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 Thurman, LPC
EAP Counselor
She/her/hers
Amy graduated from the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Wichita State University in 2024. She has also completed the requirements for a Play Therapy Certificate. Amy enjoys connecting with individuals, couples, and families as they discuss life and relationship issues. She is passionate about helping others see the strengths in themselves and experience personal growth and understanding.
Angelica Clark, LMSW
EAP Counselor
She/her/hers
Angelica received her Bachelor's degree in Social Work from Wichita State University in 2017 and her Master in Social Work in 2021. She received her LMSW in September 2021. She is working toward obtaining her Clinical Licensure, which is projected to be completed by Fall 2025.
Angelica has 10 years of experience in social services, including mental health, foster care, and addictions. She spent two and a half years doing mental health intakes for a local CMHC and was promoted to Adult Case Manager supervisor in June 2024.
She has experience working with children and adults and is passionate about helping individuals with childhood trauma. Angelica received training in Cognitive Processing Therapy and has worked with human trafficking victims and LGBTQIA+ people.
Angelica has been married to her high school sweetheart for almost 10 years, and they share three daughters. She enjoys spending time with her girls and watching Friends reruns.
Anita Downs
Administrative Program Manager
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.
Becca Barnhouse, MS
Training and Employee Development Manager
She/her/hers
Becca received her Master of Educational Psychology from Wichita State University in 2023. She received a double major in 2016 with a Bachelor of Secondary Education from Kansas State University and a Bachelor of Bible and Leadership at Manhattan Christian College.
She has eight years of service in the community as a secondary education teacher in the Maize School District. Becca taught dual-credit Psychology and Sociology courses through WSU Tech.
Becca is excited to continue educating individuals and organizations about mental health and wellness strategies so everyone can be their best selves.
She also received her Mental Health Coaching certification through Light University in 2024. As a coach, she offers support in navigating clients' obstacles and troubles by providing tools and resources so they can achieve their personal and professional goals.
Carmen Altendorf, MS, LMSW
EAP Counselor
She/her/hers
Carmen earned her Master of Social Work from Newman University and her Bachelor of Social Work from Wichita State University. She has over twenty years of experience as a social worker and director in hospice and home health. Carmen is focused on building strong and compassionate teams to assist patients and families in navigating their health and life changes.
Her passion is working with issues related to aging, grief, and loss. She is enthusiastic about providing therapy to couples and families dealing with relational challenges.
Chad Henkelman, MS, LMSW, LMAC, SAP
Program Manager
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.
Deanna Mowery, MS, LPC
EAP Counselor
She/her/hers
DeAnna completed her Master of Science in Clinical Counseling from Emporia State University with a concentration in Mental Health.
She has worked in law enforcement for over 15 years where she held several ranks in different divisions. DeAnna has a passion for assisting first responders navigate the difficulties of the job and associated life challenges.
Heather Wiley, MBA, CCP
Director of Business Development
She/her/hers
Heather@empac-eap.com
Heather began her career in child welfare as she obtained a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from Wichita State University, and served children and families in the foster care system for 18 years. Eager to continue her interest in learning, Heather obtained her Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in Change Management from Friends University in 2017. This ignited her passion for learning about organizations inside and out. Heather spent several years of her career dedicated to Human Resources assisting organizations to invest in their greatest asset, their employees. Ultimately recognizing that a healthy workplace culture is the key to success in any industry, Heather became a Certified Coach Practitioner in 2022.
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.
Lea Aunins, MS, LMSW
Director of Partner Relations
She/her/hers
Lea@empac-eap.com
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.
Michael Brewer, MS, LCMFT, LCAC
Director of Operations
Michael@empac-eap.com
He/him/his
Michael brings over 20 years of experience in the mental health profession. He has proudly served the community, including the child welfare system and community mental health.
He earned a Master of Science in Family Therapy and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Human Services from Friends University. Michael is a Licensed Clinical Marriage & Family Therapist and a Licensed Clinical Addiction Counselor.
Michael is passionate about providing clinical training and supervision to graduate student interns and licensed clinicians striving for professional excellence.
As a clinician and as Director of Operations of empac, Michael strives to help individuals, couples, families, and groups through counseling, training, and coaching. He also promotes overall wellness and success in both their personal and professional lives as they navigate the challenges of life.
Michael is a member of the clinical adjunct faculty of the Master of Science in Family Therapy Program at Friends University and holds the AAMFT Approved Supervisor Designation from the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy.
Rita Buffington, MS, LCMFT
EAP 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.
Stacey Winter, MS, LCMFT
CEO
She/her/hers
Stacey@empac-eap.com
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
Program Manager
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.
Taylor Tucker
Administrative Assistant
She/her/hers
Taylor has worked in the customer service industry for eight years and has a passion for helping people in any way she can. Her favorite thing about being at empac is having the opportunity to make people feel heard. She enjoys spending quality time with her four younger sisters, and her hobbies include reading, writing, and watching movies. Taylor is also often traveling all across the country looking for new experiences or a good concert.
Tori Drake, MS, LCMFT
EAP 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.
Wendy Hummell
EAP Intern
She/her/hers
Wendy is completing her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Wichita State University. She received her Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Rutgers University in 1991 and Master's in Criminal Justice in 1996. Wendy is a retired police detective with nearly 30 years of law enforcement experience.
For the latter part of her career, Wendy has worked in first responder health and wellness. She currently serves as the Health and Wellness Manager for the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office, overseeing the wellness unit and the agency peer support team. Wendy provides psychoeducation to agency members and their families.
Wendy is a certified health coach and yoga instructor and believes the path to wellness is not “one size fits all." She is passionate about helping first responders and their family members learn a holistic approach to wellness. Wendy understands the unique challenges associated with a first responder career and looks forward to helping others navigate through them.
Our Board of Directors
Executive Board
- Jennifer Murray, INTRUST Bank
2025 empac Board President - Brandy Weber, Greater Wichita YMCA
2025 empac Board Vice President - Lemuel Moore, City of Derby – Derby Police Department
2025 empac Board Secretary
- Brian Schrader, Pratt Regional Medical Center
- Diana Little, Meritrust Federal Credit Union
- Micala Gingrich Gaylord, ComfortCare Homes
- Amy Murray, Sedgwick County
- Donna Spree, Larksfield Place Retirement Community
- Makala Navarro, Heartspring
- Diana Ensign, Kansas Turnpike Authority
- Kelly Cooper, Homestead Health Center
- Mark Taylor, Rainbows United
