A Celebration 40 Years in the Making
After 40 incredible years with Independence Center, Jennifer Higginbotham, Chief Program Officer, is retiring this summer. Jennifer came to Independence Center as a grad student in 1986 and was so enamored from the moment she walked in the door, she finished a second internship that year here and never left.
Jennifer has worn many hats during her tenure, working with many teams, partners and organizations. But her passion for helping those with severe mental illness was always central to her character, something colleagues always admired about her.
Read more about Jennifer’s illustrious career! Jennifer’s career and the countless lives touched over 40 years at Independence Center were a recently featured by Clubhouse International!
Pickleball with a Purpose
Calling all dinkers, servers and smashers! Join us on Fri., Aug. 28 for Paddle Battle 2026, a fun and friendly night on the courts benefitting adults living with serioius mental illness. Participants will enjoy a King/Queen of the Court style doubles tournament.
Registration Is Open!
Event Details
Friday, August 28, 2026
$120 for a team of 2. Spectator admission is free, and donations to support Independence Center are appreciated. Please register in advance so we can plan for food and refreshments.
Missouri Pickleball Club in Ellisville (15446 Manchester Rd, Ellisville, MO 63011)
Doors/Registration opens at 6:00 PM
Schedule of Events
First 30 min- Player Warm up, Learn to Play.
Next 2 hours- King/Queen of the Court.
Last ½ Hour- Pull raffle and 50/50 winners, closing remarks, open play
Registration is Open!
Gather your teammate, bring your competitive spirit, and join us for an unforgettable evening on the courts. Space is limited, so register early to secure your spot in this exciting fundraiser benefiting Independence Center.
Welcome New Board Members!
We are thrilled to welcome three new members to the Independence Center Board of Directors!
Lieutenant Shawn McGuire
Lieutenant, Crisis Intervention Unit
St. Louis County Police Department
A 20-year veteran of the St. Louis County Police Department, Lt. McGuire currently leads the Crisis Intervention Unit (CIU), managing a team specializing in de-escalating mental health crises. He’s passionate about improving relationships with hospitals, mental health providers, agencies and the public and is eager to work toward advancing Independence Center’s mission. Welcome, Shawn!
Anne Kruse
Partner
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
For 30 years, Ann has built authentic and sustainable client relationships as a tax accountant at PwC. A sports enthusiast, she knows the importance of working hard as part of a team. Ann enjoys collaborating and reimagining what is possible, thinking holistically about opportunities and challenges, and looks forward to having an impact at the Independence Center. Welcome, Ann!
Craig Rosenthal
Chief Legal Officer & Chief Compliance Officer
BellRing Brands
With 25-plus years of corporate legal management and law firm experience, Craig Rosenthal joins Independence Center’s Board while serving as Chief Legal Officer and Chief Compliance Officer at BellRing Brands. He is responsible for all legal and regulatory affairs and strategies for the publicly traded consumer wellness company. Welcome, Craig!
Member Spotlight: Meet Marlisha G
In January 2025, Marlisha was feeling lost, alone and disconnected from meaningful relationships. At the encouragement of her counselor, Marlisha took a tour of the Clubhouse and was immediately struck by it’s warmth and sense of community. That decision and leap of faith made all the difference in helping Marlisha get her life back on track. Read on and hear Marlisha’s story in her own words.
I became a member of Independence Center in January 2025 during a time when I was struggling with loneliness, isolation, and making meaningful friendships. I had lost the confidence to push myself outside of my comfort zone, and I found myself withdrawing from others while my mental and physical health began to suffer. During a conversation with my psychiatrist at BJC, we talked about the challenges I was facing, including gaining weight and feeling increasingly disconnected. They encouraged me to explore Independence Center, along with the wellness center and other supports available. Although I was skeptical at first and unsure whether it would really help, I decided to give it a chance.
When I came in for my tour, I immediately noticed how welcoming the Clubhouse felt. The space was warm and inviting, and the smell of lunch being prepared in the kitchen made it feel like a place where people genuinely wanted to be. I chose to become involved with the Upper Level Unit, and over time I learned one of the most important lessons of my recovery—that isolation only made my struggles worse. Today, I know that whenever I walk through the doors, I belong. The Clubhouse has become a community where I can contribute, connect with others, and continue growing.
As I became more involved, I discovered that I wasn’t just receiving support—I was able to give it as well. Today, I serve as a mentor for new members, helping welcome them into the Clubhouse and sharing my own experiences. I enjoy encouraging others to get involved because I’ve seen firsthand how participation can improve someone’s outlook, build confidence, and support their mental health. Being able to help someone who may be feeling the same uncertainty I once felt has become one of the most meaningful parts of my recovery.
One experience completely changed the direction of my future. In May, I attended the Clubhouse Student Celebration honoring members who were enrolled in school or had recently graduated. A representative from St. Louis Community College was one of the guest speakers, and I was asked to give him a tour of the Clubhouse. As we talked, our conversation turned to education, the supports available through the College, and how returning to school could become a new beginning in my life. He answered every question I had, and by the end of our conversation I felt excited and hopeful in a way I hadn’t felt for a long time. The very next day, I enrolled in classes.
Today, I continue coming to the Clubhouse several days each week while taking a College Prep class through St. Louis Community College–Forest Park. I feel like I’m building a strong foundation for my future. My goal is to earn an Associate Degree in Software Development and then continue on to complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science at either UMSL or Saint Louis University. Looking back, walking through the doors of the Clubhouse gave me much more than a place to spend my day—it gave me a community, renewed confidence, meaningful purpose, and the belief that my future is full of possibilities.