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.

Grace Murray is a skilled event organizer with a passion for community engagement. She holds a BSc in Entertainment Management from Missouri State University and has comprehensive experience fostering local connections. This includes hosting philanthropic galas as Club Manager at Old Hickory Golf Club and leading volunteers as a Class Sponsor at Clayton High School. Grace joined Pathways in 2024, coordinating fundraising events and leading recruitment campaigns. Grace spends her free time kayaking, cuddling her two cats, and playing tabletop games.

Phone:  314.863.0202 Ext. 1

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 as well as supervising our team of part time employees and practicum students. 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.

Kelli Griffin is a Senior Program Specialist at Pathways to Independence with almost a decade of professional experience working with people of neurodivergent and differing abilities.  Specializing in an academic setting, Kelli uses that experience to continue to connect with participants.  By focusing on putting the person first, Kelli has been able to put the Bachelor of Science in Communication degree she earned at Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville to good use. Over the years, Kelli’s strengths as a paraprofessional have garnered recognition by her colleagues and administrators.  Kelli may spend her days at Pathways to Independence but it’s the participants and the fun energy that get her up in the morning.

When she’s not at Pathways to Independence, Kelli is an avid reader, art lover, conservationist, sports fan and part of a super big, fun family!

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!

Kate Wilkins joined the Pathways team in the spring of 2023 as a Program Specialist 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.

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.

David Kew started with Pathways to Independence in March of 2024 as a program specialist.  David is a graduate of St. Louis University and has worked in education for over 25 years.  His  passion is to encourage and help others. In his spare time, David is involved in various community outreach events.

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.

Bio coming soon.

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.”

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.

Bio coming soon.

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.