Board of Directors
Founder
Kelsey Stock
Kelsey piqued an interest in ASL while in high school, continuing to learn the language through college. She is a proud mom of five children, two of whom are deaf. When it was time for her kids to be of school-age, Kelsey decided to do the same! She received her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Kansas (Rock Chalk!) with a focus in mental healthcare for deaf populations. Through this work is how she continued to learn and engage with deaf communities and also saw opportunities. Paired with professional & academic expertise, lived experience, and a servant heart for the community, Deaf Connections was born.
Tech Lead
Syd Kuster
Syd was born in Iowa but spent most of their life in Missouri. They moved to Kansas in 2017. They work at Kansas School for the Deaf in the student life, athletics, and transportation departments. They have never been happier! Syd is deafblind and while the official cause is unknown, it is known that genetics do play a part. Their passion in life is community education and advocacy, especially in the fields of ASL, Deaf culture, mental health, and disabilities. Syd's favorite thing to do is travel and meet people. Whether they meet only for a brief moment or remain in each other's lives for eternity, Syd's goal is to make a positive difference in each person's life they encounter. At their core, Syd is love.
Board Member
Casey Corrigan
Bio coming soon!
Board Member
Micki Keck
Michele ‘Micki’ Keck was born to a mixed deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing family (fourth deaf generation on her maternal side and more deaf relatives on paternal side) in Kansas City, Missouri and attended Kansas School for the Deaf, Gallaudet University, and McDaniel College. With more than 25 years of experience in community colleges and schools for the deaf, she now serves as an Independent Living Advocate in Deaf Services at The Whole Person.
Board Member
Jennifer Kucinzski
Bio coming soon!
Board Member
Kelly Lovell
Kelly has lived in Olathe for over 60 years. She and her husband, David, have been married for 35 years, with four children and seven grands. Her current profession is a little bit of retirement with lots of time with the grands. She also dedicates her spare time caring for senior adults. When she’s not with family or serving her community- she loves watching KU basketball and riding motorcycles.
Board Member
Chancy Lovell
Chancy is a longtime resident of Olathe, KS and resides with her family and two dogs. When she is not busy at work, she enjoys crocheting and spending time with friends and family.
Board Member, Social Media Manger
Sarah Rhodes
I’m a proud resident of Augusta, KS, a longtime social worker with over a decade of experience, and—most importantly—a hearing parent to two children- 1 who is hearing and 1 who is deaf. My career has always centered on helping individuals and families access the resources they need to thrive. I’m passionate about empowering people to build confidence, gain independence, and navigate life with dignity and support. Becoming part of the Deaf community through my son has been one of the greatest gifts of my life. It has expanded my perspective, deepened my empathy, and connected me with a vibrant culture that I’m honored to learn from and celebrate every day. I’m elated to continue this journey—both as a professional dedicated to service and as a parent embracing a beautiful, bilingual, and bicultural world.
Board Member
Kym Symasnky
KSD & Gallaudet University alumni. Former teacher in 4 Deaf schools, including Kansas School for the Deaf. ASL tutor at Johnson County Community College. Mom of 3 Deaf (adult) children.
Board Member
Cady McAfee
Bio Coming Soon!