Marti Gray - President
I‘m a caring and compassionate person who believes everybody has value. I believe it’s the responsibility of a community to embrace and accentuate those gifts. I’ve been known to say, “I’m sick to death of our society throwing away people and things. As a community we have to change!” It’s time to put my convictions into action— I am proud to be Founder of The Tapestry.
Marti has over 30 years experience in Human Services and worked for a variety of organizations from the educational setting of Linn Academy to the governmental entity of the Department of Human Services. She demonstrated the ability to recruit, train, and manage well over 200+ volunteers. She works effectively with agency staff, volunteers, and Board of Directors. Marti has extensive program and event coordination, originating several volunteer programs and consulting with many organizations to enhance the concept of volunteerism. She served on the Governor’s Volunteer Award committee for 5 years, chairing it for 3, and developed a well-established professional network within Cedar Rapids non-profit, business, and higher education communities, as well as Iowa state government. Recently, she chaired the Iowa Microboard Association and served on the National Microboard and Self-Directed Supports USA organization. Her advocacy and dedication to serve people in crisis are well known in our community. She currently volunteers for the Grant Wood Chapter of the American Red Cross and serves as President and Coordinator for The Tapestry. In her paid position, she contracts with MHDD to provide support for people with dual- diagnosis as an SCL (Supported Community Living) Provider and Substance Abuse Counselor.
Marti has wide-ranging industry experience including health and human services, child welfare, senior and retirement services, gifted and disabled students, employment strategist, education, and environmental reclamation. The motto “…weaving a sustainable future…” is more than a dream, it’s a culmination of her life’s ambition and driving passion!
Marti can be reached via email at [email protected] or by phone at 319-573-1744.
Marti has over 30 years experience in Human Services and worked for a variety of organizations from the educational setting of Linn Academy to the governmental entity of the Department of Human Services. She demonstrated the ability to recruit, train, and manage well over 200+ volunteers. She works effectively with agency staff, volunteers, and Board of Directors. Marti has extensive program and event coordination, originating several volunteer programs and consulting with many organizations to enhance the concept of volunteerism. She served on the Governor’s Volunteer Award committee for 5 years, chairing it for 3, and developed a well-established professional network within Cedar Rapids non-profit, business, and higher education communities, as well as Iowa state government. Recently, she chaired the Iowa Microboard Association and served on the National Microboard and Self-Directed Supports USA organization. Her advocacy and dedication to serve people in crisis are well known in our community. She currently volunteers for the Grant Wood Chapter of the American Red Cross and serves as President and Coordinator for The Tapestry. In her paid position, she contracts with MHDD to provide support for people with dual- diagnosis as an SCL (Supported Community Living) Provider and Substance Abuse Counselor.
Marti has wide-ranging industry experience including health and human services, child welfare, senior and retirement services, gifted and disabled students, employment strategist, education, and environmental reclamation. The motto “…weaving a sustainable future…” is more than a dream, it’s a culmination of her life’s ambition and driving passion!
Marti can be reached via email at [email protected] or by phone at 319-573-1744.
Dan Bennett - Vice President
I met Marti by chance outside a coffee shop. Since I love meeting new people, introducing friends and acquaintences, and volunteering my time, joining the Tapestry was a natural fit. A business card and a phone call later I was in the middle of my entrance interview having a blast. After a few exchanges with other members and some meals with the dining club, I was hooked.
Dan is an engineer by trade and organizer by passion. Bringing strategic thinking, organizational structure and goal-oriented thinking to the board, he also contributes his knowledge and experience of information systems and event coordination.
Dan believes in The Tapestry's unique outlook on community building as not just a selfless act of charity, but the opening up of shared knowledge and resources as well.
Dan is an engineer by trade and organizer by passion. Bringing strategic thinking, organizational structure and goal-oriented thinking to the board, he also contributes his knowledge and experience of information systems and event coordination.
Dan believes in The Tapestry's unique outlook on community building as not just a selfless act of charity, but the opening up of shared knowledge and resources as well.
Brad Pederson - Treasurer
Bio coming soon.
Katie Shaull_ - Secretary
Bio coming soon.
Paula Land - At Large
Paula is a nonprofit leader who is dedicated to the professionalism of the nonprofit sector. My personal mission is to help people contribute their skills and talents. Whether in a work setting, or as a community member, each person has unique gifts to offer and as a society we are better off when people recognize their value and can contribute to the richness of our diverse community.
Paula is the Executive Director for the Catherine McAuley Center in Cedar Rapids. Her previous roles as an Vice President of Operations and Organizational Effectiveness for the environmental nonprofit, Trees Forever, and a director of a community child care center have contributed to her broad background in human resources, training, marketing, finance, programming and overall management. While her passion is in organizational effectiveness, she has committed herself to workplace learning and performance, project management, quality improvement and especially facilitation. As a process oriented leader, Paula brings her heart into each endeavor, strives to build relationships and recognize the value each individual brings to the effort.
She is a national member of Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and American Society of Training and Development. Locally, Paula serves on the United Way of East Central Iowa Board of Directors, chairs the Agency Executive Advisory Team, actively participates as a Trustee on the Board for Unity Center of Cedar Rapids; and serves on the AFP Eastern Iowa Board and as a musical leader for the Metro Mix Chorus. She is an active participant in the Nonprofit Network, and provides training and consulting services for area nonprofits.
Paula is proud to be co-founder of The Tapestry and is excited to help envision the possibilities of how this organization can enrich our community and the lives of its members. Paula can be reached at [email protected] and by phone at 319-721-1759.
Paula is the Executive Director for the Catherine McAuley Center in Cedar Rapids. Her previous roles as an Vice President of Operations and Organizational Effectiveness for the environmental nonprofit, Trees Forever, and a director of a community child care center have contributed to her broad background in human resources, training, marketing, finance, programming and overall management. While her passion is in organizational effectiveness, she has committed herself to workplace learning and performance, project management, quality improvement and especially facilitation. As a process oriented leader, Paula brings her heart into each endeavor, strives to build relationships and recognize the value each individual brings to the effort.
She is a national member of Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and American Society of Training and Development. Locally, Paula serves on the United Way of East Central Iowa Board of Directors, chairs the Agency Executive Advisory Team, actively participates as a Trustee on the Board for Unity Center of Cedar Rapids; and serves on the AFP Eastern Iowa Board and as a musical leader for the Metro Mix Chorus. She is an active participant in the Nonprofit Network, and provides training and consulting services for area nonprofits.
Paula is proud to be co-founder of The Tapestry and is excited to help envision the possibilities of how this organization can enrich our community and the lives of its members. Paula can be reached at [email protected] and by phone at 319-721-1759.
Emelia (Emy) Sautter – At Large
Hello! I am so excited to be part of The Tapestry and the wonderful web that it is weaving in our community! This is my first board position and I look forward to helping grow and expand The Tapestry in the Cedar Rapids area and beyond – we are blessed to have such a life-giving organization in our midst!
I was born in Ames, Iowa (go Cyclones!) but grew up in northern Illinois. Thankfully, much of my family still remained in the Cedar Rapids area and I was able to spend summer breaks and holidays enjoying the Iowa country side on my Aunt and Uncle’s farm. I LOVED Iowa and never wanted to leave and eventually found my way back after graduating from the University of Illinois with a Degree in Natural Resources and Environmental Science. I’m currently employed as the Ecospirituality Coordinator at Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center. I work with the land restoring native Iowa habitat, and help educate people about sustainable practices and finding connection with Earth and Nature. I also perform community outreach, connecting like minded individuals, and that is how I became familiar with The Tapestry!
I greatly appreciate the opportunity to serve on The Tapestry’s board and look forward to furthering our mutual goals and life’s mission!
I was born in Ames, Iowa (go Cyclones!) but grew up in northern Illinois. Thankfully, much of my family still remained in the Cedar Rapids area and I was able to spend summer breaks and holidays enjoying the Iowa country side on my Aunt and Uncle’s farm. I LOVED Iowa and never wanted to leave and eventually found my way back after graduating from the University of Illinois with a Degree in Natural Resources and Environmental Science. I’m currently employed as the Ecospirituality Coordinator at Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center. I work with the land restoring native Iowa habitat, and help educate people about sustainable practices and finding connection with Earth and Nature. I also perform community outreach, connecting like minded individuals, and that is how I became familiar with The Tapestry!
I greatly appreciate the opportunity to serve on The Tapestry’s board and look forward to furthering our mutual goals and life’s mission!
Leah Schneider - At Large
Bio coming soon.