 15 years in various roles including middle school, middle/high school, and high school principal.

He went on to serve as assistant superintendent and then superintendent in Ulysses Public Schools (USD 214), leading the district for a decade. After retiring, Dave was elected to the Kansas Legislature, representing the interests of education at the state level. He later resigned from the Legislature to become Executive Director of the Northwest Kansas Educational Service Center, where he continues to champion educational opportunities across the region.

Dave has been married to his wife, Kelly, for over 39 years. They have three adult children and four grandchildren. His career reflects a steadfast commitment to advocating for Kansas students, educators, and families.

Dr. Tara D. Wallace is a licensed clinical social worker and child trauma therapist in private practice. She volunteers on numerous community boards whose missions support the wellbeing of children and families in Kansas. Tara is also the founder of a nonprofit, Lighthouse Therapeutic Community Outreach Foundation, which promotes (W)Holistic Wellness in low-income and low-access communities. As an adjunct professor, best-selling author, and public speaker, Tara promotes awareness of issues related to child welfare and foster care, generational trauma, and parental mental health. Tara lives in Topeka, KS with her husband, son, and their four dogs.

Tabatha Rosproy is a 15-year early childhood educator, and the first pre-school teacher to ever be named National Teacher of the Year. She was awarded this honor in 2020 and has spent the last several years speaking for organizations around the country, elevating the work of early childhood educators and the students and families they serve. Tabatha works full time with Kansas Parent Information Resource Center where she travels the state training schools on best practices in Early Childhood Education and Family Engagement. Tabatha is also a Conscious Discipline Certified instructor, a member of the Board of Directors of National Parent Teacher Association, and member of the Board of Directors of Cowley County Early Childhood Collaborative. She resides in Winfield, KS.

Senator Renee Erickson represents District 30 in the Kansas Senate. Her career experience includes working as a teacher, a data and assessment coordinator, a middle school principal, a financial planner, and the director of the USD 259 instructional technology center. She holds undergraduate degrees in both business and education with a master’s degree in public school administration from Baker University, and a master’s degree in family life education and consultation from Kansas State University.

Tory Marie is a Member of the Kansas Senate representing District 33, an area covering a selection of 11 counties in southwest Kansas. In this role, she serves as the Vice-Chair of the Federal and State Affairs Committee. She served on numerous committees, including leadership roles on the General Government Budget, Federal and State Affairs, Higher Education Budget, and the Special Committee on Childcare Centers and Childcare Homes. In 2022, she was elected House Majority Whip by unanimous consent of the Republican caucus. Outside of the Senate, Tory Marie is the Human Resources Director for her family’s business, Pryor Automatic Fire Sprinkler. Tory Marie received her bachelor’s degree in business education from Fort Hays State University.

Representative Kristey Williams has served in the Kansas House since 2015. Her professional experiences include teaching secondary science, serving as mayor of Augusta, spearheading and fundraising for three major community projects, and serving as the House K-12 Education Budget Chair. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s in curriculum and instruction from the University of Kansas.

Rep. Laura Williams serves in the Kansas House of Representatives, representing her childhood city, Lenexa, Kansas. She serves on Commerce, Financial Institution & Pensions Committees and the Joint Committee on Fiduciary Financial Institutions Oversight. She also serves as the Vice Chair of the Judiciary Committee. With a degree from the University of Kansas, Laura dove headfirst into the world of business as an independent contractor developing marketing strategies for small to medium-sized businesses. But that was just the beginning of her entrepreneurial journey. In 2017, she co-founded a Creative Agency with her husband that continues to thrive today. 

Dinah Sykes is a Kansas State Senator and advocate for public education. Initially skeptical about running for office, she was inspired to take action after hearing the voices of frustrated Kansans who felt their concerns were ignored. Sykes advocates for affordable healthcare, a strong public education system, and more efficient governance. A wife, mother, and fierce supporter of children and education she is committed to making government work for the people with courage, compassion, and common sense. Dinah is currently serving in her third term in the Kansas Senate and second term as Senate Minority Leader. Prior to her election in 2016, she ran her own business as a personal chef and worked in higher education as a development officer.

Suzanne Wikle is a member of the Kansas House of Representatives. Prior to her election in 2024, Suzanne worked for nearly 20 years advocating at the state and national level for policies that improve the lives of children and families. Suzanne is an expert on health and human services issues, including Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act, and nutrition assistance. Suzanne also spent seven years at Kansas Action for Children where she led many successful legislative victories, including an expansion of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (part of KanCare), improved screening for newborns to identify genetic abnormalities, and updated licensing standards for child care providers. Suzanne has a bachelor’s degree from Washington University in St. Louis and a Master’s of Social Work from the University of Kansas. She lives in Lawrence with her husband and two young children.

Dyogga Adegbore joined the Kansas Children’s Cabinet in 2004 and has worked in state government 40 years. Dyogga handles Accounts Payables, prepares federal financial reports, board minutes, sets up contracts and grants, and makes travel arrangements. She worked with the CEOs of the Kansas Board of Regents, Kansas State Fire Marshal, and Kansas State Bank Commissioner offices. Dyogga is a graduate of Washburn University of Topeka and Platt College. She is married with one son who graduated with a doctoral degree in 2026.

Melissa Rooker joined the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund in February of 2019. Before joining the Cabinet, Melissa served three terms in the Kansas House of Representatives, representing House District 25 between 2012 and 2018. Her work in the legislature focused on children’s issues and public education. Melissa recognized that high quality early childhood interventions led to student success and made funding those programs her priority. She played a lead role in drafting a new school finance formula for K-12 public education that includes an expansion of the preschool program and full funding for all-day kindergarten.

Prior to running for office, Melissa spent 15 years as a development executive at Clint Eastwood’s Malpaso Productions. She retired in 2001 to raise her kids. Over the years, Melissa served in a variety of leadership positions with local, regional and state PTA in Kansas, and as a legislator served on the Johnson County Education Research Triangle Authority Board, Shawnee Indian Mission Advisory Board and the Kansas Forestry Service Advisory Council.

In 1986, Melissa graduated from the University of Kansas with a BFA in Art History. She and her husband Tom make their home in Fairway. They have two adult children, and one grandson.

Craig Barnes joined the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund in March of 2025. Prior to joining the Cabinet, Craig worked at the Shawnee County Health Department for 12 years working with Child Care Licensing, Emergency Preparedness, Environmental Health, Epidemiology, Health Promotion and Public Relations. Craig is a 2011 graduate of Emporia State University were he now serves on the Alumni Association Board of Directors. In his free time, Craig enjoys spending time with his family, his wife Katie and their two boys. It is not uncommon to see Craig and his family enjoying the outdoors in one of Shawnee County’s local parks or trails.

Megan Brohaugh joined the Kansas Children’s Cabinet in January 2022. Prior to joining the Cabinet, Megan worked with the Kansas Attorney General’s office for six years working with concealed carry licensing, private detective licensing, and bail enforcement licensing. Megan has worked with the state government for over eight years. She attended Washburn University to study business law. When she isn’t running to a practice or tournament, she enjoys spending time outside with her two boys.

Christie Wyckoff joined the Kansas Children’s Cabinet in May 2023. She graduated from Kansas State University in 2008 with a bachelor’s in management and marketing. Through college, and 10 years after, Christie worked in the custom apparel industry. Just prior to coming to the Cabinet, she worked in School Finance at the Kansas State Department of Education for almost five years. Her family, friends, and their little ones are Christie’s motivation for her professional and community work.