Archives: Team Members

 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.

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!

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 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!

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 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.

Bio coming soon.

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!

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

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.”