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Miami County, Kansas Fellows

Photo of Christena Beer
Christena Beer
Public Health Director, Kansas
Miami County Health Department

Christena Beer leads the Miami County Health Department, located in Paola, Kansas. Ms. Beer began her public health career in local government and has more than 16 years of experience in the field of nursing. Her passion lies in creating healthier communities through evidence-based interventions and community partner engagement. Ms. Beer earned a bachelor of science degree in nursing and a master of public health degree with a concentration in social and behavioral health from the University of Kansas Medical Center.

Photo of Sarah E. Stewart
Sarah E. Stewart
District Judge, Kansas
6th Judicial District of Kansas

Sarah E. Stewart is a district judge for the 6th Judicial District of Kansas. Prior to her appointment, she was an attorney with experience in both the public and private sectors for 16 years. She now handles a wide range of cases, including criminal, juvenile, and child in need of care. Judge Stewart’s professional experiences have made her keenly aware of the impact of the substance use and mental health crises in our nation and their effects on our communities. She is eager to identify and build resources for her community.

Photo of Jackie Davey
Jackie Davey
RN, CDE Correctional Nurse, Kansas
Miami County Sheriff’s Department

Jackie Davey has spent the last 18 years in correctional nursing in rural Kansas, where she works to help inmates with their medical/mental health needs while incarcerated and with resources after release to prevent recidivism. She is excited to expand partnerships to help with the growing substance misuse problem in the community she has lived in her entire life. Ms. Davey earned her bachelor of science in nursing degree and her registered nurse license from the University of Kansas.

Photo of Amy Harth
Amy Harth
District Judge, Kansas
Kansas Judicial Branch

Amy Harth is the chief judge of the 6th Judicial District of Kansas. In her 20 years on the bench, Judge Harth has presided over all types of proceedings, most recently focusing on criminal, care and treatment, and child in need of care. Judge Harth is a member of the Kansas Judicial Council, chairing the Juvenile Offender/Child in Need of Care Subcommittee, and the Kansas Supreme Court Task Force on Permanency Planning. She supports interdisciplinary collaboration to provide better outcomes for everyone in contact with the justice system, improving long-term outcomes for the entire community.

Photo of Meckenzie Kelly
Meckenzie Kelly
Assistant Health Director, Kansas
Miami County Health Department

Meckenzie Kelly is the assistant health director at the Miami County Health Department in Kansas and a licensed practical nurse. Beginning her local government career in 2020, she quickly developed a passion for community service. As the wife of a law enforcement officer, Ms. Kelly is a strong advocate for the mental health and well-being of first responders, as well as overall mental health. She excels in helping individuals access essential life resources. Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in public health at Washburn University, with an expected graduation in December 2025, Ms. Kelly is dedicated to enhancing public health and community well-being.

Photo of Matthew Kelly
Matthew Kelly
Undersheriff, Kansas
Miami County Sheriff’s Office

Matthew Kelly began his career in 2007 with the Louisburg, Kansas, Police Department. While there, he was assigned to the Patrol Division. He was later hired by the Miami County, Kansas, Sheriff's Office (MCSO) as a deputy sheriff. Since being with the MCSO, Undersheriff Kelly has served as a deputy, detective, sergeant, and captain. He is the team commander of the Special Operations Response Team and the agency’s public information officer. Undersheriff Kelly graduated from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Central States Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar, is a recipient of the FBI-LEEDA (Law Enforcement Executive Development Association) Trilogy Award, and is a graduate of the Kansas University Public Management Center’s Certified Public Manager course.

Photo of Andrew Roush
Andrew Roush
Captain, Kansas
Miami County Sheriff’s Office

Andrew Roush is a captain at the Miami County, Kansas, Sheriff's Office and has been in law enforcement since 2007. After taking command of the jail, Captain Roush observed the need for mental health services to be available to the inmate population, as a large portion of that population was on some form of mental health medication.