Charlotte Leonard

Charlotte has spent over 25 years working with Children and Families. Charlotte is from Chicago and loves it when she gets a chance to visit home. When not working, Charlotte loves spending time with her family and friends.

Why House of Hope?

One of my God given gifts is service, and I love to help children and families in need.

Rachel Robinson

Rachel graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a BA in Marketing and minors in Entrepreneurship and Digital Media Leadership. Through her experiences working with community organizations, she discovered a passion for helping others and creating meaningful connections. In her free time, she enjoys running, sewing, and spending time with family and friends.

Why House of Hope?

I believe in the power of connection and community to create meaningful change. House of Hope’s commitment to supporting and empowering women resonates deeply with me, and I am inspired by their dedication to ensuring everyone has access to the resources and support they need. I am excited to contribute to an organization that is making a lasting impact throughout the Cedar Valley.

Delaney McArthur

Delaney is a student at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) double-majoring in Public Administration and Recreation, Tourism, & Nonprofit Leadership graduating in Spring of 2027. Through her studies at UNI, she found a passion in nonprofit management and development. In her free time, she loves staying active, reading, crafting, and being with her dogs.

 Why House of Hope?

I chose House of Hope because I care deeply about women empowerment and supporting our most vulnerable populations. I am so grateful to be a part of an organization that creates long-term change for women in the Cedar Valley and inspires community members to address this issue together.

Sarah Byrd

Sarah studied Family Services with minors in mental health and art at the University of Northern Iowa, rediscovering her passion for working with children and families. She has over six years of experience creating safe, fun, and meaningful environments for young people to grow.

Outside of work, she enjoys exploring new places, spending time with loved ones, volunteering, and finding joy in the little things that bring people together.

Why House of Hope?

” House of Hope means so much to me because it’s all about showing up for the families in a meaningful way. That empowers, supports, and creates a space for them to grow to their full potential. Being able to pour into them, build relationships, breaking cycles, while creating a positive experience is what drives me. It’s more than just a program- it’s a community. That becomes a family because empowered women empower women.

Diane Thompson

Diane has made the Cedar Valley her home ever since graduating from the University of Northern Iowa. She has more than thirty years’ experience working with and for children and families. She is originally from Cedar Rapids.
Diane loves to meet new people and see new places. Faith and family are among her most cherished values. Outside of work you will find her taking in a Cubs game, camping, fishing, or treasure-hunting at secondhand shops with her husband and kids.

Why House of Hope?

House of Hope is a perfect fit for me. It truly lights me up when I can help others discover their own unique strengths. To watch as they begin to unlock the potential that they never knew they had. The beauty of House of Hope programming is that we seek to coach others toward self-sufficiency. For sustainable and generational change.

Brooke Holahan

Brooke has worked with children and families for over 20 years.  She is very active in the community and enjoys spending time with her husband and three kids.  She also enjoys running with her dogs, yoga, and gathering with friends.

Why House of Hope?
I love the way House of Hope breaks the cycle of poverty and homelessness through education and supportive relationships.  I’m very passionate about wellness for the whole family and assisting in long term positive change.  It is a joy to be a witness to a family’s growth and resiliency.

Sara McSweeney

Originally from Minnesota, Sara has lived in Iowa for over 17 years; the last 12 of those being here in the Cedar Valley.   Since graduating from North Dakota State University with a degree in Psychology and Sociology/Criminal Justice she has worked and/or volunteered within non-profit, social service and law enforcement agencies.  She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, reading and watching movies.   

Why House of Hope?

After serving on the Board of Directors for House of Hope, I am excited to serve the women, families, and organization in a new wayVolunteering has always been a passion of mine and having the chance to share that passion with fellow volunteers in support of an organization that empowers women in our community is a dream opportunity.   

Shawna McConaughy

Shawna is a lifelong resident of the Cedar Valley with a desire to help others succeed. In her spare time, she loves spending time with family. When she’s not at work you can usually find her in a bowling center.

Why House of Hope?

I love the mission of House of Hope. I feel strongly about helping break the cycle of homelessness. I wanted to be part of the team that is helping to make that happen in the Cedar Valley.

Susan Backes

Susan was born and raised here in the Cedar Valley. She has over 6 years of experience working with economically challenged children and families, mentoring and teaching financial literacy. Susan loves spending time with her husband, 2 children who are off at college and their pup.

Why House of Hope?

I am passionate about building relationships and believing in a person’s abilities and potential. It’s so rewarding to see, as we call out the good in people, they rise to see new hope in community and themselves!

Lisa Nissen

Lisa has spent the last 24 years working in social services. The Wartburg alum enjoys spending time with her husband, children and horses. You can often find her riding the trails on her days off.

Why House of Hope?


Working with women who want to change their situation, being part of the empowering these families, and getting to see the change is why I am passionate about House of Hope.