CDFY Leadership

Meet our founder

Judy Brooks

Judy Brooks

CDFY Founder

Judy was one of the parents who started the Council for Drug Free Youth. She wanted to help keep the community safe for her two sons. She has served as an accountant and bookkeeper for CDFY for 30 years. She continues to work for CDFY because she is committed to helping youth in Mid-Missouri – including her grandchildren – excel and stay drug free.

Meet our Staff

Andrea Holloway

Andrea Holloway

Executive Director

Andrea Holloway has served on staff at the Missouri Department of Mental Health in the Division of Behavioral Health as Missouri’s State Opioid Response (SOR) Grant Project Coordinator.  Andrea has been using her expertise in substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery services for many years to enhance the well-being of individuals, communities, and public health in Mid-Missouri. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and Sociology.  My motivation stems from my family, my three amazing kids, and my personal experience of overcoming struggles while growing up in Cole County.  I have a deep affection for children and am devoted to advocating for their well-being, ensuring they have a healthy and joyful childhood.

Lela Pohlmann

Lela Pohlmann

Project Coordinator

Lela Pohlmann is a retired secondary art teacher with a passion for nurturing young minds and creating a positive atmosphere for youth. She was raised in the Hermann, Missouri area and is a proud graduate of Hermann High School. Her commitment to education led her to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Art Education degree from Central Missouri State University, now known as the University of Central Missouri.

For nearly three decades, Lela dedicated herself to the field of education, sharing her love for art and instilling creativity in countless students. Her unwavering dedication extended beyond the classroom as she aimed not only to teach but also to make her students feel accepted and loved.

Outside her professional life, Lela is a devoted mother of two and has been happily married to her husband, Brian, for 29 years. Together, they have built a strong and loving family which also includes their dog, Ruby, as well as their grandpup, Penny. Lela’s legacy is not only in her art instruction but also in the positive impact she has had on the lives of the young people she has touched throughout her career.

Pearlie Bell

Pearlie Bell

Peer-to-peer Co-Director

Coming soon.

Jessica Cayou

Jessica Cayou

Peer-to-peer Co-Director

Jessica Cayou has worked for the last 5 years at Itsy Bitsy Broadway, a children’s learning theatre.  She enjoys working with kids and watching them have fun and grow in confidence through theatre.  As an assistant director for Safety Kids, Show Me Players, and Uplift she looks forward to combining her love of theatre with the opportunity to help children and young adults learn about the dangers of drugs and alcohol and the benefits in living a drug free life.

tanya lankford

tanya lankford

CDFY Cope, Team, and Baseline Director, School Program Coordinator

Tanya was born and raised in New York, and has resided in Jefferson City for the past nine years. She comes with a background of working within the nonprofit sector. Tanya has worked with youth in a residential setting for the YWCA, has worked with the community and volunteers through her role as a Program and Branch manager for the American Red Cross, has facilitated Foster Care services for three counties in Florida, and has been a Small Business owner. She’d a dedicated mother of three children, and passionate about her role with CDFY, committed to helping educate and improve the lives of our youth and community.

Meet our Executive Board

Ron Fitzwater

Ron Fitzwater

President | Resource Committee

Ron has served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Missouri Pharmacy Association since June 4, 2002. His educational background is a BBA in Accounting from Kent State University and an MBA in Accounting from Cleveland State University. In addition to his work at the MPA, Ron also serves as Chairman of two national pharmacy organizations, the President of the Downtown Jefferson City Rotary Club, and served on the City of Jefferson City Council representing Ward 4. Ron is married to Karen Fitzwater, and they have three children and ten grandchildren. 

Luke Roling

Luke Roling

Vice President | Strategic Planning Committee

Luke Roling is a Jefferson City native where he attended Jefferson City Public Schools and graduated from Lincoln University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. Luke is an AVP at MIB Banc Services LLC and has been in the banking industry since 2013. He has a daughter and is committed to keeping her and all other youth in the area happy, healthy, & drug free. In his free time, Luke enjoys spending time with family & friends, golfing, watching football, hunting, & fishing.

Isaac Roling

Isaac Roling

Treasurer | Resource Committee

Isaac Roling is a Jefferson City native, where he attended Jefferson City Public Schools. He graduated from Missouri State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance and received his MBA from Columbia College. Isaac is an employee of the Central Bank, and spends most of his free time with his family or playing tennis..

Alicia Sparer

Alicia Sparer

Member-at-Large | Marketing Committee

Alicia Sparer is a Jefferson City native, and she attended Jefferson City High School. She graduated from Harris-Stowe State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and from the University of Mississippi with a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Science Teaching. Alicia is a Research Analyst with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Alicia and her husband, Anthony, enjoy hiking and spending time with their friends and family.

LeighAnna Bennett

LeighAnna Bennett

Member-at-Large | Community Outreach Committee

 

Born and raised in Jefferson City, LeighAnna is a proud alumna of Helias Catholic High School. Her educational journey led her to Truman State University, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture Science. Continuing her pursuit of knowledge, she went on to achieve a Master’s in Public Health with a Certificate in Epidemiology from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Currently serving as Senior Research Analyst at the Missouri Department of Heath and Senior Services, LeighAnna brings a wealth of expertise to our team. Her dedication to public health and passion for making a positive impact align seamlessly with our mission.

Outside the boardroom, LeighAnna enjoys the serenity of yoga, embarks on exciting adventures with her two dogs, and explores the world alongside her supportive husband.

Tori baker

Tori baker

Member-at-Large

Tori currently serves as the Director for the SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation. She received her Bachelor of Science in Atmospheric Science from the University of Missouri-Columbia and began her career as a broadcast meteorologist for KOMU 8 TV. She then transitioned to a career in fundraising, development, and work with non-profits

Originally from the St. Louis area, she now lives in Jefferson City with her husband, David, and 4 stepchildren. She is passionate about serving her community. She is a member of Zonta Club, Rotary Club, and now serves on the Council for Drug Free Youth board.

Open Seats

Member-at-Large

Do you have a passion for youth? Join us in motivating, educating, and collaborating among youth to live a drug-free lifestyle.

Contact Andrea at 573-636-2411 or andrea@jccdfy.org for more information!