2026 Board and Committee Applications are Now Open! 

Meet Our Stronger Together Board of Directors

The Stronger Together Springfield Board of Directors provides strategic leadership and stewardship, helping cultivate the partnerships, resources, and vision needed to create safer, more connected, and more resilient communities.​

Board President
Krista Pyle - ​Founder of Stronger Together

Krista Pyle has spent 19 years serving students and families on the north side of Springfield Public Schools, including the past four as a behavior interventionist. Inspired by the impact of trauma and resilience in her work, she founded Stronger Together Springfield to strengthen collaboration across community systems. This work brings together partners across sectors to support families as they navigate resources and build safer, healthier communities.

Treasurer
Tim Matthews

Lead Data Analyst
Amber Yanez

Lead Event Coordinator
​Jared Durden

Jared Durden is a Physics Instructor at Ozarks Technical Community College, where he has spent over a decade engaging students in active, collaborative learning environments. His work in physics education research focuses on student engagement, belonging, and the ways learning communities support persistence and success. He has led and supported initiatives both on campus and in the Springfield community, creating spaces where individuals feel welcomed, valued, and engaged. Grounded in both research and practice, Jared is committed to building environments where people can connect, learn, and thrive together.

Advisory Officer
Dr. Kaleen Long - Mercy Pediatrics

Kaleen Long is a General Pediatrician at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, MO. Kaleen holds a Bachelor of Arts from Yale University and a Medical Doctorate from University of Missouri-Columbia. Kaleen is honored to serve on the Stronger Together Springfield board to enrich the lives of families in our community.

Secretary
Rebecca Bookout

Lead Grant Writer
​Ashley Meredith

Our Cardiff Executive Board Members

The Cardiff Executive Board is a collaborative leadership team that brings together healthcare, education, public safety, and community partners to guide the implementation of the Cardiff Model and turn anonymous injury data into coordinated prevention efforts.

Stronger Together Springfield
Krista Pyle
​​Executive Director

CoxHealth
​John Archer
Admin Director Emergency Svcs, 
​Hospital Service Line Admin

Mercy
Cindy Beck
​VP- Patient Care Services
ED Administration
​​

Missouri State University
Dr. Robert Neizgoda
Assistant Professor
Director, Master of Public Health Program

Springfield Public Schools
Dr. Tom Masterson
Executive Director of Schools, Elementary
Chairman for the Mayor's Commission for Families and Children

"The Cardiff model has the potential to dramatically influence Springfield, creating a lasting investment
​in our community's youth."
Dr. Tom Masterson serves as the Executive Director of Schools for Springfield Public Schools, where he oversees 10 elementary campuses and provides dedicated leadership support to building principals. A passionate advocate for youth and community development, Dr. Masterson also serves as the Chairman for the Mayor’s Commission for Children, a board member for Cents of Pride, a member of the Cardiff Executive Board, and is a proud member of Leadership Springfield’s Signature Class 51.
 
His career with SPS began in 2012 as a fourth-grade teacher at McGregor Elementary. He then transitioned into administration, serving as an assistant principal at both McGregor and Sherwood Elementary, and later as the building principal at Jeffries Elementary. Prior to stepping into his current executive role, he served as the Director of Elementary for one year.
 
Dr. Masterson earned his doctorate from the University of Missouri-Columbia, and holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Missouri State University. In recognition of his professional leadership and community impact, he was named to the Springfield community's 2024 "40 Under 40" class. Outside of his educational leadership, Dr. Masterson was selected as the Kansas City Chiefs' 2024 Fan of the Year and represented the franchise at the Super Bowl in New Orleans.

Ozarks Public Health Initiative
Selena West
Program Coordinator:
​Sexual Violence Prevention

Springfield Dream Center
Julie Weinreis
Academy Director

Stronger Together Springfield
Amber Yanez
Data Analyst Lead

More Members
​Coming Soon!

We're still looking for representatives from the following areas of expertise in our community: 
  • City Government
  • Faith-Based Organizations
  • Burrell 
  • Mental Health Professionals
  • ​Health Department 
  • Community Members with the diverse lived experiences representative of Springfield