About Us
As a subsidiary of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America since 2013, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Greater West Plains Area currently operates out of two sites: West Plains, our main headquarters, and the Thayer Elementary School. Our mission is to inspire and enable all youth, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.
Our History
Boys & Girls Clubs of America started as a small Club in 1860 as a way to help at-risk boys. A cause was born. In 1906, Clubs across the country united under one banner. Girls later became an extension of the organization's mission.
Our local chapter came as a goal in 2012, and began with fundraising by our generous founders and the assembly of our first Board of Directors. By May of 2013, we opened our West Plains location, under the direction of our first Executive Director, Dakota Crow. In 2016, the BGCWP expanded to set up a branch in Thayer. Together we have served thousands of young people and we continue to serve hundreds of kids each year.
BGCWP Board of Directors
Our Board is a dedicated group of community members who freely offer their resources and guidance to the Club. Their experiences, Club service, connections, and financial contributions make our Club thrive. If you are interested in serving in a Board capacity, please email director@bgcwp.com and we will pass your information along to our Board.
Taylor Smith
Board President 
Ashley Young
Leanne Albritton
Board Treasurer
Richard McGee
Amber Tooley
Board Secretary
Bradley Jones
Safety Chair
OPEN SEAT
Valerie Sutherland
OPEN SEAT
Our Staff
Our amazing staff make running our sites possible. Most of our staff members are Youth Development Professionals or YDPs. They work in the classrooms each day to ensure the safety, edification and enjoyment of our Club Members. Others keep our facilities clean, prepare meals, run our front office, and complete many other tasks. We pride ourselves on being a consistent community employer. For the privacy of our workers, only the management team are listed here.
Elisabeth C. Cawthon - Executive Director
Elisabeth earned her Bachelor’s Degree in psychology with an emphasis on Child & Adolescent Psychology. She has been with the Club since 2017, starting as a Youth Development Professional, serving in various roles and eventually working her way to Executive Director. Elisabeth enjoys the opportunity to serve both the community and Club. Elisabeth can be reached at director@bgcwp.com.
Inocencio Leija - Director of Operations & Finance
Inocencio, his wife and their 3 children have lived in West Plains for the last 17 years. Inocencio obtained his Bachelors Degree in Accounting and General Management, with an emphasis on
human resources and leadership. He is excited for the opportunity to invest in his community and the Club through his new role. Inocencio can be reached at finance@bgcwp.com.
Donna Mainprize - Thayer Site Director
Donna is a born and raised Thayer native. She has been working for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Greater West Plains Area - Thayer Branch since 2016 in various capacities. Donna has an enormous heart for the Club and for our Club Members. She also works as a paraprofessional and librarian at Thayer High School. Donna has three amazing adult children and two perfect grandchildren so far.
Brandy Goebel - Program Director
Brandy recently relocated to Missouri with her husband and two of their four children. She brings nearly a decade of teaching experience to our organization. In her own words, “I have a heart for working with youth, and I believe there is always room for improvement in life. I hope I can share my knowledge and skills to help the community and Club continue to flourish.”