Archives: Team Members
Team members

Devonshae Person
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!

Mary Beth McHugh
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!

Kathryn Weigel
Kathryn joined the Pathways team as a part-time staff member in 2024. She has a Masters in Social Work from the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis. She currently works in the mental health field and has previous work experience in a variety of settings including education, foster care, and housing. In her time off, Kathryn enjoys running, reading, and spending time with her son.

Jen Messmer
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!

Jim Lombardo
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.
David Kew
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.
Kathryn Weigel
Bio coming soon.
Madi Danback
Bio coming soon.

Kelli Griffin
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!
Phone: 314.667.5526

Grace Murray
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