Team Category: Program Specialist

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!

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 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.

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.

Bio coming soon.

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.”

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.

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.