About us
Nodaway County Services
Meet the Leaders
Mark Parra, M. Ed., BCBA, lba
Executive Director
Mark has been with the agency since 2007, working various roles. He has a bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master's degree in Education Instruction and Curriculum (Applied Behavior Analysis).
Mark is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with a license for the state of Missouri. He specializes in crisis situations, Acceptance and Commitment Training, and Organizational Behavior Management.
Teresa Lawson
Assistant Director
Teresa joined NCS in January 2012. Teresa was originally hired as a Degreed Professional Manager and then promoted to the Program Manager of the Service Coordination Division in June 2012. Teresa was instrumental in starting the Targeted Case Management Division. In May 2019 Teresa transferred to the Community Living Division. Prior to joining NCS, Teresa worked at Department of Mental Health’s Albany Regional Office as a Service Coordinator for 7 years.
Luke Johnson
Fiscal Manager
Luke Johnson currently serves as the Fiscal Manager for AGH/NCS. He began working for the agency in April 2018 as Direct Support and later as a House Manager while a college student at Northwest Missouri State University. Luke graduated from Northwest with bachelor’s degrees in Business Management and Marketing in May 2020. Luke says he has enjoyed developing relationships with our individuals and is glad to help them live a fun, healthy lifestyle they choose!
Julie Godsey
HR Manager
Susan Henggeler
Finance Associate
Ocean Neal
HR Assistant
Overview
Impact over 400 individuals yearly with developmental disabilities.
Employ nearly 200 employees to carry out our mission.
Over a dozen locations.
Seven programs in a total of 7 counties in Northwest Missouri.
Four divisions.
Two Corporations.
One Administration
Divisions
Community Living Services
Group Home
Independent Supported Living
Respite Services
Building Independence
Personal Assistance
Community Networking
Individual Skill Development
NCS Works Employment Services
Real work for real wages
Customized Employment
Turning Point Behavioral Services
Team of Professionals for Assessment Services
Staff Training onsite
Multiple programmatic options
Future Behavior Analyst Services
Service Coordination
Targeted Case Management Services in 7 counties in Northwest Missouri
A little History
A few citizens of Nodaway County wanted to enhance services available to people with developmental disabilities in our area. Limited opportunities for employment had been established through a sheltered workshop, and a great void existed in the areas of residential services and other supports. After several years of meeting and planning informally, on November 26, 1980, the first not-for-profit corporation was formed. This organization became known as the Association of Group Homes for Nodaway County, Inc. (AGH). On September 24, 1984, AGH opened the first three group homes.
A few months later, in February 1985, the board began offering non-residential supports through a sister agency. This new agency was named Nodaway County Services for the Developmentally Disabled, Inc. (NCS). NCS became officially incorporated May 13, 1986.
The mission of AGH and NCS is rooted in the strong belief that every person has a right to live in their community as an accepted and active member. AGH and NCS strive to help people, with and without disabilities, learn from one another to promote a strong and inclusive community of acceptance and opportunity.
AGH and NCS recognizes each person as an individual with their own unique talents, strengths, gifts and needs. This is what drives our mission: to help people live the life they want and reach their fullest potential through compassion, dignity, and respect.
Board of Directors
Board President: Kristine Barclay
President Elect: Jan Duncan
Secretary: Christy Tapps
Treasurer: Jeanette Whited
Member: Marlin Kinman
Member: Teresa Nielson
Member: Dagmar Whipple
Member: Cindy Williams
Member: Bryan Markt
