THE 4L FOUNDATION

Meet our Board

The individuals who make up our Board of Directors are community leaders who possess knowledge and skills in various domains such as training, advocacy, education, finance, law, fund development, and business management. The Board convenes every month and has two in-person meetings annually. Its primary responsibility is to ensure the organization’s continued success by managing its finances and setting strategic goals.

Bob was a Vice President and Professor at MidAmerica Nazarene University for 30 years. He was elected as the President & CEO of KidsTLC and served for 13 years until his retirement. He also volunteered for a number of community organizations including being elected to the Olathe Board of Education and Johnson County Community College Board of Trustees for a total of 25 years. Bob has been honored by numerous recognitions and awards throughout the community. Most importantly, Bob and his wife Julie have two sons and daughters-in-law and seven grandchildren.

In the Fall of 2020, Troy played a key role in framing the 4L Foundation, where he was elected as the Executive Director. Growing up embedded in poverty and domestic violence, Troy knows what it is like not to “feel safe.” He is passionate about breaking the chains of scarcity with the sustainable abundance that comes from educational opportunities and a thriving network of support. He is a person of Faith who loves people and believes in serving, regardless of another’s background or belief system.

Troy loves the City of Olathe and has been a Kansas Citian for better than 30 years with his wife Angella. Together, they have raised four wonderful children who thrived in our Olathe Public Schools. Troy has a fervor for people and has been an advocate for children and families throughout his professional life – even taking several classes offered at the Kauffman Foundation on Suicide Strategies of Prevention and Post Care. He went on to complete ASIST training and serves on the leadership of Johnson County Suicide Prevention Coalition. From a seat of learning, Troy also began delving into the origins and nuances of Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion as a Fellow with the Kauffman Educational Foundation. He is a “connector,” developing partnerships with the community at-large, including an MOU with The Salvation Army (Chicago, IL). This encompasses collaboration with local NGOs, community service organizations, and the Olathe Public Schools. He is a graduate of Leadership Olathe, involved in the Olathe Rotary Club and the Olathe Chamber of Commerce. Troy is an Ordained Elder in the Church of the Nazarene, where he served as a fulltime Minister for nearly 25 years. He is a Chaplain for the Olathe Fire Department and is the Director of Holistic Wellness and Spiritual Life for KidsTLC. Troy received both his undergraduate (Business) and master’s degrees (MBA) from MidAmercia Nazarene University where he serves on the Alumni Council.

Erin Birge has served as Director of Accounting with QTS since 2007. She has been involved in many facets of the business including Financial Reporting, Budgeting, General Ledger, Accounts Receivable, Billing, Tax, and Accounts Payable. She was a key member of the team that took the company public in 2013. Erin was the accounting project lead for an ERP implementation in 2019.

Erin has worked in accounting for over 25 years. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting and Business/Management from MidAmerica Nazarene University. Erin and her husband Mike reside in Olathe, KS and have 2 boys.

Bill Clair was the Chief Financial Officer for MidAmerica Nazarene University from 2000 to 2009, a Financial Advisor from 2010 to 2022, when he retired from AIG. He holds a B.A. in Business Administration and MBA from MidAmerica Nazarene University. He grew up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa in a single parent home and has a strong interest in helping those that are experiencing the same life challenges as he did as a child.

Elizabeth is a licensed clinical social worker who has worked in pediatric oncology and college-age mental health. During her time at Children’s Mercy Hospital, she worked with the Hispanic unit of the oncology unit and provided multiple services regarding marginalized communities. Later, as Director for Student Counseling and Wellness at MidAmerica Nazarene University, she coordinated a multi-faceted approach to mental health.

Currently retired, she now enjoys writing, traveling and spending time with her family.

Rachel has been a social worker for 20 years earning degrees from Olivet Nazarene University, 2001, as well as the University of Illinois, MSW, 2003. Licensed as a clinical social worker in 2010, she has worked as a community educator, mental health specialist and school social worker. As a school social worker, she has experience with children, and their families, from preschool – high school. For seven years, Rachel served children, adolescents, and families through the local church.

Currently, Rachel is a therapist in private practice in Olathe.

Originally from California, Erik Erazo enlisted in the United States Army after earning his diploma. Erazo started at Olathe North High School more than 17 years ago and was inspired to further his education and earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in education.

Erazo created flagship programs targeting at-risk youth which provide mentorship and encourages students to maintain personal identities while removing negative activities. Currently, these programs boast a 100% graduation rate.

Serving on multiple community boards, Erazo received the 2013 Olathe Human Relations Educator Award, was named the 2017 Olathe Public Schools Emporia State University Master Teacher in 2017, and the 2019 City of Olathe Cathedral Builder Award.

Joel has been with the 4L Foundation since 2019, where he coordinates marketing and brand communication initiatives. Alongside this, he is currently an instructor in the e-Communication Academy at Olathe Northwest High School and is a part-time adjunct professor at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU.edu), teaching courses in Graphic Design and UI/UX.

Joel brings with him a wealth of experience, having previously taught Web Design at the Art Institutes International and, for the past seven years, at Johnson County Community College. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design from Kansas State University, as well as a Masters Degree in Information Technology from Southern New Hampshire University.

Before joining the Foundation, Joel spent many years in Corporate America working as a Graphic Designer, Web Designer, and Brand Marketing Manager. Additionally, he owned his own web design business for over 15 years.

Chris has been in the design industry for the past 14 years and more specifically in the Web Design and Development area for the last 6 of those years. He currently works for a non-profit legal firm that works daily in the state courts as well as the US Supreme court for Religious Freedom, Parental Rights, Life, and Marriage & Family. Chris has been able to help grow fundraising for this non-profits through his design and development work and loves being able to “tithe-his-talents” in helping 4L Foundation grow to build a healthy support system for single mothers and their children.

My career began in juvenile corrections more than 34 years ago, I have always provided direct client service to youth and families. I have served on the Board of Directors with the 4L Foundation for more than 10 years. I am a highly motivated individual, a self-starter who works well with others and also independently. I am highly organized and posses a positive attitude which is essential to be successful in any position. I have effectively served as a role model in promoting and fostering the mission, vision, and values of the 4L Foundation. Those values include our Mission, which is changing the trajectory of children and families by addressing economic, educational and housing inequities in our diverse community. The 4L Vision, is creating sustainable opportunities for marginalized populations in Johnson County, Kansas. The 4L Values include compassion, diversity, empowerment, excellence, honesty and respect. The mission, vision and values are critical in our role of changing the trajectory of women and children/families served in our program.

Recently, serving in the role of the Programs Coordinator, and a Senior Case Manager/Supervisor has provided me the opportunity to multi-task; be proficient in budget related matters, posses an attention to detail with strong computer and customer service skills. I currently develop performance outcome measures for the Department of Corrections, Juvenile Detention Center, and Juvenile Intake and Assessment program analyzing the data, looking at recidivism rates, costs, and youth outcomes for our core programs in the 10th Judicial District. This position also includes the integration of evidence based cognitive skills programs that are effective at reducing recidivism, and changing at risk behaviors in our youth to aide them in becoming self sufficient, and law abiding citizens in our community as they age. These qualities and job skills allow me to work directly with the 4L Foundation in meeting the true risk and needs resposivity of our program participants. The 4L Foundation truly has an everlasting impact in the lives of our program participants and their children, growing with them as they gain financial independence, leading to prosperity and totally reshaping their lives toward self sufficiency, good mental and physical health along with their well-being.

Johnny was appointed as a Mercy Foundation/4L board member in 2020 and currently serves on the Development sub-committee. Johnny grew up in the great state of Texas prior to attending MidAmerica Nazarene University, where he received his BS in Management and Human Relations (2004).

Roland is a police officer and has worked for the Olathe Police Department for 27 years. He is a father to two girls and volunteers regularly at his church (Nexus).