About Us
Background
Imagine Technical Institute (ITI) is the dream of Hollister, Mo. native Tim Connell. His passion for people with disabilities developed as he volunteered for disability-related organizations following his son's Autism diagnosis. His inspiration for the Imagine Institute name struck him while visiting Strawberry Fields in Central Park, a memorial to rock musician and activist John Lennon. Like John, Tim had always been a dreamer, but surviving a horrific car accident at age 50 left him reprioritizing his life. His new goals were to sell his business before age 60 and start a school for those with disabilities. With ITI underway, Tim invites dreamers of all abilities to see where their imaginations can take them.
Leadership
Teresa Wappel brings more than 30 years of experience supporting individuals with disabilities to her role as Executive Director. Throughout her career, she has worked across every aspect of a person’s life—including housing, employment, and day programming—always with a focus on empowerment and inclusion. Before joining ITI, Teresa served as the Southwest Hub Director with the Judevine Center for Autism, where she oversaw Autism Project Services, Residential programs, and DMH-waivered services across 23 counties. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Columbia College. A strong advocate for belonging and opportunity, Teresa believes that everyone should have the chance to pursue meaningful employment and be fully included in society, regardless of ability.
Team Members
Kristina Frazier is ITI's Vocational Instructor. She brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for inclusive education to her work. A graduate of Drury University, Kristina has used her teaching degree to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. While inspired by her professional experiences, Kristina is primarily driven by her youngest son’s journey as a young adult on the Autism spectrum. She has also witnessed firsthand the growth of her students—from childhood to adulthood—as they’ve developed greater independence and succeeded in their communities. Kristina believes everyone deserves equal opportunities to feel valued, respected, and understood. Her dedication to fostering inclusive, safe spaces guides her approach to education and support for all individuals.
Malissa Johnson is a Competitive Employment Advisor at ITI, promoted to the role in spring 2025 after serving as a Job Coach. With 25 years of experience in healthcare, Malissa began her career as an EMT and progressed to positions as a medical assistant and office supervisor at a healthcare clinic. As a passionate advocate for her son with autism, Malissa has worked diligently to support his journey and recognizes the importance of employment opportunities for individuals on the spectrum. This motivation led her to join ITI in a role she finds deeply fulfilling.
Malissa enjoys helping individuals thrive in their careers and personal lives. She is committed to promoting inclusion, acceptance, and respect, empowering others to reach their full potential.
Elisha Waymire is an ITI Competitive Employment Advisor who helps individuals with disabilities find and maintain meaningful employment. With a background in employment services and experience working with children with special needs, she brings both expertise and compassion to her role. Elisha is a certified Behavior Technician and holds a Missouri Frontline Substitute Certificate. Inspired by her own family’s experiences, she is passionate about inclusion and believes in focusing on each person’s strengths and potential. She values ITI’s mission and is proud to support individuals who may need a little extra guidance as they build fulfilling careers.
Our Blueprint
After a nationwide search for other competitive employment and job training programs to model, ITI selected the BCI Skills Center in St. Peters, Mo. The BCI Skills Center launched in 2019 and has helped hundreds of individuals secure competitive employment. ITI is built on the Skills Center model and partly supported by BCI. Recent Skills Center graduates have an average starting wage of $16.54 per hour and a six-month job retention rate of 87%. ITI's programs and services will more quickly benefit adults with disabilities in Southwest Missouri thanks to the Skills Center partnership.
