Meet Our Staff

Mary Chant started her career working with Missouri runaway and homeless youth. She moved to Idaho in the 1990s to focus on economic security and asset development for low-income communities as the community services director, and later the executive director, of the Community Action Partnership Association of Idaho. In 2012 she returned to Missouri, becoming CEO of Missouri Coalition for Children. As MCC’s CEO, Mary works with partners at all levels to develop policies and practices that support child and family well-being and healthy communities. Mary is the grateful mother of two daughters. She holds a Master of Public Affairs and has served on several community and statewide nonprofit boards focusing on education, economic security and equity. Mary is a longtime student of traditional Okinawan martial arts and teaches a small karate class in Jefferson City, Missouri. 

Denise Cross serves as the chief strategy officer for the Missouri Coalition for Children. Prior to joining the Coalition, Denise served as the president/CEO of Cornerstones of Care. During her tenure at Cornerstones of Care, Denise grew the organization to a $55 million organization; executed the legal merger of 5 organizations; and expanded the geographic footprint of services across Missouri and into 26 counties in Kansas. Under her leadership, Cornerstones of Care became the first organization in the Midwest to become certified in the Sanctuary Model of Trauma-Informed Care. Denise also served as the director of the Missouri Division of Family Services and subsequently the Family Support Division. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, traveling and spending time with family.

Brianna Bowman graduated cum laude from Northwest Missouri State University with a degree in public relations and a minor in child and family studies. Through several communication internships, Brianna gained experience in social media management, website development, internal communication, graphic design and fostering connections for small business communities. Brianna is a foster care alumna, with previous experience advocating for increased resources and community support for youth in the foster care system. In her free time, Brianna enjoys reading, the outdoors and time with family and friends.

Jennifer Eaton has 29 years of experience in hospitality and office management. By the time she graduated high school, she’d been hired for her first managerial position. Before joining the Missouri Coalition for Children, she worked at a local juvenile attention center, which “opened her eyes to a whole new world.” She says she loves working with the dynamic team at MCC, where she’s able to utilize her versatile administrative support skillset for the greater good of youth in the foster care system and MCC’s innovative initiative Connected Communities – Thriving Families. Jennifer also enjoys spending time with her daughter, who plans to attend college to become a child psychologist. 

Danielle Raithel has worked with the Missouri Coalition for Children since 2020 and currently serves as medication certification specialist. Danielle is also a Certified Medical Assistant working for a local physician. Danielle not only excels in her field of expertise and customer service but also holds deep passions for youth in the foster care system and working in the field of human services. In her free time Danielle enjoys spending time with her two children, BBQs, swimming and quality time spent with family and friends.