Cindy Neighbor currently resides with her husband Jim in Shawnee. Jim and Cindy will celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary on January 3rd. They have lived in Shawnee for over 35 years and have four grown children: Kim (daughter) and James Atkins, sons Jake and Nathan; Dr. Samantha (daughter) and Brandon Durland, sons Wyatt and Logan; Jamie Neighbor, Jr.; and Justin Neighbor. Jim and all four of the grown children, along with both son-in-laws, are graduates of Shawnee Mission North High School. State Representative Cindy Neighbor attended Johnson County Community College and Kansas City, Kansas Community College. Cindy is currently retired after working in the medical profession for many years.
Public service has always been a top priority for Representative Neighbor. She served on the original committee that opened the Ronald McDonald House at the University of Kansas Medical Center. Serving on committees with UCS (United Community Services) provided the opportunity to work on child abuse issues such as the “Happy Bear” initiative. Serving as a marketing volunteer for CASA through the Junior League of Wyandotte and Johnson Counties association, also provided an opportunity to work with issues of child abuse. She also served as a volunteer on the Shawnee Fire Department Rescue Squad.
In the area of school advocacy, Representative Neighbor has served in positions that reach out to the community, both at home and across the state. Serving at all levels as PTA President, an officer in the Shawnee Mission Area Council PTA, an elected official to the Shawnee Mission Advisory Board (13 years), President of the Kansas Association of School Boards, and currently serving on the Shawnee Mission School Board, has provided a broad perspective of the needs of the educational community.
Representative Neighbor previously served on the Board of Indigent Defense Services and the Teacher Credentialing Board for the State Board of Education. Currently, she is serving on the EMS (Emergency Medical Services) Board for the State of Kansas.