Meet Glenda
My Roots
I grew up in Butler, Missouri, the daughter of a disabled father who served in the Korean War and a mother who was legally blind. As the oldest of 11 children, much of the childcare landed on my shoulders. It wasn’t easy. We struggled.
Like so many of us, I’m a survivor. School was my safe space and helped me overcome a childhood full of alcohol abuse and trauma. With the guidance of educators who listened to and supported me, I could go to college and earn a degree thanks to the G.I. Bill (I was eligible due to my father’s injury and health issues).
My story is a hard one. But because I had opportunities, I made something of myself. I believe every Missourian deserves those same opportunities. My background struggles inspired me to become the fighter I am today. I will work hard to defend Missourians' rights and to ensure we leave behind a brighter future full of possibilities for generations to come.
A Life of Service
I went from being a survivor to a champion for children. I studied social work at Central Missouri State University (now UCM), where I met my husband (of 52 years!).
I used that education to pursue a career as an advocate. I am proud to have worked as a deputy juvenile officer at the 16th Circuit Juvenile Court. I also taught high school social studies, and I’m very, very proud of having been an educator.
After teaching, I returned to working with youth, but this time in the rural 15th Judicial Circuit.
During my career at the Jackson County Family Court (where I eventually retired), I completed my MS in Criminal Justice, which gave me the necessary skills to write the curriculum for advanced case management for Juvenile Court staff for the Office of State Court Administrators (OSCA).
I have been facilitating this class since 2012 and pride myself on updating the curriculum yearly. I don’t just talk about our justice system—I’ve lived it.
