April Dales

April Dales serves as Policy Manager for the Kansas Medicaid State Agency in Tecumseh, Kansas, where she has built a career focused on Medicaid policy, program integrity, and public service. She began her tenure with the agency in June 2017 after graduating from culinary school and seeking a stable career following the birth of her son. Since then, she has advanced through a variety of roles, including eligibility worker, appeals eligibility worker, quality administrator, eligibility trainer, and systems analyst. She also spent three years conducting Medicaid audits at the Attorney General’s Office before returning to the agency in her current leadership role.

April’s professional journey reflects her adaptability, commitment to learning, and willingness to embrace new directions. She entered the military after high school and served from 2001 to 2005 before moving to St. Petersburg, Florida, where she earned an associate degree and later a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida. She subsequently attended the Art Institute of Atlanta with aspirations of pursuing a career in the fashion industry. Although her career ultimately took a different path, the experience strengthened her belief that success sometimes requires changing direction, developing a new plan, and continuing forward.

In March 2025, April earned her Certified Inspector General Auditor certification, further strengthening her expertise in auditing and program oversight. She places a strong emphasis on integrity, open dialogue, and listening to diverse perspectives when developing and implementing policy. April sees significant opportunities to educate staff, the public, and partner agencies while navigating the challenge of keeping policies clear, concise, and responsive to frequent regulatory changes. At the heart of her approach is the understanding that policy decisions are not simply about numbers or regulations—they ultimately have a meaningful impact on real people and the communities they serve.