DOUGLASS COMMUNITY SERVICES
STAFF
STAFF MEMBERS

STEPHANIE COOPER, LMSW
Chief Executive Officer
Primary advocate for the mission, vision, and values of Douglass Community Services. Has extensive background in non-profit management including grant administration, program development, strategic planning, fundraising, board governance, personnel, marketing and financial oversight. Holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Christopher Newport University and a Master’s Degree in Social Work with an emphasis on Policy, Planning and Administration from University of Missouri-Columbia.

ALAN WILKERSON
Interim-Chief Financial Officer
Raised in Northeast Missouri and a proud resident of Hannibal for the past 15 years, Alan brings a wealth of experience and a strong sense of community to his role. With a solid background in banking and finance, Alan has accumulated over 10 years of expertise in various finance-related fields.'
Holding an MBA in Data Analytics, Alan combines a deep understanding of financial systems with advanced analytical skills to drive impactful results. His commitment to excellence is reflected in his active involvement in both the local community and his church, where he contributes his time and talents to support and uplift those around him.
Passionate about leveraging data to inform decision-making and enhance financial strategies, Alan is dedicated to bringing both professional acumen and community spirit to his work.
EMILY TREVATHAN
Chief Operation Officer
Emily Trevathan is a Hannibal native with a Masters of Arts in Economics, experience working for a Fortune 500 company, and owning a local business, Twisted Juniper Yoga. She is a Realtor Associate with Prestige Realty, Inc and a recipient of the Ilearn scholarship funded by Down Country. Emily served a term on the Board of Directors for Hannibal Area Chamber of Commerce and is active in the community.

KELLIE DIETRICH
Chief Human Resource Officer
Kellie Dietrich, Human Resources Director: Provides direction in the design, implementation and administration of personnel related policies and services for Douglass Community Services. Holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Human Resources from Truman State University.
PROGRAM DIRECTORS
Jill Putnam
Head Start/Early Head Start Director
Jill began her employment with Douglass Community Services in March of 2000 as a Co-Teacher/Van Driver at the Canton center in Lewis County. She worked at two centers before joining the Central Office Team in 2005 as a Family Outcomes specialist. Her role as Family Service Team Leader involved coordinating Head Start component areas of family services, health, parent engagement, ERSEA, and program governance, with a focus on partnerships. Her goals include ensuring that the DCS Head Start programs are high-quality family education programs that promote school-readiness skills. Those goals involve providing high-quality services to children and families, collaborating with community partners, and supporting families in taking steps toward achieving and sustaining self-reliance.
Jill holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies, with an emphasis in Children in Group Settings. In 2021, she received her Master's in Human Development and Family Studies – Family and Community Services from the University of Missouri–Columbia. Jill and her husband Brad have two children, Eli and Jackson. Outside of work, Jill is active in Lewis County 4-H, serving in many leadership roles, including as 4-H Council Treasurer. She is a 25-year Lewis County Fair board member who serves as the Advertising Chair, promoting the local fair and the growth of agriculture in Lewis County.
KATIE NEFF
CASA Lead Volunteer Coordinator
Katie Neff is a dedicated advocate for children and families, currently serving as the CASA Volunteer Director at Douglass Community Services. A proud resident of Hannibal for the past 20 years, Katie has cultivated a rich background in early childhood development, crisis management, and child advocacy, making her a vital asset to her community.
With extensive experience in various roles, Katie has worked as an Early Childhood Center Director and a Licensing Specialist for Foster Care, where she ensured compliance and quality in child welfare services. Her role as a Child and Family Advocate allowed her to provide essential support to families navigating complex challenges, while her involvement in forensic interviews highlights her commitment to the safety and well-being of children in vulnerable situations.
Katie’s passion for advocating on behalf of children is deeply rooted in her belief that every child deserves a voice and compassion. She recognizes the critical importance of supporting those who cannot advocate for themselves and is driven by a heartfelt mission to serve children in need. Her enthusiasm for her work continues to grow as she engages with families through Douglass Community Services, striving to make a meaningful impact in the lives of the little ones in her community.
As the CASA Volunteer Director, Katie is excited to lead efforts that empower volunteers and enhance the support provided to children and families, ensuring that each child’s needs are met with dignity and care. Her unwavering commitment to advocacy and service exemplifies her dedication to fostering a brighter future for all children.

MIKE BLASE
Housing /Utility Assistance Coordinator
Responsible for writing and administering several grants to assist households that are at-risk of homelessness in Marion and Ralls counties. Mike represents Douglass in multiple collaboration efforts with other area agencies to help area clients overcome housing obstacles. After working for the Hannibal Public Schools for 32 years as a teacher, counselor, and coach, Mike has been with Douglass since 2013. Blase holds a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master of Education in Educational and Counseling Psychology, both from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Gayle Thompson
Foster Grandparents
Gayle holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education with certifications in English, Social Studies, and Special Education, and a Master of Science in Literacy. She taught middle school for 30 years in both Missouri and New Mexico. Most of those years were spent in Palmyra, MO. After retirement, Gayle has spent much of her time volunteering with food insecurity programs, children’s organizations, Holy Family School, Douglass Community Services, and Trinity Episcopal Church. She also brings two years of prior experience with the Foster Grandparent Program.
Intimately familiar with the inner workings of schools, Gayle has the expertise needed to develop and implement training that helps volunteers better meet the needs of the children they serve. Her extensive classroom experience gives her a deep understanding of the relationships between teachers, volunteers, and students, and she believes strongly that the Foster Grandparent Program is mutually beneficial—enriching both the volunteer and the child being served.

