Young Womens Resource Center






			Meet Our Staff Administrative Staff Heather Soener Executive Director Heather joined the Young Women’s Resource Center as Executive Director in July 2008. She worked in the field of human services from 1976-1991 at Orchard Place, The YMCA Boys Home, Youth & Shelter Services, and Iowa Children & Family Services. Her last position was as Executive Director of the Iowa Homeless Youth Center. Most recently, Heather has been a very active volunteer while being at home with her children. She has a Bachelor’s degree from Drake University. Tiffany E. Bandow, LMSW Program Director Tiffany began as Program Director at the Young Women's Resource Center in June 2009. Previous to her most recent position as a School Social Worker with Des Moines Public Schools, Tiffany served as a Youth Advocate and Program Coordinator at the Center for two years. In addition to working at the Center and within DMPS, Tiffany has experience in the fields of adoption social work, neurotherapy, youth programming and service work. Tiffany received a Bachelor of Science degree in Child and Family Services from Iowa State University and a Masters degree in Social Work from the University of Iowa. Jennifer Mesecher Financial Manager Jennifer, Finance Manager, has served the Young Women's Resource Center since December of 2000. Additionally, Jennifer is a Certified Child Passenger Safety Seat Technician and acts as the Senior Technician for the Little Passenger Safety Program. She earned an Associate of Science degree in Accounting from Hamilton College and a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Upper Iowa University; she completed both programs with honors. Sarah Graham Administrative Assistant Sarah volunteered her time at the Young Women’s Resource Center as a Parent Group Facilitator from 2001-2003 and in May 2006; she joined the staff as the Administrative Assistant. Sarah is also a Certified Child Passenger Safety Seat Technician for the Little Passengers Safety Program. She comes to the Center from the Construction Industry where she served as Director of Services for Midwestern Interiors Drywall & Painting. Christina Jarck Volunteer Services/Special Events Coordinator Christina, Volunteer Services/Special Events Coordinator, began at the Young Women’s Resource Center in February 2008. She joined the team at the Center after serving Prevent Blindness Iowa as the Development Coordinator. Christina attended the University of Northern Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Leisure, Youth, and Human Services with emphases in Nonprofit Youth Administration and Youth Services. She has completed the Volunteer Management Training Series and is the treasurer of DOVIA (Directors of Volunteers in Agencies). Program Staff: Sarah Meiners Therapist Sarah joined the Young Women's Resource Center as Therapist in June 2009. Her previous experience involves providing counseling to college students and working with children with disabilities. Sarah attended the University of Northern Iowa where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling. Caron Weldin Prevention Program Specialist Caron, Prevention Program Specialist, has been with the Young Women’s Resource Center since 2002. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English with minors in Women’s Studies and Psychology, from the University of Iowa. Currently, Caron is working towards a Masters degree in Science in Education from Buena Vista University. Megan Thompson Prevention Program Specialist Megan, Prevention Program Specialist, joined the Young Women’s Resource Center in May 2008. Previously, she was employed at Youth and Shelter Services. Megan has a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa in Health Promotion with an emphasis on Women's Health. Sarah Coyle Prevention Program Specialist Sarah, Prevention Program Specialist, first began at the Young Women's Resource Center in 2003 as an intern, then a volunteer, and then joined the staff in February 2007. Sarah earned her Associates of Arts degree from Des Moines Area Community College, and Bachelor of Arts degree in Art and Psychology from the University of Iowa. She also holds a certificate from the Art Therapy program at Grandview College. Shoshana Salowitz Prevention Education Specialist Shoshana joined the Young Women's Resource Center in November 2009. She is a trained facilitator with Stewards for Children, a program that empowers adults to prevent child sexual abuse in their communities. She also received certification as a Rape Crisis Counselor through Chicago's Rape Victim Advocates in June 2009. Shoshana completed a degree in Cultural Studies and Communication through DePaul University. Kathryn Knight Prevention Education Specialist Kathryn joined the Young Women’s Resource Center in November 2009. She is an authorized facilitator of the Stewards of Children / Darkness to Light Program, which entails empowering and educating adults to prevent child sexual abuse in their communities. She previously worked with high risk youth as a bilingual Intensive Team Facilitator in Phoenix, Arizona for four years. In 2005, Kathryn earned her degrees in Psychology and Spanish from Michigan State University. Diane Tinker ICCE, CD(DONA) Perinatal Services Specialist Diane Tinker, Perinatal Services Specialist, joined the Young Women’s Resource Center in 2003. She is a Certified Childbirth Educator with International Childbirth Education Association and a Certified Birth Doula with DONA International; she has been working with childbearing women of all ages since 1996. Diane has a Bachelor’s Degree from Iowa State University. Sofia Aguilera Lead Bilingual Services Case Manager Sofia joined the Young Women's Resource Center in August 2003 as the Lead Bilingual Services Case Manager, providing services to Spanish-speaking families in Polk County. She is also a Certified Child Passenger Safety Seat Technician for the Little Passengers Safety Program. Sofia has a Bachelor’s Degree in International Studies with a focus on Latin America and Spanish, from Central College. Matilde Marquez Bilingual Services Case Manager Matilde, Bilingual Services Case Manager, began at the Center in May 2008. Previously, she served as an intern at Lutheran Services of Iowa, as well as at the Family Violence Center in Des Moines. Matilde has a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services from Grandview College. Gretchen Critelli Justice Group Facilitator Gretchen, Justice Group Facilitator began at the Young Women’s Center in 2001. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Drake University and a Master of Arts in Behavior Analysis from the University of Kansas. Mayra Moriel Mariposa Group Facilitator Mariposa Group Facilitator, Mayra Moriel, joined the Young Women’s Resource Center in 2006. In addition to her work at the Center, Mayra is also founder and co-director of MAYAN Business Solutions, a company that provides translation and interpretation services as well as consultation with businesses in their efforts to enter the Hispanic market. She graduated in 1996 from the Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua with a B.S. in Nutritional Sciences. Our Support Specialist Staff Gerald Dysart Transportation Specialist John Soener Transportation Specialist Ashley Tatum Young Mom's Childcare Supervisor Pam Williams Young Mom's Childcare Supervisor