Our Team

“Every person on our team and board plays a vital role in the work we do. Transformation does not happen because of one individual. It happens when people with different gifts, experiences, and passions come together around a shared mission of walking alongside neighbors and building healthier communities. The right people create trust, strengthen culture, and help turn vision into lasting impact. I am deeply grateful for the servant-hearted leaders, staff, volunteers, and board members who make SENT Inc.’s work possible every single day.”

— Johnathan Sublet, Founder & Executive Director

Meet Our Team

Founder & Executive Director

Email: johnathan@senttopeka.com
Phone: (785) 783-2535 Ext: 400

Ask Me About: Partnerships, Housing Development, Community Development, Speaking Engagements

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 Founder & 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 saw $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 2024, 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 2026. He spearheaded the successful completion of 29 affordable housing units, led the development of the first new homes in the Hi-Crest area in over 60 years, secured Low-Income Housing Tax Credits for a $46 million, 176-unit multi-family housing complex, and secured a $2 million line of credit through the Kansas Health Foundation and Kaw Valley Bank to fund major affordable housing developments, creating a sustainable financing model with a 2.5% return to investors. He was also interviewed for a national Authority Magazine feature on SENT’s housing strategy. 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, Chair of the K-State Shawnee County Extension Community Development Program Development Committee, United Way of Greater Topeka, the Topeka South Rotary, Washburn University Education Department Diversity Council, the initial Food Is Medicine Steering Committee, and the City of Topeka Affordable Housing & Homeless Taskforce. He was named to the 2025 class of Leadership Kansas and became a member of the K-State Statewide Affordable Housing Transdisciplinary Team. 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. In 2026, he was awarded the Greater Topeka Partnership Award of Excellence and the Leadership Greater Topeka Activator Award. Johnathan’s impact continues to be felt in every project he leads, as he works tirelessly to build sustainable and inclusive communities.

Operations Director

Email: jrice@senttopeka.com
Phone: (785) 783-2535 Ext: 101

Ask Me About: Career Opportunities, Human Resources, Apprenticeships, Operations

Jill’s leadership is grounded in both strategy and heart. With extensive experience in organizational leadership, systems development, financial management, team building, human resources leadership, and leading organizations through strategic planning processes, she has strengthened SENT’s internal operations while helping us move more quickly and intentionally toward our mission. From improving systems and workflows to supporting staff, volunteers, and partners, Jill ensures that our work is not only impactful but sustainable.

In addition to her role at SENT, Jill also serves as Executive Pastor at Fellowship Hi-Crest, where she has led ministry teams, managed complex budgets, launched high-impact community initiatives, and cultivated partnerships across Topeka. Her ability to cast vision, translate ideas into action, and lead through complexity is a rare gift — and one that has already shaped SENT in meaningful ways.

Jill’s background in grant writing, fundraising, public health advocacy, community engagement, volunteer management, and data-informed decision-making allows her to see both the big picture and the small details that make organizations thrive. She brings clarity to complexity and calm to moments that require steady leadership.

Most importantly, Jill leads with deep respect for people — believing that strong systems exist to support human dignity, not replace it.

We are grateful for the expertise, integrity, and collaborative spirit Jill brings to SENT, and we’re excited for what lies ahead as we continue building strong, holistic pathways for neighbors and families together.

Aimee Copp Hasty Sr. Director of Development at SENT Inc.

Senior Director of Development

Email: acopp-hasty@senttopeka.com
Phone: (785) 342-7232

Ask Me About: Partnerships, Fundraising, Grants, Social Media, Website, and Presentations

Aimee Copp-Hasty joined SENT Inc. in February 2026 as Senior Director of Development after first connecting with the organization through volunteer service and community leadership alongside SENT’s Founder & Executive Director. She brings extensive experience in both corporate and nonprofit sectors and is known as a heart-driven, mission-focused leader who values collaboration, relationships, and community impact.

Aimee holds a degree in Business Administration and is a graduate of The Fundraising School through the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. She has more than a decade of development and fundraising experience, most recently serving as Corporate Development Director at Valeo Behavioral Health Care. She also has extensive experience in conference planning, continuing medical education programming, and coordinating high-end events and gala-style fundraisers across the United States and in Topeka.

At SENT Inc., Aimee focuses on raising awareness of the organization’s mission, strengthening community partnerships, cultivating donor relationships, and securing strategic funding to support long-term impact and sustainability. She was drawn to SENT’s grassroots, place-based model and its commitment to transforming neighborhoods through trusting relationships, wraparound services, and expanded access to care.

Aimee has served in numerous regional leadership roles throughout her career. She has been a member of the Board of Directors for the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Topeka Chapter for the past five years and currently serves as the 2026 AFP National Philanthropy Day Chair. She was recently selected to present “Puzzle Pieces of Fundraising” at an AFP fundraising workshop.

She also serves as a Board Member for Rotary Club of Community Action Against Human Trafficking, Breakthrough House, and TopCity Hope Dealers. For several years, Aimee has participated as a fundraising panelist for Washburn University students studying nonprofit management.

Her community involvement also includes nine years with the United Way of Kaw Valley, where she has served on the Grant Review Committee, participated in Ambassador Training panels, and supported the Nancy Perry Day of Caring. In addition, she served for five years on the Executive Board for the Mobile Access Partnership.

Aimee’s work has received both regional and national recognition. She is a YWCA Women of Excellence Honoree, a graduate of Leadership Salina through the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce, and the recipient of a National Bronze Telly Award for “Laura’s Story,” a fundraising video focused on mental health services. She also received a FREDDIE Award for the video “Atrial Fibrillation.”

Her hope for SENT Inc. is that the organization continues valuing every individual who walks through its doors with love, care, and dignity while expanding access to affordable housing, living wage jobs, mental health services, and substance use disorder recovery support. She also hopes the SENT model continues spreading to neighborhoods and communities across Kansas.

A fun fact about Aimee: she lived in New York City for 13 years while working in the pharmaceutical industry before returning to Kansas to continue her passion for nonprofit leadership and community impact.

Community Health & Wellness Director

Email: tricia@senttopeka.com
Phone: (785) 783-2535 Ext: 300

Ask Me About: Mental Health Therapy, Making Sense of Your Worth & Parenting for Positive Self-Worth Groups, Mental Health Partnerships, Mental Health Professional Development Trainings

Tricia Sublet is a Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker (LSCSW) and currently serves as the Mental Health & Community Wellness Director at SENT, Inc., where she leads a multidisciplinary team dedicated to transforming community health through accessible, trauma-informed care.
Over the past decade, Tricia has combined her clinical expertise with program leadership to build innovative mental health initiatives that meet people where they are—emotionally, physically, and financially. She has helped grow SENT’s behavioral health department from the ground up, expanding services to include substance use disorder treatment, caregiver coaching, Making Sense of Your Worth groups, and school-based trauma education.

In her current role, Tricia oversees a talented team of therapists, contractors, and interns, guiding them in evidence-based modalities and holistic service delivery. She has established new community partnerships with organizations such as Valeo Behavioral Health, Kansas Children’s Service League, and Project to Restore, integrating telehealth, post-adoption support, and survivor care into SENT’s wraparound model. Her leadership extends beyond clinical oversight—she helps shape SENT’s strategic planning, program design, and quality improvement initiatives, ensuring the organization continues to grow sustainably and effectively.

Tricia’s background as a trauma therapist grounds everything she does. She is trained in EMDR, TF-CBT, TBRI®, DBT, CBT, Play Therapy, and Neurofeedback, and she maintains a caseload of clients ranging from young children to adults. Whether she is developing new programming, training educators on trauma-informed practices, or speaking publicly about mental health, she is driven by the belief that healing happens best in community.

Her leadership philosophy centers on compassion, collaboration, and empowerment—equipping both staff and clients with the tools to thrive.

Addiction Specialist & Neighbor Advocate

Email: triciamccourt@senttopeka.com
Phone: (785) 783-2535 Ext: 301

Ask Me About: Substance Use Recovery Services

Tricia joined SENT, Inc. as a staff member in June 2023, bringing extensive knowledge and experience in addiction counseling. She holds both a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) and a Master of Arts (MA) in Addiction Counseling from Washburn University. Tricia is a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) and is currently preparing to test for the Licensed Master Addiction Counselor (LMAC) certification.
Her connection to SENT began in 2020 through volunteer involvement, which later led to service on the organization’s Board of Directors before officially joining the staff team.

With more than 11 years of experience in substance abuse counseling, Tricia has developed a strong professional background focused on supporting individuals and families impacted by addiction. She has completed advanced professional training and certifications in Morita Therapy, Victim Survivor Services, Person-Centered Case Management (PCCM), and as a Kansas Certified Peer Mentor (KCPM).

Jay Rice _ Housing Construction Forman & Workforce Development Supervisor

Housing Construction Foreman & Workforce Development Supervisor

Email: Jay@senttopeka.com
Phone: (785) 783-2535 Ext: 102

Ask Me About: Housing, Workforce Development, Southside Filling Station Food Pantry, and Facilities

Jay Rice brings more than 15 years of experience in the construction industry and a lifelong passion for building, problem-solving, and serving others. He earned a business degree in management and marketing and grew up on a farm in Kansas, where he developed a strong work ethic, practical mindset, and deep appreciation for community.

At SENT Inc., Jay plays an important role in helping create safe, dignified housing and neighborhood improvements that strengthen families and build long-term stability. He enjoys building things, growing things, and finding practical solutions wherever they are needed. Whether he is working on housing projects, improving processes, tending a garden or orchard, or helping neighbors solve challenges, Jay is driven by a desire to leave a lasting positive impact on the community he serves.

One of the things Jay loves most about the Hi-Crest community is its “neighbors loving neighbors” attitude and the strong sense of connection between people. His hope is that the vision of Fremont Hill becomes a catalyst for even greater transformation throughout the community.

Jay sees his role in SENT’s mission as helping build homes and spaces that neighbors can take pride in while supporting broader community growth and opportunity.

Finance Director

Email: jolaya@senttopeka.com
Phone: (785) 783-2535 Ext: 108

Ask Me About: Finances, accounting, invoices, billing, budgets, reports, grant reporting, grant budgets, audits, and all things fiscal.

Jhonny Olaya serves as the Finance Director at SENT Inc., where he helps support the organization’s mission of holistic community development and neighborhood transformation. Originally from Peru, Jhonny brings both professional experience and personal perspective to his work, especially in helping bridge gaps for Spanish-speaking families and neighbors across the community.

Jhonny first became involved with SENT Inc. in December 2024 through the annual Pictures with Santa event after learning about the organization through Fellowship Hi-Crest. What started as a family volunteer opportunity quickly became something more meaningful. While his wife served at the hot chocolate station and his son helped children shop for gifts and translate for Spanish-speaking families, Jhonny helped coordinate photos with Santa for members of the Spanish-speaking community. That experience deepened his desire to invest in strengthening the community through service and connection.

He officially joined the SENT Inc. staff in March 2025 as Finance Coordinator. Jhonny believes strong communities are built when people actively participate in helping one another, and he was drawn to SENT’s mission because of its focus on addressing real barriers facing families across Shawnee County and beyond. His hope is to help create stronger awareness and accessibility of resources within the Latino community, particularly for immigrants and Spanish-speaking families who may not yet know what support systems are available.

Jhonny’s educational background reflects his passion for growth, leadership, and technology. He earned a Certification in Information Systems Technology from Washburn University Institute of Technology in 2024 and is completing an Associate of Science in Industrial Technology at Washburn University. He is also currently pursuing a Bachelor of Technology Administration with a minor in Business at Washburn University, with an expected graduation date of 2027. Earlier in his career, he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business from Instituto Peruano Administración Empresarios in Peru.

Known for his heart for service, cultural understanding, and commitment to practical solutions, Jhonny brings valuable perspective to SENT’s work of building healthier, more connected communities across multiple neighborhoods and zip codes throughout the Topeka area.

Community Liaison

Email: eculbertson@senttopeka.com
Phone: (785) 783-2535 Ext: 107

Ask Me About: Mailbox Program, SNAP Screenings, City ID Program, Transportation Services to/from an Appointment for One of Our Services, and Neighbor Advocacy

Eric Culbertson joined the SENT team in August 2025 as a Community Liaison after first getting involved as a volunteer at the 2024 Warming Center. He was introduced to SENT through family connections at Fellowship Hi-Crest and was drawn to the organization’s mission as a way to “pay it forward.”

Eric brings a heart for service and a deep commitment to walking alongside neighbors with compassion and understanding. As Community Liaison, he describes himself as a “Hope Broker.” His role centers on building trusting relationships, breaking down barriers, and helping individuals and families navigate systems so they can achieve their personal goals. His approach is rooted in radical empathy — the active effort to understand others’ experiences without judgment.

Before joining SENT, Eric gained nonprofit experience through Positive Connections Inc. He is certified in Person-Centered Case Management (PCCM), CPR, and has completed training related to working with correctional facilities.

Eric’s favorite thing about the Hi-Crest community is the resilience of its residents. His hope for the neighborhood includes eliminating stigma, building generational wealth and ownership, and fostering educational excellence. He sees his role at SENT as helping neighbors move from survival to stability by providing support, encouragement, and connection.

Workforce Development Coordinator

Email: dholmes@senttopeka.com
Phone: (785) 783-2535 Ext: 104

Ask Me About: Workforce Development programs and partnerships

Dean Holmes joined SENT Inc. in April 2026 as the Workforce Development Coordinator after already spending time volunteering at community events. His first introduction to SENT came through the organization’s Pictures with Santa event, and through connections at Fellowship Hi-Crest and friends in the community. What stood out to him was seeing real change happening in people’s lives. “I can see how the work being done here is changing lives, and I wanted to be able to use my blessings to be a part of that,” Dean shared.

Before joining SENT Inc., Dean spent six years at the Topeka Workforce Center, helping individuals navigate employment opportunities and career pathways. He also completed an Apprenticeship in Career Development Technician through the Kansas Department of Commerce and the U.S. Department of Labor. Dean holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Saint Mary’s College of California.

At SENT Inc., Dean walks alongside neighbors as they explore careers, job opportunities, and long-term goals. He believes employment is about more than just earning a paycheck. It is about stability, dignity, and helping people discover meaningful work they enjoy.

“A job is something we all may complain about, but when we don't have one, the walls close in quickly,” Dean said. “I want to be able to walk with neighbors in those times and help them find the career that can bring them peace and happiness.”

Dean says his favorite thing about the Hi-Crest community is simple: “The people.” His hope for the neighborhood is that more individuals will continue stepping in to support others, creating the same kind of encouragement and guidance that helped them along the way.

He describes his greatest strength as having “a servant’s heart,” explaining that it allows him to support people in moments when they may feel overwhelmed or alone.

Outside of work, Dean is a fan of Tuptim Thai’s Bangkok Bacon Fried Rice, and one fun fact many people do not know about him is that he was once edited out of a Saturday Night Live skit as a kid.

Krissy Kearney Administrative Assistant and Volunteer Coordinator

Administrative Assistant & Volunteer Coordinator

Email: kkearney@senttopeka.com
Phone: (785) 431-0404 x106

Ask Me About: Southside Filling Station Food Pantry, Hi-Crest Serve Day, Halloween Costume Giveaway, Pictures with Santa Event, and annual Teacher Resource Fair.

Krissy Kearney joined SENT Inc. in August 2025 as a Contract Administrative Assistant and Volunteer Coordinator, but her connection to the organization goes back to 2023, when she first got involved through volunteering at a community event. She learned about SENT through Founder & Executive Director Johnathan Sublet, and what drew her in was simple: she loved the mission.

Krissy brings more than 25 years of administrative experience to her role, including a decade in patient access and customer service at UKHS St. Francis Hospital and 14 years with Girl Scouts USA, where she coordinated multi-level troop organization, managed finances and product sales, and recruited and mentored troop leaders. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Emporia State University and a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies from Multnomah University. She has also completed "Your Leadership Edge" training through the Kansas Leadership Center.

At SENT Inc., Krissy supports the staff and keeps daily operations running smoothly so the team can focus on the neighbors they serve. Her hope for the Hi-Crest community is that SENT's Family Resource Center becomes known throughout the region as a place where neighbors are consistently connected to the resources they need to thrive.

"I enjoy keeping the work flowing smoothly by supporting the staff at SENT," Krissy shared. What she loves most about Hi-Crest is something she felt right away: "The feeling of family among neighbors."

She describes one of her greatest personal strengths as not being easily offended or angered. "I love people as is," she said.

In addition to her work with SENT Inc., Krissy serves as Connections Director at Fellowship Hi-Crest. Outside of both roles, she recently reached a milestone she is especially proud of: 32 years of marriage and a brand-new role as a grandmother.

Meet Our Board

Board Chairperson

Dr. Beryl New serves as the Board Chairperson for SENT Inc., bringing decades of leadership, compassion, and community advocacy to the organization’s mission. A lifelong advocate for education and equity, Dr. New is a retired educator with more than thirty years of experience in teaching and school leadership. She currently serves as the Kansas State Board of Education representative for District Six and has long been recognized as a trusted leader dedicated to meaningful and lasting progress in communities across the region.

Dr. New first connected with SENT Inc. after receiving an invitation from two early board members to learn more about the organization’s vision. As she explored the work, she quickly recognized that SENT’s goals closely aligned with the hopes she had long carried for the Hi-Crest community and surrounding neighborhoods. Her decision to serve came from a deep belief that transformation is possible when communities are empowered with the right support, resources, and opportunities.

In her words, SENT Inc. is “a rich community resource and the local hub for empowerment opportunities.” She believes the organization demonstrates what can happen when people come together to invest in long-term solutions that strengthen individuals, families, and neighborhoods. Dr. New especially points to the pricing and sale of SENT’s first flagship housing property as a defining moment that showed what is truly possible in reinvigorating a community through intentional investment and vision.

Dr. New believes others should care about SENT’s work because the programs and strategies being developed are not limited to one neighborhood. She sees them as models that can be replicated throughout Topeka and beyond, helping remove barriers and challenging the mindset that meaningful change cannot happen. Her leadership continues to help shape a future where neighborhoods across multiple zip codes have access to the same opportunities for growth, stability, and hope.

Alongside her professional leadership, Dr. New has also been deeply involved in faith and community service throughout her life. A Topeka resident since the age of nine, she has been a longtime member of Faith Temple Church in Topeka, where she taught Sunday School for nearly forty years. Through every role she has held, Dr. New has remained committed to championing equity, empowering others, and building stronger communities for future generations.

Board Vice Chairperson

Christine Caplinger serves as the Board Vice Chairperson for SENT Inc., bringing a strong combination of legal expertise, business leadership, and community commitment to the organization’s mission. As the Owner and CEO of Verity Title and the Owner and Attorney of Caplinger Law, Christine offers valuable insight that helps guide SENT’s work with professionalism, strategy, and long-term sustainability.

Christine was first drawn to SENT Inc. because of the organization’s “big picture” approach to serving the community. She saw an organization that was not simply addressing one issue at a time, but intentionally creating systems of support that strengthen individuals, families, and neighborhoods as a whole. That vision inspired her to become involved and invest her time and leadership into the work.

She chose to serve on the board because she wanted to help make a difference in a part of Topeka that she felt had often been unappreciated and undervalued. Christine believes every neighborhood deserves investment, opportunity, and advocacy, and she sees SENT’s work as a powerful example of what community transformation can look like when people come together with purpose.

One experience that has stayed with Christine was helping support efforts between SENT and a local childcare provider to keep essential childcare services available in the neighborhood. She reflects on how important that partnership was for families in the area and recognizes that without the persistence and dedication of SENT, the community could have lost a critical resource. For Christine, that moment reinforced how impactful collaborative, community-centered work can be.

Christine believes others should care about what is happening through SENT Inc. because the Hi-Crest neighborhood is an important part of Topeka, and the work happening there has the potential to inspire change far beyond one area of the city. She sees SENT’s model as something other neighborhoods across Topeka and Kansas can learn from and replicate to create healthier, stronger communities.

Through her legal and business background, Christine brings a practical and strategic perspective to the board. Her leadership helps ensure SENT continues building sustainable solutions that empower neighbors and create lasting impact across multiple zip codes throughout the region.

Board Treasurer

Kristin Miller serves as the Board Treasurer for SENT Inc., bringing both professional expertise and a deeply personal connection to the work. As a Strategic Sourcing Specialist at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas, Kristin offers strong organizational and financial insight while also carrying a lifelong understanding of the community SENT serves. Born and raised in the Hi-Crest neighborhood, she believes the neighborhood is not just where she lives, but a part of who she is.

Kristin chose to serve on the board because she wanted to be part of the positive change happening in the community she calls home. Her passion for SENT’s mission comes from seeing firsthand how transformational support can create lasting impact for individuals and families across Topeka and the surrounding area.

When describing SENT Inc., Kristin often points to the idea of teaching someone to fish rather than simply giving them a fish. To her, SENT strengthens and equips people through programs and relationships that help them build long-term stability, independence, and hope for the future. She believes the organization’s work is about empowering neighbors to thrive for a lifetime, not just helping them through a single moment of crisis.

One experience that deeply impacted Kristin was volunteering at a SENT warming center during a harsh winter season. She recalls spending time talking with a young man experiencing homelessness who shared his story, his hopes for the future, and his desire to one day reconcile with his family. That conversation stayed with her because it served as a reminder that anyone can face unexpected hardship and that every person deserves compassion, dignity, and support.

Kristin believes people should care about the work happening through SENT because strong neighborhoods create stronger cities. She sees the organization’s impact extending far beyond Hi-Crest, helping improve lives and strengthen communities throughout multiple zip codes across the region. Through her leadership and lived experience, Kristin brings both authenticity and heart to SENT Inc.’s mission of strengthening and equipping neighborhoods together.

Board Member

Johnathan serves both as the Executive Director and as a board member.

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 2024, 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 2026. He spearheaded the successful completion of 29 affordable housing units, led the development of the first new homes in the Hi-Crest area in over 60 years, secured Low-Income Housing Tax Credits for a $46 million, 176-unit multi-family housing complex, and secured a $2 million line of credit through the Kansas Health Foundation and Kaw Valley Bank to fund major affordable housing developments, creating a sustainable financing model with a 2.5% return to investors. He was also interviewed for a national Authority Magazine feature on SENT’s housing strategy. 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, Chair of the K-State Shawnee County Extension Community Development Program Development Committee, United Way of Greater Topeka, the Topeka South Rotary, Washburn University Education Department Diversity Council, the initial Food Is Medicine Steering Committee, and the City of Topeka Affordable Housing & Homeless Taskforce. He was named to the 2025 class of Leadership Kansas and became a member of the K-State Statewide Affordable Housing Transdisciplinary Team. 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. In 2026, he was awarded the Greater Topeka Partnership Award of Excellence and the Leadership Greater Topeka Activator Award. Johnathan’s impact continues to be felt in every project he leads, as he works tirelessly to build sustainable and inclusive communities.

Board Member

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.

Board Member

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.

Board Member

Brittany Elliott serves as a board member for SENT Inc., bringing compassion, empathy, and a deeply relational approach to community impact. As an Independent Insurance Agent with All Insurance Access LLC, Brittany combines professional experience with a strong personal commitment to helping people feel seen, valued, and supported during difficult seasons of life.

Brittany’s first connection to SENT Inc. came through the organization’s Pictures with Santa event, but what kept her engaged was the heart behind the mission. She chose to serve on the board because she cares deeply about people and the strength of authentic community connections. She believes there is value in simply showing up, supporting others, and being part of positive change in the lives of neighbors across the community.

To Brittany, SENT Inc. is ultimately about people genuinely caring for people. She describes the organization as a place that creates deeper connections, helps remove barriers, connects individuals to resources, and reminds people that they still have dignity and worth regardless of their circumstances. She believes one of SENT’s greatest strengths is helping people feel seen, supported, and not alone.

One experience that has stayed with Brittany was volunteering at a warming shelter, where she built a relationship with a man experiencing homelessness and his dog. Watching him go from surviving homelessness to beginning to rebuild his life and eventually wanting to help others in similar situations deeply impacted her. She also reflects on the smaller moments that often carry just as much meaning — conversations on the streets, helping someone connect with a case manager, or even assisting someone in getting something as simple as a mailbox. To Brittany, those moments can become the beginning of restored dignity, stability, and hope when paired with compassion and someone willing to believe in another person.

Brittany believes people should care about the work happening through SENT because every person deserves dignity, value, and the opportunity for a better life. She understands that hardship can happen to anyone and believes organizations like SENT create a safe place for people to turn when life feels overwhelming. She often speaks about the importance of being “the hand that reaches out instead of looks away,” recognizing that support is not always a handout, but often a hand up, a second chance, or simply proof that someone cares.

Through both her personal experiences and her heart for others, Brittany brings a perspective rooted in empathy, kindness, and genuine human connection. She believes strongly that no one is too far gone to deserve hope, dignity, and belonging, and she strives to remind people that their lives still matter.

Board Member

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