Our Team
Susan Anders
Administrative Assistant
sanders@ofjstl.org 314-721-6161 ex 10
I have an Associates in Marketing Management and BA in Liberal Studies. I have worked for Non-Profit Agencies for 20 years and have been at Options For Justice for 14 years. During this time, I have seen many things change at our organization and have been proud to play an integral part in numerous accomplishments. I love working at Options For Justice because the staff is so passionate and hard working. I know that the agency mission is so important! I look forward to helping our agency continue to step up and respond to the many changing needs of both the individuals that we support and the way the community and service delivery system is evolving.
Jennifer Day
Program Director
jday@ofjstl.org 314-721-6161 ex 11
My education and experience is in special education. I have a Bachelor of Arts from Saint Louis University in Special Education and taught students with learning disabilities, behavior disorders and autism spectrum disorder in a school within a school environment. This experience and a desire to encourage success outside of the educational arena, led me to Options For Justice. I love building our program and being a part of an evolution that took us from being primarily a resource and referral agency to one that provides individualized direct supports. Meeting the people that we support where they are and making an assessment as to what community resources, partner agencies and natural supports that can be drawn together to create a complete plan for success is something that is truly rewarding.
Mary Ann Gehrin
Executive Director
mgehrin@ofjstl.org 314-721-6161 ex 12
After a long and successful career supporting individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities in a variety of different roles, and combined with a background and education in Social Work, Counseling and Non-Profit Management, leading Options for Justice through much needed change and expansion was the logical next step for me. I am so proud of all of the time, effort, and energy that has gone into making this organization what it is today. Our unique mission has attracted an extremely passionate and creative group of professionals who are dedicated to positive outcomes. I am excited to to be part of our amazing Team and I look forward to continued success as we rise up to the many challenges ahead.
Mary Gilliam
Case Coordinator
mgilliam@ofjstl.org 314-721-6161 ex 15
My background, experience and education is in Elementary Education and Educational Studies. I also worked with at risk youth as a Street Outreach Case Manager. Years of social work/social service experience increased my awareness and understanding of the challenges many people face when there are no available supports or resources in place to promote success. This is especially true if someone has a developmental or intellectual disability. Becoming a Team member at Options For Justice was my next logical step and I am excited to be play a role in promoting successful outcomes for the individuals we support.
Monica Pickel
Case Coordinator
mpickel@ofjstl.org 314-721-6161 ex 16
I began my social service career in crisis support services and advocacy, working with at-risk populations. I completed a dual degree in Forensic Psychology and Criminal Justice as my passion was in criminal justice reform for these vulnerable populations. Options for Justice offers me the opportunity to prioritize rehabilitation and reconciliation as I help individuals navigate the challenging justice system. As Case Coordinator at Options for Justice, I am looking forward to seeing myself prosper in my current areas of expertise, but also opening myself up to new opportunities in which to grow. I am also the voice behind the Options for Justice’s social media platform, working alongside marketing experts. I’m excited to see the path this new, creative, endeavor leads me down and am honored to play a role in increasing the awareness of our important mission and accomplishments.
Donna Ward
Case Coordinator
dward@ofjstl.org 314-721-616ex 13
Supporting individuals of all ages and abilities how to navigate & live their best lives has been my career mission. I had many personal experiences and interactions with individuals who had a variety of challenges which sparked my passion to support individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. I gained my degree in Therapeutic Recreation., which also included an internship abroad in Nottingham, England. I have had the privilege of working in a variety of roles over the years including Residential Community Agencies, DMH-DD Division, Missouri First Steps and last but BEST yet…Options for Justice! We are a small agency but a mighty one! We have the flexibility to think outside the box as we find new and creative ways for people to meet success as they face the challenges of the justice system.