About Us
Meet the Team
Turning a conversation Into Action for Lupus.
CEO & Founder
La Tanya Pitts-Lipprand
La Tanya Pitts-Lipprand is the Founder and President of Marlene’s Kaleidoscope, a nonprofit Lupus advocacy organization serving the Greater Kansas City area. La Tanya was born and raised in Kansas City and is a lupus survivor of 27 years. After a high-risk pregnancy, her health spiraled, and was given only 3 years to live. she is even more committed to growing awareness, improving the quality of life for survivors, and ultimately finding a cure.
Executive Director
Shawna Allen-Echols
My name is Shawna Allen-Echols. I'm a daughter, mother, wife, and lover of serving my community. I'm the current board chair/Executive Director of Marlene's Kaleidoscope and am excited to serve in this role and take Marlene's higher. "To whom much is given; much is required". I've been given this opportunity to serve alongside La Tanya Lipprand the CEO of Marlene's Kaleidoscope and I feel I'm required to do this job to the BEST of my ability.
Program Director
Karice Duncan
Karice Duncan joined MK4LUPUS with the vision and drive to improve upon our vision and focused on developing the organization with experience and integrity.
Co-Founder and CTO
Kelly Lipprand
I support lupus as a caregiver for my wife La Tanya. It continues to amaze me how much La Tanya does each day even when she isn’t feeling well. I never knew how widespread lupus was until learning more because of her. I want to help others Get The Conversation Started.
Board Member
Susan B. Wilson
Susan B. Wilson, PhD MBA, is a licensed clinical psychologist with a multifaceted career in education, healthcare administration, consulting, and clinical and media work. She is the principal of Wilson and Associates, an organization focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), training, program development, and consulting. Wilson has over twenty years of mental health and diversity-related experience and has held leadership positions in several notable health and behavioral healthcare organizations in Kansas City. She has also served as a consulting psychologist to the National Football League and the Kansas City Chiefs and is an avid arts enthusiast. Wilson has contributed her time and skills to numerous civic and community endeavors, including the Jackson County COMBAT Commission and the Statewide African American Mental Health Taskforce. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the Links, Inc., both public service organizations.
Our Partners
