Children’s Center of Southwest Missouri Announces Ashlea Belcher as Executive Director

(Joplin, MO) – The Board of Directors for Children’s Center of Southwest Missouri are happy to announce the hiring of Ashlea Belcher as Executive Director. Ashlea will begin her duties as director on October 13, 2025, and will replace current Executive Director, Betsy Mense.

Ashlea most recently served as the Multi-Disciplinary Team Program Specialist at Missouri Network Against Child Abuse (MONACA). Prior to that, she served as an Interviewer/Advocate at Children’s Center for seven years, eventually being named Commercial Sexual Exploitation Coordinator (CSEC) in her final year, before her tenure with MONACA.

Ashlea is a resident of Carl Junction, Missouri. She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Pittsburg State University.

Current Children’s Center Board President, Mary Frerer, stated, “The decision to offer Ashlea the role of Executive Director was an easy one. She brings with her over a decade of dedicated service to the Center, having served in multiple roles including Forensic Interviewer, Child Advocate, Case Review/Training Coordinator, and CSEC Coordinator. Her deep understanding of child advocacy, combined with her unwavering heart for the mission of the Children’s Center, made her the clear choice for this role.

The selection committee was especially impressed by Ashlea’s longstanding commitment to the children and families we serve, her collaborative leadership style, and her vision for strengthening community partnerships. Her passion for protecting and empowering vulnerable children is evident in every aspect of her work, and we are confident that she will lead the Center with compassion, integrity, and excellence.”

Ashlea stated, “The Children’s Center has been such an important part of my career, and stepping into this role feels like coming home. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as Executive Director alongside an incredible team and community, and I believe our best days are ahead as we continue fulfilling this mission together.”

About Children’s Center: 

Children’s Center is a not-for-profit organization providing a safe, child-focused setting for investigating and treating child abuse in Southwest Missouri.

Reference:

Children’s Center of Southwest Missouri
417.623.2292