PATHWAYS TO INDEPENDENCE - Key Persons
Alyssa Renaud joined the Pathways team in 2020. She received her Bachelors of Science in Recreation, Sport, and Park Administration with an emphasis in Outdoor Recreation from Missouri State University. In her previous roles, she has organized overnight camps, outdoor recreation classes and activities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Alyssa will be managing teen and young adult programming at Pathways. In her free time, she enjoys kayaking, playing ultimate frisbee, reading and spending time with friends and family.
Job Titles:
- Treasurer of the Board of Directors
Bre began at Pathways as an Occupational Therapy intern in the summer of 2020. Despite starting primarily with virtual meetings and events, Bre learned quickly and became an essential member of the team. When her internship ended, Bre accepted a position as a Part Time staff member. Bre also works a PRN position at BJC. She enjoys time with her family, friends, and pets!
DeVonshae began working at Pathways in 2019 and has extensive experience working with individuals with disabilities through the Special School District. DeVonshae currently supports individuals in both school and community settings. DeVonshae has a wide range of interests and passions including theater and writing. Email: devonshae@ptistl.org
Ed joined the Pathways team in March 2020. Ed has extensive experience as both a school counselor and social skills instructor. Ed has provided both individual and group counseling in a variety of different settings. Ed enjoys all things sports, and can usually be found on the basketball court, or running an impromptu batting practice!
Job Titles:
- Associate General Counsel
Ellen Harmon is the Associate General Counsel for a global medical and emergency transport company. She has served on a variety of boards over the years. Ellen is a member of Missouri Bar Association and currently serves as a board member for the St. Louis Audubon Society and Center for Patient Safety in addition to […]
Jamie Larson has been at Pathways since 2014. Jamie holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theatre from Truman State University and completed Secondary Education Coursework at UMSL. Jamie worked in theatre both professionally and as a high school theatre teacher. Currently, Jamie manages the Social Focus and GAP programs. In addition to her theatre and education backgrounds, Jamie has over a decade of experience working with both children and adults with disabilities in many different settings. In her free time, Jamie enjoys St. Louis' local parks, politics, cats, true crime documentaries and theatre.
Jen joined the team in May 2022 and is the newest FT staff at PTI. She comes with over two decades of personal and professional experience in the field, ranging from teaching in special education classrooms to residential case management services and is currently finishing her graduate degree in Psychology through Central Methodist University. Jen brings a unique perspective as a parent of both an adult son and a bonus teenage son on the autism spectrum, which she hopes will help in supporting families and caregivers of Pathways participants as well. In addition to her experience in the disability field, Jen was previously an Advocacy and Education Manager for a Domestic Violence Shelter and also spent several years as a a Director of Youth for a program in the Delmar Loop. Jen lives in South City with her husband, daughter, and fur baby, Minnie Mae. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, watching her daughter play college softball, concerts, karaoke, traveling, reading, collecting books and vinyl records, and volunteering in her St Louis City community and schools alongside her husband, who is a Special Ed Teacher for SLPS.
Jessie Hautly started with Pathways in 2014 and oversees all aspects of programming and performance at Pathways. Jessie holds a Master of Social Work degree from Washington University's George Warren Brown School of Social Work. She was a research assistant under a leading international researcher on developmental disabilities and autism and has supported both children and adults with developmental disabilities in multiple states and countries. In her free time, Jessie can be found playing Ultimate frisbee, reading fiction, being outdoors and spending time with her husband and son.
Jodi Woessner joined Pathways to Independence in June of 2017 and has more than 25 years of experience working with people with developmental disabilities. She graduated from the University of Minnesota, Morris with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and started her career as a direct support professional assisting adults with developmental disabilities living in the community. Jodi spent over a decade leading The Belle Center first as Program Director, then as Executive Director and finally as the Vice President of Belle Children's Services and Family Support after they merged with the St. Louis Arc in 2012. She served as a member of the Program Advisory Committee for the Deaconess Foundation and is the past Chair of the St. Louis Provider Coalition. Jodi is a wife and mother of two, and she enjoys reading and gardening.
PTI first met Kayla through a partnership with the SHADE (Sexual Health and Disability Education) program. Kayla facilitated multiple dating and relationship classes for Pathways participants. They joined the Part Time team in Fall 2021, and are currently pursuing a nursing degree. They enjoy a variety of hobbies including cooking, reading, grabbing coffee with friends, and anything "geek fandom".
Job Titles:
- Vice President of the Board of Directors
Keith Jacob founded and ran a full-service staffing company in St. Louis for the past 24 years. His newest entrepreneurial venture is FocalPoint Business Coaching and Training. Keith currently sits on the board of the Missouri Merchants and Manufacturing Association and the Alumni Board for the Entrpreneur's Organization - St. louis Chapter. He is also […]
Liz Cottrell is a Truman State University alumnus with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. She has a diverse sales and marketing background complemented by community involvement. Liz Joined Pathways in 2017 and is focused on fundraising, special events and social media.
Liz began as an Occupational Therapy intern with Pathways in January 2020. As COVID began and Pathways transitioned to virtual programming, Liz played a significant role in assisting staff in implementing these new events. When Liz moved back to her home city of Chicago, she stayed on with Pathways as a contractor, continuing to facilitate virtual events. Liz enjoys arts and crafts, gardening, trying new restaurants, and reading.
Marissa started at Pathways as an Occupational Therapy student intern. After completing her OT program, Marissa continued on as a part-time staff member. Marissa also works as the Community Health Coordinator at Oasis Health. She enjoys an active lifestyle and spending time with family and friends.
Job Titles:
- President of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Occupational Therapist
- Program Specialist
Morgan Nelson is a licensed occupational therapist. She completed her Clinical Doctorate at St. Louis University in 2019. She is currently teaching courses in St. Louis University's OT program and enjoys supervising fieldwork students at Pathways. She has extensive experience working with community-based organizations and has led courses for people with a dual diagnosis of developmental disabilities and mental illness to develop life skills. Morgan leads the agency's efforts for Pathways' Social College program. Morgan joined Pathways in 2017. Morgan loves reading, jigsaw puzzles and exploring the many hiking trails around St. Louis with her husband and dog.
Ray Bozesky came to Pathways in 2014. His professional career has been dedicated to working with individuals with disabilities in a variety of settings. Ray works full time at EasterSeals Midwest supporting individuals in their home and community environments. He enjoys being outdoors, running and always has room for ice cream.
Job Titles:
- Secretary of the Board of Directors