As the Director of Administration at KVC Niles, Cheryl oversees business operations, strategic planning and interdepartmental projects and provides direct oversight of the leadership team. She focuses on ensuring Niles’ residential treatment program is a safe and healing space for children and teens who are receiving intensive clinical services for behavioral and mental health challenges.

Cheryl brings more than 20 years of expertise in management and program service delivery and more than 12 years of experience working in the mental health field. She has extensive experience working in children’s psychiatric treatment centers and school settings and most recently served as the Director of Residential Programs at a treatment program in Kansas City, Missouri. In this role, Cheryl directed the planning, development and administration of residential programs. Her knowledge and expertise extend to operational oversight, employee management, developing curriculum, clinical treatment, budgeting, compliance with state and federal standards, crisis intervention, Council on Accreditation (COA) standards, and many other aspects of leading a treatment center.

Cheryl is a licensed professional counselor in the State of Missouri and a licensed clinical professional counselor in the State of Kansas. She received a master’s degree in counseling and certifications in Sexual Addiction and Play Therapy from MidAmerica Nazarene University. Additionally, she has completed Part 1 of both Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing.

“I choose to work in this field because I believe in investing in our youth, their families, and our hard-working employees who care for our clients. I believe we can make an impact in people’s lives to help them grow and develop into their best selves. I strive every day to ensure our clients feel cherished, cared for, safe and accepted, so that they can start to heal from the effects of trauma and learn skills to manage their big feelings and be safe with themselves and others.” – Cheryl Costabile

Lindsey Russell serves as the KVC Niles Prep School Administrator where she manages the Niles Prep School and coordinates education by developing strong relationships with staff, students, caregivers and community partners. She has more than 15 years of experience working in education, with 12 years as a special education teacher and 3 years in school administration.

Lindsey received a bachelor’s degree at the University of Missouri-Columbia, a master’s degree in special education at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, and an education specialist degree in leadership and administration at the University of Central Missouri.

“As the demands and challenges of teaching children increase, it becomes more apparent that Niles Prep and the community need to work together to ensure our children reach their full potential. We believe it is everyone’s responsibility to empower youth with the creative, intellectual, and decision-making skills necessary for them to become academically, socially, physically, and emotionally successful and responsible.” – Lindsey Russell

Phillip E. Caldwell Sr. is Associate Director of Program Services for KVC Niles. He has been with KVC for 15 years and brings more than 25 years of experience working in conflict resolution and crisis management.

Prior to his current role with KVC Niles, Phillip held roles as Senior Milieu Manager, Hospital Supervisor, and Campus Supervisor and has been an integral part of the Crisis Management team since 2005.

Additional experience includes serving as Youth Program Director for the YMCA of Greater Kansas City Missouri where he was responsible for the computer lab and educational services and created a Neighborhood Youth Advisory Board for Eastern Wyandotte County and an At-Risk Youth Program. He was also a board member for five years and received the Youth Worker of the Year award in 2000.

“Although I have held many roles in my professional career, I truly know in my heart why I was placed with KVC. It is to give to others what is needed to help them grow, develop, and be successful in whatever path they make take in life. I’m an advocate for positive change.” – Phillip Caldwell

Alejandro (Alex) Mendez is Associate Director of Operations for KVC Niles and has been with the organization for 20 years. Throughout his career at KVC, Alex has held many roles providing direct care to clients and leading direct care teams including Behavioral Health Technician, Hospital Supervisor, Campus Supervisor and Milieu Manager.

After his first seven years at KVC, Alex transitioned to a career in business working at Lockton Companies as a financial analyst. After serving in that role for 10 years he decided to re-join the KVC family because of his passion for KVC’s mission and service to children and families. In addition to the experience he has gained in working with youth at KVC, he has also been a club soccer coach with KC Fusion for 14 years. His time with KC Fusion is another important way he gives back to the community and works to support and encourage kids of all ages and backgrounds.

“I truly believe the work we do at KVC impacts the lives of children and families and strengthens our communities. I choose this work because I want to have a positive impact on all the lives that I touch and to make sure everyone feels safe and has a caring environment.” – Alex Mendez