announcing our new ceo
On behalf of Lakemary’ s Board of Directors and the Lakemary Executive Team, it is our pleasure to announce that Teddi Hernandez has been appointed President and CEO of Lakemary Center effective November 1, 2024.
“Teddi will bring an innovative approach to the role of CEO at Lakemary while at the same time honoring our remarkable history and the work we do together. Her years of experience in politics, business and as a non-profit leader in Kansas City will each be vital to her new role. I believe her greatest strength in this role will be her own personal passion for people with IDD and wanting to see them reach their personal potential,” says Kirk Davis.
Teddi received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Northern Colorado. She began her career in Washington DC on the Hill and as a lobbyist for Hallmark Cards. She came to Kansas City and had a successful career with Hallmark Cards for 24 years. Prior to joining Lakemary Center, she was the co-founder and CEO of SoLVE, a consulting firm in Kansas City. She has served on many Boards including Children International, Komen Foundation, Blue Valley Special Olympics and Camp Encourage. Teddi is also the co-founder of the National Race for the Cure as well as the Kansas City Race for the Cure for breast cancer research and education. She has also consulted with many local nonprofits including the Negro Baseball League Museum, reStart and Community Linc. She has been featured in Working Woman Magazine and her firm was featured in Oprah, Fortune, and Entrepreneur magazines for their innovative approach to business. She is married to Jim Hernandez and together they have five children including Piotr, Sebastian, Patryk, Paulina and Sukie. In her free time, she is an avid reader, she loves her Royals and Broncos and traveling.
“I am so honored to become the next CEO of this great organization. I am grateful to have been with the organization for over a decade as both a Board member as well as a member of the team. I love the work we do, the people we support and the team of individuals who work at Lakemary. As a Mom to three children with special needs, I know how important our work is for the people we support. I look forward to working with our staff, parents, and the Board to continue moving the services of those we support to a higher level,” says Teddi.
Founded in 1969, Lakemary Center is in America’s Heartland. Our main campus and ranch are on 32 acres in the quiet town of Paola, KS just south of Kansas City. Our Johnson County headquarters provide adult programs and services with our same mission.
Lakemary Center has been a leader in providing individualized services for children and adults with autism spectrum disorder and other intellectual/developmental differences. Our distinguished, nationally recognized programs and services touch the lives of more than 450 people and their families from all over the United States.
The Lakemary difference is building lives of possibility EVERY day.
Lakemary has served students from 24 states
450+
Children & Adults Supported Annually
Lakemary Center provides educational, mental and behavioral health, and social services to children and adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities.
422
Employees
It is not uncommon for our employees to devote their entire work life to Lakemary Center. It is our Lakemary team that are passionate and dedicated to their work that make our company a success.
55
Years of Service
In 1969, the Ursuline Sisters of Paola, KS came together with community members, parents and friends to advance the need to build a school for children with special needs.
