our mission
Building long-term, life-changing relationships with youth, equipping them to thrive and contribute to their community.
our history
1982
Colorado UpLift
Colorado UpLift is the original Elevate affiliate. Staff members began providing leadership and character instruction in the public school system for students from 4th grade through college. Along with the in-school program, Colorado UpLift regularly mentored students after school and throughout the summer, improving the odds for students to emerge as thriving young adults.
2008
National Expansion
Based on interest from other cities, new affiliates launched beginning with Elevate Orlando in 2008, Elevate Phoenix in 2009 and Elevate New York in 2010. Nationally the name switched from UpLift to Elevate.
2017
Elevate USA Contacts KC
Elevate USA staff hosted several informal meetings throughout Kansas City, looking for key stakeholders.
2019
Elevate Metro KC Launches
Elevate Metro KC becomes the 10th Elevate affiliate in the country. Elevate classes and mentoring launch at Southeast High and Banneker Elementary Schools.
2020
COVID-19
On site classes suspended throughout the Kansas City Public School District to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The Teacher/Mentors develop new ways to teach, connect, inspire, and encourage with social distancing rules in place.
2022
School Transition
Due to interest from Center School District and low enrollment at Southeast HS, Elevate programming moved to Center School District. Mentoring opportunities will continue to be offered to Southeast HS Elevate students.
our history
1982
Colorado UpLift
Colorado UpLift is the original Elevate affiliate. Staff members began providing leadership and character instruction in the public school system for students from 4th grade through college. Along with the in-school program, Colorado UpLift regularly mentored students after school and throughout the summer, improving the odds for students to emerge as thriving young adults.
2008
National Expansion
Based on interest from other cities, new affiliates launched beginning with Elevate Orlando in 2008, Elevate Phoenix in 2009 and Elevate New York in 2010. Nationally the name switched from UpLift to Elevate.
2017
Elevate USA Contacts KC
Elevate USA staff hosted several informal meetings throughout Kansas City, looking for key stakeholders.
2019
Elevate Metro KC Launches
Elevate Metro KC becomes the 11th Elevate affiliate in the country. Elevate classes and mentoring launch at Southeast High and Banneker Elementary Schools.
2020
COVID-19
On site classes suspended throughout the Kansas City Public School District to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The Teacher/Mentors develop new ways to teach, connect, inspire, and encourage with social distancing rules in place.
2022
School Transition
Due to interest from Center School District and low enrollment at Southeast HS, Elevate programming moved to Center School District. Mentoring opportunities will continue to be offered to Southeast HS Elevate students.
staff
Kira Montuori
Executive Director
Tiffany Green
Site Director
Kartez Addison
Lead Teacher/Mentor
Andrea Smith
Teacher/Mentor
Amalia Harris
Teacher/Mentor
Sara Stauffer
Administrative Coordinator
Sara Hinckley
Fund Development Coordinator
Crystal Bahr
Director of Development
With nearly 20 years of experience dedicated to improving children’s lives and strengthening communities, Kira Montuori brings both enthusiasm and humility to her role as Executive Director of Elevate KC.
Prior to joining Elevate KC, Kira held leadership positions at Cornerstones of Care, Crittenton Children’s Center, and Marian Hope, where she advanced missions focused on unlocking child potential, improving health outcomes, and championing child advocacy.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications from the University of Illinois and a master’s degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri.
Kira and her husband, Chad, are committed to raising their four children to lead with compassion, pursue their passions, and serve with joy. As a family, they deeply value quality time—especially when it involves good food.
Tiffany Green is a teacher-mentor and the Site Director for the Elevate Metro KC program located at Southeast High School (KCPS). Before coming to Elevate, Tiffany served as a youth development specialist for the University of Kansas in the Kansas City area where she trained, assessed and provided professional development for youth care workers. Her heart lies in mentoring and growing relationships with youth which began long ago when she served the youth of her church.
Tiffany earned her BA from Park University in Child and Family Studies, and an MA in Management and Leadership from Webster University.
Tiffany is a mother of two and a wife of 13 years.
Kartez is a devoted husband, father, musician, and entrepreneur who’s passionate about teaching and mentoring young people. Before joining Elevate, he spent over 10 years partnering with many organizations, including Genesis Charter School, Front Porch Alliance, and The Boys and Girls Clubs of America designing and implementing programs that empower youth to explore their talents and grow. He also served as AVL Director at Concord Fortress of Hope Church, where he combined leadership with technical expertise. A lifelong learner, Kartez is committed to helping students discover their gifts, unlock their potential, and create meaningful futures.
Andrea Smith is a Teacher-Mentor for the Elevate Metro KC program at Southeast High School. She is excited to be a part of a team that will give hope and inspire our youth. Before coming to Elevate, Andrea was a Volunteer Leader for nine years with Kansas City Young Life, partnering with the Center School District and KCPS. Meeting kids where they are and showing them Christ’s love has always been her passion. In her spare time Andrea loves to dance, eat, fellowship, and raise her amazing daughter.
Amalia Harris has a strong foundation in collegiate coaching and a commitment to helping individuals and teams achieve their goals. Her expertise includes student management, staff development, strategic planning, and hands-on coaching.
As a former collegiate women’s basketball coach, Amalia developed a passion for mentoring young adults through personal, athletic, and academic challenges. She holds a Master of Arts in Organizational & Global Leadership and a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, with a focus in Sociology and Psychology. Known for her ability to improve efficiency and foster collaboration, she is a trusted partner to students and colleagues.
Currently pursuing a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Amalia aims to integrate her leadership experience into the Elevate Experience, focusing on resilience-building and holistic support. She values continuous learning, meaningful relationships, and creating supportive environments for students and communities.
Sara started working for Elevate Metro KC as the Administrative Coordinator, following a two decade career as a Kids Director at Heartland Community Church in Olathe, Kansas. Right out of college she was a classroom teacher for three years, and has always felt education is one of the best ways to change people and communities.
She and her husband are empty nesters, with three adult sons who live with their families in Colorado and Oregon. She keeps herself busy gardening, and botanical drawing.
Sara Hinckley became the Fund Development Coordinator for Elevate in August 2022. Sara spent six years as a teacher in a Title-One School in the Shawnee Mission School District before transitioning to this position with Elevate. She taught Kindergarten for five years and First Grade for one year. She received an Elementary education Degree and Endorsement for English as a Second Language from Kansas State University. Sara has a passion for Education and investing in the lives of students. She believes Elevate is a place where she can continue to encourage and serve public education. Sara and her husband, Chris, are expecting a baby in October 2022. As a family, we enjoy traveling to new places, eating lots of food – especially queso, and going to Football and Baseball games.
Crystal Bahr was appointed the first Director of Development for Elevate Metro KC in 2023. Prior to this role, she worked as the Community Relations Manager at Marian Hope and Cornerstones of Care, where she helped connect hundreds of community members to the respective missions through volunteer, individual, and business-giving opportunities.
With more than 17 years of experience in nonprofit development, Crystal joined Elevate Metro with a wealth of knowledge and a passion for community betterment. Before starting her career in development, she taught physical education at a charter school in Fort Myers, Florida.
Crystal brings a demonstrated record of raising awareness and educating the community on how they can improve the lives of vulnerable children and create meaningful change for our community.
Crystal received her bachelor’s degree from Graceland University in Lamoni, IA. She is a proud and devoted wife and mother to two wonderful daughters.