Meet Our Staff

Mandy is a graduate of Washburn University with a degree in elementary education and a master's degree in educational administration. She joined the Prevention and Resiliency Services Team in May of 2021. As executive director, she oversees the organization's day-to-day operations, builds collaborative relationships with other community agencies, and helps guide the strategic planning for PARS's future, among numerous other tasks.

Before joining the PARS team, Mandy served as Vice President of Operations at Topeka's Boys & Girls Clubs. She also devoted 19 years of her career to the public school system, first as a teacher, then as a building principal. Joining the PARS team has allowed her to marry her love of education with her desire to impact her hometown through work in prevention.

Outside of work, Mandy enjoys attending local theater events, learning new things, and going to boot camp to keep her body and mind nourished!

mczechanski@parstopeka.org

Lynn is a graduate of Kansas State University with a degree in kinesiology. Lynn joined the Prevention Services Department at PARS in June 2012 as a Community Prevention Consultant. In this role, Lynn gives school and community presentations addressing substance abuse and prevention education.

Before joining the Prevention Services Department, Lynn spent six years with Safe Streets (another program of PARS). At Safe Streets, Lynn was the Youth Development Coordinator and Community Mobilizer.

Lynn's interest in Prevention work stems from wanting youth to succeed.

In addition, Lynn understands firsthand how using substances can negatively impact one's life, so Lynn feels it's important to educate today's youth about the dangers of using alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs. Outside of work, Lynn enjoys coaching sports and has done this for the past 20 years.

lsmith@parstopeka.org

Sarah Coats earned her bachelor's of social work in 2009 and a master's of social work in 2012. She is a proud graduate of Topeka High School and Washburn University.

Sarah has devoted her life to helping vulnerable and at-risk populations in our community. Sarah's background is richly diverse, bringing advanced knowledge in many fields, including domestic violence, human trafficking, the foster-care system, and working with the aging population.

Sarah enjoys spending time with her husband and their three children in her free time. She loves to hike, read, and crochet. In addition, she's an avid Kansas Jayhawks fan.

scoats@parstopeka.org

Eric joined the Prevention and Resiliency Services Team in April of 2022. As the communications specialist, he oversees all the organization's social media and website content.

Sober since 2013, Eric has been driven, compassionate, and dedicated to helping others better themselves.

In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his husband and their two dogs, volunteering with Lions Club, and watching Star Trek.

etweedy@parstopeka.org

Haley Gil earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education from Kansas State University in 2005 and a master's degree in adaptive special education in 2009. She joined the PARS team in July 2022.

Haley worked as a special education teacher for 13 years in Topeka Public Schools and Shawnee Heights Unified School District. She is passionate about working with youth and empowering them with the tools and skills needed to be their best version.

In her free time, she loves to spend time with her husband, Willow, their miniature dachshund, and her extended family. In addition, she enjoys KSU sporting events, traveling, and listening to live music.

hgil@parstopeka.org