President: Taylor Pedersen
Dr. Taylor Pedersen has been a dedicated physician at the CMH clinic in Buffalo, MO, for the past four years. In addition to her work in healthcare, she is the president and founder of The Bright Beacon. Driven by her deep compassion for vulnerable individuals, Dr. Pedersen created The Bright Beacon to provide critical resources and a safe haven for those affected by domestic violence. For her, the shelter is more than just a resource—it's a lifeline for the community, offering peace, power and prosperity for survivors.
Taylor said “During my time in medicine, I have seen multiple patients experience hardships and unfair situations that a doctor can’t fix. I felt like I needed to help in a different way outside of the clinic walls. I am confident that The Bright Beacon will make a difference for the community and survivors in Dallas County.”
Treasurer: Penny Morgans
Penny Morgans is the Branch Manager & Loan Officer at OMB Bank’s Buffalo branch. She has worked in the banking industry for close to 40 years. She was raised in the country, loves small communities, and has worked much of her adult life in and around Buffalo MO. She loves volunteering and enjoys being involved in projects that benefit her community.
Penny said “Supporting women to become confident and independent while creating safe and loving homes for families is near and dear to my heart. Being on the board of The Bright Beacon Domestic Violence Shelter will allow me to focus my efforts in areas that are most meaningful to me.”
Shelter Director: Leah Kram
Leah is a registered nurse with a strong passion for supporting survivors of domestic violence. With experience as a business owner Leah brings strong leadership skills and a strategic perspective to the board. As the mother of seven grown children she understands the importance of creating safe and nurturing environments for families. Leah is honored to serve as Director of The Bright Beacon.
Leah said “I am dedicated to advocating for survivors and enhancing the resources and support for those in need. My goal is ensuring that survivors feel empowered and have the opportunity to heal and thrive.”
Board Member: Rachel Badgett
Rachel Badgett is currently the assistant administrator at the Dallas County Health Department. She was born and raised in Dallas County; a 2001 graduate of Buffalo High School, a 2005 graduate of SBU. Life & circumstance, led her to the Dallas County Health Department in August 2005, where she has been blessed with opportunity to serve the community that shaped her childhood for nearly two decades.
Rachel is quoted saying “I am honored to be a part of the Bright Beacon. I’m humbled to be part of a great crew, with over-whelming support from our local community, and watch this vision of peace, power, prosperity and hope come to fruition!”
Vice President: Buck Shockley
Buck Shockley is the Assistant Superintendent for Buffalo School District, a role he has been in for the last four years. He grew up in the Dallas County area and graduated from Buffalo High School in 1999. He has worked in the school district for the past 10 years. Alongside his role in education, he serves as the Vice-President of The Bright Beacon. He is driven by a desire to create positive change with his unwavering commitment to fostering both educational and social progress in his community.
Buck said “My passion is for Dallas County and trying to make Dallas County the best it can possibly be.”
Secretary: Christie Wimberly
Christie Wimberly is the clinic manager at Dallas County Family Medical Center in Buffalo, MO. She has been raised in Dallas County her entire life. She has worked in the community since she was 16 years old. She raised a family here and has many friends and family that continue to live here.
Christie said “Being in healthcare for the last 29 years has given me the desire to give back to our community. I’ve seen families in desperate situations that can’t find their way out. I’m excited to be invested in the Bright Beacon for future generations to break this cycle.”
Board Member: Angela Rieschel Umbarger
Angela Rieschel Umbarger has lived in Buffalo since she was 3 years old. She received her B.A. from Drury University and her J.D. from UMKC School of Law. She has two wonderful sons. She has practiced law with her father in Buffalo since 1995.
Angela is quoted saying “I am excited to be a part of the board for Dallas County's first domestic violence shelter. I'm glad Dr. Pedersen asked me to be a part of The Bright Beacon and hope to make a difference in this community I love.”
Board Member: Lisa Rambo
Lisa Rambo is a registered nurse who is currently attending classes to become a nurse practitioner. For the past 15 years she has lived in Buffalo, MO. She is originally from Florida, but her journey led her here after meeting her husband during her service in the US Army—he’s a Buffalo native. Together, we are blessed with three incredible children: Jacob, Julius, and Tatyana.
Lisa is quoted saying “Joining Bright Beacon fills me with hope and purpose. Domestic violence is a cause that resonates deeply with me, as I have faced it personally during my upbringing. My experiences have fueled a profound commitment to advocate for others who find themselves in similar struggles, and I am dedicated to making a difference in their lives.”
Board Member: Katlyn Moore
Katlyn Moore is a registered nurse, who has worked in Dallas County for the last two years. She grew up in Pleasant Hope Missouri. She is a single mother to 2 amazing boys, ages 9 and 2.
Katlyn is quoted saying “I am excited to be a part of Bright Beacon and I am passionate about advocating for domestic violence. I know first hand the struggles a survivor goes through and I am committed to being a light of hope in their darkest times.”