© Gratitude House, Inc. 2026
Leadership
Supported by a powerful, all-female board and led by an Executive Director with extensive experience, Gratitude House is one of the only sober-living homes with full-time professional staff supporting residents with personalized attention each day.
Our leaders are but trusted servants.
Tradition Two of Alcoholics Anonymous
Board of Directors and Staff
Dr. Maggie Sullivan
Executive Director, ex-officio
Maggie Sullivan serves as the Executive Director of Gratitude House, bringing over 27 years of experience in educational leadership and nonprofit advancement. She attended the University of Florida on an athletic scholarship, earned a Master of Arts from WashU, and holds a doctorate from Vanderbilt University. In recovery since 1998, she now leads Gratitude House in educational programming, fundraising, marketing, community outreach, and strategic partnerships. She loves the time she spends with residents ensuring that they have the supportive environment she once needed. Maggie sits on the Missouri Division of Behavioral Health State Advisory Council, and serves on the boards of PreventEd, the Clayton Chamber Collective, and the Ferguson Historical Society.
Amy Payne
Board Chair
Amy Payne’s journey in philanthropy began in 2014 when she joined the National Charity League (NCL) with her daughter, immersing them in service opportunities across various organizations, including Southside Early Childhood Center, Little Bit Foundation, and St. Louis Area Foodbank. After six years with NCL, Amy felt called to continue her service and, in 2021, accepted her sister Beth's invitation to serve as Board President for Gratitude House. Amy dedicates her work as a love letter to her daughter who lived in a sober-living home. A loving mother of three and an Al-Anon member, Amy brings compassion, integrity, and resilience to her role, balancing empathy with a strong commitment to staying true to herself and her values. Her leadership radiates a genuine warmth and strength, making her a beautiful asset to the Gratitude House community.
Sally Topping
Vice Chair
Sally Topping brings over 40 years of experience in advocacy and education to her role as Vice Chair of the Board at Gratitude House. Sally holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and a Juris Doctorate from Washington University in St. Louis. She practiced law from 1984 to 2009, then transitioned to elementary education with the St. Louis Public Schools, where she worked until 2017. From 2017 to 2020, Sally served as president of Local 420 AFT, advocating for educators and students. She returned to private legal practice in 2021, before retiring in 2024. Sally’s dedication to empowering others through both legal advocacy and education aligns with Gratitude House’s mission of supporting women in recovery.
Chris Intagliata
Treasurer
Chris Intagliata brings her expertise in business management and a passion for recovery to the Gratitude House Board. Her career began as an assistant buyer for Clothe World and Linen Center before she moved into bookkeeping for her family’s business, Cobalt Creed, where her love for numbers and attention to detail allowed her to thrive. In recovery herself for 37 years, Chris was profoundly impacted by her own treatment and sober living experience, which introduced her to the strength of community support. She has dedicated herself to creating environments where women can focus solely on healing, free from the trauma of exposure to substance use. Active in the recovery community, Chris has served as a General Service Representative, ambassador for The Next Step, and fundraiser for Central Services. She also supports Recovery Capital and their annual sober picnic, embodying a lifelong dedication to supporting recovery and sobriety.
Lisa Kohler
Board Secretary
Lisa Kohler, a proud St. Louis native, returned to her hometown after gaining valuable professional experience in Chicago and New York City. With over 15 years of expertise in nonprofit development, Lisa has been instrumental in raising millions of dollars for both national and local organizations. A graduate of Visitation Academy, she earned her bachelor’s degree in communication from Loyola University Chicago and has since worked for organizations such as Teach For America, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, and the Missouri Historical Society. In addition to her career in development, Lisa is an accomplished musician, performing as a solo vocalist and choir/band member throughout St. Louis. Her passion for philanthropy and dedication to recovery programs come together in her meaningful role as a board member at Gratitude House, where she is committed to creating lasting change in the lives of women on their journey to rebuilding and thriving.
Kristy Carothers
Board Member
Kristen Davidson Carothers, MSW, LCSW, earned her Master of Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis, with a concentration in Mental Health and a specialization in Family Therapy. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and psychotherapist in private practice. Throughout her career, Kristy has worked in pediatric healthcare, psychiatric treatment, special education, and outpatient behavioral health. In addition to her professional expertise, Kristy draws on personal experiences with recovery and as a mother of four. Kristy is committed to strengthening communities through compassionate service and leadership and is honored and thrilled to serve on the Board of Gratitude House. She is passionate about supporting the organization's unique program.
Peg Weathers
Board Member
Peg Weathers is an accomplished nonprofit leader with significant experience in civic engagement, higher education, and recovery advocacy. Currently, as the President of Grand Center, Inc., Peg is driving new growth and energy into St. Louis’s cultural heart. With over two decades of experience across political, corporate, and community sectors, Peg has a reputation for turning vision into action, from revitalizing business associations to directing political campaigns. Previously, she served on the board of the National Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NCADA), underscoring her dedication to addiction recovery and mental health advocacy. Peg’s passion for helping others find healing aligns closely with Gratitude House’s mission.
Alexandra Schnarre
Board Member
Alex Schnarre, a St. Louis native, is passionate about supporting women in her community. After earning a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Science from Northwestern University, where she was recognized with the Wildcat Impact Award for Integrity, Alex pursued her Juris Doctor at Indiana University Maurer School of Law, graduating magna cum laude and serving as Managing Editor of the Indiana Law Journal. She demonstrated her commitment to service as the leader of NU Gives Back, Northwestern’s largest day of service, and authored a publication on foster care. Now a commercial litigation associate at Husch Blackwell, Alex is committed to empowering women through her legal career and community involvement. In her free time, Alex enjoys working out, trying new restaurants, thrifting, and watching college football. Addiction is close to Alex’s heart, and she is excited to be part of the growth of Gratitude House.
Jaymi Davis
Board Member
Jaymi Elaine Davis is a native of St. Louis, MO. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Oral Roberts University in 2014, followed by a Certificate in Public Health from Loyola University Chicago in 2015, and a Master’s in Professional Counseling in 2022.
She is an author, speaker, therapist, and owner of Refining Place Coaching, LLC. She is the founder of Rose of Sharon, a women’s ministry whose mission is to inspire women to own their femininity, rebuild their lives, and love themselves while doing it.
As a therapist, Jaymi takes pride in guiding clients through their healing journeys, with a special focus on youth and mental health education. Her desire both in her ministry and career is to impact the lives of those she meets through the power of Christ.
Ellen Jordan
Board Member
Ellen has more than 40 years in the banking industry. She joined Enterprise Bank & Trust in 2000 and serves as Senior Vice President, Private Banking. She is responsible for serving the financial needs of high net-worth individuals, business owners, and their families. Small Business Monthly has twice recognized her with its “Best Banker in St. Louis” award and voted as “Top 100 St. Louisans to Know”. Having personal experience with family members succumbed by alcoholism and addiction, she believes as a board member she will be able to support the mission of Gratitude House and be supportive to the women who are committed to a 12-step recovery.
Liza Thornhill
Board Member
Liza Thornhill, a St. Louis native, attended Villa Duchesne and Denison University in Ohio. The oldest of four and the only daughter, she has spent 23 years as a realtor with Janet McAfee, where she discovered her passion for helping families find their homes—and where she met her late husband, whom she lost to cancer at age 40. Liza loves her work in real estate, as well as reading, exercise, long walks in nature, and planning gatherings for family and friends. Deeply in love with recovery, she is committed to living in service to others. Liza is admired for her enthusiastic passion for spirituality while she exudes grace and humility everywhere she goes.
Ellen Franzel
Board Member
Ellen Franzel, a St. Louis native, has over 40 years of experience in finance, accounting, and mergers and acquisitions. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Miami University (Ohio) and a Master of Business Administration from Washington University in St. Louis. For the past 26 years, Ellen has served in the Finance department at Evernorth, a division of Cigna Healthcare. She is the mother of two young adults and enjoys spending her free time cycling, walking, reading, baking, and traveling with her husband. Addiction and recovery are causes close to Ellen’s heart, and she is eager to contribute her time and expertise to the continued growth and success of Gratitude House.
