OUR TEAM
"I alone cannot change the world but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples"
- Mother Teresa
Meet Our Team
Johnathan Sublet is a visionary leader with a wealth of experience in driving community-focused initiatives and organizational growth. Over the course of his career, he has demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, program development, and fundraising, leading efforts to positively impact under-resourced communities. As the Executive Director of SENT Inc. in Topeka, he has been instrumental in guiding the organization through critical transitions, including the sale of SENT Prep Academy and refocusing the organization on core strengths. Under his leadership, SENT is on track to see a projected $2.5 million in revenue for 2025 (an increase from $500K in 2022) and has served thousands of individuals through mental health services, housing initiatives, education, and health and wellness programs.
Johnathan is passionate about holistic community development and has played a pivotal role in launching and scaling key projects, such as SENT Prep Academy in 2021, Mental Health Services in 2022, the Southside Filling Station in 2023, the Southside Wellness Clinic in 2025, the Fremont Hill Development beginning in 2025, and a workforce development program aimed at at-risk populations planned for 2025. He spearheaded the successful completion of 29 affordable housing units and led the development of the first new homes in the Hi-Crest area in over 60 years. His leadership has earned SENT Inc. the 2024 Topeka Center for Justice and Peace Organization of the Year Award, and the organization has been recognized as one of 30 grassroots leaders in health equity by the Kansas Health Foundation.
Beyond his work at SENT, Johnathan is also deeply involved in his community. As the Lead Servant Pastor of Fellowship Hi-Crest Church, he has overseen the growth of the church’s multicultural campus, leading it through significant milestones, including a launch, merger, and expansion that increased attendance to over 250. His leadership extends to mentoring church staff and overseeing impactful community outreach programs. Johnathan is also an active member of various local organizations, including the Kansas Future Fellows, Agenda Topeka, K-State Shawnee County Extension Board, United Way of Greater Topeka, the Topeka South Rotary, Washburn University Education Department Diversity Council, and the City of Topeka Affordable Housing & Homeless Taskforce. In the last few years, he has been asked to speak at the Kansas Non-Profit Forum, the Kansas Health Foundation’s HealthRise Event, the Sunflower Foundation Non-Profit Collaborative, and at the RE:Conference.
Johnathan’s career trajectory reflects his unwavering commitment to making a lasting impact on the communities he serves. With a blend of leadership, strategic foresight, and a deep passion for social equity, he continues to influence positive change in Topeka and beyond. His leadership and community work have earned him numerous honors, including recognition in Topeka’s Top 20 Under 40 and the prestigious Living the Dream MLK Jr. Wayne L. Franklin Religion Award. Johnathan’s impact continues to be felt in every project he leads, as he works tirelessly to build sustainable and inclusive communities.
Tricia is trained in EMDR, TF-CBT, TBRI, and Play Therapy. Tricia earned her undergraduate degree in Cross-Cultural Ministry from Manhattan Christian College and her graduate degree in Social Work from KU. She started working with SENT full-time in September 2020 after some involvement in the Summer LAUNCH Program while she was working with another counseling agency. Those who know her might also know that she’s married to our Founder, Johnathan Sublet. Tricia joined our staff because “I wanted to use my training and skills in a way that I can better partner with others to holistically meet the needs of our city. I also have the desire to see mental health services be accessible and affordable for everyone. I believe everyone deserves support and counseling shouldn't be so hard to access if someone is under-resourced.” Her favorite thing about Hi-Crest is our community’s resiliency and grit. When she dreams of Hi-Crest, Tricia envisions a place where people who live here take pride in their community and love living here, and those who live outside of Hi-Crest look at our home as a nice place to live and no longer believe the outdated rumors and stigma. For Tricia and her family, Hi-Crest is home. It’s not just where their house is, but it’s a community of friends with whom they share life and consider family.
Tricia joined the organization as a new staff member in June 2023 and brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field of addiction counseling. Tricia holds a BAS and MA in Addiction Counseling from Washburn University, along with certificates in Morita Therapy and Victim Survivor Services. Tricia's involvement with SENT began in 2020 when she first got involved with the organization as a volunteer at the SE Topeka Market and then later joined our Board of Directors. Tricia's professional background and experience are impressive. With 8 1/2 years of work in the field of substance abuse, Tricia is a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) and is currently in the process of testing for the Licensed Master Addiction Counselor (LMAC) certification. Additionally, she has completed professional trainings such as Kansas Certified Peer Mentor (KCPM), Person-Centered Case Manager (PCCM), and certifications in Morita Therapy and Victim Survivor Services.
Char'dae C. Bell, M.A., brings over a decade of leadership and frontline experience in the human services field to her role as Mental Health Specialist at SENT Inc. She has dedicated her career to trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and equitable access to behavioral health services, with a mission to ensure every individual feels seen, heard, and empowered on their path to healing.
Char'dae’s professional journey includes serving as Vice President of Residential and Treatment Services at Pathway Family Services Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF), where she oversaw five programs across three cities, led multi-disciplinary teams, and drove strategic planning, crisis response, and budget optimization. Prior to that, she directed operations at TFI’s Visitation and Exchange Center, building systems that improved safety and access for children and families navigating complex legal and emotional challenges. Her earliest work as a Juvenile Intake Counselor with Kansas Children’s Service League shaped her foundational commitment to youth-centered crisis care and collaboration with judicial systems.
In every role, Char'dae has developed and led training programs, implemented culturally responsive frameworks, and ensured compliance with regulatory standards. She is a certified Trust-Based Relational Interventions (TBRI) Practitioner and has specialized expertise in performance evaluation, grant writing, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) strategy.
Char'dae holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Emporia State University and two Master’s degrees—one in Marriage and Family Therapy from Liberty University and one in Addiction Counseling from Washburn University. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Couple and Family Therapy at Kansas State University, with research focused on breaking down language and access barriers in mental health services. Her vision is to make clinical care more understandable and empowering for every client.
Her work at SENT reflects this vision in action. Char'dae sees her role not just as a clinician but as a bridge between systems and people—translating diagnoses into dignity, and programs into personal breakthroughs. She is passionate about strengthening the Hi-Crest community through connection, education, and holistic healing.
“I believe healing starts when people finally feel understood. My goal is to help others make sense of what they’re experiencing in a way that feels hopeful, not overwhelming.”
When she's not working or studying, Char'dae enjoys Thai food from Tuptim, diving into anime, and spending time building into the community she proudly calls home.
Jay earned a business degree in management and marketing and has over 15 years of experience in the construction industry. One of the things Jay loves about Hi-Crest is the community, our people, our “Neighbors loving neighbors” attitude. His biggest dream for our community is that the vision of Fremont Hill will be a catalyst for even greater things to come. Jay feels his role is a part of the SENT mission by building homes that our community is proud of. A defining moment for him was when he learned that helping people is not a 9 to 5 job, it’s about loving people and being present in their lives. As Jay puts it, “Helping people is a project; people are NOT projects.”
Trisha first connected with SENT in August 2024, providing healthcare services twice weekly as a Community Partner at what is now the Southside Wellness Clinic.
Trisha brings 28 years of experience in direct patient care, having worked in diverse settings such as clinical laboratories, emergency rooms, pulmonology, obstetrics, pediatrics, and neonatal intensive care. Her extensive educational background includes Associate of Applied Science Degrees in Medical Assisting, Phlebotomy, and Medical Laboratory Technology, along with an Associate in Arts Degree with an emphasis on Biology and Pre-Medical Sciences. Trisha also served as a Residential Adjunct Instructor in Anatomy and Physiology at Rasmussen University and was an Assistant Instructor at the Dental Careers Academy of Topeka.
She holds certifications as a Clinical Health Educator & Allied Health Clinician and is trained in ACLS, PALS, BLS, AED, CPR, and First Aid. Trisha is also a recognized Subject Matter Expert in Anatomy, Clinical Pathophysiology, and Differential Diagnosis.
Trisha grew up in East Topeka, and her deep connection to the community fuels her passion for giving back. In her words:
"I want to give back to the community that raised me. SENT provides resources we never had access to when I was growing up, and I want to do everything I can to further those efforts."
As part of SENT’s mission, Trisha is committed to making healthcare more accessible and empowering residents of Hi-Crest through patient education and support. She envisions the Southside Wellness Clinic as a welcoming space where patients feel seen, heard, and confident in navigating their health care.
Trisha is passionate about helping Hi-Crest thrive. Her dreams for the community include expanded affordable housing, daycare, employment opportunities, continuing education, and the growth of local businesses.
When not advocating for community health, Trisha enjoys Ms. Sylvia’s mac and cheese from Shopper’s Kitchen and lifting her spirits through singing—a lifelong passion she shares with her musically talented family.
We are honored to have Trisha on our team, working toward a healthier and more connected Hi-Crest community!
Katie Roberts joined SENT Inc. in March 2025 as our Community Liaison, bringing with her a deep commitment to equity, access, and dignity for all people. From her very first encounter with SENT’s work, Katie felt a powerful connection to our mission. She believes that food and essential resources should be a right—not a privilege—and that everyone has inherent value and worth.
Katie’s path to SENT started years ago, when she served as an intern at Fellowship Bible Church during the early days of Fellowship Hi-Crest. There, she connected with SENT founder Johnathan Sublet, and she’s been following SENT’s journey ever since through social media. She also briefly taught social studies at Eisenhower Middle School in East Topeka, which deepened her connection to the Hi-Crest neighborhood. When the opportunity arose to serve the community through SENT’s Southside Filling Station and neighbor advocacy programs, Katie knew it was exactly where she was meant to be.
In her role, Katie focuses on building relationships, removing barriers, and connecting individuals with critical resources. Her goal is to help foster a thriving, close-knit Hi-Crest community—one where neighbors lift each other up and one day may no longer need the services SENT provides.
Katie holds a Bachelor’s in Education (History and Government) from Washburn University and will graduate in May 2025 with a Master’s in Library and Information Science from Emporia State University. Her professional background includes work as an Education Specialist with KVC, where she provided case management for children in foster care. Her compassion and ability to listen deeply are among her greatest strengths, allowing her to connect meaningfully with others and advocate effectively on their behalf.
A lifelong learner, Katie began studying Spanish as an adult and is actively working toward fluency by the end of the year. She already uses her Spanish to assist clients in the pantry and throughout the building, strengthening her skills through daily interactions. She also has a special place in her heart for TupTim Thai’s Thai fried rice.
When asked what her dream is for Hi-Crest, Katie shared:
“My ultimate wish is that SENT’s work in Hi-Crest is so impactful that, one day, our services are no longer needed because the community is thriving and self-sustaining.”
We’re grateful to have Katie on the SENT team, walking alongside neighbors and helping make that dream a reality.
Meet Our Board
Dr. Beryl New is the Director of Certified Personnel and Equity for Topeka Public Schools. She is also the co-chair of the district’s Equity Council, which closely examines the ways in which race impacts student success. She has served as an educator for thirty years in teaching and school leadership. A resident of Topeka since the age of nine, she is also a member of Faith Temple Church - Topeka, where she has taught Sunday School for nearly forty years.
Originally from South Carolina, one of the things Linessa loves about Hi-Crest is how the entire community stands fearlessly against challenges and recognizes an opportunity to embrace and effect change. That hope, she says, “can’t be manufactured.” This is fitting as she considers spring to be her favorite season; a season of rebirth and something the Hi-Crest community has been striving towards.
Daphne got involved with SENT through our Monthly Hi-Crest Market and recently pulled up her sleeves as a volunteer at SENT Prep Academy. She decided to get involved with us because she believes in our mission and wants to be a part of reaching and empowering the community. When asked what is her favorite thing about the Hi-Crest Community, she shared, "I just feel at home here. It feels like a true community, that is working together to change and grow."
Christine shared that she got involved in SENT after speaking with Johnathan Sublet and TJ Lorsen in order to help improve areas of Topeka that are potential shiny diamonds, helping our city stand out. She wanted to offer her time to help improve her hometown and to make Topeka and areas like Hi-Crest that are frequently overlooked be something that Topekans can be proud of. Christine's favorite thing about Hi-Crest is the growth and community that comes together to witness the result of their hard work. She hopes that Hi-Crest becomes a place that people WANT to move to and that they feel proud of. Christine plans to be a part of the SENT mission by "getting her hands dirty," so to speak. She will provide her time, business, and legal knowledge to help SENT use our resources effectively. When she isn't volunteering with SENT, Christine serves as an Attorney with Smith Law Firm and is a member of the Kansas Bar.
Kristin Miller’s first introduction to SENT’s mission was as a vendor at our monthly Hi-Crest Market. She was also one of the first people who participated in our SENT Gives Back program focused on building pride in our homes through “curb appeal” projects. Kristin lives in Hi-Crest and has been aware of our organization since Nikki became the Executive Director. “I believe that SENT truly cares for our community and wants to see the community uplift each other and I love that.” When asked what her favorite thing about Hi-Crest is, Kristin said, “I grew up here and how can you not love that. There is nothing like being able to go home again.” Kristin’s biggest hope for Hi-Crest is that it “becomes a community where kids can play in the streets and neighbors know neighbors again and look out for one another.” When she isn’t volunteering with us, Kristin’s full-time work is as a Title I Finance Specialist.
Many of you may know Tre'Jor as the owner of the Flavor Wagon Food Truck - a regular at our monthly Hi-Crest Market. Tre'Jor decided to get involved with SENT because he loves the neighborhood he grew up in! He loves that his family and friends live here and he has great hope for our future. Tre'Jor's hopes and dreams for Hi-Crest revolve around "giving our youth more engagement, giving our Hi-crest youth nicer neighborhoods to live in and seeing positive building going on - encouraging young people to take part and even consider a career here at home." Tre'Jor sees his participation in our mission as God continuing to answer his prayer to use him as a part of realizing his hopes for Hi-Crest. Tre'Jor is from Topeka and graduated from both Shawnee Heights High School and Washburn Tech with a degree in Culinary Arts. His favorite local restaurant is Blind Tiger – their cheese fries are his go-to order. One thing you may not know about Tre'Jor is that he's a diehard football fan.
Jamie Williams Gruber brings a wealth of experience, passion, and a deep commitment to the Hi-Crest community to her role as a board member of SENT Inc. A longtime resident of Hi-Crest, Jamie has raised her children and now her granddaughters in the neighborhood, fostering a strong connection to the area and its people. Her active involvement in community events reflects her dedication to creating positive, lasting change.
Jamie was inspired to join SENT Inc. by its mission to provide hope, understanding, and resources to the community. As a youth counselor, she brings valuable experience in supporting individuals and families through challenges. Her vision for Hi-Crest includes fostering a neighborhood where everyone feels empowered to dream big and achieve their goals, contributing to a stronger and more connected community.
Jamie’s compassion, dedication, and firsthand understanding of the Hi-Crest community make her an invaluable addition to the SENT Inc. Board of Directors. Her efforts will undoubtedly enhance SENT’s impact and contribute to its mission of holistic transformation.
Brittany’s journey with SENT began in 2023 when she volunteered at Pictures with Santa, donning an elf costume to help bring holiday magic to local families. From that first experience, she was deeply moved by the care and compassion that defines SENT’s mission.
"After volunteering and learning more about SENT, I am truly inspired by the care and compassion they have for people. Their unwavering drive to make a difference—turning what some call 'impossible' into reality—is remarkable. SENT creates a welcoming space where everyone feels supported, including myself, in a world where it’s easy to feel forgotten. They are the definition of hope, transforming dreams into reality and restoring dignity within our community." – Brittany Elliott
Brittany’s heart for helping others is rooted in her own life experiences. Coming from a background of addiction, she understands what it feels like to lose everything and fight to rebuild. Now, as a successful insurance agent at All Insurance Access LLC, she is passionate about giving back, using her personal journey to inspire and support others.
Her biggest hope for Hi-Crest is to change the narrative and help the world see what she sees—a resilient, thriving community full of opportunity and support. Brittany believes in lifting others up, ensuring no one is left behind, and walking alongside individuals as they pursue a better life.