Darcy joined the board of The Next Step in 2013, and is serving her sixth term as the board President. She has a 15-year career in retail merchandising, and sales and owned a large ProSource Wholesale Floorcovering franchise. Darcy sold her franchise in 2006, and now owns two small businesses. Darcy also volunteers in many other community organizations, including a previous board position for Congregation Shaare Emeth, a current board position for a floorcovering industry-related scholarship organization, Girl Scouts, and the school where her two daughters attend.

Darcy is passionate about both education and recovery from substance abuse. She believes that individuals in recovery continue to stay sober and become productive members of our community when they better their lives through their education and careers. Her dream is to help every person in recovery in the St. Louis community who has financial need achieve their educational goals.

Sandy is a retired business owner and private investor.  He is the longest-serving board member and currently serves as the board Treasurer.  He places a high value on philanthropy in the community and is passionate about helping others.

Sandy’s vision for the organization is for it to provide educational assistance to all the individuals in the St. Louis community who are in recovery and seeking to better themselves through education.

Mark joined the board in 2018, and serves on the golf, dinner, and marketing committees.  He is a commercial litigator and a partner at the law firm of Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, where he is also co-leader of the Commercial Disputes Practice Group.  His 35 year legal career includes four years on active duty as a US Army Judge Advocate General officer, as well as an additional 18 years in the US Army Reserve.  Mark has a history of community involvement, including having been chair of the board of Neighborhood Houses (now known as Unleashing Potential) and as a member of the Board of Trustees of St. Patrick Center.  Mark also was previously a member of the board of directors of The Friends of the St. Louis University Liver Center and of Kids In The Middle, Inc.  Mark was also very active in his church, serving as a member of the Administration Commission of Our Lady of the Pillar Catholic Church.

Mark understands and is compassionate about the struggles that a person in recovery may face.  Mark also is a sincere believer in the value of education in improving a person’s life.

Bio coming soon!

Bob is the former Chairman of Elan-Polo, an international footwear company based in St. Louis. After retirement, he wanted to give back to the community and joined The Next Step. He serves on the golf, finance, and sponsorship committees, and is a great asset to the organization. Bob enjoys golfing, traveling, and spending time with his family, particularly his 6 grandchildren.

It is an honor for Bob to be part of the mission of The Next Step and hopes to continue to help those in recovery achieve success and satisfaction through their education.

Bio coming soon!

Kevin is a Substance Use Disorder Counselor and a Case Manager. He has worked in the recovery field for over a decade and is currently employed at Concordance Academy of Leadership and Community Services of Missouri as a SATOP Professional. Kevin was a Next Step Scholarship recipient for multiple years and graduated from Lindenwood in 2019 with a Master’s degree in Business Administration. He’s a proud member of the board and eager to help others achieve their goals.

Kevin is an active member of a 12-Step fellowship and is dedicated to repaying what has been so freely given. 

Christy is a multi-year scholarship recipient and recent MSW graduate of UMSL. Christy is a seasoned behavioral health professional with more than a decade of experience serving various non-profit organizations. Christy currently serves as EPICC CORE Program Manager at Behavioral Health Network of Greater St. Louis. Christy is passionate about recovery and increasing access to behavioral health for
vulnerable populations in the St. Louis area. Christy serves as a role model by using her personal recovery to instill hope and provide encouragement to those seeking recovery.

Bio coming soon!

Ron retired in 2018 after 36 years in the financial services sector, including 26
years at Scottrade where he held numerous leadership positions including
CFO/FinOp. Ron has a BS in Accountancy from the University of Missouri –
Columbia.

In addition to The Next Step, Ron is involved with AliveSTL.org, and The United
Way of St. Louis. Ron enjoys golfing, travel and spending time with family and
friends. Ron’s hope is to help those in recovery achieve success through their
education.

Jay is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a certified substance abuse counselor (CRADC) and has been a practicing clinical social worker for over 28 years. Jay has worked at Saint Louis University in the counseling center since 2008 and is one of the founders of the collegiate recovery community there. Jay has studied and worked around the country including South Florida and New York City.

Jay has been helping students find and maintain recovery and is passionate about supporting people in recovery achieve their goals through education.

Sherry has over 20 years of marketing and nonprofit experience and joined the organization in 2017. In her current role as Director of Marketing, she oversees marketing, design, and communications for applicant recruitment and all fundraising efforts.

Sherry enjoys working with scholarship recipients to share their stories of hope and resilience, and making more people aware of the good work being done by The Next Step.