Board of Directors
President: Misty Abbott
Misty Abbott is a licensed professional counselor and a certified equine mental health professional. She has 20 years’ experience working with adults and children with mental illness. She completed her Master’s degree at Southeast Missouri State University specializing in mental health counseling and her post Master’s Certificate at Northcentral University, specializing in health psychology. She has an extensive history with working with individuals with a history of trauma, depression, anxiety and behavior problems. She partnered with The Hope Center after seeing the wonderful things that happen to people on the inside while working with horses and has been an active board member since its creation. She has a passion for horses and helping people reach their greatest potential. She is an outside of the box thinker and uses her creativity to reach the people she works with. She is an active 4-H leader, an American Counseling Association member, and a member of the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA). She resides in Perryville with her husband and children.
Vice President: Jennifer Hudson
Manufacturing Supervisor, Eric Scott Leathers
Mother of our namesake Hope
Secretary: Jean Schemel
Licensed Veterinarian Technician
Treasurer: Claire Schemel
Retired bookkeeper
Board Member: Rick A. Schemel, Sr.
Retired structural engineer and general contractor
Board Member: Dr. Kenneth White DVM
Retired Veterinarian – Former owner of Perry County Veterinary Hospital
Board Member: Lisa Best
Former high school principal, currently Spanish teacher
Board Member: James Best
Retired officer for the Illinois Department of Corrections
Board Member: Nathan Hudson
Foreman for Semco Stone, Inc. and father of our namesake
Board Member: Savannah Martin
Licensed Clinical Social Worker- Community Counseling Center
Savannah Martin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker employed at Community Counseling Center. Savannah supervises the community support program, which offers support to those with living with mental illness in the community. Savannah was born and raised in Perryville where she continues to live with her husband, Patrick and two children Chase and Jackson. Savannah obtained a Bachelors in social work from SEMO University and a Master’s degree in Social Work from University of Missouri-Columbia. Savannah shares a passion of helping others and fighting the stigma associated with mental illness. Savannah believes together, little by little we can work together to make this world a better place, and feels the Hope Center is doing just that. Savannah is proud to be part of the Hope Centers’ mission to improve the quality of those with disabilities.
Board Member: Mike Maloy
Owner of Mike Maloy Insurance Agency(MMIA)
Mike Maloy is Owner/Broker of Mike Maloy Insurance Agency (MMIA). He is a third-generation insurance agent with over 25 years of experience in the insurance industry. This experience allows him to provide expert knowledge of the insurance industry to clients. He enjoys working with insurance clients, helping them protect their family, homes, autos, business, and life. Mike obtained a Bachelors Degree in Business from Concordia University in St. Louis. He has been a part of the Perryville community for over 20 years. He is a member of the Perryville Chamber of Commerce, Charter member and past President of the Rotary Club of Perryville and a member of the Perryville St. Vincent DePaul Parish. Mike enjoys being on the board of directors for The Hope Center and witnessing the positive changes seen by individuals who participate in Therapeutic Horsemanship at The Hope Center. He loves spending time with his wife, kids, and family and he also enjoys being outdoors hunting and fishing.