Our Allsup Charitable Services Team
Phakisha Horne
VP - Executive Director
A St. Louis resident, Phakisha earned a bachelor’s degree in general business and marketing at Austin Peay State University in Tennessee and a master’s degree in computers and information technology from Webster University in St. Louis.
Celebrating over three decades with Allsup, her illustrious journey began back in February 1991 when she joined Allsup LLC as a claims representative, eventually ascending through various leadership positions across the company. Phakisha played a crucial role in numerous innovative initiatives and in the strategic growth of Allsup LLC services most recently serving as vice president of Allsup Employment Services, the company’s return-to-work service.
In June of 2019, Phakisha transitioned to a new role in leadership which she has been passionately embracing ever since as founding vice president and executive director of Allsup Charitable Services (ACS).
Jim Allsup, Founder, CEO and Chairman, had the vision to give back to the community he came from by creating a nonprofit organization providing in-kind business consultative services to organizations in East St. Louis that offer critical educational and economic well-being programs to the community.
Phakisha shares, “ACS just celebrated our five-year anniversary and today we are strong and growing. I am blessed to lead a dynamic team of seven consultants who are experts in their fields. They apply years of specialized experience within the service areas of our four ACS pillars: planning, people, performance, and programs, and infuse best practices into the organizations we serve to ensure they sustain and grow.”
She continues, “Over these first five years, these organizations have expressed their heartfelt gratitude for our services and praise Jim for being the visionary who created ACS.”
Phakisha also serves on the advisory board of Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School in East St. Louis and was a member of the development committee for the Mathews-Dickey Boys’ and Girls’ Club in St. Louis.
Dana Harris
Director, Strategic Initiatives and Program Operations
Dana was born and raised in Belleville, Illinois, and joined Allsup as an entry level receptionist in December 2000. Since that time, she rapidly advanced in the company, managing several departments responsible for servicing Allsup’s claimants. She served as an account manager for some of our largest national clients. Over the years, she designed and implemented several continuous improvement initiatives to produce operational savings, increased year over year sales, and developed tools and production metrics to help drive consistent team results.
In April 2019, she joined the ACS team as a Strategic Consultant and Program Manager, helping leadership set the direction of our organization based on the vision of our founder. Over the past few years, her primary focus has been on strategic planning, human resources, and program development for our partner organizations. She enjoys educating others on the importance of measuring outcomes and driving decisions based on data. As Director – Strategic Initiatives and Program Operations, she will lead the efforts alongside leadership to develop strategic goals and enact long-term strategies to strengthen ACS into the future.
She graduated with honors from Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri, with a bachelor’s degree in corporate communications and is a certified professional through the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM-CP).
“My focus with Allsup Charitable Services is to produce strategic recommendations, proactive initiatives, and creative solutions for our partner nonprofit organizations in the Metro-East area,” she said.
Julie Hanvey
Operational Consultant
Julie has been an information technology (IT) professional since she joined Allsup Inc. in 1998. Born, raised and residing in Belleville, Julie graduated from Belleville West High School and earned an associate’s degree in computer programming from Vatterott University in Sunset Hills, Missouri.
“The knowledge and depth of experience that I’ve gained over my two decades with the company will easily transfer to my duties with Allsup Charitable Services,” she said. “I love sharing my experience with all of the organizations that we’ll be serving."
“This has been a truly exciting and challenging opportunity to undertake at this point in my career and I love helping in any way that I can.”
Pam Schoendienst
Operational Consultant
Born in St. Louis, Pam has lived in the Metro-East since she was young. Now a resident of Belleville, she is a graduate of Belleville West High School and she earned an associate’s degree at Belleville Area College, now Southwestern Illinois College.
Pam brings a wealth of experience to her position. After joining Allsup as a secretary in 1990, Pam served in various supervisory positions in contact and customer service centers, and as an account manager.
Pam describes herself as having a high work ethic, and that she’s dedicated to tackling any project and seeing it through to a successful end.
“I’m really excited to be part of our organization committed to making our community better. My entire focus is to help develop efficient, sustainable processes necessary for successful team management."
“I believe in the importance of being a positive role model by mentoring area youth, identifying their individual talents, and helping them succeed in life.”
Kim Vrooman
Strategy Consultant
Daughter of a US Army Colonel and Civil Servant, Kim moved with her family to the Metro East as a young adult and received her education in the region. She has a post master’s certificate in leadership & teams from Brown School at Washington University, a master’s degree in composition and communication theory from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, a bachelor’s degree from Pierre Laclede Honors College at University of Missouri St. Louis, and an associate degree from Southwestern Illinois College.
She has remained in the region and has built a family here. She is the proud partner of an extraordinary husband and two kind kids. She also loves music and the arts and has been performing since childhood. She sees this as another way to give back.
Kim joined Allsup Charitable Services in 2022 and serves as a strategy consultant with extensive community and nonprofit executive leadership experience. She is a lifetime Girl Scout, a proponent of national service, Founder of Belleville’s Tapestry of Community Offerings 501(c)(3), and member of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Meridian Society.
Kim notes, “If you want to know my theory, the best leaders are strongest at serving, and there is no better place for me to serve than Allsup Charitable Services. This opportunity has empowered me to utilize my diverse skill set to improve the lives of families in our region in ways I never imagined possible. I believe deeply in our mission and in our founder, Jim Allsup’s vision to transform lives through our service.”
Chris Hagen
Controller
Chris was born and raised in the St Louis area, attending DeSmet Jesuit High School before earning a finance degree from Southeast Missouri State University. He began his professional career in the insurance industry before transitioning to a leadership position at a finance company headquartered out of Overland Park, Kansas in 2019.
A relocation to St Louis provided the opportunity to join Allsup Charitable Services as Controller in August 2024. By leveraging his knowledge in accounting, insurance, finance, and team leadership, Chris strives to provide Allsup Charitable Services the vision, support, and expertise to continue to grow and help a wide range of non-profits in the Metro East.
Chris’ values instilled through a strong, family and community-oriented upbringing and Catholic education continue to guide his efforts in giving back to his community.
Natalie Allen
Program Operations Consultant
Natalie is a St. Louis County resident who earned her master’s degree in social work from Missouri State University and also holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Chapman University.
Natalie joined Allsup Charitable Services in 2023 as a Program Operations Consultant with wide range of experience including over 20 years in leadership roles across the non-profit and government sectors. Her primary focus has been in serving vulnerable youth and families including church ministry, foster families, older youth in foster care, and youth experiencing housing insecurity. She also has experience serving the aging population and deeply understands the value of investing in youth and families early to empower them to improve quality of life over the long term.
She is an Educational Policy Fellowship Program alumna, holds a Fund-Raising certificate from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and serves on the board of Opportunity House youth housing program in St. Louis.
Natalie believes that the best outcomes are achieved by a deep commitment to mission and vision while maintaining a balance between investment in people and excellence in programs.
“I am most fulfilled when I am empowering others and am honored to serve with Allsup Charitable Services as a Consultant. I am committed to providing high quality service infused with enthusiasm, compassion and creativity that supports each of our partner organizations to achieve their mission.”
Lea England
People Consultant
Lea England is a native of Illinois, and lived in East St. Louis during her formative years. She has a bachelor’s degree in health administration and over 25 years of experience in the healthcare and human services industry.
Lea joined Allsup Charitable Services in February 2024 as a People Consultant. Her extensive background includes leadership roles in healthcare systems. Her experience spans Pennsylvania, Kansas, Missouri, and Illinois, reflecting her commitment to improving the overall quality of life by meeting basic human needs. As a previous business owner, she understands the importance of empowering employees to reach their full potential and thrive in their careers. Her accomplishments include recognition for a drive for excellence, staff retention, and navigating complex HR challenges with grace and efficiency.
Outside of her professional endeavors, she serves as an Associate Minister at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, contributing to her community as a servant leader. As a proud mother of three wonderful children, Lea treasures moments with her family and friends. She cherishes the bonds of love that enrich her life and others.
Meaghan Hagen
Administrative Assistant
Meaghan, born in St. Louis and eldest of five, has cultivated a diverse tapestry of Missouri experiences. Her home education foundation led to graduating from Eureka High School and achieving honors with a psychology and sociology degree from Maryville University.
Guided by the principle of being the change she wishes to see, Meaghan's career path encompasses law enforcement, as a Probation & Parole Officer, and non-profit work, including Employment Specialist and Office Manager roles at Missouri Network, a grassroots harm reduction organization.
Rooted in deep family ties to Missouri and Illinois, Meaghan's proudest achievement is nurturing her own family on a western Missouri homestead and engaging in home education with her husband and two children.
Joining Allsup as an Administrative Assistant in 2021, Meaghan upholds her legacy of service, contributing to the team's vital mission. Her blend of experience and dedication exemplifies commitment and collaboration.
"I believe in protecting and supporting families and children as the most impactful way to bring meaningful change. I'm proud to aid the organizations improving opportunities for Metro East's families and children."
