Our Team

Andrew O’Dell is a thoughtful and strategic leader with more than 20 years of successful experience in leadership roles, including managerial, coaching, and high-level administrative positions. His key strengths include building productive professional partnerships, project management, recruitment, mentoring, and overseeing complex operations.

Andrew has been involved with DGCkids since 2016, serving as a volunteer, committee member, board member, and later as President of the Board in 2022. As Executive Director, he is committed to continuing DGCkids’ legacy of excellence and expanding its impact within the community.

Lisa rejoined DGCkids in August 2023, bringing extensive experience in early intervention and program leadership.

Previously, Lisa worked as a First Steps Service Coordinator supporting families of children with developmental delays. She also served as the Director of Early Intervention Services at DGCkids from 2006 to 2021.

Lisa holds a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Webster University and a Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Development from Missouri State University. With over two decades of expertise, she supports children in reaching their full potential through innovative, inclusive, and family-focused services.

Sara Pool brings over a decade of dynamic nonprofit experience to her role, having made a significant impact in the St. Louis area through her expertise in donor relations and fundraising. She began her career in 2011 at the Saint Louis Science Center, later contributing her talents to renowned organizations like the Saint Louis Zoo, conservation groups, arts organizations, and healthcare institutions.

Sara holds a Master of Public Policy from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, complemented by a certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership. Her passion lies in fostering meaningful community relationships and connecting individuals to the transformative mission of DGCkids.

With over a decade of service at DGCkids, Noreen has played a pivotal role in shaping and advancing our vision screening initiatives, ensuring that young children receive critical early support for their visual development.

Before joining DGCkids, Noreen spent 20 years as a Service Coordinator for both the Missouri First Steps program and New York State’s Early Intervention program, where she supported countless families and children in their early developmental journeys. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Syracuse University, and her commitment to early childhood care and education continues to make a profound difference in the lives of the families we serve.

Kerri Wetzel brings extensive experience in Early Childhood education, having dedicated over 24 years to working with young children and their families. Before retiring in 2021, Kerri served as Director of Early Childhood for the Ladue School District. Throughout her career, she has worked in Early Intervention, Parents As Teachers, and taught Parent and Child classes. Kerri holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Pittsburgh.

Becky, the recipient of the Excellence in Education Award in 2024 by the Illinois Chapter of AER, has been an integral member of DGCKids since 1995, dedicating nearly three decades to supporting children with visual impairments and their families with expertise and compassion.

As a dual-certified Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments and a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist, Becky’s work is instrumental in empowering children during their most formative years. She helps them build confidence and independence, enabling them to explore and navigate the world around them.

Throughout her tenure, Becky has positively impacted the lives of countless families across the Metro St. Louis area, serving communities in both Missouri and Illinois. Her unwavering commitment and deep connection to the families she serves have made her a cornerstone of the DGCKids mission.

Tara is a dedicated Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (TVI) who joined the Early Intervention team after seven years of working in schools.

A graduate of Illinois State University, Tara now focuses on early intervention, supporting children with visual impairments and their families during their most critical developmental years.

Ashley Keegan is a dedicated Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (TVI) and earned her bachelor’s degree in Special Education: Low Vision and Blindness from Illinois State University.

Ashley began her career as a TVI in Illinois before joining the Early Intervention team in 2014. Now residing in the Chicago suburbs, Ashley provides virtual vision services within the Missouri First Steps early intervention program, continuing her commitment to supporting children and families across the region. Her passion for empowering children with visual impairments shines through her work.

Chantille Schram is a compassionate Child Development Specialist with over 15 years of experience in Early Intervention. For the past three years, she has been an integral part of the Early Intervention team, serving children with visual impairments and providing vital support to their families.

Chantille’s dedication to empowering children and fostering meaningful connections with their families embodies the core values of DGCKids.

Whitney Moore, a Texas native, moved to St. Louis to join the DGCKids team. With a background in supporting families in the NICU, Whitney provided care and guidance during challenging times, helping parents advocate for their children in the healthcare system. She is deeply committed to family-centered care, believing that families are the experts in their own lives.

Whitney is passionate about empowering families by providing them with tools and connections to vital resources. She is honored to be part of DGCKids and looks forward to contributing to the lives of children and their families.

Maggie brings eight years of experience supporting families in Early Intervention and has been a valued member of the DGCKids Early Intervention team since July 2022. As a parent of a DGCKid, Maggie’s connection to our mission is both personal and professional.

Currently pursuing her certification as a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (TVI) at Missouri State University, Maggie is deeply committed to empowering children with visual impairments and their families, helping them thrive during their most critical developmental years.

Sarah brings over a decade of experience in early childhood education. She holds a Master of Arts in Teaching and a Bachelor of Arts in Child Development, combining her academic expertise with a deep commitment to nurturing young minds and supporting families.

Since joining DGCKids in December 2023, Sarah has been dedicated to empowering families through individualized support and educational strategies. Her role involves collaborating closely with the Early Intervention team, conducting home visits, and creating tailored developmental plans that help children thrive.

Before her time at DGCKids, Sarah served as a Team Supervisor and Center Director at a Head Start program. Her dedication to lifelong learning drives her to continually refine her approach, ensuring each child and family she works with feels empowered and supported.

April holds a Bachelor of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies from Texas and a certificate in Visual Impairment from Texas Tech University. With experience as a special education paraprofessional and a 2nd-grade teacher, she brings a strong foundation in education and a passion for supporting children with visual impairments.

Now in her third year as a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (TVI), April is deeply committed to serving families and making a meaningful impact on the lives of the children at DGCKids.

Kelly has been making a difference at DGCKids since January 2020. Before joining the Program team, Kelly managed fitness and recreation programs for youth and adults in Idaho and Alaska, supporting athletes of all abilities.

Her passion lies in helping others reach their full potential while fostering an environment of fun and growth. You’ll often find Kelly cycling with Tandem Adventurers, leading exciting adventures with GRADS, and instilling an adventurous spirit with children in the Explorers program. Outside work, she enjoys running, biking, and participating in triathlons, reflecting her active and adventurous nature.

Karen Carl is the Lead GRADS Facilitator at DGCKids, bringing over 30 years of experience in education and working with children with visual impairments. She has served in various roles, including 28 years as a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (TVI) at Fort Zumwalt School District and positions at Francis Howell and Special School District. Karen has also worked with Missouri School for the Blind’s Outreach Department for over a decade.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Mizzou, a Master’s in Specialized Reading from UMSL, and Missouri certifications in Cortical Vision Impairment and Early Childhood Special Services. She is currently pursuing an Associate’s degree in Fine Arts-Music Education.

Bio coming soon!

Bio coming soon!

Bio coming soon!

Lisa brings over 20 years of experience in the administrative field, providing exceptional support to CEOs, Vice Presidents, and Boards. Since joining DGCKids in January 2024, Lisa has been instrumental in ensuring smooth operations.

With a strong background in non-profit management, Lisa has honed her expertise in office administration, financial management, and personnel operations. Before joining DGCKids, Lisa served as Director of Operations and Administration for the National Council of Jewish Women St. Louis and held key administrative roles at the Jewish Federation of St. Louis and Healthmark. Her wealth of experience and commitment to excellence make her a vital part of the DGCKids team.

Lauren is the Development Manager at the Delta Gamma Center, where she has been a key team member since March 2023. Initially joining as the Special Events Coordinator, Lauren quickly became known for the talent and thoughtfulness behind DGCKids’ events, ensuring every detail reflects the organization’s mission and values. In March 2024, she transitioned into her current role on the Development Team, where she continues to make a meaningful impact.

A graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia with a degree in Communications, Lauren brings experience in marketing, event planning, and account coordination. Before joining DGCKids, she held roles at Insight Global, House of Brokers Realty, and the Kansas City Mavericks, honing her skills in relationship building and creative execution.

Karen holds a BA in History from Truman State University and a Master’s degree in Library Science from Simmons College in Boston, MA. She has a strong background in organization and resource management, which has been the cornerstone of her career. Most recently, she served as Associate Director of Career Advising for medical students at Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia, PA, where she provided valuable guidance and support.

At DGCkids, Karen is responsible for ensuring the timely and efficient organization of administrative tasks, including file management and billing, which are critical to the smooth operation of the Center’s programs. Guided by her core values of kindness and compassion, she is committed to making a positive impact every day, helping to create a supportive and welcoming environment for staff, families, and the children they serve.

Stephie is a creative communicator with over 15 years of experience in relationship building, marketing, design, and reporting. A proud Lehigh University graduate with a BA in Journalism and English, Stephie has worked in grant writing, development, and client relations, where she developed a knack for strategic thinking and crafting messages that connect with people.

Behind the scenes, Stephie helps bring DGCKid’s mission to life through social media, the website, design, and heartfelt storytelling. She’s passionate about sharing the inspiring stories of DGCKids and their incredible families, making sure their journeys are seen, heard, and celebrated.

Bio coming soon!

Bio coming soon!

Bio coming soon!