Lacey Fitzgerald

Program Specialist

 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 Pettiford

Program Specialist

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!

Devonshae Person

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!

Jen Messmer

Program Specialist

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

Program Specialist

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.

Kathryn Weigel

Program Specialist

Bio coming soon.

LaCharla Welch

Program Specialist

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 Green

Program Specialist

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 Kein

Program Specialist

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.

Sasha Eager

Program Specialist

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.