Meet Our Team
Jamie Boyle, MBA
President & CEO
Jamie, originally from Orlando, FL, ventured to the Kansas City area in the late 1980s when his family relocated due to his father’s employment. Reluctantly, he made the journey in his cherished ‘73 baby blue Volkswagen bug, surfboard strapped to the top.
A former resident of Welcome House, Jamie joined the Welcome House leadership team in February 2014. His personal journey through alcoholism and addiction to sobriety and recovery, combined with his extensive professional experience in healthcare (information technology, sales, operations, and management) fortified his role within the organization.
Under Jamie’s guidance and over the past decade, the low-barrier and now highly structured program at Welcome House underwent a complete transformation. By integrating holistic, best and evidence-based practices with the foundational 12 step programs, Welcome House is producing successful outcomes that significantly and consistently exceed the nationally expected averages. Additionally, he has paved pathways for professional growth, enabling program graduates to become credentialed mentors and counselors for future generations. Against the challenges of a global pandemic, Jamie spearheaded the realization of a very aggressive vision: a new 28,000 sq ft, $14.5M facility that officially opened in late July of 2023 – successfully raising over $12M+ to date and securing the funding and financing required to complete the project.
Over the same period and under Jamie’s leadership, the organization was transformed from “well-meaning but underperforming” and “grass roots” to the modern, professional, and highly respected nonprofit business it is today. He facilitated changes and diversification in the governance model, identified key performance indicators and implemented the technology and processes required to manage them. He professionalized the business office, implemented best practices and installed a highly educated, professional, licensed and/ or certified team across the organization. As a result, revenues from operations have more than tripled ensuring the organization’s continued service and long-term relevance, efficacy, and viability.
Jamie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Kansas and a Master of Business Administration, specializing in Health Services Administration, from the University of Missouri in Kansas City. His professional experience includes leadership roles within nationally renowned managed care, healthcare consulting, and healthcare information technology firms.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Jamie finds fulfillment in his role as a husband to his wife, Stacey, and as a father to their four children: Keira, Kennedy, Greyson, and Emma.
Micah Haen, CRADC, MARS, CPS, MPS
Vice President, Program & Facility Operations
Micah was a resident of Welcome House from February 2015 through August 2016, where he worked tirelessly as Kitchen Manager.
His experience motivated him to change careers and he soon started working towards certification as an Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor. Hired as Resident Relations Manager in August 2016, Micah is passionate about his role at Welcome House because it allows him to develop a closer connection with people in need. “It keeps me grounded, and reminds me of what is really important in life,” he said.
His service at Welcome House also provides an opportunity to give back to the program which has given him the most important thing in the world: a purposeful and meaningful life – a life he never believed possible.
In his spare time, Micah can be found at local farmers markets and flea markets, reading a good book, spending time with his family and friends, and trying new restaurants and food.
Christy Wineland, JD, MPA
Development Director
Christy believes that behind every statistic, every sentence in a grant, and every dollar raised, is a person: a person filled with courage, daring to be imperfect. As Christy leads our development and funding initiatives, she does so with a whole-hearted passion to ensure that men on the journey of recovery have the opportunity to discover their life’s purpose, restore relationships, and create a joyful and productive life.
With extensive professional experience in grant writing and strategic fund development, Christy connects individuals, foundations, and corporate and government entities with opportunities to support the life-saving mission of Welcome House.
“Everyone, regardless of where we come from, deserves to live an authentic life that honors their true self and talents,” says Christy. “It’s an honor to be a part of the transformation process that makes this possible for men seeking a healthier life in sobriety.”
At home, Christy cherishes every moment with her two children as they pursue their passions in high school and college.
Jason Hurd, LMSW
Senior Director, Recovery & Support Services
Jason was born in Kansas City, KS, and is the father of four sons. He attended culinary school from 2003 to 2004 at Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, KS, and received his Associate of Arts and BSW degrees in Columbia, SC from 2009 to 2015. Upon his return to Kansas City, he received his MSW at the University of Kansas in 2018.
Jason has been in long-term recovery since 2005. He’s an active member of the recovery community here in Kansas City and also in other areas of the country including South Carolina and Florida.
A fun fact about Jason is that for 26 years, he worked as a chef and restaurant manager and has helped to open multiple restaurants in the Kansas City area.
In his spare time, Jason likes to cook and swim with his boys. His other interests include riding motorcycles and playing racquetball.
Manager, Food & Nutrition Services
Jason is a graduate of the Welcome House program and understands the key role(s) that food and nutrition play in successful recovery. He has experienced it first hand.
A US Navy veteran, he changed careers a half a dozen times before returning home to Kansas City and finding the Welcome House. With extensive experience in a variety of skilled trades and industry certifications, including commercial transportation, custom home renovation, emergency medical response, and substitute teaching, Jason brings a unique vocational perspective to the Welcome House program. His passion has always remained in the culinary arts and he is committed to continuing the high quality service provided by the WH kitchen.
Jim Searing, MAADC II
Manager, Resident Relations
Jim is a graduate of the Welcome House program. He moved to Kansas City from Los Angeles and has lived here for over 35 years. Jim received his undergrad from UMKC with a focus on business and has started his MBA program at Park University. He is also working towards his credentialing as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Jim is a firm believer in the pledge, “I am responsible. When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help, I want the hand of A.A. always to be there, and for that, I am responsible.”
He likes to volunteer his time walking dogs for Wayside Waifs, enjoys camping, hiking, traipsing through the woods, and travel.
Manager, Mission Impact & Administration
Karena’s talents and organizational skillsets are integral to the programs and processes at Welcome House. Managing the Welcome House Mission Impact, she works across service lines to help maximize resources and efficiencies to deliver the best possible care to Residents.
As a nonprofit professional with a range of administrative and direct service experience, Karenna has formerly served Newhouse and the Central Exchange in Kansas City. A devoted mom to a teen accordion player, she also is an artist, photographer, and avid rescuer of dogs.
Dennis Hill, CRADC, CPS, MRSS, MARS
Senior Recovery Support Specialist
Dennis grew up in Seattle and has dedicated a lot of time to playing music and learning about technology. After moving to Missouri to be near family, he obtained an Associate Degree from Ozarks Technical College in Industrial Maintenance Technology. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Technology Management, a Master of Science in Technology Management, and an Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Technology from the University of Central Missouri.
“I believe technology is a great tool for work, and for play. Incorporating technology into my recovery plan helped to save my life and can be utilized to help others!” Dennis is a strong advocate of spiritual principles and strongly believes in encouraging others to put the H.O.W. (Honest, Willingness, Open-mindedness) into their recovery.
Recovery Support Specialist
Yvonne Meddings’ journey to Kansas City has a unique global flair! Originally from Los Angeles, California, she grew up a self-professed Air Force “BRAT,” spending her childhood in Midwest City, OK, and high school years in Germany and England. Along the way, her passion for travel and history flourished.
Yvonne has been in recovery for several years and, as a Certified Peer Specialist, aspires to further her career in the recovery realm. She possesses a passion for all things recovery – the history, the science, the emerging concepts. Currently, she serves on Kansas City’s Harm Reduction Coalition which is focused on reducing overdose deaths through the distribution of Narcan and other harm-reduction resources.
Driven by the belief that one person can make a significant impact, Yvonne lives by Dr. Seuss’s words: “To the world, you might just be one person, but to one person, you might just be the world.” She encourages others to embrace self-compassion, recognizing that grace is essential in every journey.
In her leisure time, Yvonne indulges in her passions for history, tennis, yoga, travel, reading, watching documentaries, and connecting with close friends.
Recovery Support Intern
A Kansas City native, Ryan’s personal recovery journey has inspired him to give back in gratitude to all who have supported him along the way. With over 2 years of recovery behind him, Ryan has joined Welcome House as a Recovery Support Intern. Drawing from his personal experiences, he brings a mantra that resonates deeply: “Never forget where you come from and prioritize connections within the recovery community.” This guiding principle shapes his every interaction, infused with empathy, understanding, and an unwavering dedication to others’ success.
Beyond his role at Welcome House, Ryan stays active and has a passion for various sports. In his downtime, he may be immersing in a good book or perfecting his craft as a writer. He is excited to make a meaningful impact on the lives of the men at Welcome House.