2026 New Board Member Bios
Stacy Kelsey, PsyD
Dr. Stacy Kelsey, is the owner of Brainworks Pediatric Group and works as a neuroscience coach, consultant, and national trainer. Dr. Kelsey focuses on the cognitive, relational, social, and emotional development of young children. She coaches parents and professionals to develop the positive, resilient mindset needed to live with or work with children with challenging behaviors and learning needs. She consults with private and public education centers and schools, as well as parenting programs, to provide innovative, engaging learning strategies that can be implemented in any classroom or home setting to help all children reach their optimal developmental potential. Dr. Kelsey created a neurocognitive-developmental program called the Mindful Learning Model, which encompasses relational learning, relationship-building practices, mindful learning engagements, and a relational regulation model. These innovative and individualized educational programs support children with disabilities, developmental delays, challenging behaviors, and developmental trauma, and offer professional development and training opportunities for parents, teachers, and therapists in developmental milestones and relational education. Her coaching and consultative programs, along with her successful learning strategies for children, are sought after by public school districts, childcare centers, and parenting programs as an alternative approach to engaging with and educating children from birth to five years, as well as children with challenging behaviors and learning needs.
Kathy Nicholson
For over 30 years, Kathy, has had the privilege of being invited into family homes as a parent educator for the Palmyra R-I School District in Northeast Missouri. Through the relationships that have been forged, families are gaining confidence in their abilities to provide a safe and nurturing home for their children. Kathy is passionate about empowering parents to ensure communities are strong and families are thriving.
Kathy is active in her community and on the state level in Missouri as a DESE PAT Consultant and member of the MOPATA Board of Directors.
Lakesha Robinson, MSW
Lakesha Robinson recently served as the Senior Advisor on Children, Youth, and Families for the Mayor of City of St. Louis. She has a Master of Social Work from Saint Louis University and a Bachelor of Science from Southeast Missouri State University.
With extensive experience in organizational leadership, DEI strategy implementation, and community partnership and coalition building, Lakesha has led initiatives to expand programs for underserved youth, secure diverse funding streams, and strengthen equity-focused efforts across multiple organizations. She has served as Executive Director of Horizons St. Louis, Special Projects Coordinator at the Brown School of Social Work, Washington University, and currently leads LMR Enterprise, LLC, providing consulting, strategic advising, and capacity-building services for nonprofits and public entities.
Her expertise spans strategic fundraising, program development, leadership training, and change management, all aimed at enhancing community impact and promoting inclusive environments for children, youth, and families.
Kelly Scheuerman, BSW, MBA, MSW
I currently work as a Public Health Planner for the Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services, as a coordinator for the Boone County Home Visiting Collaborative. Brighter Beginnings is an access point to free and voluntary home visiting and parenting education programs. Brighter Beginnings aims to expand and simplify access to support (home visiting and parenting education programs) for pregnant individuals and families with young children (0-5) in Boone County. Based on responses to a brief referral questionnaire, the applicant will be connected to an eligible program that is tailored to the needs and goals of the family.
My prior work experience includes 19 years working for the Missouri Children’s Division (Child Welfare) in various professional capacities (intern, front-line work, supervision, program/policy work, and training). Additionally, my professional work experience includes medical social work/case management within hospital settings and victim advocacy within the criminal justice system.
My professional experience, coupled with my lived experience, supports my passion for service to others and being a voice for vulnerable populations, specifically women and children.