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Meet the Staff

Patricia (Patti) Ballard, MS, LPC, ATSA

Patti is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).  She earned her Masters in Counseling Psychology from Avila University and undergraduate in Psychology from Park University. In addition to her license she holds several certifications. She is a professional member of the American Counseling Association, Pi Gamma Mu Pi, Greater Kansas City Psychological Association, and the LGBT-Affirmative Therapists Guild of Kansas City. She continually educates herself by attending conferences, keeping up with current therapy research, and seeking further educational credits.

In addition to her counseling experience, Patti has over 15 years of management experience working with a wide variety of clients in varying industries.  Her diverse background makes her exceptionally qualified to work with diverse populations and cultures on topics of domestic abuse, sexual abuse, relationships, decision making, stress, conflict resolution, and family matters.  She has counseled individuals, business professionals and families.

She has learned when an individual or families experience severe life stressors or trauma it is not uncommon for their lives to begin to unravel. Often, they make poor choices and find themselves in need of help. Her passion is helping the individual or family regain control of their lives, make positive choices, and find forgiveness in themselves. She works closely with individuals and families by providing them the tools needed to obtain a healthy perception of self and strengthen their relationships so they can be at peace, feel whole again, and feel a sense of safety to self and others.

Patti knows there is not a single therapy modality that is right for every individual. Therefore, she provides a collaborative approach on various modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, goal setting, psychoeducation and positive therapy to help clients make changes.

Contact: [email protected]


Shelby Hatten, LPC - Diversion Monitor

Shelby is a licensed professional counselor in the state of Kansas. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Wyoming and her master’s degree in counseling from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. She has worked with a wide diversity of clients and hopes to continue working with individuals of all walks of life. Shelby fell in love with psychology after taking her first psychology course in high school.

Shelby began as an intern with Associates at Hope Harbor and was hired on full-time following her licensure. Shelby currently facilitates the anger management and parenting programs, as well as assists with the batterer’s intervention classes. In addition to these weekly programs, Shelby conducts many one-day classes including financial crimes, all-day anger management, and johns’ school. She currently serves as the diversion court monitor for Associates at Hope Harbor.

Shelby was raised in a military family and has traveled all over the US. Her family settled down in Wyoming, where Shelby graduated high school. She enjoys reading, knitting, embroidery, and spending time with her roommate.

Contact: [email protected]


 Janet Buntain, LMSW

Janet is a Licensed Master level Social Worker with a Bachelors in Theology from the University of Dallas, and a Masters of Science in Social Work from the University of Louisville.  She has a specialization in gerontology.  In addition to seeing individual clients, Janet currently works within the substance abuse and sex offender programs at Hope Harbor. Janet enjoys helping clients rise from surviving to thriving, using a combination of several therapeutic modalities.

Janet is an animal lover and has worked in dog rescue in the past.  She enjoys spending time with her family, art, music, crafts, and exploring Kansas City with her dog Ginger.

Contact: jbuntain@hopeharborkc.com


Beth Easley, CLC

Beth grew up in Johnson County, graduation from Shawnee Mission East High School as well as graduation from Kansas State University with a B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies. She holds a certification for facilitation the Kansas Batter's Intervention Program. She went on to work for Johnson County Court Services for thirty years as a Court Service Officer. She began working with the Domestic Violence population twenty years ago as a supervision officer. Beth went on to supervise the Domestic Violence team for nineteen years, retiring in March of 2019. She is looking forward to the next chapter of her life and is now a Certified Life Coach from Life Purpose Institute.

Beth continues to be involved with Johnson County's COMVAC Advisory Board and Justice Committee. She is also a member of the Attorney General's Domestic Violence Advisory Board.

Beth and her husband are empty nesters with two adult children. She loves to travel especially when sunshine and sand are involved.

Contact: [email protected]


Milagro Gessler – Spanish/English Interpreter

Milagro was born and raised in Honduras. She has been a Critical Care Registered Nurse for 20+ years. In her field, she translates often for her Spanish-speaking patients. During the Pandemic of COVID-19, She has also helped her co-workers communicate with the increased number of Spanish-speaking patients. Milagro has also translated during medical missions and general missions as she enjoys helping people develop into a better version of themselves. At Associates at Hope, Harbor Milagro works closely with the Spanish-speaking clientele. She is fluent in both Spanish and English and a dynamic verbal and written communicator. She translates for all services at our organization. 

Contact: [email protected]


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