We will rise up as a community to work toward a safer, kinder world for us all
It will take all of us to create a community where everyone has safe and supportive relationships. That’s why Claire’s Community offers a variety of relationship violence prevention programs and resources for youth and adults that will equip everyone to stop interpersonal violence before it begins.
What We Value
The inherent equality and worth of all individuals.
The strength and power of individuals
to make their own life choices.
The right of every individual to a safe and just environment.
Community accountability and recognition to eliminate the root causes of violence.
The integrity of our organizational practices.
Responding to community need with vision, creativity and courageous leadership.
20 per minute
the number of people physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States.
What we intend to do about it
We envision a community where everyone enjoys safe, supportive relationships in which they can thrive. Where no one is a victim – or perpetrator – of interpersonal violence. It’s a big dream, we know. But prevention is possible. As we educate and empower individuals of all ages to build healthy, respectful, nonviolent relationships, it will have a powerful ripple effect that brings transformative change to our community.
Claire’s Community Uses a Proven Approach.
Comprehensive
Claire’s Community follows the Center for Disease Controls’ comprehensive approach to preventing relationship violence by addressing risk and protective factors at multiple levels: individual, peer and family, community, and societal. This broad approach employs multi-sector interventions designed to create a social and physical environment where harmful behaviors are less likely and healthy behaviors are encouraged and supported.
Evidence-based
The strategies employed by Claire’s Community are based on the best available evidence to help our community focus on prevention activities that have a proven record to prevent relationship violence and its consequences across the lifespan.
Honoring Claire’s legacy
LT Dr. Claire VanLandingham was a shining star, a dentist in the US Navy who poured her passion and energy into the people and causes she believed in. In January 2018, she was killed by a former partner. Her passing left a vacuum in the lives of those who knew and loved her. So in May 2018, Claire’s mother, Shannon VanLandingham, and others who knew and loved Claire founded #BeMoreLikeClaire to carry on the transformative work Claire most surely would have done in her life.
Claire lived her life around a set of values that are now the guiding principles for everything we do at #BeMoreLikeClaire:
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All people should have access to healthy food.
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All people should have access to holistic and comprehensive health care.
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All people should have access to housing that is safe and affordable.
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All relationships should be free from cruelty and built on trust and respect.
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Positive, caring role models and mentors transform lives.
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The Earth and its resources should be protected and respected.
The #BeMoreLikeClaire Team
Shannon VanLandingham
Founding Executive Director
Shannon brings a lifetime of experience in leadership and non-profit volunteering. Throughout her life she has served as a trainer, facilitator, and educator, while organizing leadership programs, planning events, and honing her skills in fundraising for good causes. She loves her family and friends, music, big laughs, and finding the right person for the job. Working to continue her daughter's legacy of love and service is helping her find healing for her shattered heart.
Nicole Malcom
Outreach Coordinator
Nicole is returning to Kansas with her husband from South Dakota to be closer to family. She comes to us with a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management, an Associate in Accounting, and a Certification in Meeting Planning. Her extensive career within non-profits includes over 10 years with operations, project management, contract negotiations, marketing, brand awareness, event planning, website re-design, and mobile app development. Nicole additionally has experience with education credentialing, association policies, accounting, and human resources. As a current member of the Sioux Empire Pride Sports Association. (SEPSA), she has a strong sense of inclusivity for everyone and is ecstatic about helping #BeMoreLikeClaire continue to flourish and grow.
Phyllis Stadley
Office Administrator
Phyllis came to #BeMoreLikeClaire because she did not just want a “job” but to make a difference and be a blessing to others. She comes to us with a degree in Organizational Management and Leadership from Friends University and significant experience balancing budgets of over a million dollars, creating databases, organizing events, administering grants, doing payroll, and helping with publicity. She finds joy in supporting the staff and feels her job is to make others’ jobs easier. She also shares #BMLC’s belief that everyone deserves to be treated with kindness and respect. She believes this organization is one where she can thrive and help other people succeed and thrive as well.
In her spare time, Phyllis and her husband like to go to car shows and do home improvements. She also loves doting on her little Yorkie dog, gardening, painting, being an amateur photographer, and playing the ukulele.
The #BeMoreLikeClaire Board
Will Averill, President
Director of Communications & Marketing for Community Children's Center
Will is a writer, performer, father, and proud townie. He has lived in Lawrence all his life except for the 8 years he spent in England. Will has several published plays for middle school students and is co-artistic Director of Lawrence's Card Table Theatre. He has an amazing wife, son, and Daisy, the world's largest dog.
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Will become familiar with #BeMoreLikeClaire when working on Claire's Community with Willow. Shannon wanted to create a curriculum to help parents engage in conversations about domestic and relationship violence with their kids. Will was so impressed with the passion Shannon and Claire's friends showed in creating such positive works out of such a tragic situation. Although he never knew Claire, he very much feels her spirit in the work and is excited to be a part of that legacy.
Kayla Deere, Vice President
Co-Owners and hairstylist at Images Salon
Kayla knew from a very young age that her dream was to become a hairstylist. With her gift of gab, love of beauty, and an eagerness to make others feel good about themselves, Kayla moved to Lawrence in 2000 and began her career as a hairstylist. In 2009, she became the Co-owner of Images Salon. Kayla is a mother of 3 and enjoys spending time with family and friends. In her spare time, she enjoys watching her kids play sports, repurposing furniture, trivia, gardening, being outside, music, hosting any theme party, sunshine, and laughing. Another passion of Kayla's has always been volunteering and giving back to our community.
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Kayla met Shannon in their Leadership Lawrence class and was moved when she heard Claire's story. She is honored to be on the Board and a part of this amazing organization. Kayla's values align with Claire's Community. A mother herself, her children's happiness and well-being are paramount. She is dedicated to Claire's mission of educating our community and putting an end to interpersonal violence.
Kristy Weeks, Secretary
Owner, Sacred Self Hypnotherapy and Coaching
Kristy Weeks has a BA in Psychology from Pittsburg State University in 2003, then her MS in Counseling at Oklahoma State University in 2011. Kristy is a counselor, hypnotherapist, NLP Practitioner, TIME Techniques Practitioner, Success Coach, EFT Practitioner, and Reiki Practitioner. All these modalities together mean that she works with people to reach a deeper level of transformation through holistic practice in Lawrence, KS. She has over 20 years of experience in the human services field. She likes to spend time with friends and family in her spare time, travel, read, or in the nearest body of water.
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Kristy got involved with Claire's Community because she is passionate about working with victims of domestic violence and addressing the systemic issues that contribute to the stigma surrounding relationship violence.
Shari Hicks, Treasurer
Deputy Register of Deeds for Douglas County
Shari has worked for Douglas County since 2016 and currently serves as the deputy of the Register of Deeds. She was born and raised in Douglas County and has lived in Lawrence for almost 30 years. She has a passion for her community. That passion has led her to volunteer with several area groups throughout the years. Whether it be serving meals to those in need, working with shelter dogs, or leading group runs, she always enjoys giving back. Shari also enjoys serving her community through her career with Douglas County, Kansas. In her spare time, Shari enjoys time with family, her two rescue dogs, friends, listening to live music, and several outdoor activities, including trail running, kayaking, and gravel biking. She can often be found running the local trails as well as taking adventures with friends around the country. Shari met Shannon through the Leadership Lawrence program and loves everything that Claire's Community represents. She is very excited to be a part of the Board because it aligns with her passion for everyone to feel safe, healthy, and happy.
Chris Peoples, Past President
​Shareholder and the LegalShield supervising attorney at
Riling, Burkhead & Nitcher, Chtd.
Chris originally came to Lawrence as an undergraduate at the University of Kansas and is an avid Jayhawks fan, Rock Chalk! After graduating in 1003 with a degree in Political Science, he moved back to Kansas City to attend law school at UMKC. It did not take long for him to realize how much he missed the Lawrence community. In 2008, he moved back to Lawrence and began working at Riling, Burkhead & Nitcher, Chtd. Chris brings with him over 16 years of legal experience. He enjoys spending time with his wife, their English Bull Mastiff, Hosmer, and friends in his free time.
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Chris met Shannon through the Leadership Lawrence program and quickly realized that he wanted to be a part of this important organization and help continue Claire's mission to help others. One of the things that he loves most about Lawrence is the community's willingness, passion, and commitment to help others. This aligns with Claire's mission, and Chris is excited to be a part of Claire's Community.
Gwen Belt
Kim Clark
Account Manager for Community Blood Center (CBC)
Kim is a graduate of Washburn University with a Bachelor of Arts in Music. Kim has played cello, was in the Orchestra, and even played percussion instruments in the Washburn marching band. While she did not pursue a career in music, she played in a string quartet for 15 years and still plays cello at church occasionally.
Kim is an Account Manager for the Community Blood Center (CBC) of Greater Kansas City and though she lives in Parkville, MO, Lawrence has become like a second home.
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Her role at CBC is managing and executing blood drives in a KS Territory, including Douglas County, which is her largest county. She is passionate about educating anyone who will listen about the importance of blood donation. Kim has boy/girl twins who were born prematurely; her son enduring some health issues and needed blood products. It is her passion to encourage others who are healthy and able to give back to their community and save lives by giving blood, for which there is no substitute! Kim is an avid blood donor herself, donating over 5 gallons to date! Kim loves the Lawrence Community, as they are very altruistic, and has made many new friends via The Lawrence Chamber and blood drives around town!
Kim is a 2024 Leadership Lawrence Graduate but first met Shannon through LWN (formerly Lawrence Women’s Network). After learning about Claire, she knew she wanted to get involved. Kim is inspired by Claire’s life and the way she gave back to her community and loves the mission of #BMLC. After experiencing an abusive relationship in college, she is even more passionate about the mission to end domestic violence and teach others about healthy relationships.
Beth Easter
Market President at INTRUST Bank
Beth is a graduate of the University of Kansas with a bachelor's degree in human biology and attended the Graduate School of Banking in Colorado. She transitioned from small business owner to INTRUST Bank Market President with the intent to utilize her personal experience for the financial empowerment of others. For over a decade, she has been passionately providing business customers with solutions for their various financial needs. Beth is also dedicated to developing her employees into trust advisors and strong community stewards. She serves her communities through membership with the Topeka Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Topeka Community Foundation Impact Investing Fund Committee, Lawrence Chamber of Commerce Finance Committee, and Kansas Housing Association. Beth also volunteers her time through the National Charity League and serves as Treasurer on the board of Cottonwood, inc.
Kandyce Horn
Office Administrator
A lifelong resident of Northeast Kansas, Lawrencian, since 2008, Kandy joins us with an interest in the education and prevention of relationship violence and the intersection of relationship violence with food and housing insecurity.
Kandy’s focus professionally has been service to students, be it as a debate coach, camp program manager or sorority/fraternity house director. In her current role as the CEO of Best Fed Greeks, she still works to support students but can also utilize her executive skills in budgeting, marketing, and long-range planning. Additionally, she hopes to put her Master of Library Science degree to use in researching additional funding and outreach opportunities.
When she’s not working, traveling, or volunteering, she spends time with family and friends and her beloved one-year-old French Bulldog, London Phog.
Kandy became aware of #BeMoreLikeClaire through board member Shari Hicks and is looking forward to working with the whole team to advance our mission and goals as she recognizes how much educational work is to be done!
Debbie McCord
Retired
Debbie was born and raised in Kansas City, Kansas. She has a Bachelor's degree in Communications. For a time, she lived in Northern California and worked for Xerox. She moved back to Kansas to be near family and ended up in Lawrence working at the School of Social Welfare at the University of Kansas, planning events, training, etc., and is so grateful for all she learned about mental health during those years. Later, she worked at KU Endowment and served as the fundraiser for the School of Social Welfare and the Libraries for 10 years until she retired in 2018. She loves hanging out with her family and pets. They enjoy hiking, working out, and taking strips to Colorado. She is happiest when she is near water, especially the ocean.
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She is passionate about serving the community. In 2016, she received care for a heart problem at St. Luke's Hospital in KC. After that experience, she trained at the Mayo Clinic to learn how to be a volunteer as a Women Heart Champion checking on women post-surgery and providing information. It is one way she has been giving back. She has also served two terms on the Board of Just Food in Lawrence. Debbie is elated to be part of Claire's Community and to help make a difference.
Kiley Nottingham
Director of Events at Abe and Jake's Landing
Kiley moved to Lawrence in 2003 to pursue a passion for Floral and Interior Design. After college, Kiley has spent over a decade working in the area of event planning at several venues in Lawrence. For the last eight years, she has served as the Venue Director at Abe & Jakes Landing, planning weddings. Kiley is enthusiastic and absolutely always willing to make any accommodation when it comes to making your event take the leap from "special" to "a dream come true". Kiley enjoys spending time with her kids and keeping up on the latest makeup trends, playing games and participating in home dance parties and a good movie night. These times together create lasting memories filled with laughter and joy. Kiley has learned the importance of having a strong role model and wishes nothing more than to encourage her kids and every person she comes into contact with to just be unapologetically themselves. Kiley accepts people for who they are and helps shine a light on them on their darkest days.
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Connecting with so many people led her to the decision to join the board of Claire's Community, where she may have the chance to make a difference in someone's life. Having kids has created a passion to advocate, spread awareness, and educate on the topic of domestic violence. Being a part of Claire's Community is a way for her to empower future generations and educate them about domestic violence, the steps to take in creating healthy boundaries, and the corrective actions to take when those boundaries have been crossed.
Amy Roust
GISP, GIS Administrator for the CIty of Lawrence
Amy is a geography geek with more than a decade of experience in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for local and state government. Since relocating to Lawrence in 2014, she has worked for Douglas County and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and is currently on staff at the City of Lawrence in the IT department. She holds bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Missouri-Columbia and earned her GIS Professional license in 2016.
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Amy served on the board of the Kansas Association of Mappers for six years, including the presidency in 2022. She remains active in the organization, serving as program chair for the group's annual professional conference in 2024 and 2025. She previously volunteered as an ambassador and fundraiser for Douglas County CASA and volunteered for a grassroots animal welfare organization during her time living in Northeast Ohio.
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Joining Claire's Community board provides Amy with a new opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the community. She believes that every person deserves to live a life free from violence and is eager to support initiatives that make this possible for others.
Conor Taft
Associate Director of Development at KU Endwoment
A native of the Chicago area, Conor had called Lawrence home since 2009, when he arrived as a freshman at KU. When he is not working as a fundraiser at KU Endowment, he enjoys spending time with friends, exercising, and live music. Conor was initially drawn to Claire's Community thanks to colleague and fellow board member Shelly Triplett. After reading up on the organization, he was struck by Claire's story and Claire's Community's dedication to carrying on her legacy helping others, particularly as it relates to fostering healthy relationships and mentoring young men. When Shelly invited him to apply to be a board member, it felt like just the push Conor needed to throw his hat into the ring. HE's honored to play a small role in supporting the tremendous work of Claire's Community.