Staff

Executive Director
Michelle Brown is Opening Doors’ Executive Director and has been with the agency since its inception. She is a licensed social worker with over 22 years' experience in the human service field working with adults and children. Five years were spent working for the Department of Human Services in the former Aid to Dependent Children Program, where she developed sensitivity to the problems of poverty. She worked 10 years for the former Gannon Mental Health Center Community Support Programs serving the chronically mentally ill. Additionally, she worked closely with her former clients on housing issues and saw firsthand the need for transitional housing in Dubuque for women and children. Michelle has her license in Intensive Psychiatric Rehabilitation and has a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Iowa State University. She recently formed a statewide group of women's shelters that will meet quarterly to share policies and procedures, problem-solve and support each other with homelessness issues.

Maria House Program Director
Sherry McDonell is the Maria House Program Director. Sherry is a licensed social worker and a certified drug counselor with over 20 years' experience in the human service field. She has a wide variety of counseling experience, working with groups, individuals and families, and also has been involved in the creation of several programs. In addition, Sherry works with women and families on issues of housing, employment and education, helping them to become self-sufficient.

Teresa Shelter Program Director
Nicole Kaiser has been with Opening Doors for over two years. She has been the Teresa Shelter Program Director since the fall of 2010. Nicole has her BS in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.

Maria House Resident Advocate
Jessica Bleile started as Maria House Resident Advocate in April 2010. Jessica has her Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from Clarke College. Jessica has a strong background in family services. Jessica previously worked as a Program Assistant for 1 1/2 years at the Teresa Shelter, and also worked for 3 ½ years as a Family Support Worker for Lutheran Services in Iowa. Jessica primarily works with women on goal setting and advocates for supportive services relating to individual their needs.

Development and Marketing Director
Ann Lorenz, the Development and Marketing Director, joined Opening Doors in mid-November of 2010. Ann has a BA in Business Administration from the University of Dubuque and BA in Communications from Clarke (College) University. Prior to coming to Opening Doors, Ann spent 7 1/2 years helping lost, abandoned and unwanted animals as the Community Outreach Director for the Dubuque Regional Humane Society. She has 12 years experience in marketing, design, special event, volunteer and project management, and 12 years of sales experience.

Administrative Assistant
Administrative Assistant Janet Schroeder was hired on a part-time basis in December of 2004 and became full-time in November of 2005. Janet graduated from the University of Dubuque in 1989 with a Business degree. She also has an associate's degree in Accounting. Janet previously worked at Georgia-Pacific in various capacities (Shipping Manager, Customer Service Manager and Customer Service Representative) for 32 years.

Teresa Shelter Coordinator
Heather Polkinghorn has been working at the Teresa Shelter as a Program Advocate since April 2010. She graduated with her BSW from the University of Northern Iowa in 2009. Heather has been the Teresa Shelter Coordinator since June 2011. She has a wide variety of experience in the human service field. Heather completed her internship in Waterloo, IA at Family and Children’s Council where their mission is to prevent child abuse and strengthen families through prevention education programs.

Follow-up Case Manager
The Follow-up Case Manager is responsible for providing follow-up services to residents and supporting their transition to independent living for up to six months after they move out of Maria House. This includes making home visits and phone calls, maintaining client files and sending out a regular newsletter to former residents.

Program Advocates
Maria House and Teresa Shelter employ 12 Program Advocates. The majority of Program Assistants have a BA degree in Social Work or a related field. The Program Assistants are in charge of Maria House and Teresa Shelter during their assigned shifts. They assist with all the program components, which include goal development, recordkeeping, resident and guest support, cooking, recreational activities, childcare, making referrals and much more.

Volunteer Coordinator
Judy Kenniker is a Registered Nurse with 40+ years experience retired since 2007. She attained her Masters degree in Management in 1988. While working she had a variety of experiences as staff nurse, nurse manager, educator, department director, risk manager, and quality manager. She has been a volunteer for Opening Doors Maria House and Teresa Shelter since January 2011 helping staff interview and coordinate with the volunteers the opportunities and projects that best fit their talent and time to share.

Interns

HOPE, Marketing Intern, University of Iowa
Hi all! My name is Hope and I will be a junior this fall at the University of Iowa. I was a summer intern here at the Maria House, working in the Development and Marketing Office. This internship was very beneficial because I was given so much hands on learning that taught me what goes into play to run a non-profit organization. The staff were all friendly and welcoming to me, which I appreciate a lot. I'm very grateful for the opportunity to work for such a great organization. I hope to return next summer!