Extra Care & Support
We know families carry heavy worries — health concerns, financial stress, and simply the worry of the unknown. That’s why we offer Wholehearted Connections, a service to provide one-on-one time with qualified volunteers who care.
Whether it’s spending time with a therapy dog, learning breastfeeding techniques, or talking with a compassionate listener, we have someone ready to meet guest families right where they are, on their terms.
Families staying at the Ronald McDonald House can request a meeting with one of the Wholehearted Connections volunteers at any time during their stay.
Meet the Volunteer Team
Licensed Professional Counselor with two decades of experience supporting individuals and families through life’s toughest moments. In addition to his clinical expertise, he brings over 30 years of ministerial care, offering spiritual support when desired and meeting families where they are with respect and understanding. He is well-versed in local resources and helps families navigate both the emotional and logistical challenges they face.
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker specializing in women’s health, particularly prenatal, maternal, and postpartum mental wellness. Tami is a certified breastfeeding counselor and supports clients with autism, ADHD, anxiety, and depression. Tami owns a private telehealth practice in Carthage and also serves as a professor in the MSW program at Indiana Wesleyan University.
Calling Joplin home for more than 30 years, Marda is dedicated to serving children and families. With degrees from Washington State University and Pittsburg State University, she spent 28 years as a teacher and School Counselor in Joplin Schools. Now a member of the Joplin Board of Education, she continues her commitment to public education and community service. She volunteers often and is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Joplin.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specializing in maternal mental health, including postpartum anxiety and depression. Before becoming a nurse practitioner, she spent over 12 years as a NICU nurse caring for premature and medically fragile infants and their families. She now provides evaluations, medication management, and counseling at Hope Springs through Ozark Center. Amy is dedicated to ensuring mothers feel supported, understood, and equipped during this vulnerable season.
Lori Good and her six-year-old Goldendoodle, Sadie, have been offering pet therapy since 2023. Sadie loves people of all ages and has a gentle, intuitive presence that brings comfort to both children and adults. Their shared goal during each visit is simple—to bring a moment of joy, calm, and connection to your day.
Lifelong educator and wellness advocate with experience in Health & Physical Education, School Counseling, and Special Education. After her family stayed at RMH, she felt called to support others facing similar challenges. She and her therapy dog, Oscar—a lovable Shih Tzu—regularly visit RMHC to bring warmth, emotional support, and joy to families.
Paul devoted much of his life to pastoral care in hospital, hospice, and church settings. He has a deep love for listening—not just to people’s words, but to what’s on their hearts. Paul brings a steady and compassionate presence to families navigating difficult seasons.