LSEF Foundation Staff
Chrissy Symes,
Director
Chrissy is the Director of the Lee's Summit Educational Foundation. Having previously worked for the Lee's Summit Chamber of Commerce, she has seven years of experience in the non-profit sector along with over 10 years of corporate experience. Symes feels a great sense of pride in the Lee's Summit community, especially when it comes to the passion and dedication of the numerous citizens and volunteers that allow organizations such as this to thrive and serve. Chrissy graduated from Lee's Summit High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication from The University of Central Missouri. She also gained certification from the Institute for Organization Management through the U.S. Chamber of commerce. Symes and her husband, Joe, have two young boys that are both LSR7 students, as well as a Goldendoodle puppy named Archie. They enjoy being with family and friends, traveling, movie-nights, and spending time on the lake.
Cindy Swatek,
Programs & Development
Cindy is the Program and Development Specialist of the Lee’s Summit Educational Foundation. She is a proud alumna of Lee’s Summit High School. Cindy graduated from Baker University with degrees in Psychology and Physical Education, with a secondary teaching certification and she has a Master’s degree in Sport Psychology from KU. In addition to working for the LSEF, Cindy has volunteered her time with several nonprofits over the past 20+ years. Cindy and her husband, Matthew are the proud parents of two adult children who were adopted as infants from Guatemala. The Swatek family enjoys cheering on the Chiefs and Jayhawks, and traveling whenever and wherever they can. Cindy owns her own business as a Mental Performance Consultant and she enjoys working with athletes to help them reach peak performance.
Shelley Hildreth,
Administrative Assistant
Shelley is the Administrative Assistant of the Lee’s Summit Educational Foundation. She is an ardent supporter of public education and the Lee’s Summit School District. Before joining the LSEF team, she dedicated countless hours of volunteer service through PTA and Lee’s Summit West Music Parents and worked closely with LSEF for various events. Shelley is motivated by the supportive community, people, and businesses that she works with. She earned her bachelor’s degree through Evangel University. She and her husband live in Lee’s Summit and have an adult daughter, a graduate of Lee’s Summit West. The Hildreth family enjoys time with family and friends, the Kansas City Royals, and the Missouri Tigers—especially the marching band.