Staff & Board
Kendra Eads
Executive Director
Kendra rejoined SEMO-NASV in 2016 after previously working for the agency from 2004 to 2013. Kendra holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Southeast Missouri State University and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Saint Louis University.
Uzma Aziz
Operations Director
Uzma Aziz joined SEMO-NASV in 2004. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Karachi and taught Home Economics in high school for 10 years before coming to the United States in 2001. Uzma received her certification in Business Office Technology, Billing, Coding, and Excel from the Career and Technology Center in Cape Girardeau.
Tracy Smith
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner and Forensic Interviewer
Tracy rejoined SEMO-NASV in 2018. Tracy attended nursing school at Southeast Missouri State University and graduated from New York State University College of Nursing in 1993 with an Associate of Science in Nursing. In 1999 Tracy completed the Women’s Health Ob/Gyn certification program at University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. Tracy was certified as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner-Pediatric and Adult in 2011 and trained as a Forensic Interviewer the same year. Tracy has also worked as a SANE nurse at Southeast Health ER.
Amanda Whistler
Doctor of Nursing Practice and Forensic Interviewer
Amanda Whistler, DNP joined SEMO-NASV in January 2022. She completed her Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) with Southern Illinois University- Edwardsville in 2021. Her background includes a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Cox College in 2018, a Registered Nurse (RN) 2009-2018 along with Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) 2018-present. She is a SAFE-CARE provider and forensic interviewer with SEMO-NASV.
Heather Moore
Medical Assistant
Heather joined SEMO-NASV in 2019. Heather received her certification as a Nurse’s Assistant at Cape Career Technology Center in 2006. In 2008, Heather graduated from Metro Business College and received her certification as a Medical Administrative Assistant. Heather has more than 13 years of experience assisting medical professionals who provide both child and adult healthcare.
Bailey Payne
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner
Bailey joined SEMO-NASV in 2020. She attended the Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center where she obtained her License in Practical Nursing in 2014. Bailey graduated from Southeast Health College of Nursing and Health Sciences with an Associates of Science degree in Nursing in 2017 and graduated from Southeast Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing in 2020.
Tamra Ray
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner
Tamra joined SEMO-NASV in May of 2020. She attended Southeast Missouri Hospital College of Nursing and Health Sciences and obtained an Associates of Science in Nursing in 2015. She has been employed at Southeast Health ER since 2015 as a RN. In 2017, Tamra became SANE trained and has been practicing at Southeast ER as a SANE nurse since.
Megan Hecht
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner
Megan joined SEMO-NASV in the summer of 2021. She is a board-certified nurse practitioner as well as a certified SAFE-CARE provider. She completed her bachelors in nursing in 2012 from Murray State University and practiced as a registered nurse for greater than 5 years. She then went on to graduate with her Masters as a family nurse practitioner from Southeast Missouri State University in 2016. She has practiced in primary care and most recently emergency medicine since that time.
Dr. Lauren Miller
Medical Director
Dr. Miller, a certified SAFE-CARE provider, joined SEMO-NASV as Medical Director in April 2020. She graduated from medical school in 2013 after attending Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Miller completed her Emergency Medicine residency training at Lakeland Health. Since 2017 she has been an attending physician in the Southeast Health Emergency Department.
Michael Bowling
MDT Coordinator
Michael joined SEMO-NASV in 2022. He received an Associate of Arts in Speech Communication in 2014 from Three Rivers College and a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication in 2016 from Southeast Missouri State University. Michael has 10 years of experience in communications, having previously worked in radio, television news, and wireless sales. Michael assists and supports the various agencies and departments that work closely with SEMO-NASV every day.
Rebecca Marquis
Forensic Support Specialist and Forensic Interviewer
Rebecca joined SEMO-NASV in 2019. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from Hollins University in Virginia and has spent over 10 years working as an advocate for vulnerable populations in healthcare and non-profit agencies in Illinois and Virginia. In 2019, she completed ChildFirst training, Team Facilitator training and works with SEMO-NASV partners to coordinate services for clients and provide Forensic Interviews.
Angel Haslett
Lead Advocate
Angel joined SEMO-NASV in 2020 after completing her practicum with the agency. She graduated from Lakeland Community College with her associates degree in Social Work in 2018 and graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in 2020 with her bachelor of science degree in Social Work.
Rhonda Wilson
Advocate
Rhonda joined SEMO-NASV in 2021. She graduated from Southeast Missouri State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice in 2020. Rhonda is currently enrolled at the University of Missouri – Columbia taking online courses in pursuit of a Master’s Degree in Social Work. Rhonda has a background of over 20 years in Rural Healthcare Management and in 2019 became a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) Volunteer.
Alix Gasser
Development Director
Alix joined SEMO-NASV in 2021. She has a background in marketing, membership, recruitment, and business development. Alix received her Bachelor’s Degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from Southeast Missouri State University in 2010. In 2015, she obtained her Master’s Degree in Business Administration with a focus in Entrepreneurship also from Southeast Missouri State University.
Teresa Warner
Office Manager
Teresa Warner joined SEMO-NASV in 2018. She received her Medical Office Specialist certification from Cape Girardeau Career Technology Center in 2012 where she studied medical billing and coding, computerized medical office procedures, electronic health records, accounting, and medical assisting. Teresa has fifteen years experience in administrative support.
DeAnna Whittaker
Clinical Director
DeAnna joined SEMO-NASV in 2020. She graduated from Pittsburg State University in 2007 with her Bachelor of Science in Social Work. She obtained her Master is Social Work in 2009 from Missouri State University. DeAnna is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker trained in several trauma focused therapy models including ART (Accelerated Resolution Therapy) and is currently working on certification in TF-CBT (Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). Her background includes residential and acute, community mental health, behavioral health and private practice.
Cindy Burlingame
Therapist
Cindy joined SEMO-NASV in April of 2021. She graduated from Park University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Psychology. She obtained her Master of Science degree in Clinical Psychology from Vanguard University of Southern California. Cindy is trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) as well as Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and is pursuing certifications in both. Cindy is also pursuing certification in sex therapy from the Buehler Institute in Newport Beach, California. Cindy has worked in both private practice as well as psychiatric hospitals and in crisis stabilization units. She also has experience working with active duty and retired military members.
Leasa Stone
Prevention Education Coordinator
Leasa Stone has been with SEMO-NASV since 2002. As a former foster parent and pediatric registered nurse, Leasa has worked primarily with children since graduating from Southeast Missouri State University in 1989 with an Associates Degree in nursing. In addition to working for SEMO NASV, Leasa has been a pediatric staff nurse at Saint Francis Medical Center since 1990. Leasa & Pam Rampley travel to schools and other organizations in southeast Missouri discussing child abuse prevention.
Janet Abernathy
Prevention Specialist
Janet joined SEMO-NASV in 2019. Janet received her Bachelor’s Degree from Southeast Missouri State University and taught junior high and high school mathematics for 13 years. She received her Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling and a Psychological Examiner Certification in 1990 from Southeast Missouri State University. Janet worked as a School Counselor and Psychological Examiner for 23 years. She retired from Poplar Bluff Schools in 2013.
Mia Ponder
Prevention Specialist
Mia Ponder joined SEMO-NASV in August 2021. She graduated in 2019 from the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Science. She is currently working on her Master of Arts in Family and Community Services. She earned her Family Development Credential in 2021. Since joining SEMO-NASV, Mia has been presenting the Green Bear Project in local schools, educating children about abuse prevention.
Teddy Stone
Prevention Specialist
Teddy Stone joined SEMO-NASV in April 2022. He plans to graduate from Southeast Missouri State University with his bachelors degree in social work in December 2023. Since joining SEMO-NASV, Teddy has been presenting the Green Bear Project in local schools, educating children about abuse prevention.
Lauren Edmonds
Prevention Specialist
Lauren Edmonds joined SEMO-NASV in December 2022. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from Allegheny College in 2012. Lauren has over 8 years of teaching experience in public school and homeschool settings. Lauren currently presents the Green Bear Project in local schools, educating children about abuse prevention.
