Built On Dreams, Designed for Possibilities

For generations, children with special needs and their families in Central Missouri have found hope, support, and opportunity through the programs that ultimately became Special Learning Center. Since its founding in 1985, Special Learning Center has grown into a dynamic, community-supported hub that now serves more than 950 children each year. In August 2025, that legacy took a bold step forward with the opening of the Hamler Campus, named in honor of long-time Executive Director Debbie Hamler. The new campus features the Mike Bernskoetter Education & Enrichment Center and the Goldschmidt Pediatric Therapy Center—spaces purposefully designed to expand services, eliminate waitlists, and empower even more children to reach their full potential. With innovative classrooms, state-of-the-art therapy environments, and dedicated family support spaces, the future has never looked brighter for the children and families SLC serves.

In the mid-20th century, opportunities for children with disabilities were few and far between. But in Jefferson City, two ground breaking programs emerged: the Goshorn Handicap Center, founded by Betty (Goshorn) Weldon and the Andrae family, and the Peter Pan School, created through the efforts of Dr. and Mrs. Everett Sugarbaker, St. Mary’s Hospital, and devoted local families. These schools provided essential education and therapy services at a time when few others existed.

In 1985, these two pioneering institutions joined forces to become the Special Learning Center. Operating from a modest location on East High Street, SLC served just 25 children in its inaugural year. By 1990, growing community demand led to a capital campaign and the construction of a new facility on Fairgrounds Road.

True to its mission, SLC continued evolving to meet the needs of children and families. In 2011, the organization launched a family support initiative offering connection, resources, and empowerment. Then in 2022, the organization opened the SKIP Clinic (Super Kids, Infinite Possibilities)—a pediatric outpatient and intensive therapy clinic offering medically-based speech, physical, and occupational therapy.

In 2023, a pivotal milestone was reached when Governor Mike Parson signed legislation allocating $3.5 million in ARPA funding to Special Learning Center—marking the beginning of an extraordinary chapter in the organization’s history. This appropriation, championed by Senators Mike Bernskoetter and Lincoln Hough, and Representatives Dave Griffith and Rudy Veit, sparked momentum that quickly grew. Soon after, the State of Missouri awarded an additional $4 million, bringing total state support to $7.5 million. That investment inspired local businesses, families, civic groups, and individuals to step forward in an incredible show of community support—ultimately helping Special Learning Center raise over $15 million to build a new, fully reimagined campus.

The campaign was co-chaired by John Kehoe and Missy McFerron, who helped galvanize donor engagement and energize the community. Under the leadership of Board President Steve Houser, the board of directors worked tirelessly to see the vision through. Bringing all of these efforts together was Chief Executive Officer Stephanie Johnson, whose leadership unified stakeholders, coordinated funding streams, and kept the ambitious project on track.

With Prost Builders at the helm, construction officially began in 2024. Over the course of a year, the new facility began to take shape—brick by brick, room by room—into a campus that reflects the depth of the Center’s mission and the generosity of a community that believes every child deserves a place to grow, learn, and thrive.

The new 31,000-square-foot main building and its 8,500-square-foot therapy annex have been purposefully designed to expand and enhance services. The new campus adds special education classrooms, doubles childcare capacity, and significantly increases therapy space. It also introduces specialized rooms for music therapy and autism programs, creates a family resource center, and makes room for a medical extended care program for children with complex medical needs.

On August 2, 2025, more than 50 staff and volunteers came together to physically move SLC’s materials and memories from its former home on Fairgrounds Road to the new location at the corner of Weathered Rock and Stonehill Roads. In the days that followed, the team worked tirelessly to prepare for the first day of school in the new facility—ushering in a new era of possibilities for the children and families they serve.

As the doors open at the new Hamler Campus, Special Learning Center embarks on its most transformative chapter yet. While the buildings are new, the heart of SLC remains the same: a deep commitment to helping every child grow, thrive, and shine.