Board of Directors

Marilyn (MJ) Lewis Thompson - President

Chickoiyah Brown - Vice President

Chickoiyah Brown is a resilient visionary, educator, and community leader whose life story embodies strength, faith, and transformation. Mrs. Brown began her professional career in the healthcare field, earning her credentials as a Certified Medical Assistant with Limited Scope Radiology and Phlebotomy. For over two decades, she has worked on the front lines of patient care. In 2020, Ms. Brown founded Me 2 You Career Academy, a proprietary institution offering debt free programs in Medical Assisting, Phlebotomy, and Personal Training through workforce pathways. Her achievements extend far beyond the classroom, mentoring entrepreneurs, expanding educational programs, and advocating for women’s empowerment and equality in workforce development. Her legacy is not built on just business success but on her deep belief that “every obstacle can become a steppingstone towards destiny”. Mrs. Brown continues mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs, expanding educational programs, and advocating for women empowerment and equality in workforce development.

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.

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

LaShaunda Jackson brings more than a decade of administrative leadership to her role as Co-Owner and Director of Administration at T&L Welding Academy. Under her leadership, T&L has forged impactful partnerships with local organizations and high schools, opening pathways for youth and adults to access free welding training. She has also developed opportunities for students to gain valuable hands-on experience through apprenticeships and site visits with industry partners. In addition, she coordinates opportunities for students to build essential soft skills such as resume writing, interview preparation, and workplace readiness.
LaShaunda’s commitment to building partnerships and expanding access to skilled trades reflects her dedication to empowering the next generation of welders and strengthening the local workforce.
Board Member LaShaunda Jackson

Linda Lynch - Board Member

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. 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.

Bryan Stewart - Board Member

Brian has led initiatives that deliver innovative training programs across diverse career fields. Under his leadership, Bryan University has grown from a multi-state operation into an international education provider, offering post-secondary programs through the master’s degree level. Brian has served on numerous boards and committees at both state and national levels. As a passionate student advocate, he has worked closely with congressional leaders to highlight the vital role private career education plays in meeting America’s workforce demands.

MOSTRIVE is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit association of Missouri schools, organizations, and individuals dedicated to promoting the objectives of its members:

  • To promote the interests and general welfare of privately operated schools.

  • To promote high educational standards and ethical business practices.

  • To cooperate with local, state and federal authorities, business, commerce and industry in the maintenance of high standards and sound policies of privately operated schools.

  • To engage in publicity and public relations activities to increase public awareness and understanding of contributions made to continuing education by privately operated schools.