Administrative Employees
Jeff has been the administrator for over 12 years at Missouri Quality Care. He oversees the day to day operations of the company. He has over 25 years experience working with people with developmental disabilities. He truly loves his job and loves working closely with the clients, staff, and board members to see development and growth.
Jeff Thornton
Administrator
Cameron Employees
Amanda Joyce
Regional Director
Amanda Joyce has been with Missouri Quality Care since May 2009, serving as the Director for Cameron and St. Joseph. Over the years, she has held numerous roles within MQC, including DCS, House Manager, QDDP, Activities Director, Human Resources, and Program Coordinator Supervisor, as well as working briefly for another provider in St. Joseph. Amanda’s connection to this work is personal, having grown up alongside her brother with Down syndrome and his peers. She values the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities and takes pride in working with a team dedicated to providing the best quality of life possible.
Cristni Thornton
Quality Assurance
Cristni Thornton has been with Missouri Quality Care since July 2019 and serves as the Quality Assurance Specialist. She reviews personnel records, homes, and documentation across three regions while offering support and consultation to ensure the agency is always improving. With a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work, Cristni has decades of leadership experience in the field, including director and executive director roles across multiple agencies. Though she initially planned to work with troubled youth, she discovered her true calling in supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. Cristni is passionate about advocacy, staff empowerment, and maintaining high standards of care, and she values MQC’s commitment to innovation and putting the needs of each individual first.
Rachel Garrison
Program Coordinator
Rachel Garrison has been with Missouri Quality Care since September 2014 and currently serves as a Program Coordinator. She began as an every-other-weekend direct support staff at the East Group Home before becoming House Manager for ISL1, then East Group Home. After several years in that role, she became a Program Coordinator, later transitioning to Human Resources for a year and a half before returning to the PC position she loves. While she had little personal experience with people with disabilities before MQC, her passion for the field grew quickly, and she can’t imagine doing anything else. Rachel values the residents, staff, and coworkers who make up MQC, and she finds joy in helping improve lives, celebrating growth, and being part of the residents’ daily happiness.
Tiffany Vaughn
Administrative Assistant
Tiffany Vaughn has been with Missouri Quality Care for six years and works as the Administrative Assistant. Before joining MQC, her background was primarily in secretarial and bookkeeping roles, including time with Dekalb County SB40. While she did not come from a direct care background, Tiffany has grown to love being part of the team and working closely with both residents and staff. She especially enjoys participating in activities and building connections with the individuals supported by MQC. Tiffany values her coworkers, the positive environment, and the rewarding nature of helping provide great care and opportunities to great people.
Madison Scott
Assistant Director/Program Coordinator
Madison Scott has been with Missouri Quality Care for 11 years and currently serves as the Assistant Director. She began her career in the field at age 18 as a direct care staff and joined MQC working weekends in both an ISL and group home, while also serving as a house manager in Kansas City during the week. She later became the group home’s house manager and then spent over six years as a Program Coordinator before stepping into her current role in 2025. Madison’s passion for this work began in childhood, as her mother directed a company providing care for individuals with disabilities who became like family to her. She is proud to work for an agency that goes above and beyond to support residents and staff, ensuring fulfilling lives and recognizing the dedication of its team.
Taylor Bailey
Program Coordinator/Trainer
Taylor Bailey has been with Missouri Quality Care for eight years and serves as a Program Coordinator and Trainer. He began as a Direct Care Staff, where he worked for six years before moving into a House Manager role for four years. His passion for the field began early, as his mother worked in group homes and continues to teach at the state school in St. Joseph with children with disabilities. Taylor values being able to provide equal opportunities, help individuals learn new skills to live as independently as possible, and apply what he learns to his own life. He is proud to work for a company that prioritizes excellence, quality of life, and support for both residents and employees.
Shelley Shaffer
Program Coordinator
Shelley Shaffer has been with Missouri Quality Care for seven years and currently serves as a Program Coordinator. She began her career as a one-on-one para for a student with autism and later taught in a special education classroom, working with children with diverse needs. Shelley also served as a Case Manager at a correctional facility, running programs to help offenders successfully re-enter society. She joined MQC as a PRN direct care staff, later moving into a weekend shift, then House Manager, and eventually Program Coordinator. Shelley finds great reward in helping individuals live fulfilling lives, taking pride in their accomplishments, and working for a company that makes staff feel valued and appreciated.
Amy Simerly
Community Registered Nurse
Amy Simerly joined Missouri Quality Care in June 2025 and currently serves as a Community Registered Nurse. She has been a nurse for 23 years, with the majority of her experience in pediatrics, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. Amy appreciates the positive, client-focused environment at MQC and values being part of a team that is compassionate, dedicated, and committed to excellence. She is grateful to work alongside staff who share her commitment to providing the highest quality care and takes pride in contributing to the agency’s mission to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the individuals they support.
Kansas City Employees
Nicke Briscoe
Regional Director
Nicke serves as the Regional Director for the Kansas City division of Missouri Quality Care and joined the agency in September 2024. She has been working in the field since 2011 and brings extensive experience in advocacy and support, which began when her daughter was diagnosed with autism in 2002. Nicke values Missouri Quality Care’s strong leadership, commitment to quality assurance, and high standards, all of which help ensure that individuals receive the best possible care. She takes pride in being part of a team dedicated to making a meaningful difference and upholding the agency’s mission to provide exceptional support for both residents and staff.
Teresa Rangel
Program Coordinator
Teresa Rangel has been with Missouri Quality Care for over five years and currently serves as a Program Coordinator. She has worked in the field since 1993 and began focusing on individuals with behavioral needs in 2016. At MQC, she started as a DSP, later moving into a House Manager role before taking on her current position. Teresa also has a personal connection to the field, having grown up with a sister who has disabilities. She values the positive environment at MQC and appreciates the opportunity to interact closely with both staff and residents, finding the hands-on nature of her role rewarding as she helps individuals grow and thrive.
Jessica Johnson
Financial & Medicaid Specialist
Jessica Johnson has been with Missouri Quality Care for nearly six years and currently serves as the Financial & Medicaid Specialist. She first joined MQC as an Office Manager, a role she held for several years before being promoted to her current position. Jessica began working in the field at 19 while in college and also has family members with disabilities, giving her both personal and professional connections to the work. She values the way MQC treats its employees, noting how well the team works together to support one another and the individuals served. Jessica is proud to be part of a company that goes above and beyond for both clients and staff, and she truly loves her job.
Janet Corcoran
Administrative Assistant
Janet Corcoran has been with Missouri Quality Care since April 2025 and currently serves as an Office Assistant. Before joining MQC, she worked with agencies supporting her neighbor, who has special needs, as well as Senior Helpers, assisting seniors to live independently in their own homes. Janet enjoys the variety each day brings and values the people she works with, finding it rewarding to be part of a team that makes a positive difference in the lives of those they support. She appreciates being part of an organization dedicated to quality care and creating a supportive, collaborative environment for both residents and staff.
Laura Mackey
Assistant Director
Laura Mackey has been with Missouri Quality Care since October 2019 and serves as the Assistant Regional Director. She began working in the field in 2013, gaining experience in group homes, day programs, and residential care. Over the years, she has held roles as a DSP, House Manager, and Program Coordinator for more than seven years before stepping into her current position. Laura is passionate about supporting both residents and staff, and she takes pride in helping teams grow while ensuring individuals receive the highest quality of care. She finds it rewarding to see the impact MQC makes each day and values being part of a company that helps people reach their greatest potential and live fulfilling, independent lives.
Raelee Neely
Program Coordinator
Raelee Neely has been with Missouri Quality Care for five years and currently serves as a Program Coordinator. She has long been interested in supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities, beginning as an aid in special needs classes in high school. At 18, she joined MQC as a Direct Care Staff, then became a House Manager at 20, a role she held for three years before stepping into her current position. Raelee still maintains connections with special needs students she knew in high school. She values the welcoming, client-focused environment at MQC and finds it fulfilling to help provide opportunities and make a meaningful difference in the lives of the individuals she supports.
Kathy Smith
Human Resources Manager
Kathy Smith has been with Missouri Quality Care for five years and currently serves as the HR Manager. She has held several positions in the field prior to joining MQC, including Direct Care Staff, Program Coordinator, Office Manager, Director of a Day Program, and Account Manager with an agency serving individuals with disabilities. Kathy also has experience working with the school district to help mainstream children in the classroom. She appreciates MQC’s strong emphasis on providing quality care for both clients and staff and values being part of a company committed to excellence and support for everyone involved.
Jessica E. Johnson
Community Registered Nurse
Jessica E. Johnson has been with Missouri Quality Care for nearly three years and currently serves as a Community Registered Nurse. She joined MQC with prior nursing experience in clinics, hospitals, and nursing homes, including work supporting a Nurse Practitioner in medication management for individuals with mental illnesses. Jessica also has personal experience, having grown up around family members with mental disabilities and interacting with others throughout her life. She values the collaborative environment at MQC, appreciating the teamwork, respect, and support shown to both staff and residents. Jessica finds it rewarding to be part of a company where everyone works together to provide quality care and make a positive impact in the lives of those they serve.