Our Statement on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Empac is committed to being a premier non-profit employer and employee assistance provider. We intentionally work to build and maintain an outstanding culture where people feel welcomed, valued, safe, and heard. We will strive to create an equitable environment where everyone is honored for their unique differences, perspectives, and experiences. These efforts will be reflected through our core values of service, compassion, and partnership, and we expect them to be evident in all interactions. We invite feedback from empac employees, clients, partners, vendors, and the communities we serve so we can continue to learn and grow.
Our story
Empac is a local, non-profit employee assistance program (EAP) dedicated to providing excellent services to companies, employees and the employee family members.
Three companies founded the nucleus of the empac consortium in 1977: Beech Aircraft, Gates Learjet and Pizza Hut. Empac enjoyed steady growth, adding Cessna Aircraft in 1978 as well as the City of Wichita and USD 259 in 1981.
In 1981, after achieving complete financial autonomy, the consortium of 21 companies was chartered by the State of Kansas as a 501-C4 not-for-profit agency. Currently, empac contracts with numerous companies and provides services for tens of thousands of employees and their families across the United States.
The objective of empac was to allow the opportunity for every employer in the Wichita area to receive the resources and technical assistance necessary to implement and operate an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) of the best possible quality at the lowest possible cost.
As time went on, empac became a “broad brush EAP,” providing assessment and referral for a wide variety of services to assist employees and their family members with help for marital and family relations, emotional and social concerns, financial and legal matters as well as work-related issues.
Today, empac holds true to its mission, vision, and values by providing EAP services that create healthy people and thriving organizations.
Mission
We believe healthy, well-balanced people make thriving companies and strong communities.
Vision
We provide quality counseling, coaching, and training that promote success in personal and professional lives.
Values
Service
We perform exceptionally in all areas of service delivery. We will provide the best employee assistance program services and results.
Compassion
We honor all people and create a comfortable environment. We understand that asking for help is difficult, and we do our best to eliminate the barriers that may cause hesitation in accessing services.
Partnership
We are in this together 100%. We know time and money are valuable. Empac service costs are low, yet have a tremendous positive impact on employees, their families, and overall engagement.
Meet our team of experts.
Amy Osburn, BS
EAP INTERN
She/Her/Hers
Amy is completing her Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Wichita State University (WSU). She earned her Bachelor of Science in Administration of Justice, also from WSU.
She has more than 25 years of experience working in law enforcement and is currently an Assistant Director at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center.
Amy has a passion for working with first responders and promotes wellness and self-care. She enjoys working with those who are struggling with traumatic injury, anxiety, depression, and career transitions. In her spare time, she enjoys yoga, spending time with her family, and being in nature.
Anita Downs
Administrative Assistant
She/Her/Hers
Anita has worked in the medical field for 15 years. For four of those years, she worked in a psychiatric residential treatment facility for children, teenagers, and young adults.
She is currently a volunteer EMT/Firefighter. Anita is passionate about assisting her community as well as raising her six daughters. Caring for others and nurturing growth are key elements in Anita’s life.
Chad Henkelman
MS, LMSW, LMAC, SAP | Counselor
He/Him/His
Chad received his Master of Social Work in 2008 and Bachelor of Social Work in 2007, both from Wichita State University.
He has more than 15 years of experience working with individuals that have severe and persistent mental illness. He also has over 20 years of experience working with adults and children on the autism spectrum. Chad has a passion for working with people who are struggling with addiction issues.
Chelsie Batterman
MS, LMLP-T | Counselor
Chelsie earned her Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from Emporia State University in 2021.
She understands the decision to pursue therapy is deeply personal. As a practitioner, she is committed to ensuring clients feel supported and strengthened by the therapeutic alliance.
Using a strengths-based approach, she enjoys counseling adults and couples in the exploration of how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors contribute to greater self-discovery and personal fulfillment.
Greg Baker, BS
Business Development Director
greg@empac-eap.com
He/Him/His
Greg Baker has provided guidance and support across the United States and Canada in a variety of roles, including diversity, equity, and inclusion, compliance management, employee development, coaching, mentoring, and training. Greg has collaborated with empac staff for more than 25 years through his roles at different companies and organizations in Kansas.
He received his Bachelor of Science in Human Resources from Friends University and is a lifetime resident of Wichita. Greg is a student of human nature and is passionate about helping organizations create more respectful, inclusive, and productive work environments by teaching the impact cultural tendencies have on interpersonal relations.
His journey in learning ways to positively support and influence others began in high school when three key individuals were gracious enough to invest in his development.
Jake Miller
MS, LMSW | Counselor
He/Him/His
Jake Miller received his Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Kansas State University in 2018 and his Master of Social Work from Newman University in 2023, with a concentration in trauma-informed clinical practice.
Jake enjoys working with a variety of individuals from all different backgrounds. He is passionate about helping clients work through their personal struggles to achieve their goals using a strength-based, supportive, and solution-focused approach. He enjoys working with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship issues.
Jessica Potter, BS
EAP Intern
She/Her/Hers
Jessica acquired her Bachelor of Science in Human Services and Psychology from Friends University in 2022 and is currently in her second and final year of the Master of Social Work program through Newman University while working as an intern for empac.
She has served families and children in the child welfare field with a focus on strength-based and solution-focused approaches. Jessica enjoys working with all clients, including children, adolescents, and adults. She strives to have a therapeutic alliance with people to help individuals build acceptance, improve mindfulness, and achieve a more fulfilling sense of self and environment.
Jodi Brown
MS, LMSW | Counselor
She/Her/Hers
Jodi received her Masters of Social Work from the University of Kansas in 2021 and her Bachelor of Psychology and Sociology from Pittsburg State University in 1999.
She has served children and families for 25 years, focusing on children and teens. Jodi has worked extensively with juvenile offenders and their families as well as offered support and guidance in developing positive parenting practices. She is passionate about helping others and uses a strengths-based approach within a variety of therapeutic modalities.
Kim Lake
Administrative Assistant
She/Her/Hers
Kim has been married for 25 years and has two adult sons, and a very busy pup named Zoey!
Kim is passionate about all kinds of health; physical, spiritual, emotional, and social. Kim truly loves talking to and helping anyone and everyone. When she is not answering phones and caring for clients of EMPAC, you can find her walking, enjoying the outdoors, cooking for her family or just hanging out with a good book.
Laila Robinson, BA
EAP INTERN
She/Her/Hers
Laila earned her Associate of Arts degree from Johnson County Community College in 2021, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Wichita State University in 2022.
She is currently attending Newman University under her first year of working toward her Master of Social Work with an emphasis on trauma-informed clinical practice.
Once licensed, Laila wants to be a clinician that works with different client systems and backgrounds, but primarily focusing on children and youth. Laila is dedicated to helping others and ensuring that they feel welcome and heard.
She supports our community through Big Brothers Big Sisters, where she helps youth facing adversities. Laila also spreads mental health awareness through philanthropic events.
Lea Aunins
MS, LMSW | Director of Partner Relations
Lea@empac-eap.com
She/Her/Hers
Lea Aunins received her Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Kansas State University in 1992 before earning her Master of Social Work from Wichita State University in 2013.
Lea has over 25 years of experience assisting children and families in crisis, with respect for trauma informed care. She also has been focused on helping people live a balanced life through personal and financial health education. Lea has a passion for helping individuals through the aging process, including dignified end-of-life planning.
Mary Toon
LMSW | Counselor
She/Her/Hers
Mary earned her Bachelor of Social Work in 2014 and her Master of Social Work in 2018, both from Wichita State University.
She has spent nine years serving the community as a social worker in various positions through child welfare, community mental health, and schools.
Mary enjoys working with clients of all ages, including children, adolescents, and adults. She utilizes an eclectic approach with an emphasis on person-centered and strengths-based perspectives.
Mary believes all people can benefit from the guidance and support of the therapeutic relationship to address difficulties they face in life.
Melissa Graves, BA
EAP Intern
She/Her/Hers
Melissa earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Wichita State University in 2022. She is currently attending Newman University and is working toward her Master of Social Work with an emphasis on trauma-informed clinical practice. She has over three years of experience working in community crisis centers and schools. Melissa works with adults and children and has experience working with neurodivergent individuals in direct care settings.
As a student clinician, Melissa aims to support clients in addressing past and present obstacles by emphasizing self-awareness and self-acceptance in practice. She embraces strengths-based, narrative, and client-centered approaches. She believes in the power of therapeutic alliance and will support clients in working toward healing and resiliency in a safe, affirming, and non-judgmental environment.
Rita Buffington
MS, LCMFT | Counselor
She/Her/Hers
Rita Buffington received her Master of Science in Family Therapy from Friends University in 2010.
Integrating positive psychology with a strengths-based brief therapy approach, she enjoys working with individuals interested in developing mindfulness, greater self-awareness and emotion regulation. Rita counsels both adults and couples with issues such as depression, grief, life stage transitions, and marriage and relationship issues.
Shirelle Hysell
Program Supervisor
Shirelle@empac-eap.com
She/Her/Hers
Prior to working at EMPAC, Shirelle worked in a number of fields such as customer services, aircraft manufacturing, drug and alcohol treatment, and prevention.
Her work in these diverse organizations provided Shirelle with an understanding of various stressors employees at each level may incur along with the ability to identify and understand problems in order to resolve them. At EMPAC she manages multiple job functions to provide support to staff, companies, providers, and the clients we serve. She is passionate about family and helping those we serve understand and utilize their EAP benefits to the full extent.
Stacey Winter
MS, LCMFT | CEO
Stacey@empac-eap.com
She/Her/Hers
Stacey Winter received her Master of Science in Family Therapy from Friends University in 1996. With 30 years of clinical experience, Stacey spent much of her career in the child welfare system.
As a clinician and as CEO of empac, Stacey assists individuals, couples, families and groups through counseling, training, coaching, and consulting. Throughout her work, Stacey has focused on organizational health, building and maintaining effective teams and the impact of trauma.
Tana McKee
MS, LMFT | Counselor
She/Her/Hers
Tana received her Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy in 1997 and her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services and Psychology in 1994, both from Friends University.
She has more than 20 years of experience in the mental health field and has spent most of her career helping children and families within the child welfare system. Tana most recently worked for several years in nonprofits, providing community mental health services for children and adults. She is also passionate about working with first responders. Tana specializes in working closely with people to help them identify and deal with anything that could be standing in the way of their health and/or success and is passionate about working with them to begin writing the next chapter of their own unique life story.
Tori Drake
MS, LMFT | Counselor
SHE/HER/HERS
Tori Drake received her Master of Science in Family Therapy from Friends University in 2021 and her Bachelor in Psychology as well as her Bachelor in Christian Ministry with a concentration in Urban Ministry from Sterling College in 2016.
She works with adults, couples, and adolescents. Tori strives to help clients incorporate acceptance of self, clarification of values, and hope for a more fulfilling future as they work to better understand themselves and their systems. She is enthusiastic about helping clients learn to have grace for themselves and celebrate their successes as they achieve their goals.
Our Board of Directors
Executive Board
- Kelly Rundell, Hite, Fanning & Honeyman, L.L.P.
2023 empac Board President - Jennifer Murray, INTRUST Bank
2023 empac Board Vice President - Diana Little, Meritrust Federal Credit Union
2023 empac Board Secretary
- Brian Schrader, Pratt Regional Medical Center
- Jennifer Jones, Emprise Bank
- Mike Fogg, Starkey
- Jenny Noone, Kansas Humane Society
- Brandy Weber, Greater Wichita YMCA
- Donna Spree, Larksfield Place Retirement Community
- Micala Gingrich Gaylord, ComfortCare Homes
- Ron Coleman, Coleman Materials
- Amy Murray, Sedgwick County