Meet Our Leadership Team

We are proud to introduce you to the dedicated individuals who lead our organization with passion and expertise. Each member of our team brings a unique set of skills and a shared commitment to making a difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness. From our Executive Director to our program directors, our leadership team embodies our values of compassion, empathy, and resilience. Get to know the faces behind our organization and discover the diverse backgrounds and experiences that shape our collective efforts.

Together, we are working tirelessly to make "A Home for Every Person” a reality.

Smiling person with blonde hair wearing a green top and tan jacket

ASHLEY VELEZ-HAGLER, MPA
Chief Executive Officer

DESTINY GERHARDT
Chief Finance Officer

Smiling woman in a patterned blazer with a light background.

MEGAN BROWN-SALDANA
Chief Development Officer

Smiling person with medium-length dreadlocks, wearing a black shirt and a necklace, against a light background.

BLAIR BROWN
Chief Programs Officer

Person with long hair wearing a patterned blouse and dark blazer, smiling against a plain background.

AMIE PAKE, MBA
Chief Operations Officer

Person smiling indoors wearing a black jacket and red top

JENNIFER DAVIS
Grant Writer and Coordinator

TYRRANNIE THOMAS
Director of HR

SUPERVISOR TEAM

Kerri Carpenter - Veteran Services Supervisor

Lauren Gustafson - Outreach & Supportive Housing Supervisor

Fred Thomas - Shelter Operations Supervisor

Shannon Dykes - Homeless Services Supervisor

CONTACT US

Meet Our Board of Directors

At Humility Homes and Services, our Board of Directors serves as the compass that guides our organization's journey of transformation. With their invaluable expertise and unwavering commitment to our mission, they play a pivotal role in shaping our decisions. We are deeply grateful for their voluntary service, which empowers us to make a lasting impact in the community through your generous support.

Responsibilities shared by Board members:

1. Participate in strategic, long-term organizational planning.
2. Recruit and orient new board members.
3. Participate in requested fundraising events as requested by HHSI Staff Liaison.
4. Support and strengthen staff, programs, and services with input.
5. Participate in developing, reviewing and protecting the HHSI mission.
6. Evaluate Board effectiveness, strengths and weaknesses.

Man with glasses wearing a checkered shirt standing against a plain background.

CHRISTOPHER RENO - CHAIR
UNIVERSITY CURATOR AND GALLERY DIRECTOR, ST. AMBROSE UNIVERSITY
Chris recognizes the vital work that HHSI does in our community and shares in the commitment to create affordable and safe housing for everyone. He believes it is a basic human right and he brings a creative, design-oriented perspective to the Board.

MATT TIMION
SENIOR MANAGER, ENGINEERING, BETTERHELP
Matt believes in our mission as a society it’s our responsibility to make systematic changes and that starts with the government. He believes in looking at systems and finding where small tweaks can be made for the better to lead to a better system.

Elderly woman wearing glasses, a turquoise shirt and cardigan, with a cross necklace, smiling softly.

JOHANNA RICKL
CHM
Sister Johanna works to strengthen the board committees of Humility Homes and Services, Inc.; she believes a strong board will continue developing new ways to provide a home for every person and nurture a just and caring local community.

Older man with white hair and glasses, wearing a white turtleneck and dark zip-up jacket; bookshelf and lamp in the background.

RICHARD CLEWELL
U.S. Army Wildlife Biologist (Retired)
Rich is committed to realizing the inherent worth and dignity of every individual and recognizes that housing is a key element in achieving that goal.

Woman smiling against a purple background, wearing a yellow blouse and black cardigan.

BARBARA MANSHOLT, DC MS
Professor, Clinical Services Division, Palmer College of Chiropractic
Barbara is passionate about Humility Homes’ Philosophy and Core Values, specifically Radical Acceptance, empowerment-based social work, and Harm Reduction interventions. Along with her experience through Palmer and Community Health Care, she brings her dedication to diversity, inclusion, and respect for all individuals.

A woman with long black hair and a beaded necklace, smiling against a plain background.

RACHEL PITCHFORD
 FOUNDER & PRINCIPAL AT LIFE ADVISORS, LLC
Inspired by HHSI's impactful work in addressing homelessness and housing issues in our community, Rachel felt a deep calling to contribute and support our mission. She believes that access to safe, secure, and affordable housing is a fundamental right for all individuals.

Smiling person with glasses wearing a black leather jacket and red blouse indoors.

MOLLIE OWENS
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND ENGAGEMENT, ROUSE CONSULTING
Mollie’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is a core principle in her personal and professional spheres. She actively champions creating environments where everyone, regardless of their background or gender, enjoys equal opportunities.

LYNN MOUSEL
CHM
Sister Lynn brings experience in the mental health field and is most inspired by the core value of compassionate individuality.  She believes that each person, in their inherent worth and dignity, deserves to have their needs met so they can flourish into their best self.

Person with short hair, wearing glasses and a patterned shirt, smiling against a plain background.

TAMARA J. BYRAM MAHL
UNITED STATES ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
Tamara’s expertise as a legal counsel and in real estate are a valuable asset to advise on legal, privacy, compliance, contracting, and risk management matters.

Dr. Mara Adams
Professor, St. Ambrose University
Mara believes that housing is a basic human right that supports the dignity of every person. She is passionate about HHSI's commitment to securing safe and affordable housing for our community. 

Woman smiling with long brown hair and a navy blouse.

KELLY MCCARTHY
VICE PRESIDENT, COMMERCIAL BANKING OFFICER, QUAD CITY BANK AND TRUST
Kelly's passion lies in the mission of HHSI and its pursuit to improve the lives of those facing homelessness in our community. Throughout Kelly's career in the banking industry, they've worked with several organizations to offer financial literacy to minority and underserved communities. Kelly believes that financial education, affordable housing, and access to resources play a vital role in helping individuals thrive.

Amy Sivertsen
Client Ally, Blue Fox
Amy is inspired by the impact HHSI has in the community and supports its work to promote safe, stable, and sustainable housing. She contributes her skills in financial stewardship and long-term organizational sustainability to support that work, valuing being part of a collaborative effort focused on long-term, community-centered solutions. 

Michael Lotspeich
US Navy Veteran
Having experienced homelessness and financial hardship firsthand—from living out of his car to working full-time while finishing high school—Michael brings a deep personal commitment to his role on the HHSI Board. Guided by his faith and decades of service in Catholic ministry, he believes in living out James 2:14-26 by ensuring that compassion is matched with action to meet the needs of the unhoused. Michael is also a Vietnam Veteran.