PROGRAM DIRECTORS

Claude “CJ” Hodges has over two decades of work within educational and therapeutic settings, consistently demonstrating an ability to create safe and supportive environments for diverse populations. Since graduating from Huron High School (Ann Arbor, MI, 1996), CJ has dedicated his life to serving and working to positively impact the youth. His training includes comprehensive CPR/First Aid, Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (Master Trainer), Diversity Training (Master Trainer), Thinking for a Change, Anger Management, CPI/Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, and ESI.

 

CJ started his career as a Supervisor at Liberty Juvenile Services in April of 1998. There he supervised staff, handled program management, conducted safety training and managed student activities until October of 2001. Next, he served as Group Living Director in two different locations from October of 2001 until April of 2015. There he provided extensive employee training, evaluations, supervision, and implemented and organized therapeutic programs. In August of 2015 CJ began his journey with USD 259 Wichita Public Schools. He began at Jackson Elementary where he was a Paraeducator providing teachers with classroom management and crisis intervention support. In November of that same year, he also served at Southeast High School as a Paraeducator. He provided supervision and behavior management support for students in in-school suspension. In August of 2017 CJ began his role as a Security Officer for USD 259. He served at the ISC Building and Sowers Alternative High School. In November of 2021 he became the Lead Security Officer at Southeast High School. In this role, he has consistently built positive relationships with students, staff, and the wider community while maintaining a secure environment. Responsibilities include ensuring compliance with all Board of Education (BOE) policies, preparing detailed incident reports, and effectively managing interactions with students exhibiting high-risk behaviors. CJ became the Program Director of Hope In 3-D in March of 2025 while continuing his work as a Security Officer with USD 259.

 

CJ has been happily married for over 10 years. He is a loving father, grandfather, and lovingly known as “Uncle CJ” to many. CJ also serves as a Deacon at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church.
 

Rev. Allen D. Smith serves as the advisor for strategic initiatives at KWU, including providing insight and counsel to the Community Resilience Hub team. He has served as senior pastor of the 300-member St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church in Salina for more than 23 years. His passion for a just and sustainable food system was formed by his academic pursuit of a degree in agricultural economics and his significant work with social impact organizations in the Salina community. St. John’s is a partner with KWU in the Kansas Rural Center’s Food Corridor project that is working to address food insecurity in Central Kansas by building a resilient food system that is accessible to all.
 

In the Salina community, Pastor Smith is president of Salina Chapter of the NAACP, the board president of the Martin Luther King Jr. CACFP, and is the incoming president of the board for the Salina Family YMCA. He serves regionally as the moderator of Smokey Hill District for the Missionary Baptist State Convention of Kansas and is the national director for the fight against human trafficking for National Baptist Convention USA Incorporated.
 

Rev. Smith graduated summa cum laude from Southern University A&M College (LA) and spent 12 years in sales and marketing at Chevron Oil Company. His biblical education includes a master of divinity from Faith Evangelical Seminary in Tacoma, and a doctorate of ministry in leadership at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri.