Staff

Doug earned a Master of Business Administration from Webster University and a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations from the University of Central Missouri. He has worked for the Alzheimer’s Association and the Huntington’s Disease Society Of America in development and fundraising. “One of my greatest passions is the energy I get from working with volunteers!” 

Prior to entering the NPO world, Doug spent most of his career in the convention and tradeshow industry working on almost every imaginable convention and trade show throughout the country. 

Doug loves the outdoors and has spent many weekends volunteering for the Missouri Stream Team program. and is a board member of The River des Peres Watershed Coalition. He enjoys hiking, kayaking, and exploring small towns with his wife, Zoe. Doug and Zoe are also pet-parents to Angie and Marley.

Chien Y. Hung, MSW, MA-G, RYT, serves as the Program Director for VOYCE. Chien holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Washington University (2005), as well as a Master’s Degree in Gerontology from Lindenwood University (2015). From 2005 to 2016, Chien worked with clients struggling with critical medical/mental conditions, substance usage issues, and homelessness. Chien has extensive experience in Psychotherapy, Gerontology, case management, community outreach, and long-term care. In his spare time, Chien is a Registered Yoga Teacher and enjoys teaching and practicing yoga.

Under Chien’s direction, the program team strives to help long-term care residents receive quality person-centered care in Eastern Missouri.

If you are interested in a practicum or internship with Chien at VOYCE, fill out an application today.

Melody previously ran her own company as a graphic designer, working with small businesses and nonprofit organizations. She has volunteered in many fundraising roles, including Type 1 Diabetes research and diabetic alert dogs. She received an award at the Myabetic Diabetes Awards in 2019 for “Family Goals” for positive and influential social media advocacy. In her spare time, Melody enjoys touring historic homes, watching Netflix, and spending time with her two kids, two dogs, and two rabbits.

Katie earned a Master of Science in Gerontology from University of Missouri- St. Louis and a Bachelor of Science in Family Studies from Southeast Missouri State University.  Katie discovered her passion for working with seniors when she worked in food services at a Long-Term Care Facility during high school.

Katie previously worked at a Long-Term Care Community as an Activity Coordinator and then was promoted to the Activity Director within a short period of time.  Katie also held a position at the St. Louis Jewish Community Center as a Senior Programs Coordinator in which she ran a home delivery meal program for homebound seniors and dining services/senior programming at Covenant Place.  In her free time, Katie enjoys spending time with family and friends, working out, watching television/movies, attending concerts, and traveling.  

Elizabeth (Lisa) Smith, MHA, joined VOYCE in December 2017. Lisa earned a Master of Health Administration from Saint Louis University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Fontbonne University.

She brings her interest, compassion, and experience for those in vulnerable or underserved populations to her position at VOYCE. In her free time, Lisa enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with friends. 

Kayla earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science with a minor in psychology and a Master of Social Work from Missouri Baptist University. 

As an undergrad, Kayla completed a summer research internship at the Harvey A. Friedman Center for Aging at the Washington University Institute for Public Health. As an intern, Kayla did research on topics related to aging and Alzheimer’s disease as well as networked with community stakeholders. While in graduate school, Kayla completed her practicum at VOYCE and enjoyed giving a voice to residents in long-term care. Kayla has always appreciated working with vulnerable populations and is eager to continue empowering and advocating for residents in long-term care. 

Janice Thomas is an operational leader with more than 20 years of experience. She lives by the dictates to ”Make it better” and, in all things, “Be Kind.” Her professional experiences include key roles in public and community health, clinical operations, coaching, training, financial management, and administration. She has held professional roles in not-for-profit and for-profit organizations, large and small.

Her personal life mirrors her professional life. She is a current board member of an organization supporting reproductive health services, another fostering inclusivity in all areas of the community, and a member of the St. Louis Women’s Forum. Janice is also an active gardener and a dedicated daily walker. Recently she ended a 3-year streak of walking an average of 5 miles each day.

Janice has completed undergraduate studies in business and public health studies at St. Louis University School of Public Health.

As the Elder Justice Manager, Janice supports VOYCE’s policy initiative around elder and vulnerable adult abuse.