Team
Our team is dedicated to empowering women to lead self-sufficient lives.
We are a group of passionate people with one goal, and we use all of our resources to make it happen: empower women to lead self-sufficient lives. We know it’s worth it because our success rate speaks for itself—94% of the women that leave House of Hope go on to live happily independent lives, and their children grow up with confident role models and a roof over their heads.
Karin Rowe
Executive Director
Karin has spent over 15 years working with at-risk youth and social services throughout the Midwest. She’s a Chicago native, but she’s happy to be part of the Cedar Valley community. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and twin boys.
Why House of Hope?
After years of working with at-risk youth and families that are in and out of the shelters, it is incredible to watch a family break away from the struggles that hold them back and fully heal together. Knowing that the work the mom is doing now will open up the possibilities for the children’s future makes every day at the House of Hope worth it.
Dusky Steele
Development Director
An Oregon native, Dusky graduated Portland State University with a BA in Administration of Justice and Sociology. Dusky has over 15 years of experience in social services working in local government and non-profit sectors. In her spare time, she spends time behind her camera as a professional photographer. She also enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and reading a good book.
Why House of Hope?
Breaking the cycle of poverty and homelessness has always been a cause I feel strongly about. I love having a front row seat to watching women transform their lives and go on to thrive in our community.
Lisa Nissen
Case Manager
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.
Susan Backes
Program Director
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!
Sandy Helmers
Operations Director
Sandy comes to House of Hope with over 10 years experience in bookkeeping, human resources and various administrative roles. Originally from St. Louis, she fell in love with the Cedar Valley when her family moved here to be closer to her husband’s relatives in Waverly. She has been an active volunteer in the community for over 8 years. She loves spending time with her boys and when they aren’t home you can often find her baking cookies or playing in the garden.
Why House of Hope?
I was introduced to House of Hope through a partnership with Prairie Lakes Church and quickly fell in love with the HOH Dream Team and the ladies they serve. House of Hope offers a healthy way to engage with a vulnerable population and I love the opportunity to help ladies who are working to better their situation by giving them a hand, rather than a handout. It’s wonderful to have ringside seats to lives that are being transformed!
Lindsey Hoogland
Volunteer Coordinator
Whether directing an after-school program in the city or serving at a healing ministry on a farm in the country, wearing many hats at a theatre/coffeeshop ministry or providing childcare for teenage mothers, Lindsey is passionate about people. She strives to help them to discover the unique way God created them and to interact with His creation.
Why House of Hope
Since I was 16, I have been on a journey where each piece has been a valuable stepping stone to refining my vision and become who I am. I love being part of the mission of House of Hope and how I am learning who I am in Christ and how He created me to interact with His creation.
Mike Micou
Property Coordinator
A diehard sports fan, softball hall of famer and Waterloo native, Mike comes to House of Hope as a jack of all trades. When he is not playing softball, he enjoys hanging out with his grandkids.
Brooke Holahan
Family Support and Wellness Case Manager
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.
Suzanna
Children's Program Case Manager
A Des Moines native, Suzanna recently received her bachelor’s degree in Family Services from UNI. From there, she hit the ground running at House of Hope. In her free time, Suzanna loves reading, music, and socializing with friends.
Why House of Hope?
I am passionate about working with children and providing an environment for children to grow and thrive. House of Hope addresses both the needs of the mothers and their children to impact the family. House of Hope not only empowers the women we serve but they empower me to be the best person and profession I can be.
Maddy Baridon
Pillars Case Manager
Maddy grew up in Waterloo and graduated from Liberty University with her bachelor’s degree in social work. In her free time, she loves to kayak and camp with her husband and son or cozy up with a good book.
Why House of Hope?
I am passionate about creating spaces where people are seen and supported in their growth. I love how House of Hope helps women find their power and lean into their strengths to build healthier families and communities.