MCRC Board of Directors
Additional Board Members: Michael Rottinghaus
Mrs. Deanna Beason received a Associate of Arts Degree from Kansas City, Kansas Community College, with additional studies at UMKC in Administration of Justice. She is currently employed by the renowned infrastructure solutions firm HNTB Corporation as a Administrative Supervisor and Office Coordinator. Mrs. Beason currently is a board member or involved with Sarah’s Daughters, Princess Power, Sunshine Band and Kendall’s Kampaign. She is committed to MCRC and states, “I have a heart for MCRC as evidenced by my previous work with the organization. I have a deep commitment to demonstrating the love of God through service to those in our community”.
Dr. Strickland has served young people for more than three decades in a number of instrumental roles and capacities. He began his career working in his family’s preschool business. this valuable experience instilled a love for education while cultivating an entrepreneurial spirit. He has described himself as an “edu-preneurial:, a passionate educational leader with an entrepreneurial mode of operation.
Dr. Jayson Strickland received a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Elementary Education and Teaching in 1994 from Kansas State University. In 1997, Dr. Strickland received his Master of Arts degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from UMKC. He then went on to become an Educational Specialist in 2002 and achieved a Doctorate degree in Education in 2013 also from UMKC. Dr. Strickland has extensive educational experience in the Kansas City, Kansas public school arena as well as holding leadership positions as Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, Executive Director, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools, Deputy Superintendent, Leadership and Innovation Fellow and currently Superintendent at Hogan Preparatory Academy.
A true educational advocate for our youth, guiding and encouraging them to a bright future for over 3 decades. Dr. Strickland has a passion for the growth and success of all young people. His mission is to cultivate and mobilize leadership that creates ideal educational environments for all stakeholders and ultimately results in young people being prepared for an evolving future.
Maria Porta received a Bachelor of Business Administration and Management degree from the Universidad Autonoma de Centro America. Maria is a Community Development Specialist for Capitol Federal Savings Bank where she has served the community since 1994. She is also involved with the Community Housing of Wyandotte County organization helping guide their Homeownership and Finance Committee. Maria has a true passion to further develop the Kansas City, Kansas community.
Mr. White received a bachelors degree in Education from Texas College in Tyler, Texas and a Masters degree in Administration from the University of Kansas. Mr. White has 35 years of career experience in education with the Kansas City, Kansas school district accross several positions to include; Elementary School Teacher, District Coordinator, Assistant Principal, Principal and Assistant Superintendent. After retiring from the KCK school district, Mr. White joined the Law Firm of McAnany Van Cleave & Phillips for 11 years as their Director of Government & Community Relations. Mr. White has also been involved with a multitude of community organizations.
Shelia is a native of the Kansas City, Kansas area. She attended elementary school at Lowell and Hawthorne, Junior High School at Northeast Junior High School, graduated from Sumner High School and went on to attend the University of Kansas. She has experience as a Human Resource Director and is currently employed with the Kansas City, Kansas School District in the role of Administrative Assistant. Shelia has a strong passion in helping with the redevelopment of the area to ensure it’s a great place to live and raise a family.
Dr. Sarafina Kankam is a board-certified anesthesiologist and fellowship-trained interventional pain physician. She currently serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine at the University of Kansas School of Medicine, where she provides compassionate, evidence-based care with a focus on improving access and health outcomes for underserved communities.
Dr. Kankam completed her undergraduate studies in Human Biology at the University of Kansas and earned her medical degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine. She trained in anesthesiology at KU in Wichita and went on to pursue advanced fellowship training in interventional pain medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
Her commitment to community health aligns closely with the mission of Mt. Carmel Redevelopment Corporation. While in medical school, Dr. Kankam received the Norge W. Jerome Preventive Medicine Excellence Award, honoring her work in public health and minority health equity. Now serving on the board of MCRC—an organization deeply influenced by Dr. Jerome’s vision—represents a full-circle moment that deepens her dedication to holistic community service.
In addition to her clinical and academic roles, Dr. Kankam is an international board member of Phi Delta Epsilon Medical Fraternity, where she mentors aspiring physicians and fosters a culture of service and medical excellence.
Through her work in healthcare, education, and advocacy, Dr. Kankam continues to advance MCRC’s mission of building stronger, healthier communities.
Patrice Townsend, retired from the KC Board of Public Utilities after 41 years of service. She retired as the Director of Utilities Services in which she developed and managed the Key Account Program, Energy Efficiency Programs, the Economic Development Program and Community Engagement. Patrice served on several key, local and national boards and committees. She served as President of the American Public Power Association, SEP Executive Committee and currently serves as Chairman of LISC Local Advisory Board. Patrice has been married to Christopher Townsend for 38 years and has a daughter, Candice Townsend. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and friends.