Our Team
Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate, informed, ethical care for the people we serve.
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Jackie Duden LMSW
Averi Nugent
Jackie Duden LMSW
Averi Nugent
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.
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Michelle Nielsen-Ronaghan
Michelle has worked in the fields of social services since 1994. For over 30 years, Michelle has been advocating for those who need assistance expressing their needs and wants. Michelle specialized in Autism, working with individuals with brain injury, intellectual disabilities, and mental health. Michelle speaks American Sign language and some Spanish. Michelle has a B.A. in Psychology, a B.A and M.B.A. in Business Administration, and a Culinary Degree. In Michelle’s spare time she spends time managing her hobby farm, reading, and baking. Michelle brings enthusiasm and commitment to excellence to our team.
Alyx Hackert
Lead Case Manager
Eastern Region
Email: gcm1@guardiansofneia.org
Phone: 319-440-5128
Fax: (319)289-7015
Alyx Hackert serves as a Professional Guardian Case Manager for Guardians of North East Iowa, bringing compassion, dedication, and a strong ethical foundation to every case. With a background in hospice care, hospital social work, trauma counseling, and group home support, Alyx has spent her career advocating for vulnerable individuals with professionalism and empathy.
She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from Loras College and proudly follows the NASW Code of Ethics in her daily practice. Alyx also brings a strong sense of service and resilience, shaped by six years in the U.S. Army and a term with AmeriCorps during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Alyx is a member of the Guardianship Association of Iowa Network and is committed to ensuring the highest standards of care and support for those she serves.
Molly Bertrand
Molly is a veteran (Minnesota Army National Guard), a mother to four beautifully unique children ages 8, 12, 17 and soon to be 18. Some would say she is a jack of all trades paired with eagerness to learn and determination to master something new every day. Molly has a Bachelor in Science (emphasis in Healthcare management) from Bellevue University. She has years of experience in social work supporting children and families navigate the child welfare system. Some interesting facts about her: She is obsessed with mowing her yard, she weighed 10 pounds 11 ounces when she was born and was 23 1/4 inches long, she thrives on delicious coffee from the local coffee girl in Harlan, Iowa.
Averi is our new Business Office Manager
Makeba Manago NCG
Guardian Case Manager
Eastern Region
Email: gcm2@guardiansofneia.org
phone: 319-830-9857
fax: (319)289-7025
Makeba 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. She interned at Allen Mental Health Unit and was employed as Mental Health Navigator for 4 years. 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.
Mubarak Adam
Mubarak Successfully completed a bachelor's degree in hospital management. He is an expert in areas of networking, administration communication and public relations.
Mubarak is Fluent in English and Arabic. He has strong work ethics and skills in working with clients, stakeholders and management.
Mubarak has a proven ability to communicate effectively and find creative solutions to changing circumstances.
He serves clients with their best interest in mind first and has strong knowledge of services available to clients in his area.
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Shelley Ostern
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.
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Hanna Lara
Hanna is a dedicated human services professional with a diverse background in case management, social work programming, early childhood education, and direct support. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Health from Grand Canyon University and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Social Work. Hanna is passionate about advocating for others, promoting independence, and ensuring individuals receive high-quality, person-centered care. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and watching sports, especially softball.
Maria Reicks
Nicole Seger
Nicole first entered the social work field in 2019 as a Direct Support Professional working with a variety of individuals- focusing on strengthening their skills to work toward independence. Prior to her current role as a Guardian Case Manager, she worked as a Family Support Specialist for two years, supporting families and children. Nicole strives to advocate alongside those she serves and prioritizes each person's autonomy and strengths. During her spare time, Nicole enjoys spending time with family, completing puzzles, and playing board/card games.
Maria worked with the Department of Human Services and was a supervisor for Family Centered Services for 8 years. Prior to that she was a Jailer in Winneshiek County for 10 years and during that time she worked part time as a Juvenile Probation Tracker. She enjoys criminology and will always try to find the root of a problem and solve it. She lives in the country with her husband, their 4 dogs and 2 cats. They enjoy watching sports and camping when they get the time.
Our Board Members
Mandy Baker
Board Chair
Executive Director
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Position open
Board Co-Chair
Brian Sveskta
Board Treasurer
Owner of Viking Accountants
Chris Bushman
Board Secretary
Jenna Murphy
Member at Large