At Willows Way, our program leaders are dedicated professionals committed to providing exceptional person-centered disability support services. With years of experience in support programs, our leadership team ensures that adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities receive the care, respect, and opportunities they deserve.
Empowering Lives Through Compassionate Leadership
Meet Our Team of Program Leaders Who Care
Meet Our Program Leaders
Learn more about our program leaders!
Realities – Independent Living
Melodee Barton, Director of Independent Living
With twelve years of experience in the Independent Living program at Willows Way, Melodee has built a strong background in the disability field and truly enjoys her role. Before joining Willows Way, she worked as a Program Manager and Case Manager at a small agency focused on mentoring children. She finds great fulfillment in the work she does at Willows Way and the positive impact on her clients’ lives. Melodee believes that at the end of each day, there is nothing quite like the feeling of helping others.
Individualized Supported Living
Laura Davis, Director of Supported Living
Laura brings nearly thirty years of experience in the field of mental health and disability services, dedicating her career to helping individuals achieve greater independence and a higher quality of life. She began her journey in psychiatric services before serving as a case manager with the Regional Office for a decade. Her passion for residential services led her to her first residential agency, where she started as an Assistant Director before being promoted to Director of Transition, assisting individuals in moving into less restrictive environments. For the past fifteen years, Laura has served as the Director of Supported Living, overseeing homes and teams of staff, ensuring that individuals receive the care and support they need to thrive.
Three and a half years ago, Laura decided to continue expanding her service and made a move to come to Willows Way’s mission, believing that every individual deserves the opportunity to live their best life, gain independence, and explore new experiences. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and a minor in psychology, she possesses extensive knowledge of services provided by the Department of Mental Health and other support organizations. Her persistence and advocacy have enabled many individuals to access crucial services, even when faced with significant challenges.
Outside of work, Laura enjoys spending time with her two adult children and grandchild. She has a love for travel, frequently visiting her parents in Las Vegas and seeking out new experiences. A social and active person, Laura values time with friends and embraces new adventures—especially when they involve music and karaoke, one of her favorite pastimes.
RISE
Nikki Hampshire, Director of Community Services
Nikki is the Director of Community Services. Her passion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) began in middle school when she had the opportunity to visit various facilities that taught, cared for, and supported individuals with I/DD. She started her career in this field at a state school for the severely disabled, where she worked during her final two years of college. During the school year, she served as an aide, and in the summer, she taught in the classroom. After earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Missouri – St. Louis, Nikki became a Direct Support Professional (DSP) in a day program. She was fortunate to quickly advance to Individual Program Coordinator, and later Support Coordinator, during her time there.
After five years, Nikki shifted her focus toward case management and worked as a Case Manager for three years. While she enjoyed the role, she missed working closely with clients. This led her to take a position as a Coordinator/Supervisor at a Day Program. Several years later, Nikki was ready to take the next step in her career and took a position as an Assistant Director for Residential Services. Almost two years after that, the Director of Community Services position opened at Willows Way. She was confident that this was the right opportunity for her, and after many years in the field, Nikki knew Willows Way was an organization she wanted to be part of. While the role can be challenging, she absolutely loves it and takes great pride in sharing how incredible the staff are. They do the most important work of all, ensuring that Willows Way’s clients live their best lives.
Project HEART
Kristen Jobgen, Project HEART Coordinator
In addition to her role as the Project HEART Coordinator, Kristen teaches high school special education. With twenty-three years of experience in teaching special education, she holds two Bachelor’s Degrees in Elementary Education and Special Education from St. Mary of the Woods College in Terre Haute, IN, and a Master’s in Education from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Her connection is driven by a passion for supporting clients while using her expertise in education and specialized skills. Project HEART classes are designed to promote health enrichment and awareness, technology skills, and resource training. The sessions cover a range of topics, including health and wellness, personal hygiene, and even a driver’s education class. When Kristen isn’t teaching, she loves to read and typically reads about 100 books a year across various genres. She also volunteers with a local dog rescue and regularly fosters dogs.
Nikki Hampshire, Director of Community Services
Nikki is the Director of Community Services. Her passion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) began in middle school when she had the opportunity to visit various facilities that taught, cared for, and supported individuals with I/DD. She started her career in this field at a state school for the severely disabled, where she worked during her final two years of college. During the school year, she served as an aide, and in the summer, she taught in the classroom. After earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Missouri – St. Louis, Nikki became a Direct Support Professional (DSP) in a day program. She was fortunate to quickly advance to Individual Program Coordinator, and later Support Coordinator, during her time there.
After five years, Nikki shifted her focus toward case management and worked as a Case Manager for three years. While she enjoyed the role, she missed working closely with clients. This led her to take a position as a Coordinator/Supervisor at a Day Program. Several years later, Nikki was ready to take the next step in her career and took a position as an Assistant Director for Residential Services. Almost two years later, the Director of Community Services position opened at Willows Way. She was confident that this was the right opportunity for her, and after many years in the field, Nikki knew Willows Way was an organization she wanted to be part of. While the role can be challenging, she absolutely loves it and takes great pride in sharing how incredible the staff are. They do the most important work of all, ensuring that Willows Way’s clients live their best lives.
Mental Health Counseling
Michelle Riley, LCSW
Michelle is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a passion for supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Her journey with Willows Way first began in 2017-2018 when she worked as a Community Resource Coordinator in the Realities (ISLA) program. This role was not only her introduction to the population Willows Way serves but also her first position utilizing her Bachelor’s Degree of Social Work.
After a short time at Willows Way, she gained experience in a variety of settings, including residential substance use treatment, hospital-based care, and school-based therapy in the Francis Howell School District. She went on to earn a Master’s Degree of Social Work from the University of Missouri – St. Louis and quickly pursued licensure with the intention of pursuing mental health therapy as a career.
Michelle tailors her approach to meet each client’s unique needs, combining elements of different therapeutic modalities. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Compassion-Focused Therapy and Person-Centered Therapy are some of the therapies she uses the most. Michelle is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and she uses this knowledge to apply a trauma-informed lense to her work.
She is also neurodivergent-affirming and LGBTQIA+ affirming. She believes that therapy isn’t about changing who you are but rather finding the best ways to navigate the world as comfortably as possible.