Mrs. Hockensmith along with her husband Dana co-founded Pony Bird, Inc. in June of 1977 in honor of their son Philip. Since then she has continued to serve on the board as a director and currently chairs the personnel and employee committee and serves on the building and grounds committee, publicity, planning, and development committee and the legislative committee. She has served as President and Vice President.
	Professionally, Mrs. Hockensmith is the owner of Lakeside Child Care Center in Valley Park . She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Northwest Missouri State University in her career she has taught at Our Lady of Lourdes, Festus Public Schools , and De Soto Public Schools . She has also taught piano for 28 years. Her commitment and dedication to continuing to educate people about individuals with special needs is a true testament to the impact she has on Pony Bird. Mrs. Hockensmith is very active in the community. Over the years she has volunteered in the De Soto School District, served on the De Soto School Board, volunteered in the Parkway School District in many capacities, served on the Parkway School Board from 1993-1999 as Vice President 1997-1998 and President 1998-1999. She was also a member of the Missouri School Boards Association for five years and served as the President in of Region 7. She is a member of the Forest Oak Estates Garden Club in which she started a neighborhood watch. She has received many wonderful awards for her involvement in the community. In 2000 she was given the Parkway School Board Pillar Award. In 2001 she and her husband Dana received “The Distinguished Service Award for Outstanding Contributions to the field of Mental Retardation” from the Missouri State Chapter of American Association on Mental Retardation. Her entire family has made a tremendous commitment to Pony Bird over the years. Her family includes her husband Dana, daughters Angela & Laura, and late son Philip. Contact Information: Mrs. Sue Hockensmith, Owner Lakeside Child Care Center E-mail: sahockensmith@aol.com