Meet the Team
"The Strength of the Team is each Individual Member. The Strength of Each Member is the Team."
-Phil Jackson
Founding Executive Director
Jessy Johnson
Jessy Johnson brings 25 years of combined experience in the field of Social Work and Customer Service. Her dedication to focusing on the areas of overall health (physical, mental, spiritual) has led Jessy to earn her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology, Medical Assistant Diploma, Personal Training Certification, Nutrition Certification, and is a Certified Group Fitness Instructor among multiple other Group Fitness certifications.
While working as a Parent Educator for Parents as Teachers and a Caseworker with Preferred Family Healthcare, Jessy noticed many gaps in the area of resources and access to those resources. This led her to develop a nonprofit geared towards serving the underserved and marginalized communities and helping them access the resources they desperately need. Jessy intends to lead “The Love Mission” as a servant leader, with an unwavering focus to spread love (and resources) to those in need.
Board Secretary
Connie Hartwell
Connie is a devoted and loving wife, mother, nana, sister, aunt, and friend. Connie is very active in her church and her community and feels very strongly about the importance of love and inclusion. One of the greatest strengths that she brings to The Love Mission is her passion for advocating for those who are otherwise marginalized or overlooked. Her outstanding planning and organization skills make her a wonderful asset to the growth of The Love Mission and its ability to reach more people.
Board President
Alena Hartwell
Alena brings experience and support to the Love Mission as secretary of the board. Alena was born and raised in the St Charles county area. Alena developed a strong sense of devotion to The Love Mission after moving to St Louis county and seeing the lack of educational resources on culture and diversity in the St Charles county area along with learning the Love Missions plans to provide necessities to the people in need. The Love Mission gives her a deep appreciation for improving the quality of life for the people in our community; one program at a time.
Board Member
Michael Johnson
Michael brings with him a true passion for the LGBTQ+ and the POC communities. His devotion for helping people who need love, support and comfort to not feel discriminated against is a true asset to our team. As a biracial, gay male engaged to a black male, he knows what it is like to feel judged and discomfort in the community. Michael is committed to changing lives for the better by working with the Love Mission to provide the correct resources and make them easily accessible.
Board Member
Alicia Johnson
Alicia attended Northwest Missouri State University and received her bachelor of science in psychology in addition to her minor in children and family studies. She is currently employed at Barnes-Jewish Christian as a caseworker in the intensive behavioral health outpatient department. She aims to assist close to 50 clients daily in gaining better independence, connecting and complying with medical professionals, gaining housing, as well as finding additional resources throughout the city. In addition to being a caseworker, she has also worked at an inpatient facility, helping women with their recovery.
When Alicia is not working, she loves reading, researching world news, creating art projects, and skateboarding. She is the mom of two beautiful kitties, who are her life. Alicia was asked to be a part of The Love Mission and she quickly accepted. She enjoys the kind energy and faces she works with and hopes to be the best board member she can be.
Board Member
Monica Belcke
Monica is currently a doctoral candidate in Clinical Psychology at Saint Louis University. As a clinical student, Monica has many roles throughout the community. She provides psychological support to residents of a transitional housing program in downtown St. Louis, including conducting mental health assessments for the purpose of connecting residents to necessary housing, vocational, medical, and psychological resources. Monica also works at a federally qualified health center assisting patients with medically assisted substance use treatment and providing therapy for comorbid mental health disorders. Additionally, Monica provides therapy at a women’s clinic, supporting them through life’s hardships and assisting them in processing previous traumas. Monica has received extensive training in substance use, women’s health, and post-traumatic stress disorder, among other specialties. She is passionate about women’s mental health and providing support to those with substance use disorders.
When Monica is not working, she loves spending time with her husband and her dog, Luna. She loves exploring the world and immersing herself in other cultures. She is excited for her work with the Love Mission and to make a difference in her community, one person at a time.