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.

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!

Mary Beth McHugh joined the Pathways team in October 2024. She holds a Bachelors of Science in Rehabilitation and Disability Studies from Auburn University and a clinical doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Washington University in St. Louis. In her free time, Mary Beth enjoys visiting the botanical gardens, reading, singing, and traveling!

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!

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!

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.

Jim spent a career as a Training and Development Director, and is
retired from the Air Force and MO Air National Guard. Jim is
passionate about helping individuals achieve their goals, and
sharing his experiences with others. In his free time, he loves
biking, going to estate sales with his wife, and spending quality
time with family, which includes his two tabby
cats, Morris and Marshall.

Jen joined Pathways as a Program Specialist in November 2024 and joined as the Young Adult Assistant Program Manager in June 2025. She went to Maryville University for a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Education and Literacy. Jen has worked as a special education teacher and loves making a positive change in the world. She also loves staying busy with dog sitting, crafts, walking, reading, etc. Ask her about her animals, Raisin and Topaz, who she loves to talk about!

DeVonshae worked for Pathways for over four years, returned as a volunteer, and is now stepping into a part-time role as a Program Specialist. DeVonshae brings over 30 years of experience in Special Education and Developmental Disabilities, and she’s passionate about helping others develop the social skills that lead to long-term friendships. In her free time, DeVonshae enjoys attending retreats, experiencing sound baths, and writing poetry. She’s excited to support participants at upcoming events!

Bryce is a proud born-and-raised St. Louis native with a passion for uplifting and supporting others. He graduated from both Maryville University and Saint Louis University. Bryce loves getting out into the community, meeting new people, and creating lasting connections and memories. He enjoys trying new things and taking advantage of the wide range of experiences St. Louis has to offer. Bryce is also a big fan of all things sports-related. He is incredibly excited to be part of the Pathways family. Bryce looks forward to getting to know everyone better and believes it’s truly a blessing to work alongside some of the coolest people in the city!

 Lacey is absolutely thrilled to get to go on adventures around St. Louis with the groups at Pathways. She has worked in social therapeutic settings for over 15 years and finds this work to be incredibly fun and rewarding. Lacey has a Bachelor’s degree in Art Therapy and a Master’s of Science in Clinical Counseling. She is a curious person who loves finding new creative projects, hobbies, and outdoor activities. Lacey looks forward to every Pathways event knowing she gets to spend time with great people who are always teaching her new and interesting things.