My name is Amy Jackson, proud wife of Chris Jackson and mother to Audrey Jackson. I am currently the Market President of First Security Bank in Owensboro. Prior to joining the First Security Bank team, I was the President and CEO of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce.
It was at the Chamber where I watched in awe at the power that is Puzzle Pieces. As I got to know the Executive Director, Amanda Owen, it was easy to see her passion. It was not hard to see why the community of Owensboro and Daviess County was responding to the Puzzle Pieces mission so quickly and with such heart…it was all because of Amanda’s heart and belief in it.
I look forward to helping Puzzle Pieces live its mission and be the strongest non-profit organization it can possibly be. In addition to my new commitment to Puzzle Pieces, I serve on the Board of Directors for the RiverPark Center. I am also very active in my parish – St. Mary of the Woods – serving on parish council and many other teams, including the support of the SMW grade school. I earned my degree from Kansas State University, and have lived in the Owensboro area since 2004.
Feel free to contact me anytime with your questions or support of Puzzle Pieces!
It was at the Chamber where I watched in awe at the power that is Puzzle Pieces. As I got to know the Executive Director, Amanda Owen, it was easy to see her passion. It was not hard to see why the community of Owensboro and Daviess County was responding to the Puzzle Pieces mission so quickly and with such heart…it was all because of Amanda’s heart and belief in it.
I look forward to helping Puzzle Pieces live its mission and be the strongest non-profit organization it can possibly be. In addition to my new commitment to Puzzle Pieces, I serve on the Board of Directors for the RiverPark Center. I am also very active in my parish – St. Mary of the Woods – serving on parish council and many other teams, including the support of the SMW grade school. I earned my degree from Kansas State University, and have lived in the Owensboro area since 2004.
Feel free to contact me anytime with your questions or support of Puzzle Pieces!
Kelly Anne Harris is a native of Owensboro Kentucky. She is mother to Mason Russelburg. Graduated from Daviess County High School 2002 and a Graduate from Western Kentucky University with a Bachelor's in Science in 2006. Right out of college she was the On-Premise Manager for Clark Distributing for Western Kentucky. Kelly Anne is now completed 6 years in the Real Estate industry with Re/Max Professional Realty Group and working towards her Broker's License for her Team she formed in 2015. Kelly Anne was Re/Max #1 Agent in the State of Kentucky, Top Team in Owensboro's Market, and Achieved Re/Max Hall of Fame in 5 years. She now owns Kelly Anne Harris Team KW Elite Keller Williams Realty. She also serves on MLS committee for her Board and a Member of Chamber of Commerce.
Janie Tichenor is serving Puzzle Pieces’ board as the Health Consultant. I am a graduate of Ohio County High School, Owensboro Community College in 1997 where I earned an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science in Nursing, and the University of Louisville where I received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2001. For the past 15 years I’ve been actively working as a Registered Nurse. I am very passionate about my profession and my ability to help others. I was employed with King Drug and Home Care for 10 years where I oversaw the IV/ Infusion Department I am currently employed at OMHS as an RN in the Wound Clinic.
When Amanda Owen came to me and shared her vision, I immediately had goose bumps. Her passion and heart-filled dreams with this program is so genuine. She has lived this life and sees first-hand what our area is lacking in order to improve the future of the community’s intellectual disabled. I’m very impressed and proud of the accomplishments she has completed thus far. I feel Puzzle Pieces will be a great facility for our community. Never hesitate to contact me with questions or concerns! My door is always open!
When Amanda Owen came to me and shared her vision, I immediately had goose bumps. Her passion and heart-filled dreams with this program is so genuine. She has lived this life and sees first-hand what our area is lacking in order to improve the future of the community’s intellectual disabled. I’m very impressed and proud of the accomplishments she has completed thus far. I feel Puzzle Pieces will be a great facility for our community. Never hesitate to contact me with questions or concerns! My door is always open!
My name is Julie Starnes. I was born and raised in
Elizabethtown, Ky. My husband Mark and I have a daughter, Grayson, and a son, William, that both attend Sutton Elementary. I graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Community Health Education in 2001. I also have a Master's degree in Exceptional Children, as well as a Rank I in Curriculum, both from Western Kentucky University. I was a Special Education teacher for Owensboro Middle School from 2003 - 2017 where I taught students with learning and behavioral disabilities. I am now a part-time Special Educator and a part-time Job Placement/Community Outreach Coordinator at Owensboro Innovation Academy. For several years, I have served on the River Park Center Board of Directors.
Elizabethtown, Ky. My husband Mark and I have a daughter, Grayson, and a son, William, that both attend Sutton Elementary. I graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Community Health Education in 2001. I also have a Master's degree in Exceptional Children, as well as a Rank I in Curriculum, both from Western Kentucky University. I was a Special Education teacher for Owensboro Middle School from 2003 - 2017 where I taught students with learning and behavioral disabilities. I am now a part-time Special Educator and a part-time Job Placement/Community Outreach Coordinator at Owensboro Innovation Academy. For several years, I have served on the River Park Center Board of Directors.
Josh Emmick is a native of Owensboro, KY. He earned his associates degree at Owensboro Community and Technical College and studied Entrepreneurship at Western Kentucky University to prepare himself as 3rd generation of Valor Oil LLC. Taking his family business from a small single city operation to a multi-state conglomerate has been a passion for him. He is supported by his wife, Sara, and two sons, Kylar and Rykar. Passionate about the water, most of the families spare time is spent in or around pools, lakes, and oceans. Josh enjoys a wide variety of tinkering from mechanical to woodworking. Current board/committee participations include: Kentucky Petroleum Marketers Association, PMA Financial Study Group 200, Chevron Texaco Petroleum Marketers Association, Puzzle Pieces, and Summit Estates Home Owners Association.
My name is Matthew Tierney, the eldest son of Larry and Susan Tierney. I am a lifelong resident of Owensboro, Kentucky with the exception of a few formative years obtaining my education. I am a 2003 graduate of Centre College where I graduated with a BS in History and Government. I graduated cum laude from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 2008 with my Juris Doctor. I immediately returned home to begin working for the law firm of Stevenson & Land as an associate. Beginning in January 2013, I became a partner in the firm, and we changed our name to Stevenson, Land & Tierney.
I am a current member of the board of directors for the Elizabeth Mundy Senior Citizens Center, which I began in 2009. It was during this time that I began to work with Scott Tucker, the current president of the Puzzle Pieces board. During this time, it was easy to see Scott’s passion for the senior citizens of our community and his diligent efforts to continue to meet the growing needs of this portion of our community. It was during this time that Scott began to discuss with me his work on the Puzzle Pieces board. It was easy to see during our conversations the passion he displayed for this organization. So when I was approached by Amanda and Scott as a possible board member, it took me no time to realize that this was something I would gladly and graciously accept. The passion with which each of them portrayed the organization made me not only anxious but excited to help.
The work the organization has done and continues to do for the individuals it serves is truly amazing. In the short time I have been on the board, I have learned so many things the organization does for its individuals that I didn’t even realize. It is clear to see what an amazing asset this organization is for the community of Owensboro and the surrounding areas. I look forward to working with not only the other individuals of the board and the staff but the individuals it serves as well in continuing to meet the mission statement. It is my hope that we are able to grow the organization while continuing to offer a healthy, safe environment for individuals in need.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns for Puzzle Pieces. My door is always open for discussions.
I am a current member of the board of directors for the Elizabeth Mundy Senior Citizens Center, which I began in 2009. It was during this time that I began to work with Scott Tucker, the current president of the Puzzle Pieces board. During this time, it was easy to see Scott’s passion for the senior citizens of our community and his diligent efforts to continue to meet the growing needs of this portion of our community. It was during this time that Scott began to discuss with me his work on the Puzzle Pieces board. It was easy to see during our conversations the passion he displayed for this organization. So when I was approached by Amanda and Scott as a possible board member, it took me no time to realize that this was something I would gladly and graciously accept. The passion with which each of them portrayed the organization made me not only anxious but excited to help.
The work the organization has done and continues to do for the individuals it serves is truly amazing. In the short time I have been on the board, I have learned so many things the organization does for its individuals that I didn’t even realize. It is clear to see what an amazing asset this organization is for the community of Owensboro and the surrounding areas. I look forward to working with not only the other individuals of the board and the staff but the individuals it serves as well in continuing to meet the mission statement. It is my hope that we are able to grow the organization while continuing to offer a healthy, safe environment for individuals in need.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns for Puzzle Pieces. My door is always open for discussions.
My name is Tim Mischel and I was born in Owensboro and grew up here. I have been married to my wife Megan for four years and we are expecting our first child in July. I graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting in 2006 and a Master’s Degree in Accounting in 2007. In 2009 I attained my CPE certification and have been employed as a Financial Analyst at Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline for six years.
I have known Amanda Owen, and her brother Nick, since we were children. Amanda and I graduated from Daviess County High School together in 2002. Even then, her passion for work with the intellectually disabled was apparent. When I was contacted about joining the Board, I didn’t think twice about accepting the offer. Amanda’s accomplishments with Puzzle Pieces are truly amazing and inspirational. I am truly honored for the opportunity to work with such a great organization and group of people.
I have known Amanda Owen, and her brother Nick, since we were children. Amanda and I graduated from Daviess County High School together in 2002. Even then, her passion for work with the intellectually disabled was apparent. When I was contacted about joining the Board, I didn’t think twice about accepting the offer. Amanda’s accomplishments with Puzzle Pieces are truly amazing and inspirational. I am truly honored for the opportunity to work with such a great organization and group of people.
My name is Will Higdon and I was born and raised in Owensboro, KY. I am currently a Commercial Lines Producer at Van Meter Insurance Group where I help analyze, build, and structure insurance programs for corporate clients. I have been in my current role since graduating from WKU in 2012 with a BA in Marketing/Sales.
In my free time I enjoy being outdoors, coaching youth sports, playing golf, and vacationing with my wife Cortney.
I became acquainted with individuals with disabilities in my time working as a camp counselor for the YMCA summer day camp. It was during these summers that I was blown away by their attitude towards life. I learned very quickly they were no different than I, and in many ways the exact same.
Fast forward about 10 years later, and I met Amanda Owen through Leadership Owensboro. It was here that I learned what Puzzle Pieces was, and it didn’t take long to see and feel Amanda’s passion for the cause.
It was something I wanted to be a part of. The void Puzzle Pieces fills for many of these families is unprecedented, and is a great example for the rest of our community. This is a community I love and believe in, and it is organizations like Puzzle Pieces that make it such a rewarding place to live.
I would be honored to be a part of the team at Puzzle Pieces in efforts to carry out the mission of Puzzle Pieces and also secure the vision Amanda and her team are striving for. Please contact me with any questions you may have.
In my free time I enjoy being outdoors, coaching youth sports, playing golf, and vacationing with my wife Cortney.
I became acquainted with individuals with disabilities in my time working as a camp counselor for the YMCA summer day camp. It was during these summers that I was blown away by their attitude towards life. I learned very quickly they were no different than I, and in many ways the exact same.
Fast forward about 10 years later, and I met Amanda Owen through Leadership Owensboro. It was here that I learned what Puzzle Pieces was, and it didn’t take long to see and feel Amanda’s passion for the cause.
It was something I wanted to be a part of. The void Puzzle Pieces fills for many of these families is unprecedented, and is a great example for the rest of our community. This is a community I love and believe in, and it is organizations like Puzzle Pieces that make it such a rewarding place to live.
I would be honored to be a part of the team at Puzzle Pieces in efforts to carry out the mission of Puzzle Pieces and also secure the vision Amanda and her team are striving for. Please contact me with any questions you may have.
Rick was born and raised in Owensboro and graduated from Owensboro Catholic in 2001. He continued his education at WKU in Bowling Green where he graduated with a Bachelor's of Science in Marketing in 2005. He met his wife Dana in Bowling Green and they started their family in 2008. After learning their oldest daughter Sydney has Down syndrome he became heavily involved with the local Ds organization and was part of the Board of Directors that spearheaded the construction of the Buddy House, an extended learning and resource center for all things Down syndrome in Bowling Green. He and Dana relocated to Owensboro with their 4 children at the end of 2017 with the growth and expansion of Weed Man Lawn Care and Mosquito Joe, where he is Co-Owner and General Manager. He looks forward to continuing the mission of Puzzle Pieces and helping to extend the outreach throughout Owensboro and the surrounding communities.