Elster
Stacey Elster, chief program officer for Lafayette Industries, has been appointed by Gov. Michael Parson to serve on the Governor’s Council on Disabilities. She brings more than 16 years of experience in disability services to the role.
Elster’s work with the disability community began in the St. Louis Special School District where she served as a special education teacher for seven years. She also served as an adjunct professor at Webster University for over 13 years, preparing future educators to provide inclusive, evidence-based instruction to students with disabilities.
She earned her Master’s in Special Education with an emphasis on severe developmental disabilities from Webster University and her Bachelor’s in Education with a concentration in K-12 cross-categorical special education.
Elster’s appointment to the Governor’s Council on Disabilities is effective immediately and will continue until October 1, 2027, or until a successor is appointed.
Elster has been a valued member of the Lafayette Industries team since 2016 and has implemented numerous innovative programs, with one of her most notable accomplishments being the 2020 launch of STEPUP, a long-term competitive employment training program.
Lafayette Industries is the largest full-time employer of adults with disabilities in Missouri. For more information, visit lafayetteindustries.com.