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. 

Craig Newman

Fiscal Manager

Julie Godsey

HR Manager

Susan Henggeler

Finance Associate

Harley Chappell

HR Assistant

Overview

Divisions

Community Living Services

Building Independence

NCS Works Employment Services

Turning Point Behavioral Services

Service Coordination

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