Staff/Leadership

Kathy brings invaluable lived experience and decades of experience as a social worker in the Cedar Rapids metro area. She is the Founder and Director of the Family Caregivers Center of Mercy, a role she has held since December 2015, as well as a published author. In her book, "My World Wore a Bow Tie," Kathy shares her own experiences as a caregiver, which have put her in a position to help countless others.

Kathy holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from the University of Iowa and is a Licensed Independent Social Worker.

With more than 10 years of healthcare leadership and a decade of patient advocacy experience, Kindel brings a strong background in improving patient outcomes and driving organizational success.

She holds a bachelor of science in dietetics and a master of business administration.

Melissa began her career as an activity firector at Pathways Adult Day Center in Iowa City, where she also completed her internship. After graduating, she spent five years at The Views in Cedar Rapids, followed by seven years at Tailored Living, working with individuals facing mental health challenges. Prior to joining the DeWolf Innovation Center, Melissa spent six years at To The Rescue, where she served as the day program manager, supporting adults with intellectual disabilities.

Melissa holds a bachelor of science degree from the University of Iowa and is a certified recreation therapist.

Abby has more than 10 years of experience as a social worker, providing support across a range of healthcare settings, including in-home care, hospice and long-term care.

She holds a Master of Social Work and is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW).

Kathy brings 31 years of experience in administrative support, showcasing her expertise in office management and organizational efficiency.

She holds an associate degree in office administration – administrative assistant, as well as a bachelor’s degree in marketing.

Becky has 30 years of experience as a licensed social worker in Iowa with 16 of those years dedicated to hospice care. Her professional background also includes work in long-term care, hospital discharge planning and adult day care.

Becky earned her bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Iowa.

Mary Ann has a diverse background in social services and healthcare with roles including youth counselor at St. Luke’s Child/Adolescent Psychiatric Unit; forensic interviewer at St. Luke’s Child Protection Center; and director of social services and spiritual care at Jones Regional Medical Center. She has also served as department chair and assistant professor for health majors at Mount Mercy University.

Mary Ann holds an associate of arts in early childhood development from Briar Cliff University; a bachelor of arts in speech and hearing science (with a minor in theology); and a master of science in health services administration from the University of St. Francis. She is a Licensed Social Worker in Iowa.

Dr. Struthers received his medical degree from the University of Iowa College of Medicine, followed by a residency in neurology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. He is certified in neurology and sleep medicine by the American Board of Psychiatry and is a member of the American Academy of Neurology. His philosophy is to provide excellent medical care with the patient’s best interest in mind. 

Lindsay began her nursing career at Mercy Medical Center in July 2013 as a staff nurse on the orthopedic unit, where she later took on the role of shift supervisor. After completing her master's degree in nursing, she transitioned to the Mercy Center for Memory Health in September 2019, joining the team full-time in February 2020.

Lindsay holds a bachelor of science degree from the University of Dubuque (2005), an associate degree in nursing from Kaplan University (2013), and a master’s degree in nursing from Simmons University (2019). She is a Board-Certified Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP), Certified Medical/Surgical Registered Nurse and Orthopedic Nurse Certified.

Carson began her career as a registered nurse at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, working on the cardiothoracic inpatient unit from 2016 to 2022. She transitioned to her current role as a Nurse Practitioner at the Center for Memory Health in 2022.

Carson holds a bachelor of science in nursing (2016), a master of science in nursing with an emphasis in forensics (2019), and a doctor of nursing practice: family nurse practitioner (2021), all from Mount Mercy University. She is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C).

Megan has six years of experience with Mercy, starting with a year at Hallmar, followed by five years at MercyCare Blairs Ferry, where she most recently served as manager.

She is a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).

With more than 30 years of experience in practice, Christine specializes in pain control, general symptom management and medication review with a focus on brain health.

She is a graduate of the University of Iowa, College of Pharmacy.

Cara brings more than 17 years of nursing experience, including three years in ICU nursing at Mercy Medical Center, 12 years in cardiology nursing at Mercy Cardiology Clinic, and two years as a nurse navigator at the Mercy Center for Memory Health.

She holds an associate degree in nursing from Kirkwood Community College and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Walden University.

Amy has experience as a floor nurse on an oncology unit and has also served as a shift supervisor on the orthopedics unit.

She earned her RN from Eastern Iowa Community College and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Iowa State University.

Connie has more than three decades of experience at Mercy, including 31 years with Mercy Orthopedics and the past two years at the Mercy Center for Memory Health.

She is a Registered Nurse (RN) and holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

Kris has spent her entire professional career at Mercy Medical Center, where she has truly "grown up." She brings 30 years of experience as an oncology nurse; eight years in hospice and palliative care; and nearly 2.5 years at the Mercy Center for Memory Health.

Kris holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and has previously held certifications in oncology and hospice/palliative care.

With more than 20 years of professional experience, Rose brings a wealth of knowledge to her work.

She holds an associate degree in human resources.

Annette has been keeping Mercy Medical Center clean and welcoming for patients, visitors, and staff for nine years. She is responsible for housekeeping activities at the Innovation Center.