Phyllis Becker named director of Missouri Division of Youth Services

Phyllis Becker has been appointed Director of the Division of Youth Services (DYS).

Missouri Department of Social Services director Brian Kinkade announced the appointment on April 17, 2015.

Becker has a served as the division’s acting director for the past 18 months.

She has a long history of service to the division, working with kids directly as a group leader and facility manager, with its professionals as a trainer, and as an executive leader as deputy director and acting director.

 In his announcement, Kinkade said:

I have witnessed [Becker's] innate concern for the youth entrusted to DYS and to the “Missouri-approach” of providing caring treatment – not punishment – to them. I have confidence in her ability to lead the division to ever higher levels of improved outcomes for youth, as well as student achievement. 

Becker is a longtime supporter of LINC and has been an invaluable resource for LINC's work with youth.