Destiny Knox is a passionate youth leader and creative force at MO Hives KC, where she supports the organization through social media management, content creation, and community engagement. She’s also the lead photographer, capturing the people, events, and mission of MO Hives through powerful visuals that bring their story to life.
Destiny is a proud graduate of Staley High School and is now a freshman at the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy (UHSP) in St. Louis, where she’s continuing her athletic journey as a collegiate track athlete. Outside of MO Hives, she runs her own photography business, DestinyKnoxPhotography, combining her love for storytelling and visual art with a strong entrepreneurial spirit.
With a deep commitment to community and a talent for creative storytelling, Destiny brings vision and energy to everything she does at MO Hives KC. Through her work, she helps amplify the organization’s mission, connect with new audiences, and spark meaningful engagement across Kansas City and beyond.
Maria Carson is a passionate youth leader and dedicated community advocate who has been a driving force with MoHives KC since the age of 11. Now five years into her journey with the organization, Maria is not only one of its youngest founders but also a key voice in its mission to empower youth and promote sustainability. Maria's involvement runs deep—MoHives KC is truly a family effort, with her whole family actively supporting the cause.
Maria is a student at Notre Dame de Sion, where her energy and enthusiasm shine through in everything she does. A multi-talented individual, she balances her time between playing softball and flag football, working behind the scenes on her school’s musical crew, and serving on student council. One of her standout passions is beekeeping, a hobby that reflects her deep respect for the environment and her hands-on approach to learning.
Cameron Ritchie is one of the original youth founders of MO Hives KC, having been deeply involved with the organization since its inception five years ago. Passionate about bees, sustainability, and the environment, Cameron has been a consistent voice for urban beekeeping and community engagement in Kansas City. His commitment to nature and community empowerment is reflected in his years of hands-on work and leadership with MO Hives.
Beyond his environmental advocacy, Cameron is also an accomplished professional actor and vocalist. He has performed in major productions such as Once on This Island, The Wiz, A Christmas Carol, and Rent, showcasing his dynamic stage presence and love for storytelling. A proud member of both the Kansas City Boys Choir and the Kansas City Girls Choir, Cameron uses his voice to inspire and uplift others through music.
Currently a junior at Lincoln College Preparatory Academy, Cameron balances academics, the arts, and activism with passion and purpose—embodying what it means to be a well-rounded, driven young leader.
Victor Santos is a 16-year-old beekeeper from Kansas City and a junior at Lincoln College Preparatory Academy, balancing school and work with dedication and pride.
Through his beekeeping journey, he has gained hands-on experience in the science and responsibility of caring for bees, while also learning about the vital role pollinators play in sustaining ecosystems. He enjoys working outdoors, connecting with nature, and contributing to a team that’s making a meaningful difference in the community.
His experiences have strengthened his passion for sustainability and taught him the value of patience, hard work, and environmental stewardship. Victor hopes to continue his beekeeping journey and inspire other young people to explore the world of nature and conservation.
Jaylon Davis is a college student at Lincoln University majoring in Agricultural Business. Originally from Houston, Texas, he attends Lincoln on a full-ride agricultural scholarship and was recognized on the Dean’s List last year for his academic excellence. A retired college athlete, Jaylon has spent the past three years working with Mo Hives, where he gained valuable experience in urban agriculture, sustainability, and community outreach. He is passionate about working with youth and making a positive impact in his community through education and engagement. Jaylon is on track to graduate in Fall 2026 and aspires to become a leader in the agricultural industry.
Paiton Hughley is a student at Lee’s Summit North High School and a passionate member of the Mo Hives team. Through her work with Mo Hives, Paiton plays an active role in supporting sustainable urban agriculture and environmental education in Kansas City. She values the opportunity to work hands-on with bees while helping create green spaces and learning opportunities in communities that need them most.
What Paiton loves most about Mo Hives is the strong sense of community and the family feel among the team. The supportive environment has helped her grow—not just as a beekeeper, but as a leader and advocate for environmental justice.
Beyond Mo Hives, Paiton is deeply involved in her school community. She plays flag football, competes in shot put, is a member of the debate team, and contributes to the journalism department. She’s also a Principal’s Honor Roll student, balancing her academics with her many extracurriculars. Whether she’s writing a story, crafting an argument, or mentoring others about beekeeping, Paiton is driven by curiosity, leadership, and a strong desire to make a difference.
Our Other Hive-Minded Board Members
Marion Pierson, M.D. serves as Board President of MO Hives and is a dedicated pediatrician with nearly three decades of experience in caring for children and families. Her work is rooted in a deep passion for education, community service, and advancing healthier environments for urban communities.
A proud graduate of St. Teresa’s Academy and the University of Missouri–Kansas City’s renowned six-year B.A./M.D. program, Dr. Pierson has long been guided by her love of science and her commitment to serving others—values that continue to shape every aspect of her professional and volunteer leadership.
Dr. Pierson is an active, long-standing member of numerous community, conservation, beekeeping, and civic organizations, including the Missouri State Beekeepers Association( MSBA) and the Jackson County (MO) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. As a member for more than twenty years, she has held leadership roles at the chapter, area, and national levels. In her service work she has been recognized with several honors, including the 2021 MSBA Beekeeper of the Year and the 2024 St. Teresa’s Academy Alumna of the Year.
Dr. Pierson and her husband, Emmet W. Pierson, are the proud parents of two adult daughters.
In 2024, she launched Elite Care Pediatrics, a concierge-style medical practice on the Country Club Plaza. Through this innovative model, Dr. Pierson provides personalized, holistic pediatric care to children and young adults from birth through 21 years of age.
MO Hives KC Co-Founder Brian Reeves is the organization’s vice president, and is a pharmaceutical rep.
Brian Reeves began his profession in pharmaceutical sales at Merck Company and has more than 20 years experience in pharmaceutical sales, selling in the clinical specialty areas of Psychiatry, Asthma, Pain, Long Term Care, Epilepsy, Rheumatology, Endocrinology, Orthopedics, OBGYN, Neurology, Pediatrics, Gastroenterology, and Cardiology.
Brian has had a successful, award winning career, and a reputation of being a positive leader. Most recently, Brian is a specialty sales representative for Glaxo Smith Kline, selling a Biologic for Severe Asthma. Brian is a President’s Circle Winner and 4x Pinnacle Award winner.
Brian received an athletic football scholarship to the University of Missouri. Brian graduated with Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation, and worked several years in behavioral health and physical rehabilitation settings. Brian resides in Raymore, MO. He enjoys physical activities, working out, teaching a fitness class or riding his bicycle. In good weather, he often rides 100 miles a week. He also loves to travel and hopes to visit all 50 states. His ideal trip would be a ‘triple threat’: seeing a new place, doing something active and taking in a spectator sport. Brian also is a Bee Keeper in his efforts to save the planet, and teaches both young and not so young, the wonderful story of a bee’s life.
Meet the Beekeepers of Our Hive
Tia Alexander
Shalonn (Kiki) Curls
Hunter Gale
David Green
Phyllis Ragsdale
Jackie Griffin
Rachelle Garcia Carson
John Gromowsky
Charity M. Brown is a Kansas City native, wife and mother. Raised as an only child by both her parents in a loving home where character mattered. Had and have beautiful relationships with all grandparents which developed her love for a strong family bond.
Charity is the first Executive Director of MO Hives KC June 2024. She is a certified Recovery and Life Coach, former Program Director of M.A.M.A.'s House a women’s transitional home, and Site Coordinator for Kansas City Freedom School Initiative at Christian Fellowship Baptist Church.
Charity is also a singer, actor and lover of outdoors! Her life's motto is to be slow and steady, stay present in every experience and BEE kind.