Oasis AmeriCorps Seniors
AmeriCorps, a federal agency, brings people together to tackle the country’s most pressing challenges, through national service and volunteering. AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities. AmeriCorps helps make service to others a cornerstone of our national culture. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.
Oasis is an AmeriCorps Seniors grantee and receives funds through their RSVP program.
Currently, over 400 AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serve Oasis in 10 counties throughout Missouri and Illinois. Tutors help over 600 children in grades K-3 to develop better literacy skills and improve academic performance. More than that, tutors become mentors to the children that they tutor over the course of the school year.
Our Impact: Beyond Tutoring
Our AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers commit to one student for one hour per week for the duration of the school year. Over the course of these sessions, the student and tutor form a friendship that is beneficial to both of them. These tutors find a purpose and the student finds a person that is there for them and committed to their academic success.
Why I am an AmeriCorps Seniors Volunteer:
“I have lived in the Ferguson-Florissant School District almost my entire life. I grew up in Dellwood and Ferguson and have lived in Florissant for the last 42 years. Four generations of my family have attended school in the Ferguson-Florissant School District and three generations have taught there.
When I retired I was looking for something to do involving reading and literacy and I learned about Oasis. I was not sure about working with small children, but decided to give it a try. It was a chance to do some good and give back to my community. I imagine many of my former teachers would be reeling in shock at the idea of me tutoring, but so far it seems to work.
The children want to learn, but just need a little help or special attention to do so. Plus they appreciate the help and attention we give them. There is nothing quite like the smiles you see when you arrive for a lesson. If you are looking for something to do which is helpful to the community and rewarding for you as well I encourage you to try Oasis Tutoring.” -Nick Hall, Tutor, Ferguson Florissant School District.”
Meet your Oasis AmeriCorps Seniors Team!
Amanda Plybon,
RSVP Program Manager
(Audrain County and Callaway County)
Amanda Plybon is the RSVP Coordinator serving Audrain and Callaway Counties. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Culver-Stockton College and Master of Arts in Folk Studies from Western Kentucky University. For 10 years, Amanda worked at Westminster College within the Student Success Center and America’s National Churchill Museum. She is a Board Member for Callaway County Tourism and is an adjunct instructor for Westminster College’s Museum Studies academic program. As a lifelong mid-Missourian, Amanda looks forward to continuing building educational connections within the community. Amanda joined Oasis in June and actively recruiting tutors and schools in Audrain and Callaway Counties.
Contact 573-416-3193 or [email protected]
Breann Bailey,
RSVP Program Manager
(St. Louis City and County, St. Clair County (IL), Jefferson County, and St. Charles County)
Breann Bailey is the RSVP Program Manager for St. Clair County. She earned her MBA from the University of Missouri St. Louis. Prior to joining Oasis, she worked as an Operations Analyst and Manager and facilitated training programs throughout the country. She has served as Chair for the Relay for Life of Troy as well as PTA President at Maryville Elementary.
Breann is beginning her journey with Oasis in December of 2022, so she is actively recruiting tutors and schools. She is a resident of Illinois, mother to four teenage boys, and a yoga teacher. She’s genuinely looking forward to building new connections within the community.
Districts: Pattonville, Ferguson Florissant, Mehlville, and St. Clair County
Contact: 314-529-8049 ext.287 or [email protected]
Lori Deubner,
RSVP Program Coordinator
(St. Louis City and County, St. Clair County (IL), Jefferson County, and St. Charles County)
Lori Deubner is the part-time RSVP Coordinator serving several school districts in St. Louis County and all districts in Jefferson County, MO. She holds her Bachelor and Master’s degrees from the University of MO Columbia in Elementary Education and Reading/Learning Disabilities. For 30 years, Lori taught in elementary school settings, including Kirkwood and Rockwood School Districts in St. Louis County, as a teacher, reading specialist and reading coach. Her duties included small group instruction, providing successful programs for school literacy performance and creating positive learning cultures. Upon retirement, Lori continued her career as an account manager for a reading curriculum company, further growing her knowledge of instructional strategies to improve students’ reading proficiency.
Districts: Normandy Schools Collaborative, Bayless School District, Hancock Place, Fox School District, Northwest School District, Dunklin School District, Grandview School District
Contact: 314-862-2933 ext. 225 or [email protected]
Jane Frizzell,
RSVP Program Coordinator
(Linn and Livingston County)
Jane Frizzell is the part-time RSVP Tutoring Coordinator for Linn County. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Studies Education from Truman State University, a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Management from Emporia State University, and a certificate in School Administration from Iowa State University. Jane recently retired from a 34-year career as a school teacher- librarian and educational consultant in Iowa. In her new role with Oasis, she looks forward to continuing to be a passionate advocate for literacy development and the love of reading. Jane joined Oasis in July and is actively recruiting tutors and school districts in Linn County.
Contact 660-383-2996 or [email protected]
Pat Williams,
RSVP Program Coordinator
(Linn and Livingston County)
Pat Williams is the part-time RSVP Coordinator serving four school districts in Livingston County Missouri. She holds her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Reading from Missouri Western State University, St. Joseph, MO and her Master’s degree in Library Science from the University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, MO. For 33 years, Pat taught in elementary school settings, including Livingston, Carroll and Clinton County School Districts, as a teacher, and Library Media Specialist. She loves reading and helping students become successful readers and learners. Upon retirement, Pat became the mid states representative for Cover One Book Repair Systems, keeping her involved in service to libraries and those who connect children with great books. Pat joined the Oasis team in July and is actively recruiting tutors for her Livingston County Schools.
Districts: Livingston County R-1, Ludlow, MO, Livingston County R-2, Chillicothe, MO, Livingston County R-3, Chula, MO, and Bishop Hogan Memorial School, Chillicothe, MO.
Contact 660-973-2168 or [email protected]
Stephanie McCreary,
National Tutoring Director
Stephanie McCreary is a National Tutoring Director and is responsible for the management and compliance of all Oasis RSVP Programs. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Chancellor’s Certificate in Volunteer Management from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Stephanie has been working in the nonprofit landscape of the St. Louis area for over 10 years and is a past recipient of the Metropolitan Volunteer Management Association’s Volunteer Director of the Year award.
Contact: 314-862-2933 ext. 239 or [email protected]
This program is only available in select districts in the following counties:
Jefferson County, St. Charles County, St. Clair County, IL, St. Louis City, St. Louis County, Franklin County, Callaway County, Audrain County, Linn County and Livingston County.
Please contact Stephanie McCreary for more information.