Spring 2025 Speakers
David Woods Bartley
Mental Health Speaker and Trainer
David Woods Bartley
David Woods Bartley is a globally recognized mental health advocate who has delivered over 800 presentations across four continents. A two-time TEDx speaker and Steinberg Institute Mental Health Champion, David shares his journey from mental “hellness” to mental wellness, inspiring diverse audiences to transform their approach to mental health. His mission is to bring conversations about mental health into the open, offering hope and practical strategies for individuals and organizations.
Brooke Buerck
Brooke is an associate attorney in Ogletree’s St. Louis office where she represents employers in all different types of employment litigation.
She graduated from University of Missouri School of Law in 2024 with honors, cum laude, and was selected by Mizzou’s faculty to become a member of the Order of the Coif, a national law school honor society recognizing students graduating in the top ten percent of their class and with high academic achievements.
Brooke joins the firm with a writing-intensive background. As an undergraduate at Southern Illinois University, she studied English literature and wrote for and edited the student-led news organization, reporting on sports and general news. As a law student, Brooke was an Associate Managing Editor of the Missouri Law Review and was published in the publication’s Winter 2024 edition. She received the Best Production award from the Missouri Law Review in 2023.
Brooke further developed her litigation skills in law school by spending a semester as an extern with the Missouri State Public Defender’s office. During this time, she communicated directly with clients and deposed a witness in preparation for a felony criminal trial.
Dedicated to education and mentorship, Brooke assisted her fellow students as a Dean’s Fellow for the Criminal Procedure course, where she helped students in the course review and enhance their understanding of the course materials.
Brooke’s dedication to her writing and advocacy skills makes her an excellent asset to the firm.
Parker Cooke
Parker Cooke is a 2024 graduate of Lindenwood University, where he earned his B.A. in Finance. He is currently pursuing his MBA at Lindenwood, driven by a strong passion for growth and pushing beyond his comfort zone, both professionally and personally. This mindset has allowed Parker to seize opportunities across various departments at Holt & Patterson, including accounting, marketing, and processing, in a relatively short time. By cultivating simple yet effective habits, he has been able to make meaningful contributions and develop a well-rounded skill set that benefits the organization as a whole.
Josh Dix
Leadership Coach
Health Mind Counseling & Wellness
Josh Dix is a therapist and leadership coach in the St. Louis area. For over 20 years, he has been a leader and strategy consultant for large companies and non-profits. Now at Healthy Mind Counseling & Wellness, Josh spends most of his time as a therapist helping individuals, couples, and executives build and maintain healthy lives and relationships. Through his company LeadershipXD, Josh also provides training bootcamps and speaking engagements to show leaders how to do the real work of leadership on a day-in day-out basis.
Johnny Eaker
Johnny Eaker is a creative entrepreneur and marketing strategist with a proven track record of leveraging cutting-edge technology to drive results.
As Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer at BeThere Immersive, Johnny leads the development of RecruiterXR, an innovative VR solution revolutionizing talent attraction, onboarding, and retention. By immersing candidates in interactive, branded virtual experiences, RecruiterXR enables organizations to authentically showcase company culture, career opportunities, and values—connecting with top-tier talent in a more engaging and effective way.
With experience spanning entrepreneurial ventures, corporate leadership, and both in-house and external agencies, Johnny brings a unique, video-first, and people-centric approach to HR and marketing challenges. His work bridges the gap between technology and human connection, helping businesses modernize recruitment strategies and elevate their employer brand.
At the forefront of VR and XR innovations in HR, Johnny is passionate about empowering organizations to harness immersive technologies to attract, engage, and retain talent in a competitive market.
Tammy Ebright
Founder of Unleash Your Amazing
Intuitive Coach & Performance Improvement Consultant
Tammy Ebright is the Founder of Unleash Your Amazing and an Intuitive Coach and Performance Improvement Consultant dedicated to helping individuals and families heal, communicate, and thrive. With over 30 years of sales success, including two decades in the mortgage industry, Tammy brings unmatched insight into achieving excellence in high-pressure environments.
Her journey of self-discovery began after the sudden loss of her husband, David, in 2012, leaving her as a solo mom to her two children, then just 4 and 10 years old. Navigating grief and the challenges of parenting alone, Tammy discovered her passion for guiding others toward personal growth, self-awareness, and authentic connection.
Tammy is certified in DISC, Driving Forces, Emotional Intelligence, Acumen and is a dedicated student at the BG5 Institute, where she deepens her expertise in understanding unique human potential. Now, as a mom to two thriving young adults, she empowers her clients to uncover their untapped potential, reignite their passion, and strengthen their relationships.
Known for her warm, heart-centered approach, Tammy helps others explore their authentic selves, align with their strengths, and create meaningful growth in both life and business.
Rex Fennessey
Rex P. Fennessey represents the interests of employers in all areas of labor and employment law. Prior to joining McMahon Berger, Mr. Fennessey served for six years as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Missouri, where he defended the interests of the State, its agencies, and its elected and appointed officials in civil rights, employment discrimination, education law, and professional licensing matters.
His current practice includes all facets of employment law, including employment discrimination cases under Title VII, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family Medical Leave Act, the Equal Pay Act, the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, claims of race and color discrimination and retaliation under 42 U.S.C. § 1981,
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), the Occupational Safety and Health Act, whistleblower and public policy wrongful discharge claims. and the Missouri and Illinois Human Rights Acts. Mr. Fennessey also routinely represents both public and private employers in cases brought under the Fair Labor Standards Act, and state wage and hour laws; such as the Missouri Minimum Wage Law, the Illinois Minimum Wage Law, and the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act. Mr. Fennessey is recognized in the field of wage and hour litigation and has extensive experience representing employers in complex, collective and class action lawsuits.
Mr. Fennessey litigates before administrative agencies, Missouri and Illinois circuit courts, the Missouri Courts of Appeals, the Missouri Supreme Court, both United States District Courts in Missouri, the U.S. District Courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of Illinois, the U.S. District Court for the Southern Division of Texas, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, and U.S. Tax Court. Mr. Fennessey further represents employers in U.S. Department of Labor investigations, audits, and represents management before the National Labor Relations Board in representation matters and unfair labor practice charges, represents employers before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). and state fair employment practice agencies, and the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA).
Mr. Fennessey is a sought-after speaker for companies and organizations on a broad range of employment topics. His many presentations include wage-and-hour compliance, how employers can systematically handle complicated ADA, FMLA and Workers’ Compensation leave issues, garnishments, and other continually developing federal and state labor laws.
Mr. Fennessey is recognized for his experience guiding new and existing non-profit organizations on a broad range of issues, and regularly assists these clients in obtaining 501(c) exemption recognition before the Internal Revenue Service.
Kent Friend
Kent joined Bukaty Companies with 30 years of experience building, running and consulting for companies ranging from small to Fortune 500.
He understands what it takes to design an employee benefits program that is attractive to both employers and employees. With all his talents in the finance and operations world, Kent works diligently to provide solutions across the nation the many services Bukaty Companies can assist companies and executives with — Group Health Insurance, Commercial P&C, HIPAA compliance, COBRA administration and payroll, to mention a few.
By keeping the client’s needs as the driver, Kent implements a strategy that allows his clients to stay focused on what they do best. His new clients have been averaging over a $1,600 per year savings per employee… and they now have better benefits.
Kent is a seasoned public speaker on multiple topics and is known a ones of the nation’s leading expert on Wellness programs, Contributions Strategies, Strategic Plan Design, Direct Contracting and Cost Containment programs. No one brings more passion to their clients than he does. Kent and his team deliver a world class benefit / insurance experience -so his clients can stay focused on running their company.
Kent graduated from the University of Missouri – Columbia, with a combined degree in Marketing/ Management/ Public Relations.
Licensed in Life & Health / Commercial Property & Casualty
Verticals
All companies over 10 employees – Associations, Auto, Banks, Churches, Construction, Distribution, Food Industry, Gaming and Hospitality, Manufacturing, Marine, Medical providers, Public, Schools, Utilities, 501-c3’s,
Kent Friend
National Strategic Benefit Consultant
Commercial Property & Casualty
4601 College Boulevard, Suite 100 | Leawood, KS 66211
Direct: 913.777.7535 | Cell: 816.803.7406
Jack Fleming
Jack Fleming grew up in St. Louis, Missouri. He earned his Juris Doctor degree in 2015 from St. Louis University School of Law. Jack began defending employers and insurers after law school, as an associate attorney in St. Louis. Since August 2018, Jack has defended state agencies and employees in civil rights and discrimination lawsuits while working in the litigation section at the Missouri Attorney General’s Office. Jack started at Vessell Bridges Murphy in January 2022.
Joel Grauer
Joel Grauer is an Engagement Analyst for the Verification Division at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Department of Homeland Security.
As a subject matter expert on Form I-9 and E-Verify, Mr. Grauer has conducted over 500 presentations to local, regional and national audiences that included corporate legal counsel, immigration attorneys, workforce development, human resources and payroll professionals.
Before joining the Verification Division, Mr. Grauer served in the United States Air Force for 30 years. As a communications manager, he provided strategic and survivable communications systems at both stateside and overseas locations including Greece, Japan, Korea, Hawaii and throughout Southwest Asia.
Mr. Grauer holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Master of Arts in Management from Bellevue University.
Reggie Harris
Mississippi Boy, born and raised, moved to Missouri 12 years ago
- Graduate and Former Football Player for the MISSISSIPPI STATE Bulldogs #hailstate
- Former High School Biology, AP Biology Teacher, Football, Baseball, Track, Strength & Conditioning Coach
- Banking Industry for 9 years
- 7 ABA Certifications
- Fitness & Yoga Enthusiast, & Fitness Instructor
- Traveler and Philanthropist
- FinTech Industry trainer
- Manager / Coach Retail
- Entrepreneur
- Podcaster
- Social Media Influencer
- High School and College Referee
- Reggie is known for his holistic and enthusiastic approach to presenting, facilitating, consulting, and coaching. He has a wide variety of experiences with people and organizations that have shaped and molded his approach.
- Reggie has been trained in a variety of presentation methods, personality assessments, emotional intelligence, time management, company culture, diversity and inclusion, strength finders and with his background as an educator and thru his life experiences, he has developed a unique approach to solving problems, motivating, consulting and leadership.
Jason Herman
Jason Herman is a dynamic leadership and organizational effectiveness consultant with 25 years of experience guiding companies to achieve exceptional results by unleashing the full potential of their people. His strategic insights and passion for transformation have driven success across diverse industries, including insurance, higher education, telecommunications, and hospitality. Jason takes pride in his ability to empower leaders, with one of his most rewarding accomplishments being his work with healthcare executives, helping them navigate unprecedented challenges during the pandemic.
Beyond his professional achievements, Jason finds joy and balance through theater outings and live music experiences with his wife and two daughters. A runner and basketball referee, he thrives on staying active and engaged. When he’s not on the move, you can find him immersed in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, embracing his inner superhero.
Steve Hughes
Steve Hughes is an award-winning speaker who helps people look and sound smart when they talk. He’s the author of Captivate and has been featured on NPR, BBC Radio and in The Wall Street Journal. He’s a former owner of a 50-person ad agency in Clayton and today he works with companies large and small, top law firms, national associations, and leading universities. Steve holds a BA in French Literature and European History from the University of Kansas and an MBA in Marketing from Washington University where he was awarded the prestigious Olin Cup. When he’s not speaking, he can be found performing improv with ComedySportz St. Louis and training for the 500-mile Camino de Santiago in Spain.
Duke Johnson
Mid Missouri Drug Testing Collections, Inc. MMDTC
Chief Operating Officer
I have been a part of MMDTC since May of 2023 and co-owner of the business since August 2023. MMDTC has been a family-owned drug and alcohol testing business since 2000. We have clients all over Missouri and surrounding states. We also act as a TPA (third party administrator) for business small and large over different variety of businesses including trucking companies, municipalities, factory, construction, banking, government agencies, healthcare, and court options. Our services include federal and non-federal drug testing, breath alcohol, hair and nail testing, background checks, DMV driving records, DNA testing, and patch management. MMDTC is certified to conduct reasonable suspicion training to clients. Our office is located in Columbia but we are able to connect with other testing sites over the entire country. We also offer some on-site testing where we come to your facility. All collectors are certified and professional.
Ben Keech
My life path has always been connected to people. Thirty years ago I sat down with my typewriter and started typing letters to folks because I wanted to coach kids. I became a teacher who had a special mission for kids. I had a simple belief system;
leave them better for knowing me. I needed to provide for my family so I started a lawn business as well and it exploded. I stepped away from teaching and started my own youth sports organization called More Than Athletes. While it grew to be one of
the largest basketball organizations in Kansas City, my biggest blessing was reaching into the lives of families. I used my organization to reach out to families of all socio-economic backgrounds. I gave presentations to thousands of kids and parents about what is really important in the game of life. I am now moving towards a new audience as I travel the country inspiring others to live the life they were meant to live. I am living this dream by writing a book to help men, and speaking all over the country guiding folk through my podcast; The Ben Keech Show.
Burton Kelso
Burton Kelso is the owner and Chief Tech Expert at Integral, an computer repair and IT support and managed services company. He is also a 2x TEDx Keynote Speaker and Expert on Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Social Media Marketing as well as a TV & Radio Tech Expert regularly appearing on networks across the globe offering viewers easy tips on computers, technology, Internet lifestyle, and gadgets. As computers and their related gadgets become more and more part of our everyday lives, he’ here to help you get the most out of your devices. His vision is to remove the frustrations and complexity of computers and technology and open people up to a world of new ideas, experiences, and opportunities with their devices\ and gadgets. He loves technology, he’s read all of the manuals, and he’s serious about making technology fun. safe, and easy to use for everyone!
Liezl Kurtz
Growing up on a farm in eastern Missouri, I learned the values of hard work and perseverance from a young age. I spent my childhood helping with various chores, developing a strong work ethic, and a deep appreciation for the simple joys in life. My passion for communication and creativity led me to pursue a degree in marketing. Shortly after graduation, I began my career at an accounting firm where I was the first-ever hire for Holt & Patterson’s marketing department. Less than a year later, I grew into my official title as the Director of Marketing and Communications, taking on challenging projects to drive the company’s growth. I find this career path to be one that is ever-changing and full of self-growth!
Rae Lyon

Evoto
Lyon Coaching Group, led by Rae Lyon, brings an incredible 30+ years of experience in management, leadership, and training across a diverse range of industries, including banking, education, finance, government, human resources, insurance, law enforcement, and manufacturing. Rae’s career is a testament to her passion for empowering individuals and organizations to thrive.
For over 15 years, Rae served as the associate director of the University of Missouri’s Missouri Training Institute, where she designed and delivered engaging, research-based training programs in supervision, management, and leadership to organizations across the state and beyond. She was also co-host of The Weekly Workplace, a top-ranked podcast in Missouri. Before that, she spent 7 years inspiring students as a high school teacher and a decade leading teams as a banking center vice president.
Rae is an ICF-certified coach and holds certifications in Gallup’s CliftonStrengths, Emotional Intelligence (EQ-i 2.0), and the Energy Leadership Index (ELI), bringing a wealth of tools to every coaching session. Whether working with individuals or groups, Lyon Coaching Group is committed to sparking growth, unlocking potential, and driving meaningful change with energy and expertise.
John Marino
John J. Marino, Jr. represents the interest of management in all facets of Labor & Employment Law. Mr. Marino received his juris doctorate from Saint Louis University School of Law where he earned a Certificate in Labor and Employment Law.
Mr. Marino’s employment practice includes all areas of employment law, including employment discrimination claims under Title VII and the Missouri Commission on Human Rights, the American with Disabilities Act, and the Family and Medical Leave Act. Mr. Marino also represents management before the National Labor Relations Board in charges of unfair labor practices, challenges to elections and post-election conduct. In addition, he advises clients on employment-related matters such as employment contracts, policy matters and daily human resources issues.
Mr. Marino is very active in the human resource community. He has been on the Board of the St. Louis Chapter of SHRM (SHRM-STL) including serving as President of the organization. Mr. Marino currently serves on the state board for Missouri SHRM as Vice Director.
Outside of his professional interests, Mr. Marino is currently serving an appointment with the City of Chesterfield Planning and Zoning Commission. Mr. Marino and his wife are also very active in their communities through volunteer work with various organizations such as St. Patrick Center, Cardinal Glennon and St. Louis University High School.
Mr. Marino’s experience prior to joining McMahon Berger includes insurance defense litigation representing corporations in a variety of interests. Mr. Marino has argued both in trial and before the Missouri Appellate Court. He has also served as associate in-house counsel, handling a variety of employment and general business issues.
Mike McGuire
I’m Mike McGuire, and I’m here to transform the way your team thinks, collaborates, and feels.
My Think Like an Improviser program at work is different, fun, and the soft skills lessons stick with you long after the event. It’s because my program is participatory. It makes a huge difference.
Through years and years of doing improv, I’ve created a keynote program for people that takes all of the benefits of doing improv, such as true active listening, presence, empathy, collaboration, self-confidence development, trusting one’s voice, and brings it to folks in a fun, participatory environment designed to give people personal insights about themselves. It’s transformative.
My program gets people to think on their feet, work more effectively as a team, and be more confident in every situation.
So, what does it mean to think like an improviser? It means being fully present, listening to truly understand another person’s perspective, rather than just responding. Improvisers view every idea as golden and every person as significant and important. It’s how human beings should treat one another.
Improvisers collaborate and build upon ideas, rather than making it about themselves and their ideas. It’s the ultimate in collaboration and brainstorming.
If you want to learn how to play pickleball, you don’t just listen to a speaker talk about pickleball. You get out on the court, right? You do it.
It’s the same for soft skills development. The learning is by doing and practicing them. That’s why people have “aha moments” or personal realizations about themselves when doing these exercises and when we talk about observations afterward. That’s where real change begins. That’s why the lessons stick with people. It can transform the individual, the team, and the company.
My program is a combination of soft skills training and team building. It works for groups of all sizes, from smaller workshops to conferences. And, no matter the size of the group, everyone laughs and has fun. People learn best when they’re happy! People are happiest when they’re engaged, taking risks, and growing.
My programs are fun and insightful. Everyone will be laughing and learning together. I live and breathe the principles of improv. I have been doing improv since 2007 and keynotes since 2017. I believe in the power of improv because I’ve seen it transform lives.
In addition to keynote programs, I own and run ComedySportz St. Louis.
Website: www.CSzStLouis.com
Website: www.MikeMcGuire.com
Email: Mike@MikeMcGuire.com
Holly Morrison
Holly Morrison is an associate in the St. Louis office of Ogletree Deakins. She represents management in all aspects of litigation from inception through resolution. In addition to litigation, she provides advice and counseling to employers to avoid work-related legal exposure. Holly obtained her law degree from Saint Louis University and previously served as the Managing Editor for the ABA Journal of Labor and Employment.
Maddie Nebel
Maddie Nebel is an associate in the St. Louis office of Ogletree Deakins. She is from Nebraska and attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.
She attended the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Law. During law school she served as an editor on the UMKC Law Review Board and worked as a Rule 13 Certified Intern at the UMKC Family Law Clinic.
Before joining Ogletree Deakins, Maddie interned during law school with the Honorable Roseann Ketchmark of the U.S. District Court of Missouri- Western District and the Honorable Cynthia Martin of the Missouri Court of Appeals- Western District. Maddie also worked as a summer associate with the firm, and assisted in various areas, including position statement drafting, discrimination claims, and reasonable accommodation claims.
Julie Oeth
Vice President, Employee Benefits
Cottingham & Butler
Julie previously held the role of Vice President and Head of Human Resources at Cottingham & Butler for seven years before joining the Employee Benefits division. In her role, Julie was responsible for driving the strategic vision for Human Resources and lead the function through double digit headcount growth and navigated challenges through COVID-19. Julie has served as a member of the Executive Team, Benefits & Retirement Committee, and lead the Human Resources functions of Training, Organizational Design, Payroll, Benefits, Recruiting and Employee Relations.
Julie graduated from University of Northern Iowa. She spent time living in Boston developing her recruiting and HR generalist skills before moving back to Iowa in 2005. She spent over 10 years in Des Moines and has experience working in HR consulting and held roles in corporate procurement as well as HR Leadership in the financial services industry. She now resides in Dubuque, IA with her husband and three children.
Sean Oliveira
Sean Oliveira is an associate in the St. Louis office of Ogletree Deakins. He joined the firm with nearly fifteen years of experience as a federal investigator with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. During his time as an investigator, he handled all aspects of the administrative process including systemic and class investigations and the negotiation of complex conciliations under every type of discrimination claim. He was also deeply involved in providing training on the anti-discrimination statutes before large and small employers, and ultimately served on an EEOC committee formed to make recommendations for the Commission’s Quality Control Plan regarding Quality Practices for Effective Investigations and Conciliations.
Sean has brought his investigator experience and deep understanding of administrative agencies into advising and defending employers before state, local, and federal agencies such as the Missouri Commission on Human Rights, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and the Department of Labor. Sean has also continued to utilize both his workplace investigatory skills and ability to train large and small audiences. He often provides workplace investigations and speaks on employment law topics for his clients.
During his time as an attorney, Sean has exclusively represented employers. He has defended employers in both state and federal court in multiple districts and across a variety of employment related claims, settling cases and winning multiple motions to dismiss and motions for summary judgment. Sean works to determine his clients’ legal and practical needs related to employment law and then does not stop until he gets the best possible outcome.
Jennifer Peterson
Jenn Peterson is a Solutions Advisor with the BecomeMore Group focusing on helping companies with their most valued resource – their people. She has over twenty-five years of experience in design, project management, leadership and sales roles that focused on aligning solutions to the needs of her clients. She leverages her experience and passion for working with organizations and individuals to level-up and be the best they can be through hiring top talent, aligning strategy, and building dream teams. She is a skilled facilitator and connects with people through shared experiences and stories – helping them along their own journey to becoming more.
Kelli Risse
Kelli Risse is passionate about helping organizations and teams who want strategies and tools to reduce workplace anxiety, stress and overwhelm that will ultimately lead to increased productivity, a healthy culture and improved employee wellbeing. Kelli has been featured on ABC, NBC, FOX and CBS, as well as many other online media outlets. Kelli is the CEO of Rise Up and Live Wellness, a two-time #1 International Best-Selling author and the host of the podcast Winning in Business.
Tammy Rogers
Tammy K. Rogers is a Master Facilitator, Storyteller and Author. She’s been instrumental in eleven business start-ups. She’s held Vice President titles in both Human Resources and Operations – and has had the opportunity to lead more than 200 employees in remote offices from Boston to Los Angeles and Minneapolis to Atlanta. Tammy has written five books, designed and developed more than 50 internationally distributed training programs, and worked with best-selling authors like James Autry and Bob Nelson.
Today, Tammy is best known for helping leaders experience “Aha” moments in order to develop new ways of thinking, new attitudes and new behaviors that transfer to the real world. And throughout Tammy’s 30+ year career, she has partnered with hundreds of companies – both large and small – to help them improve results through the building of people, processes and procedures.
Jason Stavely
Jason Stavely advises employers on a variety of labor, employment, and human resource matters. He is a strategic partner to employers and human resource professionals in ensuring compliance with employment laws and addressing workplace-related disputes.
With experience at both the state and federal levels, Jason regularly defends employers in workplace-related litigation involving claims of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. Jason also represents employers in disputes involving alleged wage and hour violations, including claims arising under the California Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA).
Jason appreciates the value of dispute prevention and frequently counsels clients on compliance with the:
- Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and California Labor Code
- Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and California Family Rights Act (CFRA)
- California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA)
- Other state and federal discrimination, wage and hour, and workplace laws
Jason also devotes a substantial portion of his practice to both counseling clients and litigating claims concerning employee restrictive covenants and the protection of trade secrets. He spends time with clients to understand their unique circumstances and identify practical tools and solutions to address their most pressing needs.
Leslie Tolliver
HR Whisperer: HR Director by day and I moonlight as an HR consultant by night, unravelling the mysteries of the corporate world one employee issue at a time. If you have workplace drama, I’ll sift through it like a detective solving a juicy mystery novel.
Recovering Attorney: In my past life, I proudly bore the title of attorney, battling it out in courtrooms and boardrooms. But I’ve seen the light! I’ve transitioned to a new, exciting phase in my life. Now, I help others navigate the legal landscape, steering them clear of the pitfalls and landmines I once braved. Consider me your legal guide through the treacherous terrain, having survived the trenches and emerged wiser and, dare I say, with a slightly more humorous outlook on life.
Mom of Four: But wait, there’s more! In my superhero cape (or, more accurately, my “Mom jeans”), I wrangle not one, not two, but four mini-humans who insist on calling me “Mom.” They’ve taught me more about negotiation and diplomacy than any law school ever could. Globetrotting Foodie: When I’m not arguing cases or parenting, I’m jet-setting around the globe in search of the world’s most delectable delicacies. My passport might as well be a food journal with stamps, and my heart belongs to every street food vendor, Michelin-starred restaurant, and hole-in-the-wall eatery.
Proudly Neurodivergent: Beneath it all, I’m a neurodivergent warrior. My brain works in wonderfully unique ways, and I embrace it with open arms. Think of me as the Picasso of thinking, with a canvas of brilliant ideas that might zigzag, swirl, or loop-de-loop – but always with a dash of brilliance.
So basically, in my multifaceted world, I’m a legal luminary turned legal guide, an HR sorcerer, a mom to a formidable quartet, a global epicurean explorer, a neurodivergent pioneer, and a recovering attorney with tales to tell and wisdom to share!
Riley Trotter
Riley Trotter is an Engagement Analyst for the Verification Division at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Department of Homeland Security.
Mr. Trotter conducts webinar-based training on Form I-9 and E-Verify educating local, regional and national audiences. The training provided by Mr. Trotter ensures growth in program enrollment as well as program compliance.
Before joining the Verification Division, Mr. Trotter served in the United States Army including two overseas deployments and has worked as a Federal civilian employee since 2001.
Mr. Trotter graduated U.S. Army Basic Training, Military Police School, Military Police Investigations Course, and USCIS Immigration Services Officer Basic Training.
Pete Ungaro
Pete Ungaro is one of the co-founders of Guardian Training Service and proudly served almost 18 years as a Deputy Sheriff with the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office in Iowa City. While at the Sheriff’s Office, he was certified as a Drug Recognition Expert, Drug Recognition Expert Instructor, Standardized Field Sobriety Test Instructor, Guest Instructor for the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy, Reserve Academy Instructor, Law Enforcement Representative in the Rural Roads Safety Video, and recipient of the Life-Saving Award. After leaving the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office he was employed by Kirkwood College as the program coordinator and instructor for the Criminal Justice program. Pete left Kirkwood College to start the Guardian Training Service, a corporation dedicated to providing mental health and resiliency training to employees as a tool to help them thrive in their personal and professional lives. Pete currently holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with an emphasis on Police Psychology, a master’s degree in Criminal Justice with an emphasis on Leadership and Executive Management, and is in the dissertation process of his Ph.D. in Psychology with an Emphasis in Forensic Psychology. His dissertation and expertise are focused on officer wellness, PTSD, and the impact of repeated traumatic events.
Representative Jeff Vernetti
Representative Jeff Vernetti, serving District 123, was elected to his position in November of 2024. He currently is serving on the Budget and Economic Development Committees, the Special Committee on Tourism and the Sub Committee on Appropriations – General Administration.
In addition, he is currently a business owner and developer at the Lake of the Ozarks, one of the premier tourist destinations in the state.
He moved to the lake area to develop Ballparks National, one of the leading youth baseball and softball facilities in the country. The company began operation in 2020 and has already held over 6,000 games played by teams from 21 states, bringing in millions of dollars to the local community on an annual basis. In addition to being a minority owner and founder, he was General Manager for the first five years the company was in existence, overseeing a staff of over 50 people and establishing Ballparks National as one of the top attractions in the Lake area.
Ballparks National has won several awards, including being named Missouri’s best Youth Sports Complex and Lake Area’s and LOREDC Small Business of the Year.
In addition to his role at Ballparks National, Vernetti is also the owner of two other Lake area businesses. He opened LOZ Sports Training in November of 2021, which is the Lake area’s only youth sports training facility. Located in Osage Beach, the complex focuses on team rentals and individual training lessons for young athletes.
In June of 2023, he and his wife Kelly opened Vernetti’s Italian Grocer, located on the historic square in Camdenton. The store offers a wide selection of deli meats and cheeses, entrees, pastas, sandwiches, and dry good items. Then in 2025 they opened their second location in Columbia. They have brought a taste of the St. Louis Hill to mid-Missouri.
Before moving to the area, Vernetti worked in sports broadcasting in St. Louis for ten years, mostly as a talk show host. His duties not only included hosting a radio show but providing all of the sales and marketing support for the show on a brokered basis. He handled all of the sales, billing and collections for the show. While in radio, he also owned two indoor sports training complexes for three years in the St. Louis area.
In addition to his radio broadcasting and sports facility experience, Vernetti has worked in sales and sales management in several industries. He worked as a sales manager for SBC Communications and Charter Communications and in outside sales for Glazers Distributors. For almost 20 years, Vernetti has managed annual budgets, revenue projections, hitting required sales goals, and all facets of personnel oversight (payroll, HR, benefits, etc). He also worked for BSN Sports, selling uniforms and equipment to schools and teams in the Central Missouri region.
Currently Vernetti is involved in a number of local organizations and charities. He served on the board of directors for Central Ozarks Medical Center (COMC), Lake West Chamber of Commerce, Lake of the Ozarks Regional Economic Development Council (LOREDC) and is a member of Camdenton Rotary Club, the Osage Beach Elks Club, the Camden County Republican Club, and Calvary Chapel Lake of the Ozarks.
He has been married to his wife Kelly, who is currently a teacher at School of the Osage High School, since 2001. They have two children, Dominick (21) and Isabella (18).
Adam Wheeler, MD, MBA, FAAP
Co-Founder, CEO, Pediatrician
Dr. Wheeler loves solving problems and is passionate about working on the enormous primary care shortage in the US. He thinks direct primary care is an elegant way to align the incentives of doctors, patients and employers. Dr. Wheeler’s mission is to create a platform to allow clinicians to care for patients in a way that is meaningful to both groups, affordable for patients, and accessible to anyone. He has a special interest in general pediatrics, mental health, medical weight loss, and health care reform. Dr. Wheeler is a gifted speaker and teacher. In 2021 he won Columbia, Missouri’s Entrepreneur of the Year and in 2019 he won the University of Missouri Best Young Physician award. In his spare time he likes driving or fly fishing. His hometown is Bolivar, Missouri.