Carole Newport, MA
CEO
Carole graduated from Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and completed her Master of Arts in Marketing at Webster University. Carole began working with the ABO in 2012 after working in hotel management for 9 years.
Michelle Valenti
CFO
Michelle graduated from Missouri State University with her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management. Prior to joining the ABO, Michelle spent 15 years in hotel management and 4 years as a corporate accountant at a large financial services firm. Michelle has been with the ABO since 2016.
Melissa Brydels
Marketing and Event Manager
Melissa Brydels joined the ABO in 2009 in the Meeting Planner/Public Relations position. Prior to this, she reported to executives in iconic St. Louis companies, including Anheuser-Busch and BJC Healthcare. Melissa attended St. Louis Community College where she studied Business Administration.
Kim Koch
Exam Coordinator
Kim joined the ABO team in 2018 after graduating from Missouri State University with a Master of Science in Experimental Psychology and a Graduate Certificate in Statistics and Research Design.
Nicole Huson
Certification Coordinator
Nicole earned her Bachelor of Science Degrees in Elementary Education and Special Education from Southeast Missouri State University. She is near completion of a Master of Education in Cross-Categorical Studies from University of Missouri St. Louis.
Pamela S. Walker
Credentialing Services / Bookkeeper
Currently residing in Waterloo, Illinois, Pam is originally from South St. Louis County. Her background includes 30 years of administrative work, primarily in the area of accounting.
Tara Docekal
Marketing Coordinator
Tara earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Art from Greenville University and is a lifelong artist and creator. She worked for Apple, Inc. for eight years, and is the Founder and Board President of a St. Louis regional nonprofit called Mightiest Mamas.