Our Board

J-Mo has been an advocate, educator, writer, and organizer on issues of poverty, health, disabilities, housing, racism, human rights, equality, tax policy, and campaign finance reform in Illinois, Kansas, and Missouri since 1983. Ze has been executive director of two statewide not-for-profits, and was State Representative for a portion of the City of St. Louis from 2005-12. Ze served as Ranking Member on the Children and Families Committee for most of that time, and also as Vice-Chair of Ethics, 2011-12.

Ms. Collier is a Business Development Specialist for the St. Louis Small Business Empowerment Center. She previously served as the Chief Partnership Officer for Justine Petersen. Her background spans over 25 years in the financial industry, working with customers to reach their personal and professional financial goals, supporting and helping small businesses from concept to viability, and working throughout the community with partners and collaboratives to improve the conditions in our communities.

Ms. Gowans is a seasoned operations executive with over 15 years of leadership experience across mission-driven nonprofits and innovative tech companies. A Kansas City native, she is deeply committed to community impact, and served for five years as President of Social Heart. In addition to her professional roles, she actively volunteers with organizations such as the ASPCA, Citizens’ Climate Lobby, and Climate Changemakers.

Mr. Jones is a practicing attorney who specializes in corporate transactions, commercial real estate, and insurance defense. He also has Master's in Urban and Regional Planning and has worked on legislative reform efforts, social program design, labor organization and criminal justice reform. James is an avid runner who enjoys time with his family and likes to grow vegetables in his home garden.

Ashley Micklethwaite (Joplin, MO) has been actively involved in social services throughout her professional career. Her experience at convening community stakeholders has led to sustained action and collective impact. She is a skilled presenter, writer, fund developer, team builder, evaluator and community collaborator who nurtures system change through advocacy and policy change. She volunteers for good causes: School Board President, ACLU Trustee, Chairperson of the Complete Count Census Committee, and Chair of the COVID Homeless Response Committee. She holds an M.S. degree in Healthcare Administration with honors from Central Michigan University and a B.A. with honors from the University of Missouri.

Chezna Warner (St. Louis County), DMSc, MSW, PA-C, is an Associate Professor in the Physician Assistant Program at Saint Louis University. She holds a Doctor of Medical Science from the University of Lynchburg, a Master of Health Science from Duke University, and a Master of Social Work from Saint Louis University. With over two decades of clinical experience in family medicine, she also maintains an active practice with SLUCare/SSM Physician Group. Dr. Warner participates in research, contributes to Physician Assistant education policy, and served as a longtime volunteer medical provider at Casa de Salud in St. Louis.

Emily O’Laughlin (Columbia, MO) has focused on public policy centering social and economic justice, equity, and service. She has worked in the Capitol since 2015, alongside elected officials, to help bring forward thoughtful policy change to help Missourians who are most vulnerable. Emily’s education in social work and social and economic development policy gives her a unique perspective regarding public policy and its impact across diverse constituencies. Emily currently works in the Missouri Capitol as a Chief of Staff in the Senate. Outside of her policy and advocacy work, Emily enjoys reading and working on conservation and outdoor recreation projects.

Mr. Umana holds a JD/MSW and has a background in law, social work, and education. He has experience with diverse populations including people with disabilities and physical challenges, older adults, and multiple racially and economically diverse communities. He has worked as an educational consultant, director of student services, director of guidance, teacher, and legal analyst/bankruptcy specialist. He chaired the board of Better Family Life, a nonprofit community development corporation that works to stabilize inner-city neighborhoods.

Keenan Peebles (St. Louis City) is a nonprofit leader, community strategist, and pastor with over six years of experience advancing communities in St. Louis. He serves as Site Director for The Salvation Army’s 360 Life Center, overseeing operations, staff leadership, and program development. He is the Director of Unity for Life Center where he leads programming for youth and families as well as financial and fundraising strategy, all housed within a newly established community center serving local residents. He also serves as President of the Mark Twain Neighborhood Association Housing Committee, advocating for equitable housing solutions and community-driven development across the region.

Ms. Schroeder is an experienced social worker who focuses time and energy in efforts that follow NASW ethical standards, including work to improve social conditions to meet basic human needs. She holds a both a Master's and a Bachelor's degree in Social Work and has worked in government, non-profit, healthcare, and corporate settings. She is currently employed at Washington University.

Rachel Brown (Kansas City, MO) is a communications professional specializing in nonprofit advocacy and campaigns. She is a former aide to congressional and municipal elected officials, a former staffer for presidential and congressional candidate campaigns, and a former political consultant. She was a contributing writer for The Kansas City Pitch, covering justice, labor, and politics, and a radio news reporter for KJCK Radio. She has been a small business owner, and she and her husband Bobby share their home with three cats.

Senator McCreery, a former businesswoman and lifelong community activist, served in the Missouri Senate from District 24 in St. Louis County. From 2015 to 2023, she served the 88th District in the Missouri House of Representatives. She has spent more than a decade working in Missouri state government in the executive and legislative branches, often assisting constituents with consumer-related issues. She is also on the board of Family Care Health Centers, and volunteers with Olivette In Bloom.

Yolanda Redd ((Sikeston, MO) is a Homeless Project Contract Specialist with nearly 24 years of experience supporting community housing development and homeless services. Her passion for ending homelessness drives her work in policy, research, and innovative service delivery. Since joining DAEOC in 2022, she has partnered with agencies across six counties to promote outcome-driven, needs-based services. Yolanda brings expertise in project management, public service delivery, and HUD-funded program support, along with lived experience of homelessness. She holds a Dual Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Southeast Missouri State University, and is committed to empowering individuals toward stability and self sufficiency.

Ms. Armstrong is a founding member of Consumers Council of Missouri and its predecessor, the Utilities Consumer Council of Missouri. She retired from the board in 2023 and is the first Consumers Council board member to be awarded the status of "board member emeritus." A fearless advocate, she was the executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Eastern Missouri for 26 years. She has served on the board of the Great Rivers Environmental Law Center, and was a founding member and secretary/treasurer of the St. Louis Beacon, an on-line newspaper.