Our Team

Stephanie has served ASAC for more than 30 years. Her deep commitment to supporting individuals, families, and underserved populations drew her to ASAC. Her life is rooted in service—to others, to the team, and to the communities we live in. Over the course of her career, she has held various leadership roles within the organization, giving her a comprehensive understanding of ASAC’s operations and services. Stephanie is dedicated to building strong systems that help ASAC deliver high-quality care across Eastern Iowa.

She holds a bachelor’s degree from Mount Mercy University and an associate degree from Kirkwood Community College.

Cassandra is a Licensed Independent Social Worker. As Deputy Director, she oversees treatment and recovery services.
With a foundation in therapeutic treatment, Cassandra ensures ASAC’s full continuum—from intervention through ongoing support—promotes long-term recovery, resilience, and brain health by integrating mental health and substance use treatment in a seamless, client-centered approach.

Deeply committed to equitable access and reducing treatment barriers, Cassandra collaborates with regional partners to develop programs that reach underserved populations. She actively supports community education efforts and collaborative initiatives that reduce stigma, promote brain health, and expand accessible pathways to healing and recovery across Eastern Iowa.

She earned a BSW from the University of Iowa and an MSW from the University of Northern Iowa.

Driven by a strong commitment to mission-based work, Melinda has spent nearly 20 years in human resources, primarily within non-profit social service organizations. Melinda works to build supportive, mission-driven workplaces that empower staff to make a difference.

Melinda also currently serves as a volunteer board member for the Eastern Iowa Human Resource Association.
She holds a BS in Psychology from Iowa State University and an MBA from Upper Iowa University, along with PHR and SHRM-CP certifications.

Candace has three decades of experience working with at-risk youth and families. Over the past 14 years, Candace has dedicated herself to substance misuse prevention, utilizing the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) to drive community change. Her work encompasses substance use disorder education, development of environmental strategies, capacity building, and assessment of community prevention initiatives.

She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology from the University of South Florida and holds an Advanced Certified Prevention Specialist (ACPS) credential.

Chelsea was drawn to ASAC through her personal connection to the substance use and mental health field, and is focused on creating opportunities for individuals and families to access care. In her role, Chelsea leads grant writing, donor relations, and marketing strategies to advance ASAC’s mission.

Since moving to Cedar Rapids in 2020, she has jumped into community involvement, currently serving on the board of the Junior League of Cedar Rapids and volunteering with the Hopeful Mama Foundation and Iowa Giving Crew.

Chelsea holds a bachelor’s degree from Clarke University and is a 2025 graduate of the Leadership for Five Seasons program.