PRESIDENT Kay Burtzloff
Kay Burtzloff was one of the founding members of the Liberal Area Coalition for Families in 2001. She retired after serving more than 14 years as the Executive Director of the Seward County United Way in May 2015. Prior to moving to Liberal in 2000, she spent 16 years in higher education public relations at Cottey College, Northern State University, and the University of Kansas. She also was a newspaper reporter and editor for five years prior to that. She has served as an adjunct instructor in communications at Cottey College, Northern State University, Butler County Community College, Newman University, and Seward County Community College, teaching journalism, speech, theater, and interpersonal communication. In addition to being president of the Coalition, she is also the president of the High Plains Heritage Foundation, Liberal Memorial Library Foundation, and the Southwest Symphony Society, and is active in several civic organizations. In 2019, she was elected to serve on the Seward County Community College Board of Trustees and served until 2024. She served as a public relations consultant on political campaigns, capital campaigns, public relations campaigns, crisis communication, and strategic planning. She has a master's degree in communications from the University of Arkansas and is a trained large and small group facilitator.
Kay Burtzloff was one of the founding members of the Liberal Area Coalition for Families in 2001. She retired after serving more than 14 years as the Executive Director of the Seward County United Way in May 2015. Prior to moving to Liberal in 2000, she spent 16 years in higher education public relations at Cottey College, Northern State University, and the University of Kansas. She also was a newspaper reporter and editor for five years prior to that. She has served as an adjunct instructor in communications at Cottey College, Northern State University, Butler County Community College, Newman University, and Seward County Community College, teaching journalism, speech, theater, and interpersonal communication. In addition to being president of the Coalition, she is also the president of the High Plains Heritage Foundation, Liberal Memorial Library Foundation, and the Southwest Symphony Society, and is active in several civic organizations. In 2019, she was elected to serve on the Seward County Community College Board of Trustees and served until 2024. She served as a public relations consultant on political campaigns, capital campaigns, public relations campaigns, crisis communication, and strategic planning. She has a master's degree in communications from the University of Arkansas and is a trained large and small group facilitator.
VICE-PRESIDENT Clarissa Carrillo
Clarissa Carrillo Martinez has been a member of the LACF since 2020 and currently holds a position with the University of Kansas Medical Center as the West Regional Lead for the COPE project.
Originally from Durango, Mexico, her family immigrated to Liberal when she was 10 years old. Clarissa graduated from Liberal High School and attended Emporia State University. Before forming part of KUMC and COPE, she worked as Executive Director for Seward County United Way, Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland, and Communications Director for St. Anthony Catholic Church. Clarissa believes that education can open doors and better the lives of families. Her love for learning encouraged her to pursue an MBA through ESU and work part-time at Seward County Community College's Epworth Adult Learning Center, where she helps teach beginner ESL to Adults. She also enjoys volunteering and connecting community members with resources. Clarissa has served as part of our Liberal Public Library Board, Cinco De Mayo Committee, LULAC member, and is a Liberal Chamber Ambassador.
Clarissa Carrillo Martinez has been a member of the LACF since 2020 and currently holds a position with the University of Kansas Medical Center as the West Regional Lead for the COPE project.
Originally from Durango, Mexico, her family immigrated to Liberal when she was 10 years old. Clarissa graduated from Liberal High School and attended Emporia State University. Before forming part of KUMC and COPE, she worked as Executive Director for Seward County United Way, Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland, and Communications Director for St. Anthony Catholic Church. Clarissa believes that education can open doors and better the lives of families. Her love for learning encouraged her to pursue an MBA through ESU and work part-time at Seward County Community College's Epworth Adult Learning Center, where she helps teach beginner ESL to Adults. She also enjoys volunteering and connecting community members with resources. Clarissa has served as part of our Liberal Public Library Board, Cinco De Mayo Committee, LULAC member, and is a Liberal Chamber Ambassador.
SECRETARY/FARMERS MARKET MANAGER/ Debra Huddleston
IVEG OUTREACH COORDINATOR
Deb Huddleston serves as the Secretary for the Coalition, in charge of meeting minutes and agendas. She is also an Outreach Coordinator with the Kansas Health Foundation Integrated Voter Engagement Grant, funded by the Kansas Health Foundation for the purpose of building a concentrated, multi-generational effort to increase voter registration and turnout in Seward County. Since 2017, she has also been the Farmers Market Manager for LACF. In 2020, she was asked to serve as the LACF consultant to help start a food pantry with the South Church of God and also assist with the LACF’s Food Distribution Warehouse funded by Covid-relief funds. In that capacity she was responsible for ordering food, setting up distribution systems, inventory control, and volunteer coordination. Currently Deb represents LACF on the Seward County Development Corporation and has served as secretary since 2023. She was named to the Liberal Chamber of Commerce 2023 Men & Women of Distinction. A resident of Liberal since 1970, Deb has worked for Seward County Community College as Job/Business Developer for the Southeast Asian Refugee program and Assistant to the Dean of Continuing Education and Community Services. She retired from Cimarron Pathology/District 6 Coroner's Office after 13 ½ years as office manager, purchasing agent, HIPPA Officer, and Safety Officer. Debra has always been active in her community, serving on the boards of Liberal Area Network for Adolescent Psychology and Parental Involvement, Mother-to-Mother Ministry, the Southwest Kansas Humane Society, and Great Plains Angels for Animals. She volunteered as an AARP Tax Aide volunteer for the IRS for seven years (preparing and e-filing income taxes for low-income and elderly taxpayers), as a counselor for the Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansans program, and as an advocate for the Liberal Area Rape Crisis and Domestic Violence Services. For more than 5 years, she served as elected Secretary/acting Treasurer of the Liberal Elks Lodge and received the Officer of the Year award in 2013 and 2018.
IVEG OUTREACH COORDINATOR
Deb Huddleston serves as the Secretary for the Coalition, in charge of meeting minutes and agendas. She is also an Outreach Coordinator with the Kansas Health Foundation Integrated Voter Engagement Grant, funded by the Kansas Health Foundation for the purpose of building a concentrated, multi-generational effort to increase voter registration and turnout in Seward County. Since 2017, she has also been the Farmers Market Manager for LACF. In 2020, she was asked to serve as the LACF consultant to help start a food pantry with the South Church of God and also assist with the LACF’s Food Distribution Warehouse funded by Covid-relief funds. In that capacity she was responsible for ordering food, setting up distribution systems, inventory control, and volunteer coordination. Currently Deb represents LACF on the Seward County Development Corporation and has served as secretary since 2023. She was named to the Liberal Chamber of Commerce 2023 Men & Women of Distinction. A resident of Liberal since 1970, Deb has worked for Seward County Community College as Job/Business Developer for the Southeast Asian Refugee program and Assistant to the Dean of Continuing Education and Community Services. She retired from Cimarron Pathology/District 6 Coroner's Office after 13 ½ years as office manager, purchasing agent, HIPPA Officer, and Safety Officer. Debra has always been active in her community, serving on the boards of Liberal Area Network for Adolescent Psychology and Parental Involvement, Mother-to-Mother Ministry, the Southwest Kansas Humane Society, and Great Plains Angels for Animals. She volunteered as an AARP Tax Aide volunteer for the IRS for seven years (preparing and e-filing income taxes for low-income and elderly taxpayers), as a counselor for the Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansans program, and as an advocate for the Liberal Area Rape Crisis and Domestic Violence Services. For more than 5 years, she served as elected Secretary/acting Treasurer of the Liberal Elks Lodge and received the Officer of the Year award in 2013 and 2018.
TREASURER Jonathan Zamora
Jonathan Zamora was born and raised in Liberal, Kansas. After high school, he obtained an Associate's Degree of Arts with an emphasis in music education. In 2020, he graduated from Fort Hays State University with an undergraduate degree in Organizational Leadership. Jonathan married his high school sweetheart Veronica, and together they raise four beautiful girls. After serving in various different capacities at his home church, Jonathan accepted the call to be the Pastor at CrossPoint Liberal in 2022. Jonathan and CrossPoint have linked arms with the Liberal Coalition for Families in a joint effort to love and serve Liberal.
Jonathan Zamora was born and raised in Liberal, Kansas. After high school, he obtained an Associate's Degree of Arts with an emphasis in music education. In 2020, he graduated from Fort Hays State University with an undergraduate degree in Organizational Leadership. Jonathan married his high school sweetheart Veronica, and together they raise four beautiful girls. After serving in various different capacities at his home church, Jonathan accepted the call to be the Pastor at CrossPoint Liberal in 2022. Jonathan and CrossPoint have linked arms with the Liberal Coalition for Families in a joint effort to love and serve Liberal.
'EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Sarah M. Foreman
Sarah Foreman has been Executive Director of LACF since 2011. Sarah graduated from Friends University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Christian Studies. She then obtained her Master's of Social Work from Washburn University. She has been approved by the BSRB to sit for the clinical LSCSW exam. Sarah has been in the Liberal community since 2006. Prior to leading LACF, she served at Southwest Guidance Center as a therapist. She loves to see other families thrive and connect community resources. Sarah has locally served on the Early Childhood Advisory Board for USD 480, Baker Arts Center, and Community Council for KCSL and is active in her church.
Sarah Foreman has been Executive Director of LACF since 2011. Sarah graduated from Friends University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Christian Studies. She then obtained her Master's of Social Work from Washburn University. She has been approved by the BSRB to sit for the clinical LSCSW exam. Sarah has been in the Liberal community since 2006. Prior to leading LACF, she served at Southwest Guidance Center as a therapist. She loves to see other families thrive and connect community resources. Sarah has locally served on the Early Childhood Advisory Board for USD 480, Baker Arts Center, and Community Council for KCSL and is active in her church.
IVE OUTREACH COORDINATOR Kathleen Alonso
Kathleen Alonso is a Hispanic Outreach Coordinator with the Kansas Health Foundation Integrated Voter Engagement grant Kathleen has always had a passion for civic engagement and creating inclusivity in her community. She hopes to change the culture around voting and continue to increase outreach within the Hispanic community. Currently she attends Seward County Community College and plans to further her education and pursue a Law degree. Kathleen is an active member in her community and sits on several groups and organizations such as Black History Committee, Kansas Civic Network, New Frontiers, and others. In her downtime she likes to spend time with friends and family.
Kathleen Alonso is a Hispanic Outreach Coordinator with the Kansas Health Foundation Integrated Voter Engagement grant Kathleen has always had a passion for civic engagement and creating inclusivity in her community. She hopes to change the culture around voting and continue to increase outreach within the Hispanic community. Currently she attends Seward County Community College and plans to further her education and pursue a Law degree. Kathleen is an active member in her community and sits on several groups and organizations such as Black History Committee, Kansas Civic Network, New Frontiers, and others. In her downtime she likes to spend time with friends and family.
NAVIGATOR/BENEFIT SPECIALIST/COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER Julie Foster
Julie has been a member of LACF since 2019. She graduated from Seward County Community College with an Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice. Julie was a Juvenile Probation officer for six years. During her time as a probation officer Julie was able to establish Liberal's Local Teen Court. She then worked as a Behavioral Health Case Manager, most recently working as a Patient Navigator focusing on social determinants of health. Julie serves on the Seward County Local Emergency Planning Committee, Seward County Health Department Family Planning Advisory Committee, LULAC (The League of United Latin American Citizens ), Seward County United Way Board, and Liberal Cultural Festival Committee. Julie was awarded the Community Responder Women of Distinction award in December 2020, presented by Liberal Kansas Chamber of Commerce, honoring our community's Pandemic responders. Julie’s passion is giving back, and says there’s nothing more rewarding than knowing you made a difference in someone’s life. Instilling these important values in her two boys, M.J. and Mason, is very important to her, and you will often see her sons volunteering at many of our events. Julie enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and exploring culinary cultures through cooking and eating. Julie’s goal is to do positive work that not only her sons can be proud of but that can leave a positive mark in someone’s life.
Julie has been a member of LACF since 2019. She graduated from Seward County Community College with an Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice. Julie was a Juvenile Probation officer for six years. During her time as a probation officer Julie was able to establish Liberal's Local Teen Court. She then worked as a Behavioral Health Case Manager, most recently working as a Patient Navigator focusing on social determinants of health. Julie serves on the Seward County Local Emergency Planning Committee, Seward County Health Department Family Planning Advisory Committee, LULAC (The League of United Latin American Citizens ), Seward County United Way Board, and Liberal Cultural Festival Committee. Julie was awarded the Community Responder Women of Distinction award in December 2020, presented by Liberal Kansas Chamber of Commerce, honoring our community's Pandemic responders. Julie’s passion is giving back, and says there’s nothing more rewarding than knowing you made a difference in someone’s life. Instilling these important values in her two boys, M.J. and Mason, is very important to her, and you will often see her sons volunteering at many of our events. Julie enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and exploring culinary cultures through cooking and eating. Julie’s goal is to do positive work that not only her sons can be proud of but that can leave a positive mark in someone’s life.
COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR/IVE OUTREACH COORDINATOR Charity Horinek
Charity Horinek serves as Communications Coordinator for the Coalition, responsible for social media, website, and email communications. She is also an Outreach Coordinator with the Kansas Health Foundation Integrated Voter Engagement Grant, funded by the Kansas Health Foundation for the purpose of building a concentrated, multi-generational effort to increase voter registration and turnout in our area. Charity works on voter engagement strategies for Haskell County. She was previously the Project Coordinator for the SPF alcohol prevention grant in partnership with Seward County Community College. She is the Executive Director of Grant Development at SCCC, and holds a Master’s as well as a Bachelor’s degree from Fort Hays State University. She also holds a Bachelor’s in Theology/Pastoral Ministry from Newman University and professional certifications in grant writing and program evaluation. Prior to coming to SCCC, she was a grant writer for Southwest Plains Regional Service Center for nearly 14 years, designing programs and procuring funding for school districts in Western Kansas and beyond. Charity lives in Sublette, where she serves as Haskell Township Trustee, club leader for Cloverleaf 4-H in Satanta, countywide project leader, and serves on the Wild West 4-H PDC, High Plains Heritage Foundation Board, Southwest Guidance Center board of directors, Satanta Area Arts Council Board, Sublette Centennial Committee, Western Kansas Community Foundation Board, Kiwanis Foundation of Kansas board, Kansas Rabbit Breeders Association scholarship committee, and is a member of the Noon Kiwanis Club in Liberal. She and her husband Mark are the parents of six, and have three grandchildren. She is an avid reader and crafter.
Charity Horinek serves as Communications Coordinator for the Coalition, responsible for social media, website, and email communications. She is also an Outreach Coordinator with the Kansas Health Foundation Integrated Voter Engagement Grant, funded by the Kansas Health Foundation for the purpose of building a concentrated, multi-generational effort to increase voter registration and turnout in our area. Charity works on voter engagement strategies for Haskell County. She was previously the Project Coordinator for the SPF alcohol prevention grant in partnership with Seward County Community College. She is the Executive Director of Grant Development at SCCC, and holds a Master’s as well as a Bachelor’s degree from Fort Hays State University. She also holds a Bachelor’s in Theology/Pastoral Ministry from Newman University and professional certifications in grant writing and program evaluation. Prior to coming to SCCC, she was a grant writer for Southwest Plains Regional Service Center for nearly 14 years, designing programs and procuring funding for school districts in Western Kansas and beyond. Charity lives in Sublette, where she serves as Haskell Township Trustee, club leader for Cloverleaf 4-H in Satanta, countywide project leader, and serves on the Wild West 4-H PDC, High Plains Heritage Foundation Board, Southwest Guidance Center board of directors, Satanta Area Arts Council Board, Sublette Centennial Committee, Western Kansas Community Foundation Board, Kiwanis Foundation of Kansas board, Kansas Rabbit Breeders Association scholarship committee, and is a member of the Noon Kiwanis Club in Liberal. She and her husband Mark are the parents of six, and have three grandchildren. She is an avid reader and crafter.
PUBLIC HEALTH CHAMPION Susan Lukwago
Susan Lukwago, PhD, RD, LD has been a member of the Liberal Area Coalition for Families (LACF) for 16 years. During that time she has served as Coordinator of the Chronic Disease Risk Reduction Grant (Kansas Department of Health and Environment), Co-Coordinator of the Healthy Communities Initiative (Kansas Health Foundation), assisted with the Pathways Initiative (BCBSKS) and Coordinator of an Impact Grant to promote breastfeeding support among early childcare and education providers (United Methodist Health Ministry Fund). She has also assisted with grant writing for the LACF and served as Secretary for the LACF. Currently, she is a Community Health Worker for the COPE (Communities Organizing to Promote Equity) Grant funded by KDHE through the University of Kansas Medical Center. Susan is also a contracted employee of Southwest Medical Center, Seward County Health Department as well as a few other health departments in Southwest Kansas. She was a founding co-owner of Spencer Browne’s Coffee House here in Liberal from 2009 to 2017. Susan currently serves on the Boards of the Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition and of the Wild West Extension District. Susan previously served on the Boards of United Way and of Stepping Stone Shelter and is a member of First United Methodist Church of Liberal. Susan is a vegetarian who loves to exercise, to do jigsaw puzzles and to support public radio.
Susan Lukwago, PhD, RD, LD has been a member of the Liberal Area Coalition for Families (LACF) for 16 years. During that time she has served as Coordinator of the Chronic Disease Risk Reduction Grant (Kansas Department of Health and Environment), Co-Coordinator of the Healthy Communities Initiative (Kansas Health Foundation), assisted with the Pathways Initiative (BCBSKS) and Coordinator of an Impact Grant to promote breastfeeding support among early childcare and education providers (United Methodist Health Ministry Fund). She has also assisted with grant writing for the LACF and served as Secretary for the LACF. Currently, she is a Community Health Worker for the COPE (Communities Organizing to Promote Equity) Grant funded by KDHE through the University of Kansas Medical Center. Susan is also a contracted employee of Southwest Medical Center, Seward County Health Department as well as a few other health departments in Southwest Kansas. She was a founding co-owner of Spencer Browne’s Coffee House here in Liberal from 2009 to 2017. Susan currently serves on the Boards of the Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition and of the Wild West Extension District. Susan previously served on the Boards of United Way and of Stepping Stone Shelter and is a member of First United Methodist Church of Liberal. Susan is a vegetarian who loves to exercise, to do jigsaw puzzles and to support public radio.
BOOKKEEPER/EARLY CHILDHOOD SPECIALIST Marilyn Svaty
Originally from Nicaragua, Marilyn moved to the United States with her family when she was two years old and was raised in Liberal, KS. Her work with the coalition began in the spring of 2016 when she accepted the role of Facilitator for the community Learn and Play groups. Since then, Marilyn has expanded her work with the coalition by taking on the responsibility of bookkeeper and supporting parent engagement through the Early Literacy Grant. She is passionate about engaging families so that young children can reach their developmental potential. Aside from her work with the coalition, Marilyn’s days are filled with her husband and four wonderful children, and she is an active member of CrossPoint Church in Liberal.
Originally from Nicaragua, Marilyn moved to the United States with her family when she was two years old and was raised in Liberal, KS. Her work with the coalition began in the spring of 2016 when she accepted the role of Facilitator for the community Learn and Play groups. Since then, Marilyn has expanded her work with the coalition by taking on the responsibility of bookkeeper and supporting parent engagement through the Early Literacy Grant. She is passionate about engaging families so that young children can reach their developmental potential. Aside from her work with the coalition, Marilyn’s days are filled with her husband and four wonderful children, and she is an active member of CrossPoint Church in Liberal.
NAVIGATOR/BENEFIT SPECIALIST Diana Esparza-Villarreal
Diana is a Liberal native, serving as a Navigator/Benefit Specialist since 2024. After attending college at Seward County Community College, she started a family of her own with her husband, Miguel. Together they raise their son and daughter. Diana was the Executive Director for Seward County United Way for two years and volunteered with LACF in natural disasters, food commodities, etc., which helped her become more involved with her local community. Now, Diana is excited to be able to work with LACF in serving 7 counties in the Southwest Kansas area to be a resource for families and individuals in need. Diana also currently serves on the Convention and Visitors Bureau Advisory Board. In her downtime, Diana enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and taking care of her home.
Diana is a Liberal native, serving as a Navigator/Benefit Specialist since 2024. After attending college at Seward County Community College, she started a family of her own with her husband, Miguel. Together they raise their son and daughter. Diana was the Executive Director for Seward County United Way for two years and volunteered with LACF in natural disasters, food commodities, etc., which helped her become more involved with her local community. Now, Diana is excited to be able to work with LACF in serving 7 counties in the Southwest Kansas area to be a resource for families and individuals in need. Diana also currently serves on the Convention and Visitors Bureau Advisory Board. In her downtime, Diana enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and taking care of her home.