Meet our team!

Scott Kirby

Executive Director
About Scott
Scott joined the DSGO family in August of 2019.  He is passionate about developing resources, programs and events that positively impact people; leading them to live life to the fullest.  Scott received his Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Evangel University in 1998.  He brings over 20 years of experience in the creative consulting industry, and over a decade of non-profit executive leadership experience to assist in advocating for our DSGO families.  Scott's hope is to continue flipping the narrative of Down syndrome Upside Down...away from what individuals can't do and focusing instead on what they can.

Chloe Jones 

Upside Down Mercantile Store Manager
About Chloe
Chloe joined DSGO in September of 2022.  She is extremely gifted, creative, and has a heart for the Down syndrome community. Chloe graduated from Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Child and Family Development - Child Life.  Her primary role is managing the Upside Down Mercantile, our DSGO retail development project located on Historic C-Street in Springfield, Missouri.  Chloe loves being a part of the team and enjoys using her skills to assist our families!

Sarah Vacca 

Community Engagement Coordinator
About Sarah
Sarah joined DSGO in January of 2023.  She is a dedicated advocate for individuals with disabilities.  Sarah holds a degree in Special Education from Missouri Southern State University, and a Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies with a minor in Deaf Ministry from Ozark Christian College. Inspired by her older sister with Down syndrome, Sarah is passionate about recognizing individuals with Down syndrome as valuable members of society, while working towards a more inclusive and compassionate world.

board of directors

Jen Welton - President
Jen Welton brings over 30 years of experience in the non-profit sector to her role on the DSGO Board. Jen’s older brother, Trent has Down syndrome and reminds her daily he’s in charge! Her dedication to growth, medical support, and inclusion drives her work, ensuring the organization's mission thrives. Jen and her husband Jay, have lived in the Springfield area for 20+ years.
Kevin Baker
Kevin and his wife Leisha are the owners of Club Z! In-Home Tutoring.  Kevin has served on the DSGO board for several years.  Kevin has also served as Vice Chairman of the Board at the Nixa Area Chamber of Commerce and is a Charter Member of the Christian County Lions Club.  Kevin enjoys spending time outdoors with his chocolate lab Bailey!
Jon Davis
Jon has served on the DSGO board since 2023.  He is a school resource officer and loves spending time with his wife along with their two boys and daughter.
Melissa Rives
Melissa started her career in Recreational Therapy, but went back to school to be a teacher. She taught Junior High Math at Carthage for 11 years, and loved being an educator. After her first son Nolan was born and diagnosed with Down syndrome, she stepped back from her education career to prioritize his early education. Two years later she was blessed with another rambunctious boy, Nicholas. Melissa now helps run the family businesses with her husband Erik in the Oronogo area. As a family they enjoy playing outside and working on their farm.
JC Loveland - Past President
J.C. graduated from Parkview High School and went on to obtain degrees from College of the Ozarks and William Woods University.  His background includes the Parks & Recreation field, followed by the banking industry where he is currently the Assistant Vice President, Concierge Banking Lender for Encore Bank.  J.C.'s cousin had Neurofibromatosis and J.C. wants to use his experience from that relationship to give back to families with special needs.
Bo Barks
Bo holds a BS in Hospitality and Business Management from Missouri State University. He is currently working as the Field Marketing Manager for BriteCore. Bo's wife's disability led him to gain personal experience through the lack of support services, and he has since been devoted to advocating for increased acceptance, awareness, and support for individuals with disabilities. When he is not working at Artistree Pottery, his family-owned business, Bo spends time with his three children, two golden retrievers, and his lovely wife, Rachel.
Mindy Hesterly
Mindy has been involved with DSGO from the beginning.  She has been influential in all of the various stages of growth, including coming back onto the board in 2023 to serve as Secretary.
Dakota Campbell - Treasurer
Dakota grew up in Springfield and joined DSGO in early 2024. After spending a few years in Northwest Arkansas, Dakota returned to Springfield in 2020 with Bachelor of Science degree in Financial Management and Investments from the University of Arkansas to work in business banking and to be closer to his family. Dakota enjoys various hobbies and plans to employ his skills and knowledge to help DSGO and all the people impacted by the organization.
Tadd Buchanan
Tadd has been with the DSGO Board since 2024, but has been very involved in our Santa’s Workshop for years. Tadd and his wife Anne live in the Republic, MO area.
Kyle Kent
Kyle is an attorney at his own law firm, Show MO Justice, LLC where he fights for people who have been injured through the carelessness of others. Kyle became a board member in 2023 and brings the same passion and advocacy from his law practice to the DSGO family. In his spare time, Kyle enjoys spending time with his wife, Darya, and their son and daughter.
Ben Ward - Public Relations
Ben joined the DSGO board in 2023.  He has a background in the communications community and has been instrumental in helping us to connect with area news outlets for events, announcements, and other important coverage.
Amy Bullard
Amy has been a Special Education teacher for Springfield Public Schools for 15 years and is currently teaching in the Business Associated Student Education (BASE) program. Prior to teaching, Amy was a Recreation Therapist and ran the Accessible Recreation Program for adults with disabilities with the Springfield-Greene County Park Board. She is excited to help support the families we serve. In her free time, Amy enjoys spending time with her husband, Mark, and three children, Kyler, Jayda, and Bryce.
James Reed
James has served as a banker with various roles in the Springfield community for over 30 years.  As a Certified Treasury Professional, he currently acts as Business Services Relationship Manager for Great Southern Bank where he enjoys building and expanding relationships with his clients.  James has a son Toby with Down syndrome.