New exhibits are now open in our galleries! Visit us Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00am-5:00pm.

Our Team

Staff

Heather Lesmeister
Executive Director
Leads a creative team of staff and volunteers, and is responsible for the delivery of distinctive and innovative arts programs and exhibits for the community through development and fundraising.
Heather Lesmeister
Executive Director
Shaun Conroy
Exhibits Director
Leads the development and execution of exhibitions in all galleries. Also leads the permanent collection acquisition and deaccession process to build and refine the collection.
Shaun Conroy
Exhibits Director
Des Hernandez
Education Director
Responsible for all aspects of the educational and outreach activities including classes, camps, teachers, and artist outreach. Plan and implement special projects and programming to enrich exhibitions. Des completed their Bachelor of Fine Arts in 3D Studio Art at Pittsburg State University in 2024. After experiencing diverse regions of the United States throughout their childhood, Des found a sense of belonging in local art communities. This fostered a dedication to helping the arts thrive for future generations to come and a passion creating opportunities for artists of all ages and experience levels to achieve their artistic goals. Hernandez’s own artistic voice shines through their sculptural work, spanning across both 2D and 3D mediums, often intertwining elements from both. In addition, they produce small-batch collections of ceramic work, fine jewelry, and textile-based pieces out of their home studio.
Des Hernandez
Education Director
Paige Mock
Marketing & Impact Strategist
Paige combines administrative support with the oversight of our volunteer program. Works with the Spiva team to execute events, projects and exhibits. Supports gift gallery buying. Paige is a graduate from the Entertainment Management program at Missouri State University and is passionate about being a creative while supporting other artistic minds. She has experience in the entertainment industry through work with performing arts halls, a chamber of commerce, music industry internships, and involvement with national events such as the Super Bowl and International Entertainment Buyers Association conference. She spends her free time diving into music, writing, video production, travel with friends.
Paige Mock
Marketing & Impact Strategist
Arthur St. Onge
Bookkeeper
Responsible for administrating Spiva’s financial transactions. Record transactions, make payments, balance the books, bank statements, and generate financial reports.
Arthur St. Onge
Bookkeeper
Kaitlyn Summers
Special Projects Coordinator
Works with Spiva team to support special events and projects as needed.
Kaitlyn Summers
Special Projects Coordinator
Kris Strausbaugh
Guest Experience Specialist
Responsible for delivering an exceptional guest experience and support our mission at the Welcome Desk. Oversees the building on Saturdays. Serving as a main source of information for Spiva along with C2C. Leads the successful retail operation and growth of the Spiva Gift Gallery. A Webb City native, Kris has devoted the last 25 years of his life to being a writer. He has worked locally in retail management. Kris studied at the collegiate level at both Columbia College Chicago, and Missouri Southern State University. Family always takes precedence in his life; he wouldn’t have gotten far without their support. Hobbies include reading and watching and playing anything with a good story. I also grew up watching and playing most sports. 
Kris Strausbaugh
Guest Experience Specialist

2024 – 2025 Board of Directors

Matt McConnell
President
Matt is the owner of MacCo Builders and has served on various Joplin Non-Profit and community boards in the past. Currently serving on the Harry M Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex Joint Executive Committee, he believes that the Arts are key to a successful community, and he is glad to serve Spiva as they continue to grow.
Matt McConnell
President
Angela Vorhees
J.D. 1st Vice President
Angela A. Vorhees, J.D. is a past president of Spiva and served on the Harry M Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex Joint Executive Committee. She was appointed Family Court Commissioner of the 29th Judicial Circuit in January 2019. She served as a Family law mediator as well as an adjunct Instructor for Missouri Southern State University for more than ten years. She is a member of the Missouri Bar Association and the Jasper County Bar Association.
Angela Vorhees
J.D. 1st Vice President
Lance G. Beshore
Ph.D., 2nd Vice President
Lance is the retired Vice President of Public Affairs and Government Relations at Leggett & Platt, Incorporated. He is very active in Joplin and the arts community along with his wife, Sharon Beshore. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Freeman Health System since 1988 and as Chairman since 1992.
Lance G. Beshore
Ph.D., 2nd Vice President
Steven Graddy
Past President
Steven Graddy
Past President
Ann Leach
Secretary
Ann, creator of Sea Sisters Spirit Dolls, serves as Secretary of the Board of Trustees, is a weekly gallery docent, and serves on the Marketing and Education committees. A recently retired therapist, Ann continues to coach, write, and create in her own business. Ann is expanding our CALM (Creative Arts for Mindful Living) program and is passionate about the arts as a healing-enhancing modality. Ann has lived in, and served in Joplin for twenty-four+ years.
Ann Leach
Secretary
Caley Hedman
Treasurer and Governing Member
Caley Hedman is an Enrolled Agent with her family’s tax office at Churchwell Hedman Tax Group. She graduated MSSU with her BSBA and obtained her MBA at William Woods University and quickly pursued her EA license. She has served Spiva since 2011 as the Treasurer and Governing Member. You can find her at Spiva’s opening receptions assisting with the food and hospitality and the annual Art on Tap event.
Caley Hedman
Treasurer and Governing Member
Kathy Chen
Kathy serves as the Treasurer of Missouri Walnut Group, Jia Communities, and is a long-time avid supporter of the community. She is a collector of contemporary art and, with her husband, Honghong Chen, is deeply involves in developing international art connections. She is passionate about discovering new talent and providing access to art and education. She enjoys sports and, is committed to promoting global sustainability.
Kathy Chen
Brandon Davis
Brandon is founder of Davis CPA Group, LLC. Brandon is a member of the AICPA and the MO Society of CPAs. He has over 10 years of experience in public practice working for a top 10 national CPA firm. Brandon has broad experience in several industries working with clients in construction, manufacturing, medical and dental offices, and professional individuals. Brandon is a graduate of Missouri Southern State University and actively involved in the community serving on several boards.
Brandon Davis
Charlie Davis
Charlie was a member of the Missouri House of Representatives from 2011-2019, and began his term as Jasper County Clerk in January, 2019. Mr. Davis served in the US Navy and is an active advocate for military veterans and veteran’s affairs. Along time business owner, he has been a member of area Chambers of Commerce, Rotary Clubs, the VFW, American Legion, and the Missouri Association of Military Organizations. Mr. Davis has been a Spiva board member since 2018.
Charlie Davis
Kat DeGraff
Kat has held numerous positions as a banker for the past 11 years and is currently serving as Community Bank Lender at Arvest. She firmly believes that you should find something that you are passionate about, and a tribe that supports your work-life balance. Kat currently lives in Carl Junction with her husband, Jordan, and their two sons who love spending time outdoors. She is passionate about building relationships and finding creative solutions to meet the community’s needs.
Kat DeGraff
Lynn Hempen
Lynn is a past president of Spiva and served on the Harry M Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex Joint Executive Committee. Member and past chairman of the Friends of St. Avips. Member and past president of P.E.O. Chapter FI and Wednesday Study Club. Graduate of MSSU, retired from UMB as Sr. VP and served 12 years on the Joplin Schools Foundation Board. She has also served on the Governing Board of Joplin First Church and several sub committees.
Lynn Hempen
Gabby Heth
Gabby teaches at Webb City HS, but she has also taught at Thomas Jefferson, McDonald County, and Crowder’s Upward Bound. She received her undergraduate degree from MSSU, her master’s from Missouri State University, and her specialist from Lindenwood University. She’s lived in the area for over 22 years and is always looking for ways to promote cultural experiences in the community.
Gabby Heth
Erinne Kennedy
DMD, MPH, MMSc
Dr. Kennedy is the Assistant Dean of Curriculum and Integrated Learning at Kansas City University College of Dental Medicine and one of the founding 5 female members of the program in Joplin. She graduated from Ohio State and Nova Southeastern University’s College of Dental Medicine, completed a general practice residency through the Veteran’s Administration, and earned her board certification in public health dentistry and an MMSc in Dental Education from the Harvard School of Dental Medicine; she also serves as an expert spokesperson for the American Dental Association.
Erinne Kennedy
DMD, MPH, MMSc
Fredrick Njoroge
Fredrick works at Leggett & Platt as a Director of Human Resources. He received a bachelor’s degree in business management and MBA from Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, KS. Originally from Nairobi, Kenya, he now lives in the Joplin area with his wife, Meaghan, and three children. Fredrick loves art in all its forms and is passionate about helping the arts flourish in our area and beyond.
Fredrick Njoroge
Lauren Stauffer
Governing Member
Lauren is a long-time governing board member and volunteer for Spiva Center for the Arts. She uses her wonderful connection skills as chair for the Spiva Membership Committee. Lauren is an Independent Certified Public Accountant and does work for many companies and individuals in the community.
Lauren Stauffer
Governing Member
Annette Thurston
Governing Member
Annette is recently retired as the founding and first Executive Director of Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Four States. Annette is a graduate of Colorado State University. She has 28+ years executive level management and administrative experience working with both professional and volunteer staff, including program development, evaluation, and implementation. Skilled in securing and administering funds to maximize organizational impact. Annette continues to serve on several non-profit boards.
Annette Thurston
Governing Member
Ann Turney
Ann has served on many non-profit boards including St. Phillips Episcopal Church, the Joplin Museum, the YWCA and the Joplin Women’s Club. Ann has three children, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She has lived in Joplin for more than 60 years, has had a long association with Spiva and is passionate about sharing Spiva’s programs and exhibits.
Ann Turney
Blake Webster
PhyD
Blake is a doctoral level clinical psychologist. He specializes in adult development and adult anxiety and depression. He is co-owner of Executive Psychological Resources, founded in 2016. He is a former vestry member of St. Philips Episcopal church. Married 14 years, he is father to three boys; he coaches basketball, soccer, and baseball. He also continues to play music in the community with his band The Websters.
Blake Webster
PhyD

Trustees

Alex Curchin
Chair
Alex Curchin
Chair
Steve Graddy
Spiva Board Rep
Steve currently serves on the Spiva and Cornell Complex Boards. He has served as the Chief Financial Officer at Freeman Health System since 2002. In addition to Spiva and the Cornell Complex, he currently serves as a board member of the Joplin Chamber of Commerce, Joplin Metro Emergency Transportation System, and the Joplin Humane Society. He previously served on various boards including Access Family Care Community Health Center, Joplin R-VIII Board of Education.
Steve Graddy
Spiva Board Rep
Sharon Beshore
Sharon Beshore
Gay Cragin Currence
Gay Cragin Currence
Sara V. Newman
Sara V. Newman

Contact Us

Location & Hours

Monday: Closed

Tuesday: 10:00AM – 5:00PM

Wednesday: 10:00AM – 5:00PM

Thursday: 10:00AM – 5:00PM

Friday: 10:00AM – 5:00PM

Saturday: 10:00AM – 5:00PM

Sunday: Closed

212 W. 7th Street
Joplin, M0 64801