Nicole Hill – Co-Owner
Nicole Hill graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Sociology with a Minor in Child and Family Studies. Nicole started providing direct care to persons with developmental disabilities in Iowa and eventually came to Springfield, Missouri, where she gained employment with Stepping Stones in 2007. She started as a Direct Care Support Professional, quickly moved up to House Manager, then Program Supervisor, a Director of Residential Services, then decided to invest herself in ownership in 2018. Nicole brings great experience and heart to this field and is involved in the agency’s everyday operations.
Krista Maul – Co-Owner
Krista Maul has been part of the Stepping Stones family for over 20 years in various capacities. She graduated from Southwest Missouri State University in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science in Crime and Society and a minor in Social Work. Her journey with Stepping Stones began in 2000 when she was hired as direct support staff in the Community Supports Program. Shortly after beginning her career and completing her degree, she was afforded the opportunity to become a partial owner in 2002.
During her early years as a partial owner, Krista gained extensive knowledge and valuable experience working directly with the individuals served, as well as in business management. She later chose to pursue opportunities with the Missouri Department of Mental Health, where she worked at the Springfield Regional Office as a Service Coordinator and subsequently in Provider Relations as a Vendor Services Coordinator for several years.
In 2012, Krista returned to Stepping Stones to lead quality assurance efforts for the agency and, in 2018, became Co-Owner alongside Nicole Hill. Since assuming the role of Co-Owner, Stepping Stones has experienced significant growth, which she is enthusiastic to support and continue. Krista is deeply committed to the meaningful work of the organization and values the lessons learned from both the individuals served and the dedicated employees who provide exceptional service each day.
Outside of her professional role, Krista enjoys spending time with family and friends, listening to a wide variety of music, playing pickleball, and being outdoors.
Nathan Harter – Chief Executive Officer
Nathan Harter graduated from Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science in General Business. After college, he worked in credit unions and got into lending, dedicating 14 years to his members and the financial industry. Nathan left Metro Credit Union as the Vice President of Consumer Lending in March 2023. Serving as Board Treasurer and then Board President of Friends of Stepping Stones from 2018 to 2023, Nathan started at Stepping Stones in March of 2023 and was named Chief Executive Officer in January of 2024. Nathan takes pride in working with his team to provide quality care to our very deserving individuals while also focusing on making Stepping Stones a preferred employer.
Brandy Knight – Chief Operations Officer
Brandy Knight graduated from Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies. Through college and after graduation she worked in the hospitality industry and assisted with opening a few restaurants. Once she left the restaurant industry, she joined North Hospitality and spent the next 12 years working in the point of sale business for restaurants and hotels. She was a passionate leader, but was ready to work for an industry where she could make a difference for others and has recently joined the team at Stepping Stones as our Chief Operating Officer. When Brandy isn’t working, she enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, and summer days outside.
Tina Buckmaster – Director of Community Supports
Tina began her career with The Arc of the Ozarks at the age of 19 as a Direct Support Professional (DSP), working in several group homes. After approximately one year, she was promoted to Shift Supervisor, and six months later advanced to the role of Team Manager. In this position, Tina managed both a group home and multiple Individualized Supported Living (ISL) programs for several years before being promoted to ISL Manager, a role she held for the remainder of her tenure with the organization. After a decade with The Arc of the Ozarks, Tina transitioned to Stepping Stones, where she initially worked overnight before being asked to serve as a supervisor in the Job Development Program. She was subsequently promoted to oversee both the Day Program and Job Development Program and later became the Director of Day Programming (DDP) for Day Habilitation, a position she continues to supervise. A few years ago, Tina was appointed Director of Community Supports and currently oversees both programs. Throughout her career, the most rewarding aspect of her work has been the time spent directly supporting individuals. Tina has been passionate about direct care since her teenage years, and it remains the most fulfilling part of her professional journey. Having known the owners of Stepping Stones for many years, Tina deeply values their continued involvement with both individuals served and employees. She has witnessed the organization’s growth and evolution and is proud to have contributed to its success.
Joanie Williams – Director of Nursing
Joanie graduated with an AS in basic nursing from Eastern Arizona College followed by a BS in nursing leadership from Northern Arizona University. In 2004 she graduated from the University of Arizona with a dual MS in nursing Informatics and Project Management. She has worked in many areas of nursing, including various hospital departments, psychiatric, corrections, travel nursing, LTAC, and finally IDD.
She has served in leadership roles including Director of Nursing, Director of Education, Director of Quality, and as Infection Prevention and Safety Officer. She currently serves as the Director of Nursing for Stepping Stones and with a fantastic team of nurses.
While Toby does not have a degree, he is quite educated and enjoys tagging along for free belly rubs from staff and consumers. Outside of work Joanie enjoys her family, animals, plants, and of course, the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Tara Thompson – Director of Residential & QA
Tara Maul Thompson graduated from Drury University with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology, Sociology, and Psychology with minor in Global Studies. Tara started at KCSS as a DSP in 2002. Over the next 23 years, Tara served the IDD population as a DDP, Service Coordinator, and is currently the Director of Residential Services and QA at Stepping Stones. Outside of work, Tara enjoys spending quality time with her family and pets as well as attending rock concerts.
Becky Cliffton-Hopkins – Director of Employment & Community Services
Becky Cliffton Hopkins has been a disability advocate in Missouri for 18 years. She graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She has a master’s degree in industrial / organizational psychology from Missouri State University. She began her career as a Vocational Evaluator, providing services under the auspices of Vocational Rehabilitation with a local service provider. She was a Domestic Relations Officer for seven years and is a certified mediator for the court system. Becky specializes in educational advocacy for individuals with disabilities after serving as a Regional Coordinator for the state’s parent training center. She is certified by Virginia Commonwealth University as a Community Partner Work Incentive Coordinator and provides benefits planning services. Becky also serves as guardian for her niece who has an intellectual / developmental disability. She began work at Stepping Stones in July 2023 and started the Employment Services Program. Becky enjoys working at Stepping Stones helping our individuals achieve their full potential.
Riettea Saddler – Director of Training & Staff Development
Riettea Saddler serves as the Director of Training and Staff Development at Stepping Stones. She entered the field of developmental disabilities unexpectedly in 1989. While she did not initially plan to work with individuals with developmental disabilities, Riettea always possessed a strong passion for helping others. She holds a degree in Psychology and, near the completion of her college education, applied for a position without fully understanding the role. Upon being greeted by residents at the door of a group home, she immediately recognized that she had found her calling.
Riettea began her career in direct care and progressed into an Assistant Q position before managing a smaller group home. As community-based services expanded, she led a Community Integration program operating from both small group homes and a day program. She later served as a Case Manager at the Poplar Bluff Regional Office and went on to become the Director of a day program. After returning to the Springfield area, Riettea worked as a Q and Trainer for a local agency, a role she held for 12 years.
In 2009, Riettea joined Abilities First, The Next Step, where she served as a Support Coordinator, Senior Support Coordinator, and Mentor Support Coordinator. During her time at The Next Step, she developed a strong professional relationship with Stepping Stones and gained deep respect for the organization’s commitment to ethical practices, person-centered services, and staff support. In 2020, Riettea was given the opportunity to join Stepping Stones as a Trainer, allowing her to share her extensive knowledge and passion with direct care staff entering the field. She now serves as the Director of Training and Staff Development and is proud to be part of an organization that makes a meaningful, positive impact on both the individuals served and the professionals who support them.
Outside of work, Riettea enjoys spending time in nature through hiking, kayaking, and camping, as well as spending time with her family and cooking for those she loves.
Mike Deken – Director of CC Rising (Marshfield Day Program)
Mike graduated from College of the Ozarks in 1999 and has worked in the field of developmental disabilities ever since. Throughout his career, he has gained valuable experience with the Division of Youth Services, the Springfield Regional Office, Abilities First, and currently Stepping Stones. His most recent work with Stepping Stones has involved establishing services and launching a day program in Webster County, an experience he has found both rewarding and meaningful. Mike has had the opportunity to work alongside many dedicated professionals and individuals who have continually humbled, challenged, and inspired him.
Outside of work, Mike’s greatest joy is spending time with his family, including his wife, Carisa, and their five children.
