Staff Members
Allie Shafer, Executive Director
[email protected] Allison Shafer is a passionate and enthusiastic professional dedicated to the advancement of veterans’ health initiatives. Allison holds a bachelor’s degree in History from Lindenwood University. Allison has been employed with the Veterans Research and Education Foundation since May of 2018 in various roles including PREP Team Lead, Research Coordinator, VREF Operations Manager, VREF Director of Operations and Interim Executive Director. Allison was appointed Executive Director in March of 2022, responsible for the overall management and direction of the foundation. Allison remains committed to the continued growth of the foundation, diversification of its current portfolio and the ongoing development of a robust research program within the VA St. Louis Healthcare System. Allison spends much of her free time with her child and husband frequenting popular St. Louis attractions such as the zoo and science center. 
Becca Kammer, Director of Communications/ Grants Manager/ PREP Team Lead
Jessica Alexander, Finance Administrator
[email protected] Jessica holds a master’s degree in Human Resources Management from Lindenwood University. Jessica currently serves as VREF’s Finance Administrator focusing on Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, and other day to day finance-related tasks. Prior to her current role, Jessica previously worked as IRB Administrator, PREP Team Member, and Management Analyst. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her children and husband |
Amy Garner, Operations Manager
[email protected] Amy holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing from Maryville University and a master’s degree in Nutrition & Dietetics from Southeast Missouri State University. Amy serves as VREF’s operations Manager. As Operations Manager, Amy works with VREF's Executive Director to oversee the daily business operations of the foundation to ensure the organization's goals and mission are effectively achieved. Before moving into the operations role, Amy served as the PREP Team lead, assisting principal investigators and other researchers with their regulatory work required to conduct research. Amy also previously worked as a Research Dietitian/Coordinator at the St. Louis VA Healthcare System for 5 years, and as a weight management Dietitian for 13 years. Amy often spends much of her free time with her children and husband going to sporting events, enjoying the outdoors, and traveling Linda Kasbohm, Director of Finance [email protected] Linda joined VREF in 2019 bringing with her a vast knowledge of financial processes and operations which quickly made her an integral part of our team. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from University of Phoenix. Prior to joining VREF, Linda worked as a Quality Assurance Specialist, Budget Management Analyst and finally a Senior Management Analyst at the Department of Defense (DOD) retiring after 37 years of service. Linda now oversees all aspects of financial operations at VREF ensuring timely and accurate financial data and reporting. In her free time, Linda is an avid estate sale and auction participant and enjoys spending time with her grandchild and her dog named Cooper. Emilee Nealy, PREP Team Member [email protected] Emilee holds a master’s degree in Social Work from Western Kentucky University, with interests and professional experience in behavioral and mental health research. Prior to joining VREF in 2023, Emilee worked as an advocate for families experiencing homelessness within the Greater Nashville area. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring St. Louis and cherishes time with her fiancé and their two beloved dogs, Maya and Zipper. |
Other Staff
Other than our admin staff, we also employ
several research coordinators, data analysts,
bio-statisticians, and other team members
who all help to implement the ground-breaking
research being done at the VA each day