Team Category: Program Specialist

Madison graduated from Saint Louis University in 2023 with a Bachelor’s in Exercise Science and a Minor in Social Work. She has been working in the recreation field for three years helping individuals work on their independence and build on their skills in the community. Madison enjoys sports, video games, visiting new places, and discovering new activities in St. Louis.

Chris is so happy to be a part of Pathways and attend these amazing events and experiences with all the participants. She has been a special education teacher for almost 30 years. Chris has worked with both adults and high school students with job training, applying newly learned skills in the community, and social outings. She is absolutely pumped to explore these St. Louis
excursions with everyone. Chris has a bachelor’s degree in education/special education, and a master’s degree in early childhood education. She is also almost done with her Doctorate in Education Administration. Chris’s hobbies include crafting, cooking/baking, and fishing.

 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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Liz began as an Occupational Therapy intern with Pathways in January 2020. As COVID began and Pathways transitioned to virtual programming, Liz played a significant role in assisting staff in implementing these new events. When Liz moved back to her home city of Chicago, she stayed on with Pathways as a contractor, continuing to facilitate virtual events. Liz enjoys arts and crafts, gardening, trying new restaurants, and reading.