Lesa Patterson-Kinsey, Co-President
Lesa co-chairs the Presidency of True Blue Women. She has a Master’s in Social Welfare as well as a B.G.S. in speech, language, hearing and B.S.W. from the University of Kansas. She has worked in various areas of social work including the KC Free Health Clinic and Solace House, a center for grief and loss. She has a strong interest in policy and research. She has son attending Santa Fe Trail and a son at SM North. She volunteers with North Cross Country and North Drama Club as well as at the elementary. Lesa enjoys camping, hiking, and listening to music with her husband and sons. One of her favorite quotes is “Well-behaved women seldom make history” -Laurel Thatcher Ulrich.
Judy Sherry, Co-President and Missouri True Blue Women Chair
Judy is Co-President of True Blue Women and coordinates TBW on the Missouri side of the state line. When not doing volunteer work, she heads the Judy Sherry Consortium, a Kansas City advertising agency. Judy has a B.S. in agriculture from MU – this nice girl from Chicago came to Missouri to major in fashion merchandising, and found herself in the school of Agriculture! Judy and her husband Steve have two children and four grandchildren. In her free time Judy enjoys spending time with her family, working out, following politics and her book club. The highlight of 2013 so far has been her attendance at the inauguration of President Obama!
Julie Bernard, Future True Blue Co-Chair
Julie is currently a co-chair of Future True Blue. She is married and has two children, one at Shawnee Mission East and one at Washington University in St. Louis. She has a B.A. in mathematics from Drury University, and a B.S. in engineering from Washington University. After working for 17 years for IBM and AT&T, Julie now enjoys some fun part-time employment doing bookkeeping and event work for a catering company. She is also a piano accompanist in the Shawnee Mission schools.
Shirley English
I was thrilled to find the True Blue Women Environmental Committee and connect with other women who are passionate about caring for our planet. The Missouri group of True Blue Women is also active and involved in Missouri politics. I spent several years working for the Santa Fe Railway and then as a school counselor. I live in Lee's Summit with my husband Rex, and our dog, Gus. My favorite thing to do is spend time with my family and friends. I like reading, learning about other cultures and traveling. The issues that I am most concerned about are the welfare of our children, animals and taking care of the earth for those who come after us.
Nicole Heim, Health Co-Chair
Nicole has a B.A. in biology from Park University and a Master of Public Health from the University of Kansas School of Medicine. She has worked in environmental health, emergency preparedness, and the non-profit sector, and currently facilitates classes for the University of Phoenix. She enjoys reading, volunteering and taking care of her family.
Dawn Olney
Dawn has been a member of True Blue Women since 2005, when she saw a TBW sign in Julie's yard: Value Tolerance, Celebrate Commitment. She has served as a board member for two years. She has a BS in Chemistry and Master's Degree in Liberal Arts, is married to Brad, and stayed home to raise their two daughters, now adults living in the Johnson County area. Her volunteer activities include tutoring GED classes for Johnson County Community College and she just started volunteering for Planned Parenthood as an educator. Her top interest is social justice, which was a driving force in her Liberal Arts classes and degree. She is also a committed environmentalist, although she has failed at composting three times. She enjoys walking her dog at the off leash park in Shawnee Mission Park; music, especially Broadway musicals; history; spending time with family and friends; conversation; and wishes she could play the piano better.
Kim Olson, VP Finance - Treasurer
Kim has been on the TBW board since 2008 and is a former chair of the environment committee. She has a B.A. in environmental studies from KU and has worked at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency since 1989. She is a proud tree-hugger, is passionate about recycling, and loves finding great deals at thrift stores. New is overrated! In her spare time, she loves spending time with her husband and two cats, sharing meals with good friends and exercising.
Jeanie Schiefelbusch, VP Administration - Secretary
Jeanie is the vice-president, administration and is a founding True Blue Women member. She works for Juniper Gardens Children's Project (part of KU), which is a community-based research program in Kansas City, Kansas, which works with low-income children and families. She has two children in the Shawnee Mission schools, and among other things she enjoys KU basketball and gardening.
Mary Sgroi, Future True Blue Co-Chair
Mary is co-chair of Future True Blue and former chair of the health care committee, as well as a True Blue Women founding member. She is an R.N., with an M.S. from KU, who practiced in critical care and has an interest in bioethics. She has two children, one at Shawnee Mission East and another at Wellesley College. She volunteers for various booster clubs at SME organizing meals for theatre and journalism students. Her interests include health policy, gardening and floral design, reading, and travel.
Dorothée Werner, Past President
Dorothée is the current president and a founding member of True Blue Women. She is a native of Paris, France, has three children in the Shawnee Mission schools and teaches fifth grade at Académie Lafayette in Kansas City, Missouri. Dorothée holds a B.S. in international business from the Sorbonne University in Paris, is working on her Masters in International Studies at the Sorbonne and has worked in advertising and marketing. Her hope for 2013 is that every woman will be involved in the political process, so that together we can act and make the world a better place.
