Board of Directors
Marilyn (MJ) Lewis Thompson - President
Chickoiyah Brown - Vice President
Eric Pommier - Treasurer
Eric Pommier is the Senior Director of Student Services & Operations at Pawsperity in Kansas City, MO, where he oversees the full student lifecycle from application through graduation, and beyond; as well as student support services, including case management. His leadership scope also encompasses IT, Human Resources, Facilities, Compliance, and School Administration. Eric earned his B.A. from Kansas State University and has dedicated his career to nonprofit service, beginning in community-based mental health at age sixteen. Over twelve years, he served youth and families across Kansas as an Attendant Care Provider, Case Manager, Group Facilitator, and Staff Trainer. He later held regional and executive roles with Kansas Children’s Service League, then Kidco Head Start in Oregon before joining Pawsperity (formerly The Grooming Project), where he has held multiple leadership positions. He currently also serves on the Proprietary School Advisory Committee for the Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education.Jennifer Schifano - Secretary
Jennifer Schifano has been the Director of Admissions and Student Services for over 10 years at The Academy of Pet Careers. Located in St. Charles, Missouri, we are a trade school for Pet Groomers, Dog Trainers, and Veterinary Assistants! This role has given Jennifer the opportunity to work with two passions of hers: people and pets. She focuses on creating a professional relationship with students before, during and after their schooling to help them succeed. Jennifer helps students with the exit process and finding a job, while also managing the Alumni Program and Seminars at the APC; Jennifer is involved in every stage of the student lifecycle.Candice Wiekrykas - Parliamentarian
Tania Cook - Board Member
Tania Cook is the Skills Training Coordinator at Job Point in Columbia working with all of the students enrolled in Job Point’s vocational skills training programs. Tania received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Office Education at Truman State University. She also completed a two-year certification program in Rehabilitation Administration through the University of Missouri. Tania currently serves on the boards of Columbia Elks Lodge 594, Heart of Missouri Rehabilitation Chapter, Truman State University Mid-Missouri Alumni Chapter, and Columbia USBC Association. She is also a member of the Show-Me State Games Volunteer Committee and the Columbia Chamber of Commerce’s Women’s Network. LaShaunda Jackson - Board Member
Linda Lynch - Board Member
With decades of experience in technical education, Linda Lynch has dedicated her career to empowering students and shaping academic excellence. Currently serving as the Director of the WTI Joplin Campus in Joplin, Missouri, Linda has held this leadership role for over 20 years, guiding the institution with a steadfast commitment to student success and workforce readiness.Prior to this role, Linda has served as an instructor and Director of Education, bringing hands-on expertise and visionary leadership to every facet of the educational journey. Her influence extends beyond the campus: Linda served on the Coordinating Board for Higher Education’s Proprietary School Advisory Committee from 2015 to 2018 and continues to serve on the committee today, contributing to statewide policy and advocacy for career-focused institutions.Linda holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and an Associate Degree in Accounting from Missouri Southern State University, blending pedagogical insight with financial acumen to lead with both heart and strategy.Bryan Stewart - Board Member
