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 Candy Schainker-IAAP President
I am Candy Schainker, your IAAP President for the term which began in October 2010. It has been my joy to serve on the IAAP Board for 33 plus years. I believe the quality education and support that this organization provides is invaluable to our professional development.  Story County Medical Center has been my second home for the last 33 years, where I am employed as the Director of the Activities Department.  I have a degree in Recreational Therapy and hold the CTRS credentials. On a personal note, my husband and I live in Ames.  We raised two sons and now enjoy being the grandparents to two wonderful boys. I enjoy working out, traveling, going to wine club, good movies, fun books, and great friends.I hope to see you at the Spring and Fall Conferences. Please feel free to e-mail me or call me.  I will try to help in any way I can.  My phone number is 515-382-7023. My e-mail address is cschainker@storymedical.org.

Message from the President
I am very pleased to announce our speaker and program for the spring conference, Friday, May 18, 2012.  Our speaker is Kareen King from Kansas.  Kareen is a dynamic singer and songwriter. She has a gift of taking moments of truth that she experiences and weaves them into captivating stories and songs that remind us to treat our residents with respect and dignity.  As with most of our conferences, these educational topics can be adapted to many of our clients who have a variety of needs. We look forward to seeing you in May.

SPEAKER: Kareen King, is a Registered Drama Therapist, Keynote speaker, Singer/Songwriter, Puppeteer, and member of the Kansas Arts Commission Arts on Tour Roster.  Kareen's original songs and stories stem from her work with institutionalized elders, having served as Activities Supervisor/Ulyssean Program Director at a skilled nursing facility, among many other experiences.  Her presentations focus on the enrichment needs of lives in long-term care, placing on center stage the value of both human connection and personal growth. For more information click here.
Candy Schainker, CTRS IAAP President
Click here to download a copy of our bylaws. 

Meet our Directors

Treasurer:
Chris Thomas-I have been at the same facility in Activities for almost 35 years.  I have held many positions on the IAAP Board and am now starting the treasurer's position.  I live in Pella and work just across the street from my house.  I also teach exercise classes at our local fitness center.  I enjoy reading, playing with my grandchildren, and spending time with friends.

Resource Room Coordinator:
Terri Tripp- I have had a diverse career background, all with the common element of customer service. Before coming to Ramsey Village, my career life dealt me a lemon.  I am proud to say, I chose to make lemonade.  I took classes in gerontology and landed a position as Lifestyle Enrichment Coordinator. I started by working in the Assisted Living/RCF and falling in love with all my residents.  After a time, an Activities/Program coordinator position was created in the Alzheimer/Memory Unit.  I applied and was hired.  My employer provided extensive training in the areas of dementia and Alzheimer's disease, enabling me to meet the needs of my residents.  I feel so fortunate that I found my niche and passion in life by working with seniors.I am married with two grown children.  I found that the various volunteer positions I held during the time my children were growing up have been most beneficial in helping me be creative and trigger activity ideas.  In my spare time, I enjoy being with my husband, entertaining family and friends, and being domestic.  I decorate, do crafts, garden, and enjoy being outdoors.

Assistant Treasurer/Public Relations:
Jeri Heffelfinger- I have been the Activities Director at the Mitchville Care Center since 2006.  Before that I was an elementary special education and general education teacher.  I love my occupation, now.  I believe the elderly have much to give us, and we need to learn from them.  I am a single mom to a wonderful eight year old son whom I adopted from a Russian Orphanage.  He is truly a joy in my life. I am excited to become part of the IAAP Board.

Promotions/Sales:
Deb Sly- I have been an Activity Director since 2007, spending the first years of my Activity Career at Bethany Manor in Story City.  I am now the Activity Director at Altoona Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.  I absolutely love my job and being able to make a difference in the resident's lives.  In my spare time I enjoy reading, going to movies, and looking foe the best pizza joint in Iowa.  I have six granddaughters and one grandson that I enjoy spending time with-they keep me going that's for sure.  I am looking forward to being on the IAAP board and being able to share my experiences with other activity Professionals. 

Secretary:
Cindy Bell- I am Cindy Bell, and have been the Activity Director at Westhaven Community (formerly the Evangelical Free Church Home) in Boone for over 26 years.  I consider it a privilege to work in the Activity field and serve on the Board of IAAP.  I am currently the Secretary, but have held other positions over the years.  My husband owned and operated a family business as a painting and decorating contractor before he retired. Mike and I have 3 adult children and 3 grandchildren.  My faith is very important to me and I also serve on our Women's Ministries Leadership Team at my church.  As a breast cancer survivor I also volunteer year round for the American Cancer Society.  I love to read, spend time with my family, especially grandkids, walk, bike riding, and vacationing yearly in Mexico.  I encourage you to take advantage of all that IAAP offers in the way of conferences and services to keep you on the cutting edge of the Activity Profession.

Elections/Government liaison: 
Hope Wiley, ADC- I am currently the Director of Activities at Ramsey Village, in Des Moines.  I have been at Ramsey since March of 2007.  Ramsey is a continuum of care community for five levels of care.  I oversee the programming, supervise three assistants, provide assistance to the Chaplain and the beautician, and I oversee the Transportation Department. I have been an Activities Director for over 22 years, working at both Deerfield and Heather Manor.  I have previously served on the IAAP Board, in various positions, and on the Central District Board.I have been happily married for the last 20 years.  Les and I have three who have blessed us with seven grandchildren. Besides spending time with my grandkids, I love to cook and bake.  My grandkids think I should open a restaurant.  My co-workers think I should start a catering business.  My husband and I love to travel as much as we can. 

Newsletter Editor: 
Karen Patrick-I have a new position on the IAAP board. I am now the Newsletter Trustee. I have enjoyed working on the board the last four years as the treasurer-a job I took with reservations but did enjoy as I got to know many new friends. I would like to encourage you to apply for a position on the board, the tasks are made easier from the rewards you receive-new friends and new knowledge. I have been an Activity Professional for over 14 years. I have been married almost 27 years, have 3 sons, two grandsons, and a cat. I am active in my church, our town betterment foundation, and a bowling league.Cell-712-830-7206