Progressive Youth Connection...PYC Online


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About Progressive Youth Connection

Founded in 1972, Progressive Youth Connection is a 501 (c) 3, not for profit corporation that provides violence prevention programs for youth ages 5-18, education and training for parents and educators as well as individual counseling and support group sessions. We are a certificated Medicaid provider for counseling and support group services. In 1984, Progressive Youth Connection became a member of the United Way of Greater St. Louis.

For the past 30 years, Progressive Youth Connection has been the foremost agency in the greater St. Louis area, teaching children the life skills they need to be successful in school and beyond--skills such as peaceful conflict resolution, anger/impulse management, safe dating practices, effective communication, and appreciation for diversity. Progressive Youth Connection cooperates with schools, school districts and other organizations to deliver programs. All of our curricula are developed and delivered by Master-level social workers and counselors. We provide our violence prevention programs to over 4,000 children and families annually in the greater St. Louis area.

Funding for Progressive Youth Connection comes from a variety of private and public sources including the United Way of Greater St. Louis, local corporations, philanthropic foundations, state and federal grants, and individual donations.

Progressive Youth Connection continues to strengthen its role in the St. Louis Community by increasing its outreach and deepening its impact by serving as a resource in as many ways as possible for youth as well as the community.

For more information about our agency, please take a look at our 2006 Annual Report.

Click HERE to see our 990 form!

About the Staff

Margaret Petri, M.Ed., LPC, LCPC, NCC
Executive Director
Margaret has a B.A. in Psychology and a M.Ed. in Counseling Behavioral Science, both from University of Missouri-St. Louis. She is nationally certified, and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Missouri and Illinois. She has worked as a Therapist and/or Program Director for Epworth Children and Family Services in Webster Groves, Missouri; Comprehensive Mental Health Center of St. Clair County, East St. Louis, Missouri; and CPC Spirit of St. Louis Hospital, Weldon Springs, Missouri. Margaret is a member of the American Counseling Association and is associated with the Missouri and St. Louis chapters. She oversees all fiscal, programmatic, and administrative functions of Progressive Youth Connection.

Stephanie Zimmerman, M.A., LPC, NCC
Director of Prevention Services
Stephanie has a B.S. in Psychology from Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, and a Master's in Counseling, from Webster University in St. Louis. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Missouri and a Nationally Certified Counselor. She is also a member of the American Counseling Association. Stephanie has worked as a Job Developer at the Independence Center and a Group Facilitator at Kids in the Middle in St. Louis. She was also Activity Director at the Community Counseling Center and Job Training Coordinator at the Easter Seal Society in Cape Girardeau. For PYC, she oversees all aspects and coordination of all prevention programs and counseling services.

Heather Rieckenberg, M.S.W., LCSW
Director of Clinical Volunteers
Heather has a B.A. in Psychology from Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois and a Master's degree in Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Missouri and also a member of the National Association of Social Workers. Heather has worked with youth in a variety of settings around the St. Louis area. These include working as a Care Manager at Missouri Alliance for Children and Families, a Houseparent at Our Little Haven, and an Intake Specialist at Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri. She is responsible for coordinating community volunteers and practicum students and facilitating PYC's prevention programs.

Stephanie Beckley-Schuster, M.S.W.
Clinical Program Coordinator
Stephanie has a B.A. in Psychology from Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa and a Master's in Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis. Her work experiences with children and adults include BJC Behavioral Health, Kid's Place, and Family Support Network in St. Louis, in addition to the Belle Valley School District in Illinois. She holds a position on the Board of Directors for Kid's Place and membership in the School Social Work Association of America. Stephanie is responsible for the planning and direct facilitation of all PYC prevention programs.

Lauren Kessler, M.S.W.
Clinical Program Coordinator
Lauren has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Rochester in Rochester, New York and a Master's degree in Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis. She has experience working with youth in a variety of settings including Grant Middle School in Illinois, St. Louis Crisis Nursery and Americorp. Lauren also recently served as Co-Chair for the St. Louis group, Voices for Children. She is responsible for the planning and direct facilitation of all PYC prevention programs.

Melissa Kline, M.B.A.
Director of Development
Melissa has a B.S degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in marketing and a Master's in Business Administration, both from Maryville University of St. Louis. She has advanced knowledge of working for a not-for-profit. Recently, she has incorporated a not-for profit organization in St. Charles County. Melissa has several years experience in Development, Event Planning, and Marketing. Melissa works in collaboration with Annie Meagle, Marketing & Public Relations Coordinator. Melissa is responsible for creating community awareness, development of the organization, and writing grants.

Annie Meagle, B.S.B.A.
Marketing & Public Relations Coordinator
Annie has a B.S. in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing Management from Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau. Annie has worked with many community service agencies throughout her time in school, and also has experience working in media, fundraising, and special promotions. Annie is responsible for all marketing, public relations, and special events planning support at PYC.

Board of Directors

Lynette Ballard
Sisters of Mercy Health System

Michael Hojnacki
Board President
One Source Retail

Jeanette Kirkpatrick
Maritz

Jim Klug
Edward Jones

Elaine Lindecke
Lindecke & Associates

Michael Lock
Program Chair
Community Volunteer

Frank Neuner, Jr.
Executive Committee
Spencer Fane Britt & Browne, LLP

Tim Reuther
Reuther Jeep Chrysler Dodge

Ted Ruzicka
Cornerstone Financial Group

Bob Seal
Executive Committee
Conley Insurance Group

Val Turner
University of Missoui- St. Louis

Todd Vasel
Development Chair
Dierbergs