I’m am Amber Ekholm, a second year parent educator with PAT. I was a parent in the program before becoming an educator and I found it to be super encouraging and helpful! My favorite part about being an educator is building relationships with families and hearing families successes. 

My name is Christy and I have been married for 20 years and have 2 children (a boy and a girl).  I have been with PAT for 10 years and love being able to meet and connect with families and their children in their homes.  It is so rewarding to watch everyone grow and develop over the years.  Families should be a part of our free program and take advantage of the developmental screenings, the ability to frequently discuss milestones, and learn new and fun developmentally appropriate activities to play with your children!  

My name is Tomi, this is my third year being a Parent Educator and fourth year at Southwest Early Childhood Center! I'm a mom of a almost three year old and she is the reason I started being a Parent Educator. My experience being a Parent Educator have been some of the best experiences ive had working in a school system. I get to make connections with family's and students and help the be their best selves! I think families should be a part of parents as teachers because it gives parents the tools to handle every day challenges and also gives you a chance to do fun activities with your children and build the bond that you already have!

I graduated from Northwest Missouri State University with a degree in Human Services and an emphasis in Child and Family Studies and interned with the Maryville PAT program. I chose PAT as a career because I find it rewarding when parents learn something new about their child, find an activity they and their child enjoy together or have a breakthrough on a challenging aspect of parenting.  Group connections is my favorite part of the PAT program because families have fun together and enjoy the planned activities. I encourage families to participate in PAT so they can learn about their child’s development and how to nurture their child with fun educational games and activities.

Hello,
 My name is Jasmin Angel, and this will be my third year working as a bilingual Parent Educator for the JC School District. I love being able to work with families and reminding parents that they are their child's most important teacher. My favorite part of being a parent educator is being able to see a parent interact with their child and having them enjoy the activity all while understanding the importance of play with their child. I believe every family with a young child should take part in Parents As Teachers as they can gain greater knowledge of their child's development, all while having fun with their child. Our program also brings parents together in many of our group connections that we have. Families of different backgrounds and ethnicities can get together to share the challenges and joys of parenthood!

My name is Kevettria Cover. I have been with Parents As Teachers since October 2023. I am originally from Venice, Illinois. I started my journey in Jefferson City in 2017. I met my amazing husband in Jefferson City in May 2018. We have two amazing sons ages 5 and 1. I have my Bachelors Degree in Social Work. 
I first learned about PAT when I signed my oldest up for Pre-K. My first impressions of PAT were not the greatest. I thought it would be like having a case worker and someone judging my parenting. I scheduled my first meeting with Ashley and then canceled on her last minute. I wasn't ready. When I finally met her she helped me understand that her goal was to be an extra resource and help when needed. She didn't judge or tell me I was doing everything wrong like I thought she would. She became a friend and encouraged me to become a Parent Educator. 
My favorite part about being a Parent Educator is helping families to familiarize themselves with resources in the community. I love being the person families can depend on for help with their children. 

Hello! My name is Allyson Rose. I am Jefferson City School Districts Parents as Teacher Coordinator. I serve families and manage the program. I accepted the challenge to take this new career path because  I am passionate about the PAT program! When I became a parent, a friend told me to join. My educator helped my husband and I navigate through developmental milestones and any questions and  reservations we had about our growing boy, Bo Alan. She also celebrated achievements! Through screenings, she brought attention to any concerns and helped us navigate researched ways to improve. As our child has aged we have utilized the program for various reasons. After we got the hang of it, we started primarily using the program to stay connected to community resources and family group connections! Through the years though, the personalized visits have shed light on development at all his ages and stages. We thought we had sleep down .... then came two year old regression, and now at four his individuality has brought upon some conversations regarding safety and nutrition. All this to say, kids are always changing, and no one child is the same as the next! 
A little bit more about me, I have a masters in education and technology, I taught 4th grade for 10 years and prior taught pre k for 12 years. I have always emerged myself in all things early childhood , keeping up with the latest practices even while teaching 4th grade. 
My family and I live in Jefferson City and I am a JC Jay alum. We have one dog named Annie and we enjoy playing with friends and enjoying the community parks. 
I have a second gig working as the Nursery associate pastor/ coordinator at First Baptist Church of Jefferson City and have served in that position for 10+ years. 
I enjoy working all kinds of kinds and learning how we can work together making sure parents are well equipped for the children of our future! 

Stephanie Washington, MPH (she/her)

Stephanie Washington is one of the newest Parents as Teachers Educators for the Jefferson City School District as of December 16th, 2024.  This new endeavor suits her wellvia her formal education and professional work experience.  From 2022 to 2024, Ms. Washington served as the Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at William Woods University, before the program was eliminated in August of 2024.  In that role, Stephanie served as a culturally aware, emotionally empathic, and inclusive presence for students, faculty and staff.  Pre-WWU, Stephanie served as the HIV Planner and Evaluator for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), Bureau of HIV, STD and Hepatitis (BHSH).  Stephanie served in this capacity from 2018 through 2022.  From 2007 to 2018, Stephanie worked as a Youth Health Educator for the DHSS, BHSH…following in her retired mother’s HIV prevention footsteps.  

Stephanie earned her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri, and later went on to earn her Master of Public Health from the University of Missouri-Columbia.  Stephanie’s vibrant,outgoing and contagious personality serves her well when working with diverse communities and colleagues.  

In addition to contributions within her State and University roles, Stephanie was nationally recognized by the National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors’ (NASTAD), as she was chosen for their 2022 Minority Leadership Program (MLP).  This twelve-person national cohort initiative focuses on increasing the capacity of emerging leaders of color to equip them with skills, mentors, and introspection to advance in their varied personal career trajectories.  She is a true Public Health practitioner with a passion and love for students, public speaking, education and inclusion.  

Hello! My name is Casey Womack and I’m a proud Parent Educator for JCPS,  a mom of 2 boys, and a wife. With a background in teaching Early Childhood and Elementary kiddos for 22 years I’ve had the privilege of working closely with children and their caregivers to foster strong, nurturing, and educational home environments.

My passion for this work stems from a deep belief: parents are a child’s first and most influential teachers! From a baby’s first words to their first steps into a classroom, the lessons they learn at home lay the foundation for lifelong learning and well-being. Every moment—from reading together to solving problems with love and patience—is a chance to shape a child’s growth.

My hope as a parent educator is to empower and encourage families by providing tools, resources, and confidence. I strive to be a partner in helping parents understand child development, navigate challenges, celebrate milestones, and build positive, lasting relationships with their children. 

(B.S. Ed.) Missouri State University 

(M.Ed.)  William Woods University

My name is Schasta (sounds like pasta) Flowers. I am a happy mother of four. I have two girls and two boys ages, 33,31,23,21. I am also an even happier grandmother of two girls. I have a B.S. in Food and Nutrition, B.S. in Elementary Education, and a Master’s in Special Education.  I have taught for 20 plus years in private and public schools. I have taught grades Pre-kindergarten through Third. Having four children who took part in PAT and being in and around education, has given me a passion for helping children and parents to become the best they can be. I love watching and being a part of the social, physical, and emotional growth of children, as well as adults.  

My name is Kim and I am a wife of 34 years, a mom of two married children and most recently, a Grammy to our first precious baby granddaughter. I am excited about serving young families in our community as a Parents As Teacher Educator because when our two children were young, I found great value in the PAT program. The educators helped me actively participate in our child's learning and even resourced us with screenings to help us identify any previously un-detected issues. I come to the program with three years of work experience in the JC District as a permanent elementary building substitute, more than 10 years in children's ministry and 25 years experience as a communication professional in corporate business. My passion is to resource parents, enabling their children to be best prepared for school by the time they are ready for Kindergarten. 

Through our partnership with Capital City Diaper Bank, Parents as Teachers is able to provide diapers and wipes to families during monthly home visits—meeting a basic need that has a powerful ripple effect. For many families, this support eases financial stress and allows them to redirect limited funds toward groceries, gas, medical appointments, and other essentials.

One parent shared, “Getting diapers during our visit meant I could use my grocery money to buy fresh food for my kids that week. It was such a relief.”
Another family told us, “Diapers are expensive, and having that help made it possible for us to get to the doctor instead of choosing between gas or diapers.”

These moments may seem small, but they make a lasting difference. By reducing stress and supporting basic needs, we help families focus on what matters most—building strong, healthy relationships with their children.

💙 To learn more about Capital City Diaper Bank or how you can support this work, click on the CCDB image above.

🛝 Jefferson City, MO — Parks & Playgrounds Major Parks with Playgrounds

These parks have playground areas and family-friendly amenities:

1. Jefferson City Memorial Park
   📍 111 Memorial Park Dr, Jefferson City, MO 65109 — Features two playgrounds, trails, picnic areas, basketball, aquatic center, and more.

2. Binder Park
   📍 5840 Rainbow Dr, Jefferson City, MO 65109 — Large park with playground space and outdoor recreation areas.

3. McClung Park
   📍 930 McClung Park Dr, Jefferson City, MO 65101 — Playground, picnic areas, walking paths, and open green space.

4. Community Park
   📍 725 Marshall St, Jefferson City, MO 65101 — Neighborhood park with open areas and play spaces.

5. Ellis-Porter Park
   📍 300 Ellis Porter Dr, Jefferson City, MO 65101 — Riverside park with play areas and picnic spots.

6. Hickory Street Neighbourhood Park
   📍 503 Hickory St, Jefferson City, MO 65101 — Small local park with green space.

7. North Jefferson City Recreation Area
   📍 927 4th St, Jefferson City, MO 65101 — Multi-use park with outdoor space.

8. McKay Park
   📍 1700 Southridge Dr, Jefferson City, MO 65109 — Quiet neighborhood park with open space.

9. Green Berry Acres Park
   📍 1915 Green Berry Rd, Jefferson City, MO 65101 — Smaller community park.

🛝 Holts Summit, MO — Parks & Playgrounds

1. Hibernia Park
   📍 279 S Summit Dr #225, Holts Summit, MO 65043 — Includes playground equipment, accessible play areas, pavilion, and courts.

2. Greenway Park (also listed as Holts Summit Greenway Park)
   📍 282 Greenway Dr, Holts Summit, MO 65043 — Larger park with walking trails, lake areas, fields, picnic spots, and play areas.

3. Holts Summit Greenway Park
   📍 Holts Summit, MO 65043 — Alternate listing for the city’s Greenway Park (same general area/amenities as above).