Topeka's Top "20 Under 40" Jessica Lehnherr

Photo by Nathan Ham

Jessica is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of CASA of Shawnee County. This includes direction of general administration, program coordination, development and evaluation, community education, financial management, resource development and board relations. Jessica feels that her most significant contribution to the Topeka and Shawnee County community has been helping young children cope with physical and emotional abuse at the hands of their caregivers.

Jessica is also passionate about helping college students as they enter the human services field. Jessica has served as a field instructor for social work and human services at Washburn University since 2007. She is also a member of the Topeka South Rotary and volunteers with the Rotary’s Soul Mates program helping provide children in USD 501 with new shoes and socks. Jessica is a Kansas CASA Association Legislative Committee Member, the recipient of the Outstanding Service Award given by the Kansas Children’s Service League, and received the Non-profit Award of Excellence awarded by the Community Resource Council this year.

Jessica is married to Jason Lehnherr and has two children, Brayden (10) and Addison (7).

“Jessica’s personality is magnetic. She has the ability to bring people together and she leads by example. I am inspired by Jessica’s leadership, dedication and commitment to serving the most vulnerable of children in Shawnee County.” —Erin La Row, CASA of Shawnee County Board of Directors