A proponent of land stewardship and environmentalism, Aaron studied Parks and Natural Resources and Conservation Management at Upper Iowa University, leading to his involvement with Brucemore, Trees Forever, AmeriCorps and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Originally from Iowa City, Aaron lives in Cedar Rapids with his wife, Hannah, and daughter, Maribel. As Prairiewoods’ Land Sustainability Coordinator, you’ll find him practicing his passion for gardening and managing the 70 acres of timber and prairie restoration projects. He welcomes volunteers and nature enthusiasts to join in caring for this wonderful land together and hopes you find great peace during your visit.
Andi, Prairiewoods’ marketing coordinator, has bachelor’s degrees in broadcast journalism and women’s studies from Northwestern University. She has worked as a TV reporter and producer, the operations director for a professional organizing service, and a textbook writer and editor. Andi and her husband, Steve, moved here from Chicago in 2011 so she could work at Prairiewoods and be closer to family. Andi enjoys all arts and crafts, good food and wine, reading, working on her home, and playing with her dogs.
Sister Ann is Prairiewoods’ coordinator of spiritual services. Blending love of nature, literature, leadership and spirituality, Ann delights in listening with others to the energy of Spirit stirring creativity, passion, discernment and service. She enjoys offering spiritual direction and facilitation to individuals and groups.
Christine, Prairiewoods’ Garden Coordinator, has managed the Green Prairie Garden at Prairiewoods for the last ten seasons as part of Metro Catholic Outreach. Now she runs it as a member of the Prairiewoods staff. After earning two life science degrees, she ended up in Cedar Rapids in the early ‘90s. She became involved with Indian Creek Nature Center, volunteering as a naturalist off and on for 20 years. She was introduced to Prairiewoods in the early 2000s and enjoys hiking and taking advantage of various environmental and spiritual programs here. She, her husband and their three adult children love getting outside, especially visiting national parks together. Christine’s interests also include tending to her collection of houseplants, gardening, reading fiction, dancing, visiting new places, and almost any activity in or around water. Working with others in our food pantry garden has provided community, therapy, learning and joy to her and many others. Growing food for those facing food insecurity in a sustainable way is her attempt to do good in the world.
Erik, Prairiewoods’ maintenance coordinator, keeps the grounds and buildings in working order. Before coming to Prairiewoods, he was a mechanic, lawn-care technician and stay-at-home dad. He and his wife, Heather, have one son, Ian. Erik enjoys bicycling, gardening, fishing and hunting. He is a happy presence at Prairiewoods, always willing to handle any maintenance needs with a smile!
Jean serves as the Coordinator for Community Outreach, Engagement and Hospitality, welcoming groups that come to Prairiewoods to enjoy beautiful spaces, wonderful food and the great outdoors! With a bachelor’s degree in medical anthropology, a master of divinity and nearly three decades in ordained congregational ministry with the United Church of Christ, she has also explored the impact of stress and trauma on individuals and the community and how we build resilience. Jean lives in a 100-year-old home on the southeast side of Cedar Rapids with her husband and clergy colleague, Ed; her son, Buster; and her daughter, Cleo (when she’s not off exploring!).
Sister Joann is one of Prairiewoods’ foundresses and has been on staff since it opened in 1996. She is available for spiritual direction, counseling, hosting retreats and healing touch spiritual ministry. Joann has a doctorate in ministry with a concentration in feminist theology and psychology.
Julio graduated from Carlson College of Massage Therapy in 2024. He specializes in therapeutic, deep tissue, muscle tension and relaxation massage. Born in Mexico, Julio is bilingual in English and Spanish. He recently moved to Iowa from New York City with his family who is local to the area. Julio is also a dance fitness instructor with a passion for helping others achieve their goals.
Julio se graduó de Carlson College of Massage Therapy en 2024. Se especializa en masajes terapéuticos, de tejido profundo, tensiones musculares y relajación. Nacido en México, Julio es bilingüe en inglés y español. Recientemente se mudó a Iowa desde la ciudad de Nueva York con su familia que vive en el área. Julio también es un instructor de baile y una pasión por ayudar a otros a lograr sus objetivos.
Leslie S. serves as a full-time spiritual director and retreat facilitator at Prairiewoods. A wife, mother of three adult women and former hospital executive, Leslie completed her spiritual direction certification with the direct intention to tend to the souls of others on this journey of life. Leslie has extensive experience in leading large teams, developing organizational engagement strategies, improving processes and most importantly to Leslie, connecting deeply to those around her. Leslie loves to create space for her directees and support them as they explore what their hearts crave, identify where opportunities for healing are, contemplate the rich questions of our lives, and grow closer to God, the Earth, oneself and others. She is innately curious, loves reading, silence, spending time with her family, being outdoors, traveling, singing in her car while commuting, trying new things and meeting new people. She looks forward to the opportunity to walk with you as you savor, question, seek clarity and connect more deeply with Divine Source within and among each of us.
Leslie W., Prairiewoods’ director, has a certificate in spirituality and community, a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in human development. She has worked as a buyer, business analyst, grantmaker and nonprofit consultant, as well as serving as adjunct faculty at Mt. Mercy University. Since the early 2000s, Prairiewoods and its programs have shaped her spiritual journey and offered sanctuary. Leslie loves to garden; spend time with her husband, Jason, and kids, Grant, Casey and son-in-law, Scott; and herd her three dogs.
Sister Lucille ministers as a retreat director and spiritual director. Earlier ministries include teaching and administration in Catholic schools, as well as administration within her community. Lucille has a master’s degree in mathematics from Notre Dame University, where she later did further studies in spirituality and interned as a spiritual director. She says, “Many persons who come here experience the richness and healing powers of Prairiewoods itself, of Mother Earth, of God. It is my privilege to meet with some of those people.”
Sister Nancy is one of six foundresses of Prairiewoods. She provides therapeutic massage, healing touch, tai chi, and a variety of programs on eco-spirituality and holistic health. Nancy has a bachelor’s degree in education, has a master’s degree in theology, is a trained spiritual director and is a licensed massage therapist. She is a life-time learner, treasuring all that the land (and its plants and animals), the Prairiewoods staff and our guests teach her.
Nancy, Prairiewoods’ office supervisor, has been a welcoming presence here at Prairiewoods since 2011. She serves on the Ecumenical Community Center Foundation Board of Directors, one of the many nonprofit organizations that she is passionate about. Nancy has two grown kids, Megan and Nate, and son-in-law, Tucker. She enjoys spending time with her family, walking her dog, thrift shopping and baking.
Robert, the program assistant at Prairiewoods, has a passion for nature and people and is excited to be part of a community embracing our interconnectedness. He has studied biology and worked at multiple national parks and wildlife refuges on restoration and research projects. When he isn’t greeting people in the main office and helping with all the amazing programming here, Robert enjoys running, spending time with family, and finding fun events and parks around the area.
Sandy, Prairiewoods’ development coordinator, has a degree in business administration and marketing from the University of Iowa. She’s worked in hospital telecommunications. was a retail shop owner in Marion and the NewBo District, served as director of volunteers and marketing at a local nonprofit, and was the Linn County master gardener coordinator. Sandy and her husband, Dan, have two grown daughters and spend a lot of time in nature whenever possible at their property in the Driftless area of southwestern Wisconsin. Sandy loves cooking, gardening and going to local farmer’s markets, and she is thrilled to join the staff at Prairiewoods.
Trace, Prairiewoods’ housekeeper, has 20 years of experience in residential and commercial cleaning. She has an adult son and enjoys spending time with her family. Trace also likes to go out to eat and watch movies.