Megan Bania, Executive Director | (573) 634-2969, ext. 360 email
For Megan, the power of Community Action is how Missouri’s Community Action Agencies embody the spirit of hope for individuals, families, communities. Megan began her career in Community Action as a Case Manager for families receiving cash assistance and as a Community Organizer in Central Missouri. As Executive Director, Megan advocates and supports Missouri’s Network of Community Action Agencies through policy changes, training and technical assistance, and capacity building.
Megan is a licensed clinical social worker who has worked in micro and macro practice to create positive change for families and communities. She is a certified Results-Based Accountability Professional and believes data can be a tool to transform systems. Megan received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Missouri – Columbia and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Truman State University.
Megan’s Strengths: Achiever, Communication, Activator, Woo, Individualization
Cindy Bridges, Special Projects Manager | (573) 634-2969 ext. 340, email
Cindy comes to Missouri CAN with the knowledge that the Community Action movement is different and powerful in its ability to create opportunities and change. She began her career in Community Action in 2004 and has spent most of that time in workforce development in roles as a case manager, project coordinator, and program director. Ultimately, she has helped families to obtain the skills and financial recourses needed to leave poverty behind. As Special Project Manager, Cindy is responsible for oversight of the SkillUp Program Initiative, leads grants writing, and other special projects that come to Missouri CAN. Cindy holds a BAS in Business Administration from Southwest Baptist University.
Cindy’s Strengths: Harmony, Consistency, Input, Restorative, Relator
Sarah Dreier, Executive Assistant | (573) 634-2969 ext. 370, email
Sarah is excited to be a part of Missouri CAN to expand and advance the mission of Community Action. Sarah believes that everyone should be treated with dignity and respect and looks forward to aiding her fellow Missourians each day. Sarah brings a proven track record of planning and executing cross-functional projects across diverse industries. An adept problem solver, she balances a strategic mindset with a creative backbone. As Executive Assistant, Sarah keeps the administrative wheels turning within our office. Sarah holds a BS in Interior Design from Texas Christian University.
Sarah’s Strengths: Developer, Positivity, Connectedness, Empathy, Communication
Shyla Elliott, CAPS Program Coordinator | (573) 634-2969 ext. 320, email
Shyla Elliott is a dedicated professional currently serving as the Community Action Poverty Simulation Program Coordinator for Missouri Community Action Network. With a passion for social justice and poverty alleviation, Shyla actively works to bring awareness to the challenges faced by marginalized communities. Prior to her current role, she worked in Community Action as a Family Advocate, where she connected families with crucial resources and support services. Shyla’s commitment to serving her community and advocating for those facing adversity is unwavering, making her a valuable asset in the fight against poverty.
Shyla’s Strengths: Adaptability, Ideation, Responsibility, Analytical, Deliberative
Carol Montie, CAPS Business Development Coordinator | (573) 634-2969 ext. 330, email
At the heart of Carol’s approach is a belief in creating value for shareholders and the unwavering commitment to making a positive impact. She received her BA in Business Administration and has dedicated her career to working with high-risk families who face a range of challenges. As Missouri CAN’s CAPS Business Development Coordinator, her focus is to help spread critical knowledge of poverty awareness in communities. She has cultivated a career marked by successful partnerships and innovative strategies. She is committed to empowering families, communities and society as a whole. Carol envisions a future of building stronger more resilient communities through Missouri CAN’s immersive eye-opening poverty simulation experiences.
Carol’s Strengths: Strategic, Significance, Responsibility, Achiever, Futuristic
Jen Walker, Fiscal & Operations Manager | (573) 634-2969 ext. 350, email
Jen Walker began work as a consultant for the association in 2022 and transitioned to an employee in late 2023. She has become passionate about the causes that Community Action supports and is excited to continue assisting agencies working to help Missourians in poverty.
Jen has over ten years of experience working with small staff associations and non-profit organizations. As the co-founder of Axiom Solutions, an association management company, she was able to help numerous groups with planning events, developing and implementing policies, strategic planning, and fiscal operations. When not at work, you’ll likely find Jen cheering her daughters on at the softball field and actively utilizing her Amazon Prime membership.
Jen’s Strengths: Analytical, Strategic, Developer, Relator, Ideation
Chase Wyckwood, Training Manager | (573) 634-2969 ext. 310, email
Chase was raised in poverty by his grandparents and community members in eastern Arkansas where the seeds for community engagement, volunteerism, and civic action passions were planted. Chase has spent almost 20 years serving communities in various capacities as an educator, ally, and volunteer. His professional journey includes work serving those experiencing food insecurity, foster youth, and promoting rural medicine. Chase received a BA in Communication from the University of Arkansas and a M.S.Ed from the University of Dayton. He has also completed Intergroup Dialogue Facilitator training through the University of Michigan School of Intergroup Relations and has taught, presented, facilitated, and trained on various related topics across the country.
Chase’s personal connections to the Promise of Community Action poised him to deliver and develop intentional, data and research supported trainings to meet the needs of our Network. He values the charge to grow, support, serve, engage, inspire, and educate Missourians in poverty about the opportunities, the hope, latent in Community Action programs and their champions!
Chase’s Strengths: Arranger, Individualization, Strategic, Connectedness, Developer