Author: admin

Amy Taylor has a Bachelor Degree in Psychology from the University of Nebraska -Lincoln, Master’s degree in Social Work from Colorado State University, and twenty years of experience in the I/DD field including roles in direct care, management, leadership.  Amy was the Director of the Parker Personal Care Homes- Foster Care Division before accepting the role of the Associate Executive Director of Parker Personal Cares in 2013.  In 2015 she and her family relocated back home to Kansas City where she continued to work with Parker Personal Care Homes as an Executive Consultant providing training, program development oversight and quality assurance consultation for three years.

In 2018 she joined the Life Unlimited team as the Vice President of Community Living.  In 2019 she accepted the Chief Program Officer position.  In this role she provides supervision to multiple programs offered at Life Unlimited while ensuring program compliance, quality assurance, and strategic growth.

Susie Schneider is the Chief Employee Engagement Officer at Life Unlimited, Inc. where Susie leads the Human Resources team. Susie has been a strong supporter of the organization for many years as a board member and guardian. Susie has worked in the Human Resources field for over 20 years including 10 years in the non-profit sector. Susie obtained a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Human Resources from Park University.

Susie states, “I’m very excited to be a part of the Life Unlimited team, this organization has my heart and success for those we serve is the greatest gift I could receive.

My mission has been, to support our greatest asset, our people in a professional and positive manner. The focus of the HR Team is on providing exceptional customer service while supporting programs and processes that add value, growth and retention for all employees.”

Mary Davis received her bachelor’s degree from Missouri Valley College where she obtained a Major in Criminal Justice with a Minor in Sociology and Psychology.

She started her career as a Direct Support Staff while pursuing her degree in college.  She then earned her first supervisory position, Residential Coordinator (RC), with Preferred Family Healthcare, where she supported children in a 60-day treatment facility for substance abuse.  With the experience received as a Residential Coordinator, Mary received an opportunity as a Program Supervisor for the Center for Human Services, Pettis County, in 2008.  She later became a Service Coordinator for the Center for Human Services, Clay County, in 2012.

In 2016, Mary returned to community living and accepted a role with Life Unlimited as Community Living, Program Manager.  Within 4 months of being the employed with Life Unlimited, Mary became Community Living, Program Director and in December 2019, Mary earned the position of Vice President of Community Living.

Vincent has worked in a variety of capacities in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities for over 22 years.  He began his career as a live-in support staff at a group home, an experience that provided invaluable experience and drew him to the profession.  His experiences include direct support both direct support and supervision in day habilitation, supported employment, sheltered workshop, and residential settings.

Vince has Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management and Innovation from University of Missouri-Kansas City.  Prior to coming to Life Unlimited, Vincent served as the President/CEO of Open Options for four and a half years and is now the Vice President of training for Life Unlimited. Vince is a lifelong learner, he enjoys providing employee training, educating and supporting others to succeed in the field.

Mark Bertrand, who has been serving as our Chief External Relations Officer, has been promoted to Chief Housing and Property Officer and will now oversee and manage all policies, procedures, and operations under Unlimited Property Management (UPM). Mark’s career path has been consistently marked by a firm commitment to the nonprofit sector. A passionate advocate for positive change, his journey has led him to this pivotal point. Before joining the Life Unlimited family, Mark’s expertise was showcased during his tenure as Executive Director at both the Liberty Hospital Foundation and Literacy Kansas City. He helped double Literacy Kansas City’s and Liberty Hospital Foundation’s overall budgets by helping develop a reliable, and diversified funding base. Previously, he served as American Stroke Foundation’s Director of Development and local council Executive Director for Camp Fire USA of the Ozarks. Mark’s genuine appreciation for the remarkable contributions of differently abled individuals has been a driving force throughout his nonprofit journey. This profound understanding has not only shaped his perspectives but has also ignited his unwavering commitment to the work that we do at Life Unlimited.

Julie Edlund, Chief Executive Officer, of Life Unlimited, Inc. since November 2014, brings over 25 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, with over 20 years dedicated to the intellectual and developmental disability field. She previously served as Executive Director of Special Kids and Families and founded Youth Visions in Memphis, Tennessee. Her extensive career also includes roles as Associate & Interim Executive Director at the YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South, Program Manager for the Learning Disabilities Association of TN, and Program Coordinator at United Cerebral Palsy. Julie is committed to enhancing service delivery and community impact in her leadership roles.