Independent Review Board

Kathy Fincham

Former Assistant Prosecuting Attorney of Jackson County, former Assistant U.S. Attorney

Bachelor of Arts in History, Georgetown University; law degree from Kent College of Law in Chicago

(1982-1995) Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office, led what was then called the Sex Crimes Unit

(1995-2015) U.S. Attorney’s Office, first in General Crimes Unit and the Narcotics Unit before moving to the Computer Crimes and Child Exploitation Unit. From 2001 until her retirement in 2015, Fincham prosecuted the most serious child exploitation cases in the Western District of Missouri.

IRB member since Dec. 2018/Jan. 2019

“Over the course of investigation and prosecution, I have listened to and consoled victims and their families. I’ve seen the damage done through the eyes of the victimized. I have gained appreciation for the damage and longevity of that damae from sexual and physical abuse.”

“I’ve become sensitive to victims, their rights and their problems,” Fincham continued. “I have an enhanced appreciation of the victims’ rights.”

Amy M. Dublinske

Medical Pediatric Therapist—Children’s Mercy Hospital

Master of Science in Clinical and Counseling Psychology (University of Central Missouri), Missouri License in Professional Counseling

Married for 20 years to Neil, three children; enjoys swimming, running & scrapbooking; recipient of the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance Volunteer of the Year award (2007)

IRB member since 2014

“I’ve always been an advocate for children… providing a voice for those without the ability to advocate for themselves. For over twenty years, I have worked with children in the child protection system, conducting child abuse investigations with the state of Missouri and now working with pediatric patients at Children’s Mercy Hospital. I also help with the Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault (MOCSA) here in Kansas City, and am a member of the American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children.”

Joyce Estes

Former Executive Director—Northwest Missouri Children’s Advocacy Center

Bachelor of Science in Education, Master of Education and Counseling, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Three children and ten grandchildren; enjoys reading, traveling, woodworking and playing games with friends; recipient of the Leona Rivers Jewell Award in Recognition of Exemplary Service to Child Victims of Sexual Abuse (1994 & 2014); Optimist Club Respect for Law (2012)

IRB Member since 2014

“I have worked with abused children for thirty years, counseling both children and adults who had been sexually abused. I am currently on the Governor’s Task Force for Child Abuse, and have worked with Missouri Kids First to advocate for children. Over the past twelve years, I have also served as director of the Children’s Advocacy Center. Most of my life’s work has been to prevent child sexual abuse and bring healing to child victims.”

Sr. Suzanne Fitzmaurice, OSB

Associate Director—Keeler Women’s Center

Bachelor of Arts in Education and Ministry (Creighton University), Master of Theology Studies (Franciscan School of Theology)

Religious sister with the Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica, Atchison, KS; enjoys training, watching movies and listening to music; worked at the Child Saving Institute (Omaha, NE)

IRB member since 2012

“Working with young people the last 30 years, I have seen the traumatic effects of not only abuse but of the lack of response on the part of various church officials. It is important that we not only have systems in place to protect our young people, but also that when something does occur we respond appropriately.”

Fr. Greg Haskamp

Pastor—St. Elizabeth Parish, KCMO

B.A. in Philosophy (Conception Seminary College); Masters of Divinity (Mundelein Seminary)

Ordained a Priest of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph in 1993. Served as Associate Pastor, St. Elizabeth Parish 1993-95; Associate Pastor, Visitation Parish 1995-98; Pastor, Our Lady of Guadalupe (St. Joseph) 1998-2005; Pastor, Good Shepherd (Smithville) 2005-2013; Pastor, St. Elizabeth Parish 2013-present

Enjoys live and recorded music, reading, espresso, craft beer, visits to the Oregon Coast

IRB Member since 2018

“The church furthers the mission of Jesus, ‘to bring glad tidings to the poor…to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord‘ (Lk 4:18-19). The injuries and scars of abuse leave far too many children, youth and adults suffering in pain, darkness and discouragement. The IRB is one facet of our diocesan ministry to heal these wounds, set the oppressed free, promote recovery and restore right relationship.  I am glad to live in the age in which our church claims this holy and impactful work as essential to its mission. This is the Gospel in action.”

Amber Heineman

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (University of Arizona), Juris Doctorate (University of Kansas)

Married to husband Robb, two children; enjoys attending her kids’ sports events, Sporting KC, playing tennis, and reading; board member of the FIRE Foundation (Foundation for Inclusive Religious Education); chairperson of the Visitation school athletic committee; board member of Victory Project/Sporting KC; former board member of the Child Protection Center (2012-16); former chairperson of Just Like You – Kids Helping Kids Heal (2010-13)

IRB member since 2012

“As the former Assistant Prosecuting Attorney of Jackson County, I have experience prosecuting sex crimes, domestic abuse and other violent crime cases. I am passionate about this cause because I want to ensure that our Catholic community is a safe and happy place for our children.”

Erika Lawler

Attorney, The Lawler Firm, LLC

Bachelor of Arts, English Literature and Philosophy, Rockhurst University

Juris Doctor, University of Missouri at Kansas City School of Law

Erika is a Civil Litigation Attorney with The Lawler Firm, LLC.  She served fourteen years in the  Jackson County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, beginning as an intern in her second year of law school.  Erika served in the DART (Drug Abate Response Team) Unit before moving to the Sex Crimes Unit prosecuting sex crimes and child homicide cases. From 2006 until 2016, she worked in the Sex Crimes Unit and as a Trial Team Leader, Eastern Jackson County Special Victim’s Unit, Sex Crimes and Child Abuse Unit prosecuting all types of child abuse cases including, physical abuse, sexual abuse, child pornography and child homicides.

For the last four years, Erika has volunteered at the Bishop Sullivan Law Clinic.  In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their three children, as well as reading, and traveling.

IRB member since 2020.

Patrick (Pat) McInerney

Attorney, Spencer Fane

Bachelor of Science and Juris Doctorate, University of Missouri, Kansas City

Pat McInerney is a partner with the Spencer Fane law firm in Kansas City. He brings over two decades of experience as a trial lawyer, having first-chaired many high profile and complex cases in federal and state courts. Pat is a former state and federal prosecutor, as well as a former Commissioner with the Kansas City Police Department.

“As a prosecutor and police commissioner, I saw the toll abuse took on children and families. I am honored to be a part of our diocesan effort to protect and support children, families and vulnerable adults. If it is true that here on Earth, God’s work must truly be our own, then the work of the IRB is some of the very most important we can do.”

IRB member since 2020

Doug Weishar

Retired Major, Captain, Sergeant, Detective, Police Officer – Kansas City Missouri Police Department

Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, Missouri
B.S. Criminal Justice – May 1979
Webster University, Kansas City, Missouri
M.A. Human Resources Development – May 1992

March 1980 – March 2006

Doug served for over twenty-five years in law enforcement service with assignments in all four Bureaus:  Patrol, Investigations, Administration and Executive Services. Investigation Bureau assignments included:  Homicide, Fraud and Property Crimes. Captain assignments included: Patrol, Communications, Planning and Research, Midwest High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), Investigation Support Center, Employee Benefits unit. Major assignments included: Information Services Division.

“I have been an active parishioner in the Kansas City, St. Joseph Diocese since 1980 and at St. Thomas More Parish since 1990.  I’m the husband of Mary Jane and we are parents of four children who received a Catholic education throughout grade school and high school. This close connection to the Catholic faith and my law enforcement background and investigative experience with the Kansas City Missouri Police Department has drawn me to serve on the IRB. I am honored and thankful to the Board and Bishop Johnston for the opportunity to assist in protecting God’s children and vulnerable adults in the diocese from sexual misconduct.”

IRB Member since 2020

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