Direct Care Council

Your Peers at Work for You!

We offer valuable insight into first-hand experience and knowledge that guides the activities and decisions of the Iowa CareGivers Board. We share concerns, identify solutions, and take steps to change the way that people think and talk about direct care. Our voices and your voices matter!

2026 Direct Care Council

  • Brenda Bowen

    Brenda Bowen

    Northeast Region

  • Sally Chapman

    Sally Chapman

    Southwest Region

  • Connie Cochran

    Connie Cochran

    Central Region

  • Karen Kubura

    Karen Kubura

    Central Region

  • Faustin Mahirwe

    Central Region

  • Fran Mancl

    Fran Mancl

    Northeast Region

  • Mary Parez

    Mary Perez

    Northeast Region

  • Cindy Ramer

    Cindy Ramer

    Northeast Region

  • Pamela Scharnberg

    Northwest Region

  • Ann Smith

    Ann Smith

    Northeast Region

  • Derek Smith

    Derek Smith

    Northeast Region

  • Katie Tenney

    Katie Tenney

    Northeast Region

2026 Iowa CareGivers Direct Care Council Advisors

  • Renee Bernier

    Renee Bernier

    Northwest Region

  • Donna Cheers

    Southwest Region

  • Leslie Hayenga-Adams

    Leslie Hayenga-Adams

    Northwest Region

  • Paula Luther

    Central Region

  • Jeff Weinstock

    Jeff Weinstock

    Central Region

Special Agents of Change

Iowa CareGivers Direct Care Council met recently under the theme of “Special Agents of Change” which you can easily see from their fedoras, earpieces, dark glasses, and other props to help them get grounded in their important discussions for the day.  And there’s nothing wrong with having a little fun!

View the photo gallery here!

It has been a busy quarter for the Council which involved helping to coordinate and participate in a Mouth Care Matters class at Des Moines Area Community College; Day of Dialogue on Direct Care Workforce Issues, and Day at the Capitol all of which were very productive experiences. The purpose of their recent meeting was to renew their commitment to being Special Agents of Change and to set goals for the remainder of 2026. Those goals are to help with outreach to other direct care workers, family caregivers, consumers, employers, educators, and others, and to help plan and promote the  “Every Day Courage in Caring: Recognizing the Courage Within” self-care retreat on September 21, 2026 at Des Moines Area Community College.  Mark Your Calendars Now!!

The Council meeting ended with a renewal of spirit with a presentation by Courtney Sand on Sustainable Self-Care.  Thanks Courtney!

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Your Peers at Work For You

Our voices and your voices matter! Our role on the Direct Care Council has given us many opportunities to make a difference in our personal and professional lives.

Some of those opportunities include:

  • Promote and participate in Iowa CareGivers (IC) conference and other programs

  • Plan local small group discussions on direct care

  • Educate elected officials about your profession

  • Share information on direct care, Iowa CareGivers or other topics with co-workers, employers, friends, or members of your community.

  • Contribute articles, poems, or letters to the Direct Care Hub newsletter

  • Staff an exhibit table at an event

  • And much more...

 

Taking Applications

Iowa CareGivers is currently looking for those working in direct care from across the state and a variety of settings to serve on the Direct Care Council.

If you or someone you know has a passion for the profession of direct care and a commitment to developing your leadership skills and taking on new roles, this opportunity may be for you! If you are interested in a position on the council, please complete the application below and return to Iowa CareGivers.

If you have questions, or if you are interested in serving on the Direct Care Council, please contact us.