Board of Directors

Alphia Hightower – Chairperson

Steve Spellman – Treasurer

The Bank of Missouri – Sr. Investment Officer

20+ years in Wealth Management and Retirement Planning.

Life long Columbia-area resident, graduate of Hickman High School and the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Member/volunteer at Forum Christian Church, member of Columbia Chamber of Commerce’s Government Affairs Committee.

Former board member, Treasurer and President for the PedNet Coalition (now Local Motion)

Opinion writer for the Columbia Business Times, and previously for the Columbia Missourian.

Former talk show host on Community Radio 89.5FM KOPN, frequent substitute host/guest on other local radio stations.

Brittany Hildebrand – Secretary

Writers Block

Communications professional | Storyteller | Youth Advocate| Writer| Information Junkie
My lifelong goal is to speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves.

Dr. Shannon Wilson, JD, MBA

With over 20 years of professional experience, I am deeply committed to fostering robust customer relationships and driving operational excellence. My core competencies include operations management and program evaluation. My mission is innovation and efficiency, and I am dedicated to enhancing organizational culture with my diverse education, experience, and strategic perspective.

James Bayless – Fresh Start

James R. Bayless Jr. is a community leader in Columbia, recognized for his commitment to improving local housing through his organization, Fresh Start. As the founder, James has focused on providing safe, affordable, and stable housing options for his residents, addressing a critical need in the community. His leadership in this initiative has not only enhanced living conditions for many but also established him as a trusted figure in Columbia’s property management sector, where he combines business acumen with a passion for community welfare.

Tess Allison

My name is Tess Allison, and I currently work as an Administrative Coordinator. I have worked in the nonprofit community in Moberly Missouri as a victim advocate at a domestic violence shelter. I have also lead women’s Bible studies and have a passion for walking with women on their journey. I received my Associate of Arts from Moberly Area Community College. I have a strong sense of devotion to helping people that have endured domestic violence because I grew up in a home with domestic violence. My experience working for nonprofit organizations has given me a deep appreciation for improving the quality of life for people in our community.

Syreta Toson – Executive Director

At A Home for Her, our team’s mission is to ensure a safe environment for women to rebuild and prosper. My role as Executive Director combines strategic leadership with a passion for social change, driving initiatives that extend support to women affected by domestic violence and post-incarceration challenges.

With an education in Communication and Media Studies from the University of Missouri, I apply my client-focused approach to community outreach, to continually raise awareness not only for our organization, but for the issues that call for organizations like ours.

Having lived experience as a formerly incarcerated woman, and survivor of domestic violence, I can help women from a different perspective than most.