PROVIDING MEANINGFUL EMPLOYMENT TO PEOPLE AT LAKE OF THE OZARKS WITH DISABILITIES SINCE 1983

JOETTA HOUSE, VICE PRESIDENT

I joined the board in 2017

I learned about LAI when I was a Life Skills Teacher in 2001 and Camdenton High School students with disabilities were able to participate at LAI during the school day. That program was discontinued so in 2003 I began coordinating students in the Community Based Instruction Program placing students with disabilities with local business partners so they can transition from school to adult life and employment after graduation. They receive school credit and learn job skills. Business partners include grocery stores, resorts, the hospital and others.

Not every student will succeed in competitive employment so it’s important that LAI is a place where adults with disabilities have a place they can choose to work and feel comfortable. LAI’s mission to provide meaningful employment for adults with disabilities offers a choice because “meaningful employment” means something different to each person. LAI is like that bar in “Cheers” where everybody knows your name and they’re always glad you came. Our LAI employees know each other and are glad they are there together to work.

I have a couple of favorite LAI memories. Before I was even a board member, LAI would invite me to their Thanksgiving meal. Linda Platter used to make chicken and dumplings that were like heaven in your mouth. LAI used to have a Christmas party at a local church. I had placed a young man with disabilities at LAI and he worked there for several years. Johnathan was an accomplished pianist, and he discovered the church’s piano at the 2015 party. He enjoyed playing for everyone and he was great.

 

LINDA PLATTER, SECRETARY

I joined the board in 1991

I live in Linn Creek and have lived in this area since I was 15 years old. I am a former graduate of Camdenton R-lll School. My husband and I raised two daughters here. I was employed at the Camdenton School as Central Receiving clerk for 30 years. Everything except food and transportation came through my office. I have been a widow for 22 years. My youngest daughter became ill at the age of nine months which caused her disability.  Tina has a Seizure disorder. I have two wonderful grandchildren who have blessed me with six great-grandkids. 
Having a child with a disability helped raise my awareness and need for a place where she can feel comfortable in having a job that would fit her needs. LAI is a place where she can be productive and proud of her accomplishments. 
I feel that everyone deserves a place in life where they feel they fit without being judged. Being gainfully employed gives them a sense of accomplishment in a safe environment.
What drives me to serve is a love for these people, who have spent their entire life trying to prove to the outside world that they have purpose. I feel a deep pride knowing that what I contribute encourages them to build a life and strive to the best of their ability in learning a trade.
I am excited the minute I open LAI’s door and am greeted with smiles and a hello or a hug from those that need a hug as much as I do. The employees at LAI are the best! What an amazing group to be part of. All these years I have been blessed.
My favorite memories are the smiles I get when I cook, bake, and serve on those days we have special events. I have baked cookies, made tons of my special fudge and bread for their parties. I have made and donated crock pots of soup and stews for their lunches in the wintertime. I love that I can contribute to such a worthy and blessed cause. These have been the most rewarding years of my life.

 

TAMMY FLORES, TREASURER

I joined the board in 2021

My husband, Frank, and I moved from Kansas City to Linn Creek in 2019 to be closer to my aging parents. We found a house that was perfect for our new family structure. Frank’s twin brothers, who are adults with developmental disabilities, moved in with us when their mother passed in 2017.
I served on the board of the sheltered workshop in Grandview, Missouri when my brothers-in-law worked there. I was also appointed to the Jackson County Senate Bill 40 board. (Senate Bill 40 is enabling legislation passed by the Missouri state legislature in 1969 and is designed to allow individual counties in Missouri to approve a tax levy to provide support to persons with developmental disabilities in areas of residential, employment, and related services.) My brothers-in-law are LAI employees, and it did not take me long to get involved with LAI. One of my goals is to share our mission to business leaders and others in the community to ensure there is work for our employees.
I serve as an advocate for my brothers-in-law and others within the disability community. I do this by taking every opportunity to educate the public and our elected officials about the importance of supporting legislation that enables individuals with disabilities to work in, live in and contribute to their communities. I have a passion for the work that we do at LAI by employing those with disabilities. As a family member, I am fully aware of the alternative if a sheltered workshop were not available in our city.
There are so many favorite memories that it is a challenge to pick one. I truly enjoy seeing our employees interacting with their community. This happens when we take a bus load of folks to Jefferson City to talk to law makers about their rights. This happens at Gifted Gardens with so many customers who visit during the day or when we give tours at LAI. I also enjoy hearing my brothers-in-law tell anyone who asks about what they do at LAI and how much they enjoy their work. This is one example of how individuals with disabilities are like you and me. They want to enjoy going to work each day, enjoy their co-workers, be challenged at work, and be appreciated.

 

DENISE DECKER

I joined the board in 2023

I live in Camdenton with my husband. We have two children who went to Camdenton Schools and are now married to their high school sweethearts. I also have a new grandson.
We moved our family to the area 17 years ago and love living in this great community. When we moved here, I saw the need for families to find activities for their kids, so I started a website that provided Lake Family Resources. After a few years I went to work for the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitors Bureau as Director of Sales and Marketing followed by Lake Media as a Marketing Consultant. I now work for LO Profile Magazine as a Marketing Consultant. I have been involved in the community for many years serving on the board for Habitat for Humanity and Kid’s Harbor. I have volunteered for many events including The Lake of the Ozarks Shootout, Eagle Days, Harbor Hop and more.
In my short time as a board member, I have learned so much about what LAI has to offer not only its employees, but the community. The employees at LAI are always so happy to be there and I absolutely love seeing their smiling faces. The Board of Directors at LAI are a dedicated group of volunteers that have great vision for the future, I look forward to learning from them and continuing to serve.

 

JENNIFER HAWTHORNE

I joined the board in 2021

I spent my childhood in Camdenton but left the area many years ago. I returned in December of 2020 to care for my mother. After working as a professional in nonprofit relationship fundraising and public relations from 1986 to 2020, I was able to successfully transition to a career in 2021 as a tax preparer for H&R Block.
I worked and volunteered with several organizations that served children and adults with disabilities and special needs. I have friends with children who are special and my adult niece by marriage lived with me for several years. She is developmentally delayed along with mental health diagnoses. Her fiancé lived with us for a couple of years, and he is on the autism spectrum. I was fortunate to mentor both in developing life and social skills, plus learning to drive and finding employment. There were no organizations like LAI where we lived so their employment was in the competitive workplace and it was often stressful and difficult for them.
Many LAI employees would not succeed in a traditional competitive workforce. Working at LAI gives them a sense of purpose, skills development, social skills, dignity, and pride, along with a supplemental income to their disability payments. Many of them have developed close friendships and supported each other through life’s challenges. They are a close-knit group who work hard, enjoy each other, and provide great service to LAI’s clients.
Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, especially since I hadn’t lived in the area for many years. Volunteering strengthens my ties to this great community and broadens my support network, exposing me to people with common interests, community resources, and fun and fulfilling activities. I’ve volunteered in every community I’ve lived in and because I also worked in nonprofit organizations, I saw first-hand the impact volunteers had on our missions and the people in the community we served. I am honored to serve as a volunteer leader on the board of directors. I enjoy supporting our staff and employees, setting strategy, and stewarding LAI’s financial and organizational stability.  
My favorite memory is playing Mrs. Claus at LAI’s 2022 Holiday Party. I spoke to each employee and asked about their holiday wishes and a favorite holiday memory. I cherish that each person shared with me. And, then I told each one “I love you and hope your holiday is special this year.” Seeing everyone, including our staff and volunteers, enjoy each other and share a meal and fun activities made my holiday season special.

 

DEBRAH PHILLIPS

I joined the board in 2016

I live in Camdenton and am a retired Special Education teacher. I have always felt a calling to help young people with disabilities. Now I am privileged to help the wonderful adults they have become.
LAI’s mission statement is about giving people with disabilities the opportunity to have a job where they can feel productive and be productive members of their community. I am driven and proud to serve with my fellow board members. This group has achieved great things to help everyone at LAI. I feel fortunate to be a part of that effort. I enjoy the special occasions that the board members get together for fundraising events. We work well together as a team. Our monthly meetings are always a little sweeter thanks to our master baker (Linda) who always brings dessert!

One of my favorite memories is the Halloween party last year. Everyone was dressed up in very creative costumes, but the best part was all were laughing and having such a great time.

 

PATSY RILEY

I joined the board in 2016

I have been associated with LAI for about 25 years.  First, as a parent of a child with disabilities and then as a board member of the Senate Bill 40. (Senate Bill 40 is enabling legislation passed by the Missouri state legislature in 1969 and is designed to allow individual counties in Missouri to approve a tax levy to provide support to persons with developmental disabilities in areas of residential, employment, and related services.)
I taught for many years at Camdenton R3 School District and retired in 2003. My family moved to the area from Kansas City in 1979.  My husband worked for AT&T. We have three daughters: Robin (deceased), Kristina, (Dr. Of Nursing), and Courtney (LAI employee).
As a parent I'm amazed that LAI provides the help that my child needs to be successful in her work environment. She is happy and tells me how much she enjoys going to work every day. This happens because the staff treats all of them with respect and as adults.

 

KATHY WILLIAMS

I joined the board in 2022

My Husband and I moved to the area a little over a year ago. I grew up in Kansas City and often came to the Ozarks while growing up. I have not lived in the Midwest since 1973 and I am happy to be back! I graduated from Emporia State University with a master’s degree in special education. I worked in education for almost 50 years. 

When I moved to the area I wanted to get involved in the community and LAI seemed to be a good fit. I have really enjoyed serving on the board and have especially enjoyed being around the employees at all of our holiday celebrations. 

 

ADAM MAHER

I joined the board in 2023

I live in Linn Creek. My family moved to Camdenton in 2006 as I was heading into my senior year of high school. After graduating from Camdenton in 2007, I attended Missouri Valley College where I played football and earned a bachelor’s degree.  I was fortunate to have the opportunity to play football overseas in Germany for two seasons.  In 2014 I returned to the States, I attended Robert Morris University in Chicago where I coached football and attained my master’s degree.  Missing home and sick of the big city, I decided to move back to the Lake in 2016 to pursue a job as a financial advisor with Grand Glaize Wealth Management.

I wanted to give back to an organization doing great things in our community. After seeing all the smiling faces and hardworking people at LAI, it was an easy choice. Working alongside community members to help LAI continue to provide the opportunities they do is something I’ve always wanted to get involved with. Seeing the value LAI provides was an easy reason to join this great organization.      

LAI’s mission is to provide jobs for adults with disabilities, but it does so much more. They provide a support system, teamwork, opportunity, friendships, and family. Being able to serve a great organization alongside people who want to do the same is why I enjoy being on the board. 

LAI is one of the Lake’s Shootout and this year’s Poker Run this year was great! I volunteered to deal cards at Shady Gators and had a blast doing it.  Volunteering at social events is always a great way to give and it’s always entertaining.

 

JAMES S. ROGERS, PRESIDENT

I joined the board in 1994

 

DAVID CAMPANINI

I joined the board in 2011

 

GARY SMITH

I joined the board in 2012

 

NATALIE COUCH, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

I’ve worked for LAI for seven years and live in Camdenton. I grew up in Camdenton and graduated from Camdenton High School in 2000.  I got my bachelor’s degree in business management and Spanish from the University of Central Missouri.  I worked at Cintas for 13 years in Kansas City as Office Manager, Service Manager, and Plant Manager.  I loved my job and the people I worked with, but wanted to raise my two boys at home where they could be closer to family.  My work experience was a great fit for managing LAI except I had never worked with people with disabilities.  That part came naturally and has proven to be my favorite part of the job!

I have always taken great pride in my work and cannot imagine my life without the experiences I have had throughout my career.  I want to make sure everyone gets the chance to have a work family like I do and to feel the pride you get from putting in a hard days’ work.  
I love every aspect of our program and tell anyone who will listen all about it!  Our employees love their jobs.  They are proud of the work they do; they are great friends with their co-workers; and they get to earn their own money to do the things they want.  We get to help local businesses and community members with services they need, and we lower the tax burden of the citizens that support us.  It’s a win-win for everyone!
I enjoy how happy our employees are to be at work; it’s refreshing!   I also love that every day is different.  We take on just about any challenge that brings jobs for our employees, so there is never a dull moment. 

My favorite memory is the Christmas party when our employees made me sing karaoke right after getting a phone call telling me to stop production on one of our largest jobs due to a product change the company had made.  This is my worst nightmare, and I am not going to lie, there were tears.   There was no way I was going to kill the energy of our biggest party of the year and let our employees down, so I sang anyway.  Luckily, Jill was by my side to carry me because I am a terrible singer already and the crying didn’t help!  It doesn’t sound like a good memory, but it was for me because that is when I realized how much they mean to me.  I would never worry that much about someone else’s job or sing for anyone else!

JILL BERENDZEN, PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR

I’ve worked at LAI for nine years and live in Camdenton. I moved to Sunrise Beach in 2005 and then to Camdenton in 2013. I live with my boyfriend Shane. I have two daughters and six grandchildren. I have three dogs: Diablo, Dixie and Dave. I paint rocks and hide them for people to find just to make their day a little better.

I enjoy coming to work. My coworkers and LAI employees feel like family. I can’t express how rewarding my job is. I have learned and grown with my employees. Every day is a new adventure.

The LAI workshop gives our employees dignity, lets them socialize, challenges them at their level and provides them with a safe place to work that accepts them. They get to work in an environment surrounded by friends and are supervised by caring adults who guide them in improving their work skills. I enjoy the interaction with them and feel like I am part of something great.
My favorite memories are the Christmas parties we’ve had with karaoke and dancing.

LILLIE SMITH, OPERATIONS MANAGER

I’ve worked at LAI for 36 years and live in Macks Creek. I have lived in this area all of my life. I started at LAI right out of high school and I’m very happy to have been a part of LAI’s mission and success for all of these years.

I started working with people with disabilities when I was 16 years old. I decided that I could make a difference in their lives, and I enjoy seeing our employees succeed. That’s why I have made a career working at LAI.

Through the years I have seen so many success stories with our employees transitioning the skills they learned at LAI to competitive employment. Being a part of that is very rewarding.

I love to see our employees’ smiling faces at their job that they come to every day and love. I enjoy being a role model, but also being a friend and loving, compassionate person they can count on to help them through whatever situation they encounter.

I have so many LAI memories. The parties and outings really stand out to me. Going to Happy Fisherman for lunch, being in the Dogwood Parade, boat rides, and Thanksgiving dinner at a church are just a few of the outings. I remember parties like karaoke, watching movies together, and visits from Mr. and Mrs. Claus. The employees love the extras that we do for them.

DEBI MASHEK, PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR

I’ve worked at LAI for four years and live in Camdenton. My husband Mark and our two boys, Kyle and Cody, and Mark’s parents had a resort here. Moved here 43 years ago. Mark built houses and I worked at the school running a kitchen for 25 years. I loved it all.

I was tired of retirement and have known Jill (a LAI employee) for years. We worked together at school. I wasn’t sure what LAI was, but I’ve fallen in love with everyone. I am so happy there is a place like this. Our employees love coming here. It is a safe place for them to work and we are like a family. These people and this job have my heart. They really make me smile and laugh every day. I wish our employees knew how much I need them!

TRAVIS FOREMAN, PRODUCTION MANAGER

I’ve worked at LAI for eight years and live in Camdenton. For 46 years I was a defender of life, liberty and free thought. I work at LAI because I can continue to education and give life experiences to folks. For example, budget, hygiene, health, morals. LAI gives us the ability to bring people up and let them know there is a place for them, no matter what their past or their skill level.