HTA Board Members

I am the Executive Director of Mercy Health Foundation Jefferson.  

I began my career in healthcare as a clinical exercise physiologist specializing in Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. As my desire to engage more deeply with the community grew, my professional journey expanded into public speaking, orchestrating large events, and contributing to hospital fundraising initiatives.

·My journey in healthcare spans diverse roles, from patient care to an executive position. After college, I balanced strength and conditioning/ personal training with clinical work. In 2007, I founded a consulting business, which I managed until 2014. That's when I assumed leadership of philanthropy at Mercy Health Foundation after receiving my Masters in Business Administration. My primary role involves fundraising for hospital and clinic services. Formerly treating patients, I now support various community programs and care services. 

Engaging with my local community in Festus and Jefferson County has always been integral to my identity. Proud to call Festus home, I'm following in my father's footsteps as he was a longstanding member of the park board.

 What I enjoy most about the HTA is collaborating with local businesses, leaders, and residents to discover and nurture relationships that contribute to the development of my community.

My drive to engage with the Historic Tanglefoot Association stems from the chance to contribute my skills and assets, alongside fellow residents and workers in this historic district. When I initiated the Bottleneck Bridge ride over eight years ago to boost tourism in Festus and Jefferson County, it underscored the importance of collaborating with others. It's essential for me to offer my support and resources working together with the community.

I am the Program Director for Living Life on 2 Wheels and a
Fitness Instructor - Vinyasa Yoga Studio & Jefferson County YMCA

I was a professional dancer and singer for 13 years, but I decided to leave the performing world back in 2021 when my husband's job moved us to the Festus area. I was looking to find a new career with a bit more stability and regular schedule. So through a mutual friend, I met the founders of Living Life on 2 Wheels, Chris and Rene Creed, and immediately loved them and everything about their cause. I have some previous administrative experience being Assistant Company Performance Manager with some of my teams and helping run the box office of the theatre I worked at so I was hoping they would consider me for the position. I was thrilled when Chris and Rene said they would like to bring me on board!


I have a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre and immediatley from graduating college, I accepted a position as a Dancer/Singer working for Princess Cruise Lines, working and traveling the world for 6 years. This is also where I met my husband who was a dancer as well. Eventually we started wanting the "regularity" of working on land. So we found that our feet took us to Branson, Missouri. We both worked for multiple theaters there, our longest being with an Illusionist, Rick Thomas at the Andy Williams Performing Arts Center. We toured the US with his show in the off seasons and resided in Branson performing throughout the year in peak season. After 7 years of performing in Branson, in 2021 my husband's new career took us back to my home town of Festus. I work for Living Life on 2 Wheels full time and still enjoy dancing by teaching Cardio Dance classes in my spare time at both Vinyasa Yoga Studio and the Jefferson County YMCA. 

One of my favorite aspects of the HTA is the natural comradery that comes with this organization. It brings individual citizens, businesses, organizations, and all things alike together to unite on one great cause. 

I want to see the area I grew up continue to grow and thrive. One way I could help with that, is by getting involved with an organization that truly has it's best interests at heart. There are no motives or agendas behind the HTA, the entire premise is genuinely for the good of our community. I am enamored by the dedication that these individuals and businesses have for our area and cannot wait to watch and take part in the continued progress! 

 I am the Originating Branch Manager at Hancock Mortgage on Festus Main St. We originate home and commercial loans.

I graduated from Mizzou with a degree in Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering and went to work for United States Steel in the Productivity Improvement Department. And was laid off in 09 when the plant idled. I got in to lending, mainly because I liked the idea of being in control of my career. Even in tough markets I could work harder to keep my business going. 

In 2020, I opened Hancock Mortgage on Festus Main Street to bring amazing loan products and service to our community. 

I love our community and I love that HTA is working together with business owners and our citizens to make our community better, stronger, and more vibrant. A place where we can all be proud to call home!

When COVID hit and many of our small businesses were struggling, myself and a small group of supporters worked to help bring visibility and shoppers to our small town. When I learned there was an organization doing that on a bigger scale, it was a logical way to get more involved.

 Michelle owns Tree of Life Home Decor & Furnishings with her mom, Nancy.

When I was young, my mom would refinish antiques in their garage. Fast forward forty years, I convinced my mom to join the chalk painting craze and sell on consignment. After several years, we decided to follow our passion to own our own store and the 

 Tree of Life was born.

Tree of Life opened in November of 2019, originally carrying refinished furniture and home decor. In its nearly four years of existence it has grown to include local art and specialty organic food products. 

I love that HTA is committed to preserving the history of the Festus/Crystal City community while embracing the future with optimism and hope. 

In spite of not growing up in the area, I feel a part of the community and because of my experience in other organizations, I believe I can be an asset in helping this community thrive.

 I am the Founder of Spotlight Community Theatre and Owner of The Green Room on Main St.   I graduated from Missouri Baptist University and am an automation architect by trade. I became an entrepreneur at the age of 30 and own a digital automation company that I automated myself out of so that I could retire at 35 and put all my energy and passion into my dream of starting a local community theatre. 

Within a year, Spotlight grew to over 300 active members and has performed for over 4,000 patrons. This rocketship growth led me to come out of retirement and open up The Green Room on Main St.   The Green Room is a coworking and entertainment lounge that's sole purpose is to provide a space for our remote workers to focus during the day, our teens to hang out in a safe space after school, and our adults to have something to do after 9pm. The profits from The Green Room are donated to Spotlight Community Theatre to help fund our rapid growth.   

I LOVE how closely connected our community is and how supportive everyone is of each others' businesses. Being a part of the Tanglefoot board aligns with my mission to serve the community in as many ways as possible and I am thrilled to help out wherever I can. 

I am a single mom with two awesome kids and want them to grow up learning the value of hard work and what is possible when people that share a passion, come together under one united purpose!