Our Board

Brad Botteron

In 2019, Brad Botteron and his wife Ann purchased a 100-acre ranch property in Shawnee, Kansas, envisioning it as the foundation for a holistic mental health organization. From that vision, Summit Ranch was born. Having lived and worked in Kansas City most of their lives, Brad and Ann feel a deep connection to the community and a desire to make a lasting, positive impact.

After graduating from Brigham Young University in 1980, Brad joined Wachter Electric Company, which his grandfather had established in 1930. Under Brad’s leadership, Wachter Inc. expanded into a nationwide electrical, networking, and security systems business. Throughout his career, he focused on creating a culture of collaboration and fostering strong relationships—values that have shaped both his approach to business and his community involvement.

Brad’s dedication to helping others extends beyond his professional life. As a proud father of four and grandfather to 11, he understands the importance of family and community. He enjoys golfing and is actively involved in his church service. His commitment to mental health advocacy, particularly for youth, is deeply personal. Through Summit Ranch, Brad and Ann hope to provide the support and resources families and adolescents in the community need to thrive.

Jared Botteron

Debbie Messner

Debbie Messner is a graduate of Northwest Missouri State University.  She has over 25 years of experience serving K–5 students in the USD 232 School District, as a paraeducator.

Throughout her career, Debbie has worked with students across a broad spectrum of diverse learners—including those with emotional and behavioral challenges, autism spectrum disorders, ADD/ADHD, Down Syndrome, and those identified as Gifted and Talented. She is currently serving in the role of Math Interventionist.

Debbie is married to Norman Messner and enjoys spending time with their kids and grandchildren.

Megan Drovetta

Megan Drovetta holds a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Kansas State University and a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Currently pursuing her PhD at the University of Kansas, she brings over 20 years of experience in child welfare, foster care, and pediatric healthcare to her role on the board of directors for the child holistic mental health facility.

Megan specializes in supporting children and adolescents experiencing mental health crises, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with local community partners to ensure that youth receive the comprehensive support they need. She is particularly passionate about improving access to healthcare for young people in her community. Outside of her professional commitments, Megan loves spending time with her dog and two cats, her family and friends, as well as gardening and enjoying the outdoors.

Kendra Smalter

Kendra Smalter brings deep expertise in business strategy and operational excellence, along with a passion for community engagement and mental health. As a leader on the digital team at Hallmark Cards, she guides initiatives that blend innovation with customer satisfaction. Her background in cross-functional collaboration and inclusive leadership informs her thoughtful, people-centered approach to board service.

Originally from Lawrence, Kansas, Kendra received her bachelor’s degree in journalism and English literature from the University of Massachusetts. She now lives in Shawnee with her husband and son. Outside of her professional role, she enjoys gardening, seeing live music, and traveling internationally to experience diverse cultures. Kendra is committed to using her expertise and growth mindset to support the mission of Summit Ranch.

Dave Felshaw

Mat Larsen

Mat, and his wife, Lindsay, have four children and moved to Shawnee, Kansas in 2007. He is an attorney and began practicing law in southern California in 2003. In 2007, the Larsens moved to Kansas and Mat began working for Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P. He is still with Shook today. Mat and Lindsay love living in the Midwest and have enjoyed raising their children here in Kansas City. Mat is passionate about working with youth. He was a mock trial coach at a Kansas City, Missouri high school for several years and has served with the youth at his church for numerous years. He also previously served as a board member for a shelter for victims of domestic violence. In his free time, Mat enjoys traveling and outdoor activities with his family. He is an avid Kansas City Royals and BYU sports fan.

 Mat and Lindsay’s youngest son receives services from Summit Ranch so they have seen firsthand the benefits of Summit Ranch and the services its professionals provide. Mat is excited to help Summit Ranch continue to grow so that even more children and teenagers can take advantage of and be blessed by the services Summit Ranch provides.     

Dave Felshaw

David Edward Felshaw (Dave) is a seasoned business leader with a career spanning over three decades across the food production, international sales, and financial services industries. Born in Provo, Utah, he earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Park University, equipping him with the strategic and analytical skills that have defined his professional journey.

From 1985 to 1987, Dave served a church mission in Trujillo, Peru, where he became fluent in Spanish—a skill he continues to use today. This formative experience instilled in him a deep commitment to service and cross-cultural understanding.

Dave began his career at Honeyville Grain, where he held dual roles in ingredient sales and warehouse management from 1988 to 1998. He then joined ConAgra Foods, serving in International Sales from 1998 to 2004, where he played a key role in expanding the company’s global footprint and fostering international partnerships.

Since 2004, Dave has been a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones, serving over 300 families with personalized financial guidance. He also leads and manages marketing efforts for Edward Jones in the Kansas City area, demonstrating his ability to combine strategic leadership with community-focused engagement.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Dave has served for the past six years as Bishop to a Young Single Adult congregation, providing mentorship and spiritual leadership to young adults navigating important life decisions.

Dave has been married to Suzanne (Suzie) since 1988 and is the proud father of four children. He admits that he owes much of his success to the support and encouragement of his wife, Suzie, who has been a companion and inspiration throughout their journey. Their growing family includes twelve grandchildren—eight boys, two girls, and two whose are yet to be revealed. Their life and his career are guided by enduring values of faith, family, integrity, and service.

Valerie Jennings

Valerie Jennings, Ed.S., brings more than 36 years of experience in education, school psychology, and school leadership to her role on the Summit Ranch board. She currently serves as a member of the Johnson County Community College Board of Trustees, where she chairs the Student Success Committee, and as an Adjunct Professor of Psychology at Avila University.

Valerie began her career as an art teacher in Kansas City before earning her Education Specialist degree in School Psychology from the University of Kansas. She went on to serve as a school psychologist at Topeka State Hospital, where she also completed advanced training in family systems therapy through the Menninger Foundation. Valerie spent 30 years in the Blue Valley School District, serving in a wide range of roles including school psychologist, Psychologist Coordinator, Private School Coordinator, building administrator, Special Education Coordinator, and Principal of Blue Valley Academy, the district's alternative high school.

Valerie holds a BSE in Art and Psychology from Emporia State University, an Ed.S. in School Psychology from the University of Kansas, and a Building Administration and Leadership licensure from Pittsburg State University. Her deep expertise in student success, special education, and school mental health brings invaluable perspective to Summit Ranch's mission of supporting neurodivergent children and teens.