Jasmine Megowan has served as the Executive Director at A2I since July, 2022. She earned her Bachelor‘s degree in Anthropology from Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa and her Master’s degree in Public Administration at Portland State University in Portland, Oregon. Jasmine has over 12 years of professional experience working for non-profit and State agencies ranging from Easter Seals Oregon to the Albany Area Habitat for Humanity.
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 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 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. .
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.
Kaydee graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor’s in English & Creative Writing and a Certificate in Disability Studies in 2020. 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 is currently working towards a Master’s in Disability Studies through the CUNY School of Professional Studies and spends their free time watching TV, eating good food, and cuddling their cats.
Nathan Albano graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology in 2022. While attending Iowa, he was the Events Planner and eventual President of UI Students for Disability Advocacy and Awareness, where he developed a space dedicated to the disability community which has since flourished into a hub of self-advocacy and peer support. He also served as the Disability Constituency Senator for the University of Iowa Undergraduate Student Government. Nathan has plans to continue his education in Sociology, hoping to one day earn a PhD studying how the forces of post-industrial society affect those with neurodivergences. In his free time, Nathan likes to play video games, build legos, and watch TV shows and movies that his friends never seem to enjoy as much as he does.
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.
