Meet the MSNT Staff
Midwest Special Needs Trust staff serve our beneficiaries with care and compassion. Our backgrounds may be varied but our purpose is a common one. Would you like to learn more about our staff?
Bianca Farr
Executive Director
Bianca Farr, MSW, LCSW, joined MSNT as Associate Director in November of 2019. Graduating from the University of Missouri – Columbia with a BA in Psychology and Master’s in Social Work, Bianca devoted her career to enhancing the quality of life for people of all abilities. Her experience includes over 22 years in state government as a mental health professional working with individuals/families with disabilities as well as policy development for behavioral health programs. For the past seven years, she served as the Director of Employment Services for the Missouri Department of Mental Health, Division of Behavioral Health. In this role she managed special projects that promoted the importance of supported employment and financial well-being of individuals with mental health and/or substance use disorders.
Casie Stephens
Associate Director
Casie joined MSNT in September 2011. After graduating William Jewell College with a BA in Psychology, Casie spent five years with the Clay County Public Administrator’s office as a case manager. She continues to dedicate her career to individuals with disabilities as the Associate Director at MSNT, where she enjoys training others on special needs trusts, pooled trusts, public benefits, and the importance of planning for loved ones with disabilities. In addition to her long-standing Work Incentives Practitioner Certification (WIP-C), Casie has completed a certificate in leadership from Cornell University and a certificate in trust and estate planning from Cannon Trust School.
Shelley Morse
Director of Trust Services
Shelley joined MSNT in January 2021. Attending the University of Missouri-Columbia, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Master’s degree in Educational and Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Rehabilitation. This further developed her interests and passion for serving and advocating for individuals with disabilities and seniors. Shelley brings over 25 years of experience of serving those with special needs including her most recent experience as the owner of a home care company serving Central Missouri.
Lilly Vincent Kirubakaran
Trust Specialist II
Lilly Lidya Vincent Kirubakaran joined MSNT as a Trust Specialist II in August of 2025. She earned her Master of Public Health degree with dual concentrations in Global Health and Epidemiology from Saint Louis University. Lilly’s professional and academic experiences reflect her strong commitment to promoting health equity and improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. Her passion for service is rooted in her belief that every person deserves access to holistic, compassionate, and inclusive support. At MSNT, Lilly applies her skills in research, communication, and data management to provide thoughtful assistance to the individuals and families she serves.
Outside of work, Lilly enjoys exploring nature, and engaging in creative projects that bring her joy and mindfulness.
Miranda Martin
Trust Specialist I
Miranda Martin joined MSNT as a Trust Specialist I in February of 2024. She holds a BA in History at McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland. Before joining MSNT, Miranda gained valuable experience in the insurance industry, followed by five years in the finance sector at a nonprofit organization. In addition, she has refined her customer service and problem-solving skills for over a decade in the service industry. Her practical experience enhances her ability to connect with the individuals MSNT serves. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her three dogs: Rosie, Moose, and Ghost.
Blake Butel
Trust Specialist I
Blake graduated in 2025 from Columbia College with a bachelors degree in Business Administration. Simultaneously, he worked four years in the mental health field with a behavioral health provider, where he gained valuable experience supporting client-focused care. Blake is passionate about contributing to systems that improve lives and bring greater efficiency and care to individuals with disabilities.
Outside of work, Blake enjoys staying active and connecting with others through slow-pitch softball, volleyball, and golf. Whether it’s on the field or in the office, Blake’s uses teamwork and consistency to bring a positive mindset to everything he does.
Danielle Thomas
Charitable Trust Specialist
Danielle joined MSNT in October 2023. She spent 9 years working for the State of Missouri and 10 years in private industry. At MSNT, she looks forward to assisting people with disabilities obtain financial assistance grants. Danielle earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Indiana.
Gabe Wilkerson
IT Director
Gabe is an IT professional with over two decades of successful experience in managing and supporting business IT needs. Gabe provides a collaborative approach to his position using IT technologies and strategies that improve efficiency and provide reliable access to critical data. A strong believer in the mission of Midwest Special Needs Trust, Gabe uses his personal relationships with persons with disabilities to bring a compassionate and dedicated attitude to his position.