I have been the Executive Director of Passageway since Oct. 1992. It is my dream job, with the combination of being able to help members make their lives better through both work and support! I am responsible for the overall running of the program, though I could not get anything done without the assistance of members and the other staff.

 

I feel strongly about letting our community know about our program, so I give speeches in the Des Moines area, attend meetings relevant to Passageway and try to be politically active – letting our Senators and Legislators know how bills will affect people with disabilities. (If you know of anyone, or any group, that would like a speaker, please have them call me!)

 

I am the second Director to work at Passageway in its history. I have had the pleasure of helping the program grow. I have presented at every International Seminar on the Clubhouse Model (except the first one I attended in 1993) and at every Mid-States Convention. I’ve spoken on a large variety of topics that relate to the clubhouse model of rehabilitation. It is great to share the information that we gain in our home clubhouses through trying new things with other clubhouse colleagues from around the country and around the world. And I love to get new ideas at these conventions from other clubhouses. They always energize me. Passageway hosted the 2nd Mid-States Clubhouse Convention, in 1996, which was a lot of great work for our clubhouse.

 

I am honored to have served on the Faculty of the International Center for Clubhouse Development (ICCD) since 1997. And I have recently joined the ICCD Advisory Council. Each of these groups meets yearly in person, and has additional discussions throughout the year, via the internet, to stay abreast of changes and topics to consider. Through the faculty, I have had the chance to visit clubhouses throughout the US, and a few in other countries, to help provide ideas and recommendations to make those clubhouse programs stronger. There are currently 331 clubhouses in 27 countries throughout the world, with 197 here in the United States. Are you wondering what countries I was able to visit to do certification visits? England, Denmark and Canada, which were all great experiences! I am hoping to get the chance to visit Scotland and Australia in my future!

 

I am a graduate from Iowa State University with a BA in Art Education and a BS in Psychology. I later attended Drake University and received a MS in Vocational Rehabilitation. I have worked in many jobs in my past, a sampling of which are: Junior High Art Teacher, Tailor, Camp Counselor, Usher, Waitress, and Maid. It shows that all work experiences add to our skills!

 

I have been happily married for 27 years to Woody, and have two great, nearly-grown-up children! My daughter Claire and son Reece have grown up at the clubhouse, and I know my work life had a positive impact on them. They both work for Wells Fargo currently. Every parent’s dream – employed children! My hobbies have become my friends and family, clearly the most important things in my life. I also love gardening, working in my yard and collecting oddities. You may have seen me scooting around town on my lime green Honda Metropolitan Scooter! My husband and I have a great time getting out on our scooters and seeing Des Moines. And with 90 miles to the gallon, they are both fun and downright practical!

 

The clubhouse model is really a great way to provide a respectful work environment for people with mental illness. We always focus on an individual’s abilities and not their disabilities. We develop friendships, provide support and help members improve their lives in any way we can! I can’t think of a better way to spend my time, and I believe most members would agree with that. Where else do members have control of their schedule, the work they choose to do and who they spend time with, plus the chance to get a job in the community AND get a great nutritious lunch for $1.50!! We are the best deal in town!

 

If you are interested in learning more, or in becoming a member, please call and schedule a tour. We would love to meet you!