Tim Backs is a Solution Consultant with JDA Software. He is a graduate of the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering. Tim’s career has primarily been in the manufacturing and supply chain/logistics industry for nearly 30 years. He is very involved with his church, and enjoys the outdoors, hiking, and time with his family. Tim lives in Liberty with his wife, Michelle, of 28 years, and 3 children. He got hooked by the mission of ReEngage, and hopes to see Kansas City transformed in ways we never thought possible.
Rodney Knott was born in Kansas City, MO and graduated from Central High School. Following high school Mr. Knott left Kansas City to attend Ottawa University and the University of Kansas. Mr. Knott is a computer network engineer who has worked for some of the largest computer firms in the country including Dell, IBM, and Sidus.
In 2009, Mr. Knott founded and became Executive Director of ReEngage, Inc. to restore the dignity of the people in urban core communities by reconnecting effort to benefit. Because almost 80% of the children in the black community are being raised in single female head of household homes, I believe the policies of the past have failed to lift people out of poverty and have helped create an environment of generational poverty. God presented him with a vision to raise up men and fathers to restore families and communities. I believe that by using an innovative training, support, and empowerment program known as “The Man Class”©, which helps males become responsible reengaged men in addition to motivated dependable employees we can begin to restore the men of our community to their rightful place and the men that they were created to be. His hope is to restore our community 10 men at a time. Mr. Knott is married to Mary Knott and they have 6 children and 5 grandchildren.
Mike Whitsitt graduated Shawnee Mission East, 1965; graduated Purdue University with a B.S. in Political Science in 1969; graduated University of Michigan in 1972 with a J.D.; in private practice of law in Johnson County, Kansas, since May, 1972; admitted to practice in Missouri in May, 1990; primarily in domestic relations practice, but also civil litigation, and general practice; daughter, Rachel, has been my partner for two years now; widowed with three children, Katie, Rachel and Ben. Active in the Upper Room Reading program, Village Presbyterian Church and Hillcrest Transitional Housing. Investigating member of the Johnson County Ethics and Grievance Committee for 10 years. Member of the United States District Court for the Districts of Kansas and the Western District of Missouri. Member of the Kansas City Businessmen’s Club, which fund raises for the Joshua Center (for Tourette’s and Asperger’s syndromes).
Dr. Taylor, owner of New Hope Counseling Center, provides services to adolescents, adults and couples. She attended Central High School in Kansas City and received her graduate degrees from the University of Missouri. Pamela has counseled in school settings, in private practice, in the church environment, and in mental health clinics. She serves clients with a focus on results oriented counseling applied from both a Christian and clinical perspective.
Additionally, Pamela has served as Adjunct Faculty at local and state colleges and universities and has facilitated leadership workshops and been the guest speaker at several women’s conferences. Finally, Dr. Taylor is the author of one book used in many workshops.“I Choose Rejection” helps those with a desire to stop the cycle of emotional abuse.
Tim Pickell is the owner of Timothy V. Pickell Law Offices in Westwood, Kansas. Tim graduated from Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri (Rhodes Scholar finalist, magna cum laude), and is a KU law school graduate. He has been practicing law in Kansas and Missouri for 35 years, specializing in personal injury and workers’ compensation cases. Tim has written and lectured in both law areas, including “head injury” cases. Tim is past-President of the Johnson County Bar Association; has been a youth sports coach for over 20 years, was a Boy Scout leader; and is very involved in his Church and other community activities. Tim is married to Kim and they have 6 children.
Don has over 30 years in the construction industry. Don Crabtree founded Merit in 1991 and has been a major force behind success of Merit’s growth. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Kansas State University in Construction Science. His years of experience in estimating, marketing and customer development have been instrumental in Merit’s growth to annual sales of over $35 million. Don owns 100% of the stock in Merit General Contractors, Inc.
Don’s strong community services involves Chairman of the Board for KCK Special Olympics (KCK Huggers, Inc.), consultant to Hope Faith Ministries serving the homeless population, United Way volunteer Of the Year 2002, and current board member for ReEngage –“Transforming males into men”.
Roy felt the whisper of God’s Spirit move him in the direction of spiritual transformation at 17. Learning how to catalyze spiritual change has been the passion of his life. His education in Greek at Baylor University and the theological tutelage under Howard Hendricks at Dallas Theological seminary engaged his soul and mind in the models and methods of Jesus. Through out it all his wife, Candy has been a constant partner and co-learner. Their four children and 8 grandchildren fill their lives with ample opportunities to learn and enjoy a life of catalyzing spiritual transformation. Roy is founder, pastor, and spiritual catalyst at Shoal Creek Community Church.