Mainstream Living

Our Program Leaders

Across our programs at Mainstream Living, our leaders plan, coordinate, triage, and help keep member support at its best. These individuals oversee entire programs, managing other leadership as well as direct care staff and making sure member plans are current and supportive. This month, we’re highlighting the “behind-the-scenes” Program Coordinators, Program Administrators, and Program Directors of Mainstream.


Betsy Dehaan (TAY PC)

What brought you to Mainstream Living?
I started at Mainstream when I was 18 years old.  Growing up with a dad as a pastor and my step-mom as an early childhood development specialist, I knew this was the field I wanted to be in.  I did end up leaving after about 18 months thinking the grass was greener outside of Mainstream. After just 3 months I came running back.  I wanted to be a part of an organization who's values were in alignment with mine.  

When did you become a leader for your program at Mainstream?
After exploring a number of roles (DSP, Medication tech, Rehab. Coordinator, Referral Coordinator) I stepped into this exciting new role of Program Coordinator in 2008.   

What's the best thing about your role? 
It's really hard to pinpoint one thing.  I would say that it is those "aha moments".  Watching my team and the members we support experience these moments is what inspires me.  As they become more confident and gain insight it helps make them more independent. 

What's the most challenging part of your role? 
Besides spelling, I would say juggling tasks. There are so many different pieces to the job and finding a way to juggle all the responsibilities so that nothing gets left is the most challenging part of my job.  I have to remember that I'm role modeling not only for the members but also for my team.  So as the to-do list grows it's always important for me to check in and make sure I don't become consumed with the stress.  
Every day we have things come at us.  We will experience these things and it is how we respond that determines how it is handled.  I try my hardest to look at the glass as half-full if not full.  It allows me to get in a good space to be able to manage what comes my way.

What's your favorite way to spend time outside of work?
Oh well, I love being outside.  Camping, hiking, laying in a hammock, playing with the kids outside.  Anything that keeps me from having to focus on the inside of the house!

If you had a spirit animal, what would it be and why? 
Probably the Sunset Moth. They are not like most moths (I've definitely heard that I'm a little unique) and they are often mistaken for butterflies. I think that often only the physical traits are noticeable to others but there are so many layers that make us who we are.

 

Jade Hols (RCF-PMI PC)

What brought you to Mainstream Living?
I was looking for more experience in Mental Health and at the time I had a few friends that worked here that encouraged me to apply.

When did you become a Program Coordinator at Mainstream?
May 2018

What's the best thing about your role? 
The amazing team I get to work with!

What's the most challenging part of your role? 
Filling open beds with members who get along and blend well with other members already at Fremont.

What's your favorite way to spend time outside of work?
I have three kids so we love to watch movies, ride our bikes, or go on "adventures" outside.  When I'm not with my kids I'm normally doing homework and I also like to spend time at the gym.

If you had a spirit animal, what would it be and why? 
I've never really thought about it, so I took a test and got snake which is funny because snakes are my biggest fear.  But once I read the description it kind of matches what I'm going through - lots of life changes.  It stands for healing, transformation, and life changes.  I looked more into it and I actually think I'm a horse because I'm always looking for new adventures in my life.

 

Connie Mortvedt (HCBS PC)

What brought you to Mainstream Living?
I’ve actually worked for Mainstream Living twice.  The first time I worked for Mainstream was during my college years.  I saw an ad in the Iowa State Daily and wanted to continue my career working with people, so I applied.  After graduating from Iowa State I left Ames and worked at a variety of organizations serving either juveniles or individuals with Intellectual Disabilities.  Eventually, I found my way back and was once again employed by Mainstream as a House Manager for an eight bed home in Story City.  I knew when I applied to work at Mainstream a second time, I would become a “lifer”.  

When did you become a Program Coordinator at Mainstream?
The same time and year that Traci Miner did.  Please reference her bio.

What's the best thing about your role? 
Meeting people. I also really enjoy working with the younger generations who keep me up to date on the latest technology.

What's the most challenging part of your role? 
Staying organized.  

What's your favorite way to spend time outside of work?
Hiking, biking, reading, refinishing furniture and dabbling in any craft adventure that comes my way.  Traveling has also become another favorite way to spend time outside of work.  I’m in the process of collecting as many Starbucks “been there” coffee cups as I can.  My dream would be to have a cupboard full of these mugs. 

If you had a spirit animal, what would it be and why?
I’m unsure how to answer this question. Maybe a sloth.  Slow and steady. 

 

Traci Miner (HCBS PC)

What brought you to Mainstream Living?
I knew I wanted to work in this field but did not know what the options were, and I kind of thought I would like to end up in the Ames area.  I needed to do a practicum for the University of Northern Iowa and this is where I landed.  That was in1994!

When did you become a Program Coordinator at Mainstream?
2009

What's the best thing about your role? 
The best thing about my position are all of the really cool things I see happening in the organization and all of the hard work and dedication that goes into making those things happen. There are too many examples to list here, but a couple I've seen are a team leader taking time during her vacation time to attend a member's PT appointments while he is in skilled care or a member who comes off of a transplant list due to the diligence of the DSPs at that site

What's your favorite way to spend time outside of work?
My favorite thing to do outside of work is to visit my kids.  One just graduated college and one just started college.  My favorite way to relax is to do yard work.  I even love to mow!  

If you had a spirit animal, what would it be and why? 
I had no idea, so I turned to the trusty internet quizzes.  I could be a dog, deer, snake, or my favorite was the panda.  (Yes, I actually did four quizzes.)

 

Amber Schaefer  (Program Director - Center)

What brought you to Mainstream Living?
A friend encouraged me to work here part time. After being working for just two weeks, I begged HR to sign me on full time so I could leave my other full time job.

When did you begin leading your program at Mainstream?
I became the Center's Program Director in December of 2011.

What's the best thing about your role? 
I think I'm very fortunate to work with really kind and capable co-workers who have a shared passion for the work we do. Getting to work with them to develop safe and appropriate services is one of the best parts of my role.

What's the most challenging part of your role? 
Knowing I can't make everyone happy all the time while keeping in mind that I'm trying my best each day. 

What's your favorite way to spend time outside of work?
I love spending time in my garden and yard as well as finding ways to improve my home (which means I'm constantly painting something). I also really enjoy having dinner parties with friends where we focus on a different cuisine for each meal.

If you had a spirit animal, what would it be and why? 
The first Google quiz I took says I'm a deer. 'Highly sensitive and strong intuition'. Sounds about right!

 

Trudy Luetters (Nurse Coordinator)

What brought you to Mainstream Living?
A former coworker came to Mainstream Living as a case manager and when I was looking for a different position and she recommended it.

When did you become a Program Coordinator at Mainstream?
3 years ago.

What's the best thing about your role? 
The members, my coworkers and the staff, and the ability to positively impact lives every day

What's your favorite way to spend time outside of work?
Time with family and friends, baking, gardening, reading 

If you had a spirit animal, what would it be and why? 
There are many, depending on the day and the quiz results, I could be a bear, wolf, dog, alpaca.  

 

Laura Weiler (HCBS PC)

What brought you to Mainstream Living?
I heard about the position from a  friend who was an MSL staff. The more I learned about MSL the more I wanted to work here b/c the reputation and quality of the agency.

When did you become a Program Coordinator at Mainstream?
Mar 11, 2019.

What's the best thing about your role? 
Being able to make progress on a problem by asking questions and looking for a new perspective or way of doing things.

What's the most challenging part of your role? 
Being new to Mainstream is challenging because there is so much to learn. It is challenging learning all the systems, regulations, people, paperwork, etc.

What's your favorite way to spend time outside of work?
I like going to outdoor festivals during the summer and listening to live bands in the area.

If you had a spirit animal, what would it be and why?
Maybe a cat.
 

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