About Us

Our Staff

Executive Director

JoEllen Wurth

JoEllen has served as the Executive Director of Shepherd’s Center Central since 2005.

Program Leaders

Sandra Aust

Sandra Aust is a graduate of the University of Missouri Sinclair School of Nursing.  Her career has spanned a wide range of pursuits including acute hospital care and home health care serving the chronically ill.  Most recently, she was a speaker and spokesperson for life sciences at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research, later joining the statewide campaign for Amendment 2 to the Missouri constitution; and she owns a consulting practice in health care communications.  In addition to her professional work, Sandra has served on numerous boards and commissions including the KCMO Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners; The National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial Board of Trustees; The Harvest Ball Society Board of Directors, and The United Way of Greater Kansas City Northland Board.

Susie Newman

Susie Newman received her MPA in Nonprofit Management from the UMKC Bloch School of Business and Public Administration.  Prior to joining the staff at Shepherd’s Center, she previously worked in volunteer management positions at Children’s Mercy Hospital and the Shawnee Mission School District.  Susie enjoys volunteering with the Junior League of Wyandotte and Johnson Counties and the Johnson County Master Gardener Program.

David Hooper

David Hooper served four years in the US Army with a tour of duty in Vietnam. His previous jobs include being an educator in the Kansas City, Missouri School District, Sales Manager for Prologue Ticketing, Federal Sales Manager for Informix Software and Business Analyst for Electronic Data Systems. David is currently the Medicare Counselor for Shepherd’s Center Central. He has a wire-haired terrier, Bilbo, who comes to work with him everyday.

Jacqueline Cyphers
Director, The Caregiver Institute 
816-444-1121 x 211
jacqueline@sccentral.org   

Jacqueline Cyphers has a master’s degree in social work with a healthcare specialization, from the University of Kansas. Jacqueline worked in healthcare for the past 25 years as a medical social worker, social services director, coordinator of geriatric services and director of an older adult affinity program in the Kansas City metro. Additionally, Jacqueline has the personal experience of being a family caregiver the past twenty years.

Deb Dickinson

Deb Dickinson began her career in volunteer management in 1995 and oversaw volunteer programs at two hospitals. Her experience also includes 18 years as a healthcare patient advocate. She’s worked at Trinity Lutheran, Baptist, and Research Medical Center.  Deb has two grown sons and lives with her husband, Doug, in Lee’s Summit.

Advancement Team

Danielle Wootton

Danielle Wootton has her undergraduate degree in Social Work from Pittsburg State University and a Masters in Business Administration from Baker University. She has worked in the non-profit sector for over 15 years in a variety of capacities including case management, volunteer management, fundraising and program management. Danielle enjoys cooking, traveling, spoiling her dog, Freddie and most of all spending time with her new family.

Katya Woolard

Robin Blakely

Our Board of Directors