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Eyes Right Here is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that supports the work of Special Educators that serve autistic students in the Kansas City area.
We provide grants to educators so that they can purchase tools to help their students learn more efficiently.
Our work is vitally important to hundreds of students that benefit from these grants. Without additional financial support educators are left to purchase classroom items with personal funds. Eyes Right Here supports educators to help “fill in” these gaps.
Brianne is the Founder of Eyes Right Here. She grew up in Blue Springs, Missouri and graduated from Northwest Missouri State University. She lives in Blue Springs with her husband Brandon, son Nicholas, and daughter Hadley.
After receiving an autism diagnosis for her Nicholas, Brianne started Eyes Right Here in 2019 with a mission to support educators that serve autistic students. Brianne works as a sales manager at Cargill and is passionate about serving and enabling others.
Brianne also serves as a member of Women Endowing Education, is the president of the PTSA at Nicholas’s middle school and is a 2023 recipient of The Women of Distinction award.
Dr. Matt Hakes Ed.D. is an accomplished educator and leader with a rich background in academic administration and strong commitment to community development. He has spent nearly two decades fostering an environment where students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Dr. Hakes graduated with a BS from Graceland University, received his MA, Special Education and Teaching from University of Phoenix, and earned his Doctor of Education – EdD., Educational Leadership and Administration from William Woods University in 2019.
Matt has agreed to serve as Executive Director of Eyes Right Here, effective 8/1/2024. In this role, he will lead initiatives that create lasting, positive change for teachers and students. His ability to inspire and mobilize others, combined with his strategic thinking and compassionate approach, positions him to make significant contribution in this new role.
In his free time, he enjoys spending time with family, wife – Heidee, and three children – Hadlee, Hudson, and Crosby.
Andrea grew up in Lees Summit, Missouri and graduated from the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas. She resides in Lees Summit with her husband Steve and daughter Diana, who attends Blue Springs South High School. Their son Alex is a Sophomore at Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri. Andrea serves as CFO of her family-owned business, Total Interiors, based out of Kansas City. In her free time, Andrea loves gardening, spending time outdoors, and watching Alex’s cross country meets, and Diana’s debate tournaments.
Brooke Hilst comes to Eyes Right Here with a passion for serving the community and a focus on equity in education for students to grow to their highest potential. Brooke serves as the Executive Director for the Arthritis Foundation, Kansas market and has spent her career in the nonprofit sector working in mission, development and leadership positions. During Brooke’s tenure with the Arthritis Foundation, she has raised almost $2 million dollars to support the Arthritis Foundation’s mission. Brooke is excited to help Eyes Right Here reach more teachers and students through fundraising and awareness campaigns.
Brooke is a graduate of the University of Kansas holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science and a minor in Business. Additionally, Brooke earned her Master of Public Administration from University of Missouri-Kansas City.
Brooke resides in Lees Summit, Missouri with her husband Keaton and daughters Bella and Annie.
Michelle Meyer grew up in Omaha, Nebraska where she currently lives with her husband Clint, and their daughter. Michelle attended Northwest Missouri State University where she received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. Michelle received her master’s degree from the University of Nebraska.
Michelle has been in education for 21 years teaching 2nd grade ESL and 5th grade.
Michelle enjoys Nebraska football, The Green Bay Packers and helping students to become the best version of themselves.
She is a 2019 recipient of the Alice Buffet outstanding teacher award.
Diana Jackson is currently a senior at Blue Springs South High School. She is involved in their tutoring program, National Honors Society, and for the past three years has been part of the speech & debate and mock trial teams. Outside the school she has been a part of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to raise money supporting research to find a cure for cancer. She loves being involved in her community and is thrilled to take on the role of Social Media Manager for Eyes Right Here. With this position she hopes to spread the mission of Eyes Right Here to create a lasting and positive impact on the Kansas City Metro area.
In her free time, Diana loves to read, crochet, and spend time with her parents and her older brother.
We are always seeking Teachers, SLP’s, SPED, Counselors, and others that provide education to autistic students in the Kansas City area! We are available to any district and any grade.
We are also always seeking corporate partnerships, individual donors, and support to fund our grants!
Click the link below to receive more information about receiving a grant or donating.