Meet our team
Paula Lowery, M. Ed.
She leads with a deep commitment to compassionate hospitality and family-centered care. She holds a master’s degree in education with an emphasis in counseling from the University of Missouri–St. Louis and a bachelor’s degree in social work from Saint Louis University. Over the past 17 years, Paula has served HavenHouse in multiple roles—from Program Director to Chief Operating Officer—bringing a steady hand, a strategic vision, and a heart for service to every position.
A trusted resource in the medical travel and hospitality space, Paula is passionate about creating a supportive, dignified, and welcoming environment for every patient, family, and caregiver on their journey to medical care in St. Louis.
Missy Sitze
Missy Sitze was born and raised in the St. Louis area and resides in Saint Charles County with her husband, son and 2 dogs. Missy brings over 16 years of hospitality and operational experience from administration to organization and everything in between. As the Executive Administrator, she is the right hand to the Executive Director working cross functionally with all of the HavenHouse St. Louis pillars. Missy is also actively involved in the community supporting Greater Giving, another non-profit organization, formed to end stigmas around mental health and mental health awareness. Missy is also an active member of the National Association of REALTORS and a licensed Broker, Salesperson in Missouri.
Brooke Noecker
Brooke spent the first 12 years of her career in fine dining, directing 15-course dinners and collaborating with chefs across the Midwest. In 2021, she returned to UMSL to complete a Bachelor of Science in Criminology. During this period, Brooke co-founded a non-profit for St. Louis youth in the performing arts, sparking her journey into non-profit development.
Amy Willis
Amy Willis graduated from Southeast Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management. She has been on the team for over 17 years serving the mission in many capacities. As Director of Grants and Community Outreach, Amy is responsible for developing and maintaining relationships to assist with funding this incredible organization.
Jonathan Stokes
Jonathan is a born-and-raised St. Louisan living in South City with his husband, Michael, and their perfect dog, Kimbra (aka Kiki Pawmer). In his free time, Jonathan can be found at a movie theater, a concert, or a dog park. Having been raised by a social worker mother, Jonathan has an ingrained passion for helping people and giving voice to the voiceless. His favorite thing about the HavenHouse community is the abundant compassion and gratitude from everyone involved with the organization.
Jonathan brings more than 12 years of experience to the team, having worked in experiential marketing and national account management for some of St. Louis’ most prominent Fortune 500 companies, leading employee resource groups in each role. In 2021, he returned to school to earn a bachelor’s degree in strategic communication from UMSL. His passion for artistic expression and storytelling, paired with his experience and education, make Jonathan the right person to utilize communication to support the HavenHouse St. Louis mission.
Misti Johnson
As Director of Programs and Operations at HavenHouse St. Louis, Misti Johnson brings over a decade of experience in program management, team leadership, and guest services. She is passionate about creating supportive, efficient systems that enhance the experience of every family we serve. With a strong background in nonprofit leadership and a focus on operational excellence, she is currently pursuing her MBA in Human Resource Management to further strengthen her impact. Her work is guided by compassion, strategic thinking, and a deep commitment to community care.
Steph Kelleher
Steph Kelleher studied Computer Science at Webster University. She joined HavenHouse St. Louis in January 2016 and discovered her passion for non-profit work not long after. As Guest Relations Manager, Steph is on hand to assist with any guest concerns.
Sunshine Lempinen
Sunshine Lempinen is a junior at the University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL), studying Communication and Public Relations. She also holds a Culinary Degree from St. Charles Community College. With eight years of experience in the hospitality industry, she believes that cooking is the quickest way to comfort.
Abby Forrence
Originally from New Hampshire, Abby moved to St. Louis to pursue her Master’s degrees in Social Work and Public Health. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Politics & Global Affairs and Sociology and brings six years of nonprofit experience to HavenHouse. Now serving as Guest Relations LEAD, Abby provides on-duty leadership for guest services and upholds HavenHouse’s standards of safety and hospitality. She is an aspiring crisis intervention social worker and health equity advocate. Abby is dedicated to creating a trauma-informed, welcoming environment for all guests, rooted in community-based healing, so patients, families, and caregivers can focus on treatment.









