Changing Leaves, Changing Staff, Changing Lives

 (Originally Published Monday, November 14, 2022)




Kendra Davila is the spirited Executive Director of Peace Connections, where she spends her days building relationships, resources, and resilience with a wide variety of people. Kendra is passionate about building a thriving community and loves using stories to better understand the people and places around her. When not in the office, Kendra can be found recklessly sowing seeds in her garden, crafting toys for her nieces and nephews, and meandering the walking trails throughout Harvey County.










Bonnie Garcia is the new Associate Director of Peace Connections. Bonnie comes from a legal background, having been a paralegal for the last 14 years. She saw the post for the job and decided to follow her heart and apply for the position. When Bonnie isn't working, she's typically found doing something with her husband, watching a sport that one of her four boys competes in, or visiting with her new granddaughter. Bonnie was born and raised in Newton and she is excited for the new adventure this position will bring.









Trianna Cowden has the Kitchen Coordinator position at Circle of Hope and is also on the Peace Connections board. In Trianna's free time, she likes to do crafts, and paint with her kids. Circle of Hope and the relationships she has built have always been a very positive and consistent contribution in her life's journey. Trianna emphasizes the support that she gets at Circle of Hope is incredible and is not something she can get anywhere else. She shares, “You don’t fully see what Circle offers at the beginning, but if you invest, they will invest.” Trianna knows the importance of being in a community and be willing to give and receive support.







Shanti Kauffman is the Circle of Hope Coach. She is a busy senior Social Work major at Bethel College. She spends her time in classrooms, volunteering, working, and being with people she loves and cares for. Shanti has a passion for helping others feel wanted, valued, and feel like they belong. She greets everyone with a warm smile and a happy “Hi”. She chose to be at Circle of Hope for her internship, beginning this past August, because she wanted to be able to experience more of what the community offers. Shanti will be with Peace Connections for the coming year and is looking forward to being a part of something that helps persons reach their full potential with dignity.









Sharron Fisher is the Class Facilitator for the Circle of Hope "Getting Ahead" Class. Sharron is a mother, a combat vet, a small business owner, and an individual who loves to inspire others to be the best they can be. Sharron is very involved in the veteran community, the Circle of Hope community, and the recovery community. She is very excited and inspired in watching others become successful in their own lives. With a wide network of friends, Sharron is more than happy to assist others in making new connections and finding positive resources. Sharron is a firm believer that every single being on this planet has an opportunity to improve their circumstances.







Maggie Black is our Circle of Hope Childcare Coordinator. "Hi, my name is Maggie and I've been working as a Childcare Coordinator with Peace Connections-Circle of Hope since May 2022. I first learned of Peace Connections when I was looking for a way to get more involved in the community. I graduated from Wichita State University in May of 2020 with a Bachelor's degree in Finance and Real Estate. Some of my hobbies include going to garage sales and thrift stores, binge-watching home renovation shows, traveling, and trying out new restaurants with my friends."








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