Photo of Marjorie Moore

Marjorie Moore (she/her)

Executive Directormmoore@voycestl.org314-919-2401

Marjorie Moore holds a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast and Electronic Communications from Marquette University and certificates in CEO Fundraising and Business Administration for Nonprofit Leaders from Washington University in St. Louis. Additionally, she was a member of Focus St. Louis’ Leadership St. Louis Class 39 and the Network for Strong Communities’ Women Executive Director Leadership Academy.

Previously, Marjorie served as President and CEO of MindsEye, a local nonprofit serving people with vision loss, and as the Executive Director of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, St. Louis Chapter.

Marjorie was the host and producer for the 501Crossroads podcast and has served on several boards and committees, including as President of the International Association of Audio Information Services. Currently, Marjorie volunteers on the Finance Committee for Home Sweet Home, a local nonprofit furniture bank.

Melody Fox

Melody Fox

Development Coordinatormfox@voycestl.org314-919-2410

Melody Fox serves as the Development Coordinator at VOYCE. 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.

Doug Geist

Doug Geist, MBA

Director of Development and Community Outreachdgeist@voycestl.org314-919-2405

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.

“Hello, everyone, I am honored to serve as the Director of Development and Community Outreach. I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible and getting to know you and your story. Until then, know that we are working hard to support VOYCE’s Mission.”

Photo of Chien Hung

Chien Y. Hung (he/him), MSW, MA-G, RYT

Program Directorchung@voycestl.org314-919-2411

Chien Y. Hung, MSW, MA-G, RYT, serves as the Program Director of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, VOYCEconnect, and the Mental Wellness Programs. 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 Greater St. Louis and Northeast Missouri.

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

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Photo of Jen Joy

Jen Joy (she/her), MSW, CDP

Regional Ombudsman Coordinator, South St. Louis County and Jefferson Countyjjoy@voycestl.org314-919-2406

Jen Joy, MSW serves as a Regional Ombudsman Coordinator for South County and Jefferson County.  Jen earned a Master of Social Work degree from Saint Louis University and a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Missouri State University.  

Jen has many years of experience working with families in a variety of social service settings including schools,  hospitals, community mental health agencies, and nonprofit organizations.  Jen brings her varied experience and education to VOYCE as well as her compassion to help those underserved in the St. Louis area.  

Photo of Nicole Lynch

Nicole Lynch (she/they), MSW

Policy and Advocacy Directornlynch@voycestl.org

Nicole Lynch, MSW, serves as VOYCE’s Policy and Advocacy Director. Nicole holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Missouri- Columbia and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Missouri State University.

In her previous position, Nicole spent four years working in a Residential Care Facility (RCF). She served many roles in the facility, starting as a caregiver and Med Tech and eventually working her way up to the facility coordinator position. Nicole found her passion for advocacy and grassroots organizing through internship experiences. During her final semester of graduate school, she worked as a full-time Legislative Intern for Empower Missouri, where she advocated for access to quality healthcare, adequate nutrition, and criminal justice reform. Nicole’s experience working in the RCF, combined with her advocacy skills, has made her a passionate advocate for residents in long-term care settings.

Photo of Katie Morrison

Katie Morrison (she/her), MSG, CDP

Regional Ombudsman Coordinator, North St. Louis County kmorrison@voycestl.org314-919-2409

Katie Morrison, MSG, serves as a Regional Ombudsman Coordinator for North St. Louis County. 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.  

Blanca Pedro

Blanca Pedro (she/her), CDP

Regional Ombudsman and Volunteer Coordinator, St. Charles Countybpedro@voycestl.org314-919-2407

Blanca Pedro serves as the Regional Ombudsman Coordinator for St. Charles County and the Ombudsman Volunteer Coordinator. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from Saint Louis University. Throughout her undergraduate years, she immersed herself in rigorous ethical debates and explored various ethical theories, deepening her understanding of human existence and interaction. 

Blanca has dedicated herself to serving her community, acting as a liaison between LifeWise STL and Home Sweet Home. In this role, she advocated for the needs of underrepresented and underdeveloped communities, provided language support, facilitated conflict resolution, and offered invaluable assistance to those in need within the Saint Louis area.

Blanca is deeply committed to advocacy and social justice, drawing upon her philosophical background to promote equality and empower marginalized individuals and communities. She eagerly anticipates making a significant impact at VOYCE, where she looks forward to continuing her commitment to serving and empowering her community. 

Presently, she volunteers within her local school district, finding joy in contributing to educational initiatives. Blanca enjoys attending concerts, baking, and crafting. 

Kayla Peniston

Kayla Peniston (she/her), MSW, CDP

Regional Ombudsman Coordinator, West St. Louis County and Franklin Countykpeniston@voycestl.org314-919-2413

Kayla Peniston serves as the Regional Ombudsman Coordinator for West St. Louis and Franklin Counties. 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. 

Photo of Lisa Smith

Lisa Smith, MHA, CDP

Lead Regional Ombudsman Coordinator, St. Louis City and Central St. Louis Countylsmith@voycestl.org314-919-2404

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. 

Janice Thomas

Janice Thomas (she/her)

Elder Justice Manager, Coordinator for the Coalition for Justice for Elder and Disabled Adultsjthomas@voycestl.org314-919-2402

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.