People First of Missouri header - shows a map of the United States with Missouri in bright color
People First of Missouri's Awards Winners
Please join us in congratulation for the 2021 People First of Missouri awards winners.  The last couple of years has brought many challenges and we were not able to meet in person for the conference.  This year we recognized a Life Time Achievement and several Self-advocates of the Year, along with the Agency of the Year, Advisor of the Year, and Supporter of the Year.
Picture of John Burriss
Lifetime Achievement Winner Is:
John Burriss
The reason I want to nonnominated John Burriss is that he has been a member of People First for 31 years.  He was a founding member of Marshal People First, which was one of the first chapters in the state.  John has devoted many hours to the statewide, and local levels of the chapter.  He provides transportation to members who else may not be able to participate.
John has donated money to the chapter, by buying things that our chapter needs with his own money out of pocket, and does not ask for anything in return, he has also paid for a member to attend a national conference in the past.
He has set up meetings for the chapter has recruited new members has done presentations and training.  He has set on boards and other organizations representing People First at the local and state.  John is well known in the Saline County area because of his involvement in People First of Missouri.
Support Person of the Year:
Suzanne Yardley
Suzanne is an absolutely fantastic person to nominate for a support person of the year! During the pandemic, Suzanne made sure that all of her clients were taking care of. She helps our chapter participate in the St. Louis Provider Collision  This is a group of agencies that provide services for people with disabilities.  This allows for People First of St. Charles to not only have a voice we have a vote.  As a result, have all had so many resources given to us by them that we could not be more grateful. 
Picture of Mark Satterwhite
Advisor of the Year
Mark Satterwhite

Mark has been a part of People First since 1998.  He has been a  great advisor for the Boone County chapter.  He keeps them focus on what they should be working on as a People First chapter.  He helps them network with others outside of People First. 
Boone County Family Resoucres logo
Agency of the Year

Boone County Family Resources (BCFR)
Boone County Family Resources (BCFR) helps People First of Boone County out a lot when needed.  The agency is great about letting the People First of Boone County chapter meet in their building. They help the chapter with finances when needed. 
Self-advocates of the Year
Picture of Jeff Johnson
Jeff Johnson

Jeff has been with People First of Boone County for about 11 years. He has been a great leader for their group.  He gets involved in just about everything that comes up about disability.  He set on boards and committees in the community.  He works with local, state, and federal leaders when asked to.  He is a great advocate for all people and not only for people with disabilities.
Picture of Kayla Aldridge 
Kayla Aldridge
Kayla is a very outspoken self-advocate.  Kayla stands up for what she believes in and advocates for others who do not.  Kayla teaches the local chapter how to believe in themselves and gives them the tools to advocate and fight for themselves and others in the community.  Kayla is a participant in the state steering committees meetings and is a valued member of her community.  Kayla gets funds from the local Senate Bill 40 to fund trips for as many members as possible.  Kayla assists in fundraising campaigns and participates in community activities.  
Picture of Lindsay Johns
Lindsay Johns
Lindsay always steps up and is willing to help others learn to advocate for what they need or want, as well as for herself. She is kind, compassionate, and generous with her time. 
Jennifer Floretta
Since joining the St. Charles chapter years ago Jennifer has only missed one meeting once a year for a summer camp at Camp Wonderland.  During the start of the pandemic, she attends most of the zoom meetings.  If you need anything or any help advocating Jennifer is your gal!  She helps advocate getting the vaccine for members who were scared.  Jennifer is a take-charge kind of gal and she is the St. Charles People First sergeant of arms and of course knows how to command a room when the other officers need help.  The blood sweat and tears Jennifer has put into the St. Charles chapter makes the other members proud to know her.  Jennifer promotes People First of St. Charles and the state as if it was her full-time job.  She absolutely would deserve an award this year