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
Josh Clair is ITI's Director of Competitive Employment, bringing a strong background in workforce development and leadership. Prior to joining ITI, he was the Branch Manager at QPS Employment Group, where he led staffing operations. He has completed management training programs through Walmart and QPS and pursued Certified Staffing Professional (CSP) certification. Josh was drawn to ITI's mission through both his professional experience and personal life. As the father of a son with Down syndrome, he has seen firsthand the impact of opportunity and support, shaping his commitment to advocating for individuals who may not be given a fair chance. He believes everyone deserves an equal opportunity to succeed and is passionate about helping individuals find meaningful employment that can change lives.
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 conducting a nationwide search for proven competitive employment and job training models, ITI selected BCI in St. Peters, Missouri, as its foundation. Since launching its vocational training program in 2019, BCI has helped hundreds of individuals secure competitive employment in their communities.
ITI is built on BCI’s successful model and continues to benefit from BCI’s guidance and support. Recent BCI vocational training graduates have earned average starting wages of $18.56 per hour, with six-month job retention rates in the upper 80th percentile.
Through this partnership, ITI can bring effective employment programs and services to adults with disabilities in southwest Missouri more quickly, backed by a strong track record of success.
