Team

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 currently the Chair of the St. Louis Provider Coalition. Jodi is a wife and mother of two, and she enjoys reading and gardening.

Phone: 314.863.0202 ext. 2

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 two kids.

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.

Lenka supports both Pathways to Independence and LifeBridge Partnership. At Pathways, Lenka manages billing and funder invoicing, among other things!

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.

Christine received her Masters of Social Work from the University of Missouri St. Louis in 2014. She has worked as a job coach at Paraquad and in the residential programs at the St. Louis Arc. Christine started at Pathways part-time in 2022 as a Program Specialist. She is currently a full time Program Manager. In her free time she enjoys playing volleyball and spending time with her husband, three kids, and three dogs.

Kate Wilkins joined the Pathways team in the spring of 2023 as a Program Specilist and assumed her role as the Young Adult Program Manager in the fall of 2023.  Kate attended Washington University in Saint Louis and received her Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology and a Bachelor’s of Arts in International Studies, as well as a minor in Legal Studies. She plans to attend law school in the future and is passionate about serving her community. In her free time she enjoys running, baking, and hanging out with her cats.

Mary’s academic credentials include a Bachelor of Science in Communications and a Master’s of Art in Human Resource Management, both degrees from Washington University in St. Louis. She has a diverse business background which includes sales, marketing, customer service and office management, as well as experience as a direct support professional in a community living home and in a sheltered workshop. Mary is compassionate in supporting individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those with developmental disabilities and is committed to helping our participants achieve their goals and reach their full potential. In her spare time, Mary enjoys spending time with her family, which includes her husband, two grown daughters, and future son-in-laws, and a sassy red lab-mix rescue dog named Ellie. Her brother-in-law John, is also a Pathways participant and shares their home. Mary enjoys cooking, going out, reading, music, decorating, crafts, and going on road trips. Her happy place is at the beach and the lake!

Amber received her Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology as well as her Master of Science degree in Clinical Psychology from Roosevelt University. She is currently working with children, young adults, and adults with a wide variety of disabilities. Amber enjoys going to sporting events and reading in her down time.

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!

Emma is currently a student at Saint Louis University. She is working towards receiving her Bachelor of Occupational Science degree and Master of Occupational Therapy degree. In her free time, Emma enjoys exploring new restaurants in St. Louis and being outside. Emma began at Pathways as a volunteer, and has recently joined the Part-Time staff team.

LaCharla Welch is a second-year graduate student at Webster University, majoring in a Master of Arts in Special Education.  She currently teaches  in North St. Louis County. LaCharla enjoys in her spare time hanging out with family/friends, traveling and being a dog mom to her Yorkie/Corgi Bruno Mars.  She has always been a champion for all people and firmly believes in the words of Oprah Winfrey, “Real integrity is doing the right thing, knowing that nobody is going to know whether you did it or not.”

Morgan joined Pathways in 2017 and currently works Part Time. She completed her Clinical Doctorate at St. Louis University in 2019 and is a licensed occupational therapist. Morgan teaches courses in St. Louis University’s OT program and has enjoyed 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 loves reading, jigsaw puzzles and exploring the many hiking trails around St. Louis with her husband, dog, and kids.

Sasha received her Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology with a minor in Dance & Movement Studies. She is currently a graduate student at Washington University’s George Warren Brown School of Social Work working on a Master of Social Work degree. Sasha enjoys spending time with her cat and exploring new places.

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.