Charlie Lauts, Director of Admissions

Charlie Lauts serves as the Director of Admissions at Peaslee Tech, bringing more than three decades of experience in education and student support. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Arts Education and a Master’s degree in Industrial Technology, both from Kearney State College in Nebraska. Originally from Nebraska, Charlie is proud to be a farmer’s daughter and maintains strong family ties—she and her family connect every Sunday evening for a standing Zoom call to catch up and spend time together.

Outside of work, Charlie enjoys gardening, biking, golfing, and spending time with her husband, Tom, and their two sons, Devin and Ryan. She is an enthusiastic supporter of the Nebraska Cornhuskers, the Kansas City Royals, and the Kansas City Chiefs.

Before joining Peaslee Tech, Charlie taught shop and drafting at Lawrence High School for 33 years, shaping countless students through hands-on, technical education. She has been part of the Peaslee team for over 5 years and is passionate about helping individuals discover and pursue meaningful, long-term career paths.

Charlie.Lauts@peasleetech.org

Kiah O’Quinn, Office Manager

Kiah O’Quinn serves as the Office Manager at Peaslee, where she has been a valued team member for over 5 years. Growing up in a military family, Kiah lived in many places before ultimately calling St. Louis home. She attended cosmetology school in Overland Park, Kansas, and spent four years working as a stylist prior to the pandemic.


Kiah enjoys spending her free time with friends and family and cheering on her favorite teams—the St. Louis Cardinals, St. Louis Blues, and the Kansas Jayhawks. Thanks to her husband, Conner, she has also become a Dallas Cowboys fan, though the Kansas City Chiefs will always hold the top spot in her heart. Kiah and Conner also love to unwind by binge-watching shows such as Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, and various documentaries.


In April 2025, Kiah welcomed a baby boy and is loving every moment of watching him grow.

Kiah is passionate about Peaslee’s mission and values the opportunity to support learners as they explore new career paths and access the many resources the organization provides.

Kiah.Oquinn@peasleetech.org

Elijah Houston, Facilities Maintenance Technician

Elijah Houston serves as a Facilities Maintenance Technician at Peaslee Tech. He joined the team after completing Peaslee’s Facilities Maintenance program, quickly demonstrating strong technical ability and reliability. Elijah now works full-time alongside Richard, supporting a wide range of maintenance operations—from groundskeeping to plumbing repairs—and is known for being dependable and willing to tackle any task.

In his free time, Elijah enjoys driving his car and spending time with his American Bulldog/Lab mix, Lucy. He is a fan of peach cobbler and appreciates the variety his role offers. Elijah’s favorite aspect of working at Peaslee Tech is that no two days are the same, allowing him to continuously learn and apply new skills.

Elijah.Houston@peasleetech.org

Richard Easter, Building and Maintenance Operator

Richard Easter serves as the Building and Maintenance Operator at Peaslee Tech and is widely regarded as a true jack-of-all-trades. Whether repairing vehicles, maintaining facilities, or contributing to construction projects, Richard’s extensive hands-on expertise makes him an invaluable member of the team. He has been part of Peaslee Tech since its inception and remains a steady, reliable presence in the organization.

Originally from Oklahoma, Richard met his wife, Iona, with whom he has shared 61 years of marriage. Together, they raised two sons and now enjoy spending time with their three grandchildren.

Before joining Peaslee Tech, Richard spent more than 40 years in the retail industry, where he owned and operated four stores.

In his free time, Richard enjoys working in his workshop, crafting handmade wooden bowls from locally sourced trees. His dedication, craftsmanship, and deep commitment to Peaslee Tech continue to enrich the organization and the people it serves.

Richard.Easter@peasleetech.org

Megan Hill, Executive Director of Endowment

Megan Hill serves as the Executive Director of Endowment at Peaslee Tech. A proud Lawrencian, Megan grew up in western Kansas before moving to Boulder, Colorado, and ultimately settling in Lawrence in 1995. She is a dedicated Jayhawk, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and a Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from the University of Kansas.

Megan began her career in student affairs at KU before transitioning into fundraising in 2012 at KU Endowment. She went on to spend several years supporting the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence, helping advance programs and opportunities that deeply aligned with her values. Her professional journey has been shaped by her commitment to strengthening organizations that have personally impacted her and her community—now including Peaslee Tech.

Megan’s connection to Peaslee Tech is also personal: her son completed his HVAC technical training here and is now thriving in his career. This experience further fuels her passion for advancing Peaslee Tech’s mission and securing support for the institution’s continued growth and impact.

Outside of work, Megan enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching movies and TV shows, cheering on KU basketball and the Kansas City Chiefs, following NASCAR, and traveling to new places.

Megan.Hill@peasleetech.org