Title: A Celebration of RED Efforts Across Missouri
Description: Join us to learn about some of the amazing work that is underway to reduce racial ethnic disparities across the state. Come and learn about organizing a Community Forum with a youth panel in St. Louis City and how engaging their community has brought them success. Hear about the exciting Emerging Adults program and Assessment Center that is changing youth’s lives everyday in Jackson County or how they are working to ensure each formal case is not adding to their disparities. And finally, you will learn about the success of the Engaging Youth and Families Case Planning initiative, new diversion programs and so much more that is happening in St. Louis County. We really have some great work being done that needs to be shared and celebrated. Together, we can make a difference.
Speaker Bio’s:
Teresa Ramsey has dedicated more than 30 years to serving children and families involved in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. From 2001-2010, Ms. Ramsey worked for the 22 Judicial Circuit Family Court-Juvenile Division as a Deputy Juvenile Officer, initially working with youth involved in Delinquency matters. In 2010, Ms. Ramsey transferred to the Child Protection and Permanency Unit as a DJO working closely with CD, Foster Parents, GAL’s and CASA workers for children referred due to abuse and neglect. In October 2018, Ms. Ramsey was promoted as an Assistant Supervisor at the 22 Judicial Circuit Juvenile Division in Field Unit B Office for youth placed on Supervision or provided informal services for Delinquency referrals. Since June of 2022 Ms. Ramsey has been serving as the Racial and Ethnic Disparities (RED) Coordinator for the City of St. Louis. She has collaborated with community partners, educational institutions and justice professionals to reduce the racial and ethnic disparities while promoting equitable outcomes for youth and families. Ms. Ramsey lead two Community Forums in 2025 and 2026, bring RED to the community’s attention. Ms. Ramsey’s work exemplifies a deep commitment to improving the lives of youth and families through justice system reform, community collaboration and education.
Monica Penrose is the Chief Juvenile Officer of the 16th Circuit encompassing Jackson County and Kansas City, Missouri. She began workingin the office in 2017 as a staff attorney and later as a managing attorney. She was previously in private practice, representing parents and children in the 17th Circuit's Juvenile Court, and conducting mediations in domestic relations cases. She also served 13 years as an assistant prosecutor in Cass County, prosecuting all manner of child physical and sexual abuse cases, homicides, and domestic violence. She is a dog mom and avid reader. She and her husband are huge Chiefs and Royals fans, almost never missing a game on TV and attending in person when time allows.
Dr. Pamela Behle joined the 16th Circuit - Family Court in 1998 and currently serves as Director of Assessment and Development Services. During her more than 25 years with the Court, she has provided leadership in the development, implementation, and evaluation of programs and practices serving children, families, and young people involved in the juvenile justice and child welfare systems. Dr. Behle provides leadership to the Court’s Research and Development Department, Safe Babies Court, Juvenile Assessment Center, and Emerging Adult Justice Program. She is also actively involved in the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) and the Court’s Judicial Engagement Team and has provided consultation and support to juvenile and family court jurisdictions throughout Missouri.
Tymesha Buckner-Dobynes serves as the Director of Delinquency Services for the St. Louis County Juvenile Office. She provides oversight, planning, and development of departmental functions. These include assessment and screening, diversion, informal/voluntary services, supervision/probationary services, and coordination of supportive services for youth and families. Tymesha also oversees the Juvenile Officer operated educational program for youth who are placed on long-term suspension or expulsion from their home school districts. She has been employed with the Juvenile Office for seventeen years. Tymesha is extremely passionate about serving youth and is committed to improving outcomes for children and families. Her role at the Juvenile Office involves significant community engagement. She enjoys collaborating and building effective partnerships with community members to enhance resources and opportunities for youth and families.