Local Leadership
The TSMKC Leadership Team provides direction and leadership in carrying out the mission and vision of The Single Mom KC. The Leadership Team works with the Program Director and Executive Director to ensure all TSMKC programs and community partnerships are carried out according to the values and policies of TSMKC. The TSMKC Leadership Team members are active in TSMKC community and foster relationship with single moms who attend TSMKC programs.
Laura Council
Leadership Team Member Laura is a single mom of a now adult daughter. She has been with TSMKC since late 2019. She desires for single moms to feel embraced and empowered to make a better life for themselves and their families as she has experienced the struggles herself. She loves spending time with her family, especially her daughter, Taryn, and her favorite dog, Bruno. She embraces all things outdoorsy and is often found backpacking, hiking, running, camping, and kayaking.
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Anne Gibbins
Leadership Team Member Originally a single mom by choice, she adopted her son at birth from a friend of a family friend. However, her second divorce forced her into single parenthood again. Anne and her son, who is now a teenager, have overcome tremendous trials and tribulations. In therapy, she saw a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. Anne wants to help other women who have experienced trauma to know the hope she found. “When I found TSMKC, not only did I find God’s gracious hope — I found community and acceptance. We all may come from different backgrounds of how and why we are single mommas; we are still moms at the core and we ALL can relate to each other in that.”
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Jenny Houston
Leadership Team Member After her separation and divorce in 2017, Jenny became a single mom, a role that she admits she fought hard against. She now desires to show other moms that they can be successful and make this role one that glorifies God and helps families succeed. “I absolutely love my life, not because it is easy, but because it is mine.” Jenny has experienced the transformational work of TSMKC firsthand, having gained life skills and learned to thrive as a woman of God. She aims to lead by example, sharing her story, trials, and missteps, along with her successes, to encourage other single moms. “I’m extremely grateful to be a part of this organization and to help them grow and see our moms and their families living out their incredible God-given purpose.”
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Dawn Kappelmann
Leadership Team Member Dawn became a single parent at 16 and experienced two failed marriages. She faced physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, and struggled with an eating disorder for 25+ years. No matter the extent of her trials, Dawn believes God always provided what she needed as a single parent, and she wants to share this message with others: there truly is a Light at the end of the tunnel.
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Desiray Loza Blakes
Leadership Team Member Desiray is a single mom of five boys and joined The Single Mom KC in 2014. She enjoys exploring the outdoors with her boys, working out, and gardening. Desiray has always had a heart for single mommas — as far back as high school — and has enjoyed her time working with TSMKC to strengthen and equip local moms to be all that God planned them to be.
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Cyndi Troyer
Leadership Team Member Cyndi was introduced to The Single Mom KC in 2019 at a networking event. The mission and the purpose of the organization hit home for her, as she had moved to Kansas City as a single mom to an 18-month-old boy. She has known the struggles and heartaches of a single mom. Cyndi volunteered with TSMKC immediately. Although no longer a single mom (her son is now a Gunnery Sergeant in the Marine Corps), she knew she wanted to be part of The Single Mom KC. Starting off as an admin volunteer, she has since shared her talents in other areas: behind the registration desk at Pursuit or serving at the boutique. “We are here to love on and support single moms. I wish it had been around for me,” she said. “However, I can help get the word out to other moms.”
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