CHANCES of Stone County is a non-profit organization comprised of community volunteers, a small staff, and led by a dedicated board of directors. We are always recruiting new members and community members who want to volunteer for a great cause. If you wish to join CHANCES or serve on its board, please contact one of the officers or employees below.
President – Peggy Ackfeld
Peggy has a grandchild with Down Syndrome and is a local business owner. Not only is she our president, she and her husband are also volunteers and donors.
Vice President – Kris Stowe
Kris is one of the newest members of our executive board. Kris is the mother of two sons, one of which has disabilities. Her “fun” job is choreographing for the Silver Dollar Saloon.
Treasurer – Toyea Youngblood
Toyea is a founding member of CHANCES. She and her husband, Jack, own a local excavating company and enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren. Their son Colton has Down syndrome and has aspiring dreams of either being a cowboy or a country music star.
Secretary – Melissa O’Brien
Melissa joined CHANCES in 2017. She and her husband, Tommy, own a lake resort and have two children with DiGeorge Syndrome. As a result of DiGeorge Syndrome, at 12 years old, their daughter developed health and mental disabilities, but this has not stopped her from enjoying life – especially boating, basketball and sharing her collection of TY dolls with the world. “We are grateful to have CHANCES in our lives – the organization means so much to so many families.”
Board Member – Tommy Johnson
Tommy is an EMT and Fireman. He and his wife are the proud parents of two children. Tommy’s son McKeean has Autism.
Board Member- Bill Toal
Bill retired from the Coca Cola Company as a Director of Information Technology and is enjoying lake life in retirement. Bill is Married to CJ (Carmela) and they have three children, Bill, Karen, and Jake. They also have four grandchildren.
Board Member- Nancy Akromis
Nancy lives in Kimberling City and she is the Branch Sales Manager of Arvest Bank in Branson West. She became involved with CHANCES because she loves the Mission and how its similar to another non profit she worked at in Nebraska for over a decade. Nancy has three grown children and she feels fortunate that they all live nearby. Her favorite hobby is kayaking down various rivers in our area.
Board Member-Karla Hale
Karla is proud to call Reeds Spring home after many years in education in SW MO. She’s a full-time writer, volunteer, and loves any outdoor activity. Her background, and own family members, with special “abilities” propel her passion to be involved. She also loves taking her special rescue pup, Finley, along on adventures.
Administrator – Judy Stone
Judy has been with us “from the beginning” and served as our Treasurer for many years. We are honored to have her as a paid administrator after her many years of service as a volunteer. Judy has a Master’s in Special Education and Consultation and she retired from the Reeds Spring School System. She enjoys reading and outdoor activities. Judy’s daughter Amy has High Functioning Autism.
Club DayBreak Director – Luann Eikermann
Luann has many years of experience working with the IDD community. Not only does she have a Masters degree in the field, she also has grandchildren with disabilities. Her husband Gary is a volunteer for CHANCES. In her spare time she loves to craft, feed hummingbirds, and overlook the lake from her back porch.
Administrative Assistant – Nicky Berg
Nicky is married to Patrick and they have three great kids. Her two “littles” have a micro-deletion on their 4th chromosome. Nicky handles the office duties at CHANCES and plays a large part in the Price Cutter Charity Golf Tournament. In her spare time she loves being at the lake with her kids and decorating around the house.