Meet our team

Rhonda Vaughn 

Rhonda Vaughn grew up in Kansas City, Kansas and moved to Leavenworth with her husband in 2001.  She has worked in the role of Physical Therapist Assistant since 1997.

Rhonda is the mother of Landon and his older brother, Kaleb. She enjoyed all of the ups and downs of raising two boys along with her husband, Garrett.  There were no dull moments with two boys running from one sporting activity to the other along with multiple church activities scattered throughout a typical week.

Landon's Legacy was born out of her love for Landon and the need to continue to share the sunshine that he brought into her life.  Rhonda is excited to keep his legacy alive and "Be the Light" for Leavenworth students as she serves as Executive Director of Landon's Legacy.

Garrett Vaughn

Garrett Vaughn was born in Kansas City, Kansas, and currently lives in Leavenworth, Kansas, with his wife and eldest son, Kaleb Vaughn. Garrett and Rhonda met through mutual friends, fell in love and had two amazing boys. Sadly, Garrett lost his youngest son to a tragic car accident and this is how Landon's Legacy was born. Landon and Garrett were together almost 24/7. Landon was his apprentice at work, His shooting buddy,  riding buddy and was just a very unselfish and giving young man. When Landon left us, he left a huge hole in all of our hearts. Landon's Legacy was born to pass on his giving spirit to those who have needs. Landon knew even at a young age that it is better to give then to receive. Even in his passing he is still taking the old man to school.
Garrett serves as President of Landon's Legacy and hopes that you will join us in helping out the children in the Leavenworth school district overcome obstacles and enjoy just being a child.

Julie Ann Brunsky

Julie Ann Brunsky is a native of Kansas City, Kansas. She has been a Radiologic Technologist since 1995 and is currently employed as a medical paralegal.

Julie Ann met Garrett as a freshman in high school. Julie Ann and Rhonda met in a college anatomy class and became fast friends, building a friendship that has lasted over 30 years. (You can thank Julie Ann for introducing them!) Despite now living halfway across the county, "Aunt Julie" has been fortunate to be part of the Vaughn family. She and Landon bonded early on over their shared love of games. Her favorite memories of Landon include going head-to-head in an exciting game of Headbands, Apples to Apples, Uno or bowling.

Julie Ann is excited to help keep the memory of Landon alive by serving as Vice-President of Landon’s Legacy.

Amy Skalla

Amy Skalla was born in Kansas City but currently lives in Basehor, Kansas with her husband Jeff, their children and grandchildren.  She is self-employed and along with her husband owns My Lawn Guy, LLC.

She met the Vaughn's several years ago through mutual friends and church.  They have become an important part of her every day life and Amy serves as Secretary on the Board for Landon's Legacy.  Our mission is to honor Landon's Legacy by sharing his love for Jesus and for other people.

Laura Cridlebaugh

Laura Cridlebaugh was born, raised, and currently resides in Kansas City, Missouri, with her husband, two children, and two cats.   Laura’s passion for wanting to help people began when she was old enough to answer the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”  She always knew she wanted to do something to help people and work in healthcare.   Ultimately, her educational path led her to a career as a Physical Therapist Assistant, which is how she met Rhonda.  

Laura’s relationship with Rhonda and the Vaughn family has surpassed twenty-five years.  Twenty-five years of incredible memories, celebrations, trips, unimaginable events, game nights, just plain old fun, and supporting each other through everyday life.  Their children strengthened the bond between the two families even further as Landon and Emily transformed their friendship into a loving relationship over the last 2 years of Landon’s life.  

Laura was honored when asked to participate as a board member of Landon’s Legacy, continuing her lifelong commitment to helping others and now assisting to preserve  Landon’s memory.  Laura looks forward to showing others the love Landon showed Emily, allowing his light to shine bright, continuing to spread love and kindness to those in need, and helping “Be the Light” while serving as treasurer of Landon’s Legacy.

Carrie Sharp

Carrie Sharp has the privilege of living in and contributing to the Kansas City community for over 25 years. Her career in insurance and investments has provided her with a strong foundation that’s proven invaluable in her work with Landon's legacy. Carrie's husband, Howard, and she reside in Olathe, Kansas, alongside their beloved cavapoo, Mae Mae Betty White. They are also blessed with four grown children, each of whom have enriched their lives immeasurably.

Carrie's relationship with the Vaughn family extends back many years. They've shared countless memories – from “family” game nights to vacations, cheering on their kids at sporting events, and worshipping together at church. Landon affectionately considered Carrie's children to be his cousins and even referred to her daughter as his sister, a designation that speaks volumes about the close and loving relationship they shared.

To be involved in preserving Landon's memory and ensuring his legacy endures is a profound honor, and the most rewarding work of Carrie's life.

Emily Cridlebaugh

Emily Cridlebaugh was born and raised in Kansas City, MO. Emily attended the University of Missouri-Columbia, where she became an Alpha Chi Omega alum and worked closely with a local domestic and sexual violence victim service program. After a few years in Columbia, Emily returned home to complete her nursing degree at Missouri Western. She will be graduating next year with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She loves her current job at QuikTrip, and recently celebrated five years with the company.

While Landon and Emily’s parents were close during their childhoods, the ‘kids’ were not as close. Emily was blessed enough to become reacquainted with Landon again, by chance, years later - a “family-friends lake weekend” became everlasting support and understanding. Landon and Emily became "ride-or-dies".

Landon wasn’t always forthcoming with his emotions or professing of 
his love, but if you paid attention, you would see his acts of kindness and appreciation everywhere. It might have been your car's oil that you didn’t have to change, your favorite candy from the gas station because he stopped after work with his Pops and thought of you, or an unexpected FaceTime at the most random moment just to say “I love you”. No matter what, Landon showed up for his loved ones.

When presented with an opportunity to continue sharing his dedication and love after his passing, Emily had to accept. She now serves as the Social Media Coordinator for Landon’s Legacy. While Landon is deeply missed every day, Landon’s Legacy has provided community, belonging, and purpose to the Leavenworth community and those affected by his passing.

Brandy Jones

Brandy Jones, Landon's second grade teacher, is dedicated to the mission of Landon's Legacy. The work focuses on helping youth participate in their education and social development in Leavenworth, leaving no child behind. This mission speaks to Landon's virtues; prioritizing the care of others.  When not immersed in teaching, you can find Brandy in the garden, putting around the golf course or enjoying lake life.