Christy Miller, MA
State Coordinator – Missouri
UMKC Institute for Human DevelopmentPhone: 816-235-5752
Email: millerck@umkc.edu
Since 2009 Christy has worked at the UMKC Institute for Human Development as a research assistant in program development. She writes grants and participates in project activities, evaluation, communications, and reporting. HealthMatters Missouri fits in with her interest in how health providers, community organizations, and local government can work together to build communities that encourage and support healthy lifestyles. Currently Christy also works on a CDC-funded project to make public health nutrition and physical health activities accessible for people with intellectual disability.
George S. Gotto, PhD
State Coordinator – Missouri
UMKC Institute for Human DevelopmentPhone: 816-235-5334
Email: gottog@umkc.edu
George is the Director of Community Services at the UMKC Institute for Human Development. He works throughout the state of Missouri to conduct community-based research and training projects related to health and wellness for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). In addition, he currently coordinates the activities of the National Gateway to Self-Determination Center. George is a founding member of the Missouri Self-Determination Association (MO-SDA). He is trained as an applied medical anthropologist with an emphasis in community-based research and cross-cultural perspectives on health and disability. Over the past 17 years George has participated in multiple participatory action research projects with grassroots leaders with disabilities in the United States and Mexico. He has published peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, reports, and curricula in areas related to self-determination, community-based research, and, social capital for people with IDD.
Amanda George
State Coordinator – Missouri
eitasPhone: 816-595-6313
Email: AGeorge@eitas.org
Amanda George has 25 years of experience in the Developmental/Intellectual Disability field and has had various roles including providing direct support to people with IDD, case management, quality assurance, consulting, training and person centered organizational development. Currently, Amanda works as the Training and Development Manager for Developmental Disability Services of Jackson County, an organization that provides case management and other services to over 2000 residents of Jackson County with IDD . Amanda oversees training for over 50 Support Coordinators in Jackson County as well as other projects. Since 2007 she has partnered with the Institute for Human Development, UMKC on health related projects for people with IDD. Activities include managing a project funded through the Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City since 2012 that targets improving overall health of people with disabilities and direct support staff in Jackson and Lafayette Counties. She co-facilitates a coalition of over 20 community organizations and provides technical assistance to change organizational policies and practices that promote physical activity and good nutrition.