Welcome to Region 5! I am Joel Hoy, the current regional director. I live in Lees Summit, Missouri (part of Greater Kansas City), and am very lucky to be near UFDC headquarters and the UFDC Doll Museum.

I have collected dolls since I was old enough to mow lawns to make money to buy them. That's a long time! My mother was a collector, and it was a hobby we shared. I became a UFDC member in the early 1990's and have held offices in multiple local UFDC clubs. I am currently a member of the Heirloom Doll Collector's Club of Greater Kansas City, and the Doll Study Club of Greater Kansas City. I collect all sorts of dolls, antique to modern. I am fascinated by the history, the stories, the artists and manufacturers, the fashions, and the people. I find the shared experience of collecting to be uplifting and joyful.

My background includes degrees in secondary education, and theater. My husband and I owned and operated a collectible doll and teddy bear shop, and produced the Teddy Bear Jubilee, a teddy bear collector's convention that included a show and sale. Since the early 1990's I have also created my own mohair teddy bears and hares. Prior to retirement I worked for 20 years at a local college in billing and accounts receivable.

I hope to see many of you at the UFDC national conventions, and at doll events around the region and country. Happy collecting!