Staff | Access 2 Independence

Kaydee Layne, BA – Executive Director

Kaydee starting working for Access 2 Independence in January 2021 providing direct consumer services as an Independent Living Specialist. In fall 2022 Kaydee became A2I’s Outreach Specialist, providing Information & Referral Services and Community Living Skills Workshops for our organization. Two years later in fall 2024, Kaydee stepped in as Interim Executive Director before later being chosen to become A2I’s next Executive Director in March 2024.

Kaydee graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor’s in English & Creative Writing and a Certificate in Disability Studies in 2020, and they are currently working to complete their Master’s in Disability Studies through the CUNY School of Professional Studies. Kaydee previously worked as a Job Coach for Goodwill of the Heartland and a Student Involvement Ambassador at the University of Iowa. While attending the U of I, Kaydee served as President of UI Students for Disability Advocacy & Awareness and pursued a wide variety of disability advocacy efforts on campus. Kaydee spends most of their free time watching TV, eating good food, and taking their cats on outdoor excursions.

Joel Wesselink, BA – I&R Specialist

Joel Wesselink graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and History in 2013. Prior to coming onboard the A2I team, he worked as a personal caregiver, at the University of Iowa Library Annex and at Mercy Hospital for a combined seven years. Joel also participated in the University of Iowa’s LEND program from August of 2019 to May 2020.

Joel has a familiarity with A2I as he has been a consumer with us for over a decade. Our services have helped him become a stronger advocate for himself and support him becoming more free and independent to make his own decisions.

Joel‘s interests include writing, reading, video games, taking walks and watching pro-wrestling. Joel’s future professional goals include going back to get his Masters of Social work.

Megz Stroback, BSW – Independent Living Specialist

Megz graduated from Mount Mercy University with a Bachelor’s in Social Work in 2018. Prior to working at Access 2 Independence, they worked as a Direct Support Professional at MYEP and the Arc of Southeast Iowa for a combined number of eight years. While working on their degree, they completed two internships at Access 2 Independence and NAMI Johnson County. Megz loves to play Dungeons & Dragons and listen to hip-hop.

Katrina Hochstetler, BS – Employment Specialist

Katrina Hochstetler attended Mount Mercy University where she received a Bachelors of Science in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. She previously worked as a mental health wellness counselor for Builders of Hope for 4.5 years. Katrina looks forward to helping individuals reach both their employment and personal goals, in order to increase their independence. In her free time, Katrina likes to spend time with family and friends and enjoys running. She is often training for an upcoming race.

Margaret Nienaber, BS – Youth Outreach Coordinator

Margaret graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation. Margaret has over a decade of experience working in the human service field, and is passionate about helping others find their happiness and strengths in life.

Margaret enjoys spending time outdoors with her dog, Murray, live music, exploring new places, and secondhand thrifting.

Mackenzie Martin, BA – Independent Living Specialist

Mackenzie graduated from the University of Iowa in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in Human Services and a minor in Aging and Longevity Studies. While working on her degree, she completed an internship with Tazewell County Resource Centers in Tremont, IL working with individuals with disabilities. Mackenzie previously worked as a Family Support Specialist for Four Oaks. During her time at the university, Mackenzie was a member of the Hawkeye Marching Band and has continued to participate in the Alumni Band upon graduation. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, playing video games, reading, and listening to Taylor Swift.

Kaydee Layne, BA – Executive Director

Joel Wesselink, BA – I&R Specialist

Megz Stroback, BSW – Independent Living Specialist

Katrina Hochstetler, BS – Employment Specialist

Margaret Nienaber, BS – Youth Outreach Coordinator

Mackenzie Martin, BA – Independent Living Specialist