Our Team
Supporting teachers, engaging families, transforming schools.
Home Works Staff
The Home Works team members are professional educators, administrators, and advocates. Our collective knowledge and skills are put to use building useful, impactful support systems and programs for educators and families to work together for all our kids.
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Lauren Campbell
Director of Program & Community Engagement
A community-centered education and equity leader with deep experience in building and implementing programs that strengthen connections between families, schools, and the broader community. A former middle school math teacher with a master’s degree in school counseling, bringing a student-centered and trauma-informed lens to the work. Career focused on advancing equitable education outcomes through relationship-driven initiatives that center trust, collaboration, and authentic partnership. Passions for equity, education, community, and relationship building fuel the commitment to bridging gaps between home and school so every child has the opportunity to thrive. BS, Harris Stowe State University; MEd, University of Missouri-St. Louis.
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Ashli Florek
CEO
Former early childhood educator and Teach for America corps member with over a decade of experience leading Customer Experience, Operations, and Digital Strategy teams in the EdTech sector. Committed to advancing educational equity and building strong partnerships between families and schools. Passionate about creating systems that support student success through trust and collaboration. BA, WashU; MEd, George Mason University.
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Anna Gardner-Andrews
Program Leader
20 years of experience in education. Former high school English instructor & department head, as well as the recipient of the 2012 St. Louis Public Schools Center for the Humanities Middle & High School Communication Arts Teacher of the Year Awards. Experience includes managing an educational nonprofit, creating and directing a writing mentorship program at University of Missouri - St. Louis, and serving as an adjunct instructor and university supervisor for student teachers at Washington University. Volunteered as a guest speaker on urban education. BA with Honors, Oberlin College; MAEd, WashU.
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Kelsey Huck
Operations & Support Manager
Operations & Support Manager with a foundation in early childhood special education and over five years of expereince in school-based settings, including 3 years as a kindergarten team lead. Brings a strong understanding of classroom realities to operational strategy, staff support, and program implementation. Passionate about creating systems that strengthen family engagement, support educators, and remove barriers to student success. BS, University of Missour-St. Louis
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Amber Lee
Support Specialist
Over 10 years of executive administration in the nonprofit sector. Current substitute teacher for Special School District. Passionate about equity and helping build a successful path for students. AFA - STLCC; BS Psychology - Western Governors University.
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Sarah Melinger
Development Director - RaiseUp
Sarah Melinger has over 15 years of experience working for a wide range of nonprofits that include the arts, higher education, and civic improvement. Her experience includes annual fund, major gifts, capital campaigns, board development, and strategic planning. Prior to her roles in non-profit she worked in the corporate world with high profile brands building out systems. She prides herself on developing long-standing relationships with both internal and external constituents. Sarah earned a BA in Economics from Washington University in St. Louis and her experience includes Executive Director, Development Director and Foundation President roles.
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Leslie Reardon
Program Leader
Retired Principal with 30+ years experience in counseling and administration. Passionate about family engagement, education, relationships, and giving back to the community.
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Betty Tobler
Program Leader
Retired District and School Administrator with 50+ years of administrative and classroom experience - 20 years as a high school Business Education Teacher, and 10 years as an Adjunct Professor of Business Administration at the collegiate level. Passionate about mentoring and providing professional development for school administrators and educators as they implement family engagement activities and programs. BS, Morehead State University; MEd., University of Missouri - St. Louis.
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Kim Wisdom
Development Manager
20 years of leadership and project management experience. Over 5 years of special event planning and more than a decade of volunteer service throughout the St. Louis and St. Charles communities. Passionate about community engagement, organizational impact, and supporting initiatives that strengthen the region. Master of Nonprofit Administration from Lindenwood University.
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Sue Zerbe
Manager of Analysis and Impact
Educator with 30+ years of teaching, administrative, and consulting experience. MS in Educational Administration from University of Missouri St. Louis and EdS in Educational Administration from Lindenwood University.
Board of Directors
The Home Works Board of Directors provides guidance and oversight for the leadership team. Among our members, the Board holds a wealth of knowledge and experience that they bring to the organization. They meet an average of six times a year.
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Christopher Bedell
Associate Attorney, Dentons
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Xavier Blackwell
Leadership Educator, St. John Vianney High School
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Ed Dickinson
Board Chair
Former CEO, LMI Aerospace
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Karen F. Evans
Former AT&T Executive, Reading Interventionist at Patrick Henry Elementary School, SLPS
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Keva Fanegan
Digital Portfolio Operations Team Lead, Edward Jones
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Melissa Garcia
PhD. Candidate, University of Missouri-St. Louis; Professor, Harris-Stowe State University
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Matthew Hawley
Vice Chair
Mortgage Production Manager, Regions Mortgage
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Joseph Kraichely
COO/CFO, Assistance Home Care
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Thomas Walker
Sr. Tech Customer Relations Manager, Wash U Med School
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Trevor Yaroch
Financial Advisor, Renaissance Financial