Molly Dempsey
Chair
(2024-2026)
Cory Elliott
Vice Chair
(2024-2026)
Ken Dobbins, Ph.D.
Treasurer
(2022-2024)
Jon Cunningham, JD
(2023-2025)
Larry Marty
(2022-2024)
Jim Schaberg, MD
(2023-2025)
Nancy Schneider
(2023-2025)
Catherine Williams
(2024-2026)
Staff
Melinda McAliney - Executive Director
The CCRB is excited to announce and welcome Melinda McAliney as our incoming Executive Director.
Melinda brings 30 years of experience in the St. Louis region’s nonprofit and funding community across a variety of sectors and life cycles. Her work is fueled by a lifelong passion to make a difference, particularly in the lives of children and families.
Melinda joined CCRB as Executive Director in 2024. Before then, her career includes leadership positions at both funding agencies and direct service nonprofits. She served as Lutheran Foundation of St. Louis’ Program Director, managed operations at the Brown Sisters Foundation, and had funding positions at the St. Louis Blues, technology firm EDS, and the United Way of Greater St. Louis. Her direct service experience includes serving as the Vice President of Administration at Rung for Women, Executive Director at Community Helping Ministry, and President at the Junior League of St. Louis. Throughout her career, she has worked with hundreds of nonprofits, providing funding and capacity building assistance to help them provide quality services, measure impact, and strengthen operations.
Melinda has a master’s in social work from Washington University in St. Louis and bachelor’s in psychology and sociology from Illinois Wesleyan University.
When she’s not at work, you can find her volunteering or hanging out with her husband and two children somewhere on or near the water.
Email Melinda
Bruce Sowatsky - Executive Director (Retiring)
In June 2024, Bruce will be retiring from his amazing work with the CCRB.
Bruce was named Executive Director in 1999, and under his leadership the CCRB has grown to serve approximately 70,000 to 80,000 children and youth annually, and over $84 million has been invested in services for children in St. Charles. He has assisted nine Missouri counties in passing similar localized taxes for children’s mental health services. Bruce is a member of the Regional Data Alliance Steering Committee, serves as a Board Member for the St. Charles Regional Chamber of Commerce, and is active in efforts to raise awareness about the impact of trauma and mental health conditions on children.
Sowatsky was recognized as a 2019 Distinguished Alumni by the Brown School of Social Work at Washington University. In 2007, Sowatsky brought together community members to create the Shower of Love, a baby care collection drive, which has raised $1,000,000 for babies and teen parents in St. Charles County. His dedication, insight, and immense heart for children are visible in everything he does.
Email Bruce
Michelle McElfresh - Director of Contracts and Compliance
Michelle began her career with the CCRB in 2007 as Administrative Assistance and was promoted to Director of Contracts and Compliance in 2022. She oversees partner agency’s compliance in regulatory, statutory and The Community and Children’s Resource Board (CCRB) requirements, monitors services provided, supports the Executive Director regarding strategic and operational plans of the agency, and oversees partner agency site audits and clinical outcome agreement reporting. Michelle’s passion for creating strong collaborations and relationships in St. Charles County are accomplished through her leadership with the St. Charles County System of Care, the Community Services Summit, and the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce Business Education committee. Michelle has a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from University of Missouri-St. Louis and is a 2019 graduate of Vision St. Charles County Leadership.
Email Michelle
Jeanne Spencer - Program Specialist
Jeanne joined the CCRB in 2017 as the Administrative and Grants Assistant and was promoted to Program Specialist in 2022. She manages a portfolio of funded programs, marketing and social media for the CCRB, coordinates outreach opportunities, and is the administrative contact for the CCRB.
Jeanne earned a Masters of Education from Lindenwood University and is pursuing a Masters in Nonprofit Leadership at Webster University. She has personal experience in parenting children living with mental health conditions, increasing her empathy for parents and professionals who support our youth. She is a strong advocate for the LGBTQ+ and Neurodiverse communities, she loves to travel, and enjoys testing her baking and cooking skills on family and friends.
Email Jeanne
Anna Muhm - Administrative Assistant
Anna joined the CCRB in April 2023. She brings over 15 years of administrative experience with her, including social media, website design, and bookkeeping.
Anna earned a Master of Arts in Education and BA in Psychology from Truman State University. She is the mother of an autistic child and is a champion for accessible children’s mental health and behavioral services.. A St. Louis City native, Anna is a crafter, conservationist, and writer whose extended family has deep roots in St. Charles. She is excited to join the CCRB and learn more about the St. Charles County System of Care community.
Email Anna
Emeritus
| Ron Berrey, Ed.D, 2019 | Frank Martinez, 2012 |
In Memoriam
| Tom Brown (1998-2004)* | Dr. Hank Clever (1998-2004) |
| Gil Copley (1998) | Dennis Emge (2000-2004) |
| Gil Lauer (2009-2011) | Frank Martinez (1997-2012) |
| Vince Schneider (1998-2009) |
*Years of service to CCRB
