08/20/2026
August 17th is always a challenging day for social workers and our Johnson County Mental Health staff. It marks the day we lost Teri Zenner, a dedicated community servant who was tragically killed while serving her community. As a social worker myself, it’s a day of reflection and sadness.
In the aftermath of Teri’s death, I collaborated closely with her husband, Matt, to secure federal funding for training Johnson County mental health workers on safety protocols. We also worked together to pass a state law in 2010, ensuring that every licensed social worker in Kansas completes social work safety training.
In 2022, I spearheaded the initiative to establish a lasting tribute to Teri Zenner’s life and legacy. We dedicated the Teri Zenner Memorial Garden at 11120 W 65th St, Shawnee, KS 66203, as a place of remembrance and honor.
Teri was a compassionate person who dedicated her life to serving others and improving the quality of life of others, and that Teri made sacrifices to do that, including the ultimate sacrifice of her life. RIP Teri ❤️🥲
Here is the tribute video from the Teri Zenner Memorial Garden dedication.
👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhuRxobeGSY