The Kansas Lawyers Assistance Program is staffed by dedicated professionals committed to supporting the well-being of Kansas lawyers, judges, law students and bar applicants.
Whether you’re reaching out for confidential support, educational programming or guidance for yourself or someone else, you’ll be welcomed by a compassionate team that understands the unique challenges of the legal profession.
Meet the KALAP Team
Emily Hartz
Executive Director
Emily Hartz has served as Executive Director for the Kansas Lawyers Assistance Program since May 2024. Prior to her appointment, Emily joined Sloan Law Firm in an Of Counsel position in 2010.
A native of Illinois, Emily has a wealth of experience as a practitioner, having worked for the Shawnee County District Attorney’s office prosecuting domestic violence cases during her last year of law school and, upon graduation, having opened a law office focusing on general trial practice, namely family, criminal and juvenile law. Emily also has experience as national trial counsel defending personal injury and toxic tort cases in a variety of jurisdictions throughout the country. Emily left Sloan Law firm in January 2021 to serve in the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office, developing a new special victims’ unit for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. Emily returned to Sloan Law Firm in October 2021 and focused her practice in the areas of domestic relations, mediation, conciliation, civil mediation, juvenile law, criminal defense, guardianships, wills, and small estates. Emily is a trained Guardian Ad Litem practicing in both juvenile and domestic courts. She is also a Supreme Court approved civil mediator and a Supreme Court approved domestic relations mediator as well as a domestic relations conciliator for high conflict domestic cases.
Emily is a member of the Kansas Bar Association, the Kansas Women’s Attorney’s Association, the American Bar Association, and the National Association of Counsel for Children. She also served on the Board of the Kansas Lawyers Assistance Program from 2019 to 2023 and served as a KALAP volunteer since 2008.
Brynn Mroz
Program Director
Brynn Mroz is the Program Director for the Kansas Lawyers Assistance Program. Brynn handles many of the client referrals for assessment, treatment, therapy, and other assistive resources. Brynn not only brings her knowledge and experience to working directly with clients, but also the compassion and dedication necessary to help Kansas lawyers in the time of need. She spends countless hours working directly one-on-one with KALAP’s clients and volunteers to ensure each client’s needs are being met.
Born and raised in Topeka, Kansas, Brynn began working with attorneys in college at her father’s law office. After graduating from Washburn University with a BA in 1992, she moved to Iowa and then to Colorado where she lived for many years. Like the old saying goes, “there is no place like home”, so Brynn followed her calling back to Kansas to be closer to her family. Hers sons Jayce and Tate, husband Kelly, dog Butter and cat Lambo are her pride and joy. Brynn furthers her passion for working with the community and legal professionals as a board member for the Heartland Regional Alcohol and Drug Assessment Center (HRADAC) and Rainbow Services Inc. (RSI).
Ana Parra-Ruiz
Administrative Support Specialist
Ana Parra-Ruiz is the Administrative Support Specialist for the Kansas Lawyers Assistance Program. Ana supports KALAP’s day-to-day operations, outreach, and programming, helping coordinate continuing legal education programs, peer groups, volunteer initiatives, events, and communications throughout the state. She also manages KALAP’s website and social media presence and assists with the development of educational and outreach materials designed to connect Kansas lawyers, law students, and bar applicants with KALAP’s services and resources. Ana brings a background in administration, communications, and the legal field to her role, along with a passion for making KALAP’s resources approachable, accessible, and easy to find.
Originally from Austin, Texas, Ana earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Studies from Texas State University and later earned a Master of Arts in Legal Studies. Her professional background includes legal administration, office management, communications, and organizational leadership. After making Lawrence, Kansas, home, Ana joined KALAP in March 2026 and enjoys combining her legal background with creative outreach and public service. Outside of work, Ana enjoys exploring local restaurants and bookstores, collecting records, antiquing, cooking, and spending time with her family and dogs.