MEET OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM
Jessica Newman, CNP, Executive Director
In 2012, Jessica started her journey with a non-profit organization dedicated to providing education, advocacy, and support for families with children who have disabilities and/or special health care needs. Through assisting families with their parental rights and engaging in annual advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C., Jessica quickly recognized the significant influence non-profits can have on families and communities.
In 2015, Jessica began her journey with The Layne Project Inc., a social services agency dedicated to providing services for families involved in high-conflict custody disputes. In July 2025, The Layne Project Inc. transitioned these services to 4 Families, where Jessica took on the role of Executive Director.
Jessica attended Johnson County Community College where she studied Business Administration, Grant Writing, and Managing a Nonprofit. In 2025 Jessica received her CNP as a Certified Nonprofit Professional from the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance.
Amy Hyken-Lande, LSCSW, Clinical Director
Meet Amy, a dedicated therapist and business owner who leads KIDS INC KC and Harmony House Collective, while also serving as the Clinical Director at 4 Families. With over 25 years of experience, Amy is a child and family therapist who specializes in counseling children as young as three up to fourteen years old.
Amy's areas of expertise include working with children of divorce, addressing trauma and PTSD-related issues such as physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, and helping with domestic violence situations. She also focuses on anxiety, impulse control, coping skills, social challenges, self-esteem issues, ADHD/ADD, and offers creative parenting skill training.
As a Certified Integrative Therapist, Amy is a member of the AFCC and is trained in play therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and trauma-informed care. She provides a variety of services, including individual child therapy, family therapy, group therapy, co-parenting support, reintegration therapy, case consultation, and clinical supervision.
Lori Cull-Deshmukh, LMSW, Program Director
Lori holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of Kansas. She embarked on her social work journey at Children’s Mercy Hospital, dedicating twenty years to areas such as trauma and crisis response, adverse childhood experiences, emotional and behavioral challenges, and complex medical care.
Since 2017, Lori has been offering child, family, and individual therapy in a private practice, with a focus on children of divorce, parent-child reunification, co-parenting, and helping individuals navigate divorce, child emotional regulation, and transitions for children and teens. Additionally, Lori is a certified Play Therapist (CPT), Parent-Child Interaction Therapist (PCIT), and a Certified BeH2O Coach.
