Remarkably Resilient exists to help all humans understand trauma, its impacts on the brain and body and provide practical resilience strengthening skills.
The Harnish sisters Kathleen, Karen and Sharon, who survived childhoods of incest and abuse, found answers for healing and recovery in the neuroscience of trauma. This discovery led to them creating Remarkably Resilient.
We advance our mission: “Empowering healing from trauma” by sharing knowledge, insights and practical tools – things we all need to manage our emotions, deal with stress and trauma, and take care of ourselves as individuals, families, workplaces and communities.
We do this because we believe:
The concept for Remarkably Resilient came to Kathleen Harnish McKune, CEO of TeamTech, in April 2017, while facilitating a series of joint meetings between the trauma-informed movements in St. Louis and Kansas City. During a Trauma 101 workshop, Kathleen stepped away from the front of the room to listen and learn. A questionnaire for Adverse Childhood Experiences (known as “ACEs”) was given out, and she found she had scored a nine out of a highest possible score of 10. When the data graphs for Kansas and Missouri were shared, her score revealed that she was in the 17.3% of the population with four or more ACEs, and she began to understand that the childhood she and her identical twin sisters had experienced was far from the norm.
This would become a “lightbulb moment” for Kathleen. Her younger twin sisters, Sharon and Karen, would later take the ACEs questionnaire, both scoring 10. Kathleen listened that day and learned about the neuroscience of trauma, realizing this science could answer two lifelong questions the sisters had:
On her way home from the Trauma 101 workshop, Kathleen called her sister, Karen, to share the insight and pledged to further study the neuroscience of trauma. Kathleen embarked on a two-year journey to learn everything possible about ACEs, trauma, the neuroscience and neurobiology of trauma, its impact and resilience. That study period ended with a white paper she co-authored and presented entitled “Moving the Neuroscience of Trauma Into Action” at the 2018 Johnson County Juvenile Cross-System Collaboration Summit.
After 55 years of silence, now equipped with an understanding of the neuroscience of trauma and its impacts on the brain and body, Kathleen, Karen and Sharon were ready to share their stories first with each other, and then to the world, to raise awareness about incest and trauma, and shed light on their journeys of survival and resilience. On October 29, 2019, they debuted their keynote presentation and book, “Remarkably Resilient: Community Matters” at the Johnson County, Kansas, Community Violence Action Council Conference (COMVAC).
This work has brought the sisters’ story to thousands of people in the form of presentations, workshops, videos, a book, self-guided materials and ultimately, a nonprofit organization: Remarkably Resilient, Inc.
For others, sharing lived experience is healing. Kathleen and Karen are in this group—Sharon in the former group. While the three Harnish sisters worked together to write the book and build the foundation for Remarkably Resilient, only Kathleen and Karen choose to continue to be active in the organization.
For survivors, providing choice is a key trauma-informed principle. We share when we choose to share.
Kathleen Harnish McKune’s professional and personal work has always focused on empowering others. Professionally, she is co-founder and CEO of TeamTech, LLC, a Kansas City-based strategic facilitation and leadership training firm whose work embodies trauma-informed principles. Over the past 30 years, she has worked with two Kansas governors, most Kansas state agencies, many of the county governments in the state as well as nonprofits – all of whom serve the most vulnerable in our communities. She is one of the authors of TeamTech’s leadership curriculum, “Everyone A Leader®,” teaching trauma-informed facilitative leadership skills at all levels of organizations.
Kathleen first conceived of the concept for Remarkably Resilient when she completed the ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) questionnaire in April 2017. It was a life-changing moment that led her to study, write and eventually create Remarkably Resilient, Inc. (founded on November 27, 2024). Kathleen serves as the organization’s CEO and presents Remarkably Resilient Together® workshops with her sister, Karen Dickson, and others. Kathleen is driven to use her lived experience and extensive understanding of the neuroscience of trauma to help all humans strengthen their resilience.
Kathleen serves on the Advisory Board of Parents to Parents and served two years on the Board of Friends of Johnson County Mental Health Center. She volunteers with Johnson County Corrections and the Kansas Department of Corrections teaching emotional regulation and self-care with the Remarkably Resilient Together materials. She is also a certified HOPE facilitator (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences) from Tufts University.
A published author, Kathleen has co-authored:
She also wrote, “By Building Healthy Brains, We Build Healthy Communities: What Physicians Can Do,” published in the Journal of the Kansas Medical Society.
Karen is co-author of the book, “Remarkably Resilient-Community Matters,” along with her two sisters. She is a former EMT/ER technician and is retired from a corporate IT and engineering recruitment position. She serves as the part-time Program Director for Remarkably Resilient, Inc.
Karen brings relatability to audiences through her lived experience of sexual and emotional abuse, teaching us that there is no single pathway to recovery. Her work as an EMT/ER technician helps her connect quickly with others in occupations where empathy-based trauma exists. She worked with her sister, Kathleen Harnish McKune, to develop the Remarkably Resilient Together (RRT) cards and Reflective Journal, and regularly helps facilitate RRT presentations. During these workshops, Karen teaches people about the importance of emotional regulation and self-care in their trauma recovery journeys. As a HOPE (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences) certified trainer, Karen focuses on positive experiences that can counteract the harmful effects of adverse childhood experiences.
Karen also is a practicing Reiki Master. Her dream is to help people around the country heal from past traumas, and to mitigate the physical and mental harm done to children during their formative years.
We are so fortunate to have a board of directors committed to this work. The time is now to help all of us heal each of us, so we have a kinder, more empathetic world in which to live, love, strive for and make a difference.
Sandra is a well-recognized national expert in behavioral health, with more than 25 years of experience working with trauma, depression, anxiety, relationships and more. She has worked in the field at the local, state and national levels, building programs and advocating for the advancement of behavioral health services. Dr. Berg regularly presents at national and regional conferences and consults with various behavioral health organizations.
Her approach starts with a core belief that everyone wants to live the best life they can. Sometimes there are opportunities to remove barriers, expand capabilities and enhance their current strengths. Whether it is relationships, interpersonal improvement or resolving past issues, people have the ability to meet their goals. She has worked with a wide variety of people who are searching for the best life they can live. She meets people where they are and walks the journey with them. She knows that pain can manifest itself in many ways and through her work helps individuals explore the source, the opportunities and the celebrations of being you. Dr. Berg summarizes our work by saying: “Remarkably Resilient provides an opportunity to build a supportive community to help people heal.”
Amy became an advocate for public education when her oldest child was able to overcome a severe anxiety disorder through the early intervention, behavioral therapy and support system provided by her local public elementary school. That experience forged her commitment to making sure that all children received the mental health services that can be crucial to academic success. Her volunteer work for the Parent Teacher Organization and Site Council at her children’s school eventually led to ten years on the Olathe District Schools Board of Education. In her capacity as a school board member, she served terms as vice president and president of the board, represented the district on Head Start site council, the Olathe Public Schools Foundation board of directors, and various committees in support of the school district and the community at large. In addition, she represented Olathe District Schools on the Kansas Association of School Boards governing board, served on its executive committee, including one term as president, helping that non-profit service organization provide school districts statewide with resources they need to help students succeed.
The work being done by Remarkably Resilient aligns perfectly with Amy’s passionate belief that we all have a responsibility to identify and remove barriers to learning so that all children are equipped to lead fulfilling lives.
Arthur has more than 40 years of legal experience in a wide range of business law roles, with an emphasis on intellectual property. He is the leader of the intellectual property practice at Kennyhertz Perry, LLC. Formerly executive director of the Mid-West Innocence Project, he previously served as vice president of Law at the Sprint Corporation where he held positions of increasing responsibility, including chief litigator, head of the Business Law Department and vice president of the company’s first legal department. He served as the head lawyer for the Sprint Ethics and Compliance program and later became head of business development and strategy for Sprint Business. He has since served as general counsel to a major manufacturer in Taiwan. Arthur has worked on legal issues and with attorneys, clients and collaborators all over the world. He now focuses on trademark and copyright prosecution, intellectual property litigation, and related business transactions involving licensing, joint development and resolution of intellectual property disputes.
Arthur’s background as a lawyer and trained mediator gives him a unique perspective on trauma and resilience. He is passionate about the ways people and communities navigate friction and legal dispute – seeing the link to trauma. “None of us sign up for trauma, just as most of us do not sign up for disputes,” says Arthur. “The question is: How are we prepared to approach those experiences so that we not only survive; but grow while creating protections and growth pathways for those who lack power? That is why I joined the Board of Remarkably Resilient!”
Tim is the Director of Johnson County Mental Health Center (JCMHC), a department of the Johnson County, Kansas, government, employing more than 500 staff who provide behavioral health services to nearly 20,000 county residents annually. Tim is well-known throughout the community as a leader and advocate for mental health. Through his leadership, JCMHC has been a key partner in the Remarkably Resilient Together (RRT) campaign to raise awareness about trauma and stress, its impact on the brain and body and how to strengthen resiliency skills. Tim and his staff reviewed the RRT materials, and the Harnish sisters incorporated their feedback prior to publication to ensure alignment with current behavioral health practices. He frequently joins Kathleen Harnish McKune for RRT presentations, emphasizing that emotional regulation techniques and self-care practices are important mental health and criminal justice prevention tools. Tim says: “I believe that our world would be a better place if every individual was able to regulate their emotions. Emotional regulation coupled with a commitment to care for one’s own mental wellbeing is at the core of the RRT campaign and foundational to the practices.”
Tim earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Missouri Southern State University and a Master of Social Work Administration degree from the University of Kansas. He is a Licensed Mental Health Professional in Kansas and has over 35 years of experience in community mental health. Tim also served more than 10 years as a commissioned officer in the Army Reserve and National Guard.
Karen is co-author of the book, “Remarkably Resilient-Community Matters,” along with her two sisters. She is a former EMT/ER technician and is retired from a corporate IT and engineering recruitment position. She serves as the part-time Program Director for Remarkably Resilient, Inc.
Karen brings relatability to audiences through her lived experience of sexual and emotional abuse, teaching us that there is no single pathway to recovery. Her work as an EMT/ER technician helps her connect quickly with others in occupations where empathy-based trauma exists. She worked with her sister, Kathleen Harnish McKune, to develop the Remarkably Resilient Together (RRT) cards and Reflective Journal, and regularly helps facilitate RRT presentations. During these workshops, Karen teaches people about the importance of emotional regulation and self-care in their trauma recovery journeys. As a HOPE (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences) certified trainer, Karen focuses on positive experiences that can counteract the harmful effects of adverse childhood experiences.
Karen also is a practicing Reiki Master. Her dream is to help people around the country heal from past traumas, and to mitigate the physical and mental harm done to children during their formative years.
Shirley has more than 40 years of experience as a practicing attorney and law professor. She previously served as General Counsel for QTS Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: QTS), and its predecessor. Prior to joining QTS, Shirley co-owned and operated Focus Trial and Settlement Solutions, a company that facilitated mock trials for trial attorneys, and served as managing partner. She was also a partner with the law firm Shook, Hardy & Bacon, one of the premier litigation defense firms in the United States. In addition to a robust litigation practice, she taught Civil Procedure, Complex Litigation, Advanced Litigation Drafting and Legal Research and Writing at the University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Law and taught Torts II as a visiting professor at the University of Kansas School of Law. She started her career at Spencer, Fane, Britt & Browne.
Shirley has been published on a number of topics, has an AV rating from Martindale Hubbell and has received a number of awards including “Who’s Who of American Women,” “Outstanding Women of America,” the Kansas City Business Journal award for “Women Who Mean Business” and the Kansas City Magazine’s “Super Lawyer” award. She has been involved in a variety of charitable activities, including the University of Kansas National Merit Scholarship Fundraiser, University of Kansas Law School Alumni Association Board of Directors, Chairperson, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Auction and the Women’s Employment Network.
Having a family member that suffered childhood trauma, Shirley hopes to understand more and prevent the generational perpetuation of trauma.
Isabel serves as a Migrant Advocate with Olathe Public Schools and a Program Director with Johnson County Parks and Recreation. With more than 36 years of experience in public service and education, Isabel has devoted her career to supporting the Spanish and English-speaking community through early childhood education, family advocacy, and community development.
Throughout her career, Isabel has led numerous initiatives aimed at strengthening families, empowering parents, and improving access to quality childcare. She has developed and directed before- and after-school programs, summer camps and home-care training. Her bilingual expertise and cultural competency have made her a vital connector between families and essential community resources.
She is a certified national trainer for Ages and Stages, a CPR First Aid instructor with the American Heart Association, an instructor for the Olathe Fire Department’s Community Emergency Response Team, Safe Sleep instructor and regularly presents on topics such as parenting, mental health, and childcare development at state and national conferences.
She has been awarded the Hispanic Proclamation Award from the City of Olathe, the Women in Leadership Award from the Johnson County Latina Leadership Network, and recognition from the Consulate of Mexico in Kansas City. Isabel has been featured by the Johnson County Museum, KCUR 89.9 FM and Univision Kansas City TV for her contributions to family education and community engagement.
Isabel holds credentials from Kansas City Community College and MidAmerica Nazarene University and continues to advance her expertise through ongoing professional development and volunteer service.
Isabel wants to help build a supportive environment where people feel safe to seek help, where mental health is treated with cultural respect, and where mental health needs are met with the same importance as physical health, regardless of language.
“I‘ve seen how mental health challenges can affect individuals and families, and I want to be part of the solution. Joining the (Remarkably Resilient) board gives me a chance to advocate for awareness, connection and care.”
David brings decades of correctional leadership and budget management to his role on the Remarkably Resilient Board of Directors. David was President of Operations at VitalCore Health Strategies where he oversaw operations in Kansas, Missouri, Michigan, Vermont, Louisiana, Indiana, New Mexico and Idaho. David served as Director of the Johnson County Juvenile Services Center for three years. Prior to that position, he served as the Warden of Lansing Correctional Facility/Kansas State Penitentiary for 21 years. As President of Operations with VitalCore, he was responsible for overseeing all operational aspects of providing medical, dental and mental health to the clients under contractual care. In his position as Warden, he managed 2,500 clients, 1,000 staff members and an annual operating budget of approximately $40 million. As Director of Juvenile Services, he was responsible for a 110-bed facility, 100 staff and an annual operating budget of approximately $4 million.
In addition, David has served on numerous local and state boards including the Johnson County Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (chair), Johnson County Children’s Coordinating Council, Johnson County Trauma Informed Care Task Force, and the Kansas Health Policy Authority Advisory Council. David has also served on the national level as a Commissioner of the American Correctional Association Commission of Accreditation, member of the National Law Enforcement Corrections Technology Center Technology Assessment Committee and as a national correctional quality and standards compliance auditor conducting over 150 audits for local, state, federal and private facilities in the United States, South Korea and Germany. David earned his B.A. in Sociology from McPherson College and his M.A. in Administration of Justice from Wichita State University. His professional articles and presentations include topics of ethics, volunteerism and use of technology in changing management practices and organizational culture.
David joined the Remarkably Resilient Board of Directors after a career seeing firsthand the negative consequences that trauma, both physical and emotional, has on personality, mental health, ambition and self-value. He believes that Remarkably Resilient has the materials to help individuals develop the skills and resilience to adjust to and cope with past trauma, as well as strengthen resilience to handle situational and future traumatic challenges in a healthier and more positive manner. Most of all, he is passionate about our mission and hopes to bring these materials to individuals nationally.
Kathleen’s professional and personal work has always focused on empowering others. Professionally, she is co-founder and CEO of TeamTech, LLC, a Kansas City-based strategic facilitation and leadership training firm whose work embodies trauma-informed principles. Over the past 30 years, she has worked with two Kansas governors, most Kansas state agencies, many of the county governments in the state as well as nonprofits – all of whom serve the most vulnerable in our communities. She is one of the authors of TeamTech’s leadership curriculum, “Everyone A Leader®,” teaching trauma-informed facilitative leadership skills at all levels of organizations.
Kathleen first conceived of the concept for Remarkably Resilient when she completed the ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) questionnaire in April 2017. It was a life-changing moment that led her to study, write and eventually create Remarkably Resilient, Inc. (founded on November 27, 2024). Kathleen serves as the organization’s CEO and presents Remarkably Resilient Together® workshops with her sister, Karen Dickson, and others. Kathleen is driven to use her lived experience and extensive understanding of the neuroscience of trauma to help all humans strengthen their resilience.
Kathleen serves on the Advisory Board of Parents to Parents and served two years on the Board of Friends of Johnson County Mental Health Center. She volunteers with Johnson County Corrections and the Kansas Department of Corrections teaching emotional regulation and self-care with the Remarkably Resilient Together materials. She is also a certified HOPE facilitator (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences) from Tufts University.
A published author, Kathleen has co-authored:
She also wrote, “By Building Healthy Brains, We Build Healthy Communities: What Physicians Can Do,” published in the Journal of the Kansas Medical Society.
Renee’s background includes a blend of working in both the nonprofit world and field of education. Her 12 years with an area Head Start program involved responsibilities in community relations, event planning, volunteer coordination, fundraising and donor engagement, with a focus on engaging businesses, philanthropic service groups and individuals in the mission of the organization. Her experience with a local educational foundation involved support in event planning, communications, community outreach, social media and fundraising efforts to benefit programs that included student scholarships, nutrition assistance for at-risk students, mental health services, classroom grants and alumni relations.
At the university level, Renee has served in multiple roles including career services, academic advising and recruitment. Renee holds a bachelor’s degree in business. Recently retired, she has been active in several local volunteer/philanthropic organizations, providing opportunities to give back to the community. With a heart for helping others, she looks forward to giving her time and care in support of the Remarkably Resilient organization and its mission.