Our Team - Guardians of Northeast Iowa, Inc.

Jackie has worked in the social work and nonprofit sector for over a decade. She graduated with a master’s in social work with a focus in administration and leadership and is licensed in clinical work. Jackie has a passion for making communities better for those who live in them, and for serving individuals in a way that improves their quality of life. Her advocacy for vulnerable populations and compassion for all people motivate her to show up every day. Jackie enjoys writing and has served in editing roles in some publications, and has work published in numerous publications. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and being outside as much as possible.

shelley.ostern@guardiansofneia.org

PH: 563.419.2443

Fax: 563.205.5372

Shelley has nearly 20 years of comprehensive experience in financial management with a proven track record of accuracy and efficiency in all financial operations. Shelley has a passion for making a meaningful impact as well as a strong desire for client satisfaction.

Cheryl Oldenkamp, Guardian Case Manager

National Certified Guardian

cheryl.oldenkamp@guardiansofneia.org

PH: 712.490.9885

Fax: 319.289.7015

Cheryl, serving as Guardian Case Manager in Western Iowa, is a National Certified Guardian serving clients in western and northeast Iowa. Cheryl graduated from Wayne State College with a BS in Psychology and is well versed in Medicaid services, including HCBS Waivers. She was a Targeted Case Manager with Woodbury County Social Services for 20 years, working with the ID and BI populations. She then worked for a Managed Care Organization as a Community Based Manager and Crisis Specialist before moving on to Director of Social Services at a local nursing facility.

Trista Stangel, Guardian Case Manager

Trista.Stangel@guardiansofneia.org

PH: 563-419-7806

Fax: 563-551-4548

Trista, serving as Guardian Case Manager for our Central Iowa region, was born and raised in Northern Minnesota by Lake of the Woods and moved to Charles City, Iowa when she was about 11. Trista moved around Iowa as an adult and now lives in Mitchell County. She has 3 boys who are 16, 9, and about to be 8 who keep her on her toes with sports and other activities. Trista has been in the military for 20 years and plans on retiring in the near future. She has a bachelor’s degree in Human Services and has started working on her Masters. Trista has been in the Human Services field since 2015, working as a case manager with Lutheran Services in Iowa and a mobile crisis supervisor with Elevate. She loves to help and work with people in need as it, “gives me a feeling of purpose and success. I love seeing people succeed in life and love that I am able to help be a part of their success stories through all the hard work they put in”.

Makeba.Manago@guardiansofneia.org

PH: 319.830.9857

Fax: 319.287.7025

Makeba, serving as Guardian Case Manager for our Eastern/Central region, has served persons with disabilities in the Cedar Valley for over 7 years. As previous direct support provider at Exceptional Persons, she transitioned into acute care shortly after graduating from University of Northern Iowa with BA in Social Work in 2017. She interned at Allen Mental Health Unit and was employed as Mental Health Navigator for 4 years. With taking a different approach in the social work related field, Makeba briefly utilized her skills as brain injury case manager at Brookhaven Neuropsych Rehab Hospital, in Tulsa OK. Makeba also has previous experience as social service coordinator in long term nursing care facilities. Makeba brings a great spirit to our team and strives to assure individuals are able to maintain a safe and stable lifestyle.

Dawn Murley, Guardian Case Manager

Dawn.Murley@guardiansofneia.org
PH: 563.419.9949

Fax: 877.384.2487

Dawn serves as the Guardian Case Manager for the Polk County area, bringing over 25 years of experience in social work. A graduate of Buena Vista University with a B.A. in Social Work, she has worked across county government, managed care organizations, hospitals, and nonprofits.
Her background spans mental health, physical disabilities, home health, and hospice care, with a strong commitment to serving LGBTQ, neurodivergent, and immigrant populations. Her personal experiences with foster care and adoption has deepened her understanding of the critical need for trauma-informed care and strong support systems.
Passionate about advocacy and empowerment, Dawn is dedicated to helping individuals enhance their quality of life through compassionate, person-centered care.

For General Information or referrals for service:

Info@guardiansofneia.org

PH: 563.419.2443

Fax: 563.265.5791