Dedicated Leaders: Providing Support to St. Louis & St. Charles Counties

If we’ve ever had the chance to meet, then I’m sure you’ve heard firsthand how much I love my job.  I’ve been a part of this amazing organization since 2005 and transitioned into the role of Chief Executive Officer in 2013. Like so many in our field, I got my start as a Direct Support Professional many, MANY years ago.  After college and graduate school, I worked in the HIV/AIDS field as the Executive Director of Saint Louis Effort For AIDS for a decade though I never forgot my roots helping those with I/DD and their families.  When the opportunity arose, I jumped at the chance to become part of the Willows Way.  Every day, I get to work alongside the most dedicated team helping to improve the lives of the most incredible clients and their families.  Not sure how I got this lucky.

I began my career as a Speech Language Pathologist and launched my leadership experience overseeing an outpatient day treatment program treating individuals who had suffered a brain injury or stroke. After over 20 years of leadership growth in a hospital setting, which included positions as Director of Quality, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Executive Officer, I moved to a private organization that provided Applied Behavioral Analysis services to children and adults. While in the hospital setting, I served consecutively as a hospital surveyor for the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) for 16 years. I received my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan. I am excited to have joined Willows Way and look forward to helping enhance the lives of the persons we serve.

After twenty plus years in banking and the finance industry I found an organization in Willows Way where I could make a difference and impact lives. I’ve been blessed to call Willows Way my professional home for the last fifteen years. I am amazed at the work done by our dedicated staff who provide the means to our clients to live life beyond limits. I have a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Missouri at Saint Louis, and I am a Certified Public Accountant. I look forward to serving Willows Way for many years to come.

I am absolutely thrilled to step into the role of Chief Program Officer.  My journey with Willows Way began in January 2022 when I joined as the Director of Community Services.  With 25 years of experience managing programs and providing support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, this opportunity feels like the culmination of a deeply meaningful career.  I earned my Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Missouri-St. Louis.  What adds a personal touch to this achievement is the connection my family shares with Willows Way.  Several years ago, my uncle found support in the Willows Way ISL program, making this organization not just a workplace for me, but a cherished part of my family’s history.

I started my career serving people with disabilities right out of college in 1993 after a friend invited me to apply for a Direct Support Professional position at another organization. I loved being in service to people with disabilities so much that I made it my lifelong career goal. I was hired by the founders of Willows Way in February 1995 as a Program Advisor (Manager) after serving 2 years as a DSP. I have served our clients and employees as a Quality Assurance Specialist, Training & Quality Enhancement Coordinator, Director of Human Resources & Quality and now as the Chief Human Resources Officer. I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a Master’s Degree in Education Community Counseling from the University of Missouri – St. Louis. I obtained my certification as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) in 2011 and have since obtained my SHRM-SCP certification as well. I enjoy seeing our employees grow in their careers and the people we serve achieve their dreams.