AIM’s Leadership Council
Brenda Arthur-Miller, West Liberty Community School District
Betty Collins, Musser Public Library
Stacey Cook, Bayer
Clint Christopher, Muscatine Community School District
Jaimie Cruse, Trinity Muscatine New Horizons
Dr. Naomi DeWinter, Muscatine Community College
Rich Dwyer, Kent Corporation
Leslie Eichelberger, HNI
Heidi Hoffman, ISU Extension and Outreach Muscatine County
Bret Olson, Muscatine Community YMCA
Shane Orr, United Way of Muscatine
Rebecca Paulsen, GMCCI
Tammy Place, Wilton Community School District
Erick Recinos, UnityPOint Health-Trinity
Christy Roby Williams, Trinity Muscatine Public Health
Nicholas Salazar, State Director, League of United Latin American Citizens of Iowa
Charla Schafer, Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine
Danni Zumwalt, Flickinger Learning Center
AIM Staff
Kim Warren, AIM Director
What is your background? I grew up in Rockford, IL and attended Loras College for my Bachelors Degree in Sociology and Northern Illinois University for my Masters Degree in Public Administration. I’ve been working in local government and nonprofit jobs since I was 16 years old.
In my career I worked for the Rockford Park District and City of Geneva IL before moving to Muscatine. I started working at United of Muscatine doing marketing and fundraising in the summer of 2011 and transitioned into the role of AIM Director in 2016. I live in Muscatine with my husband, two children, and our dog.
What is the goofiest/oddest thing you have had to do in your role? I think that no matter what position you have in an organization, you always have to be willing to take the trash out. No one is too good to do any task. One day I noticed the hand soap dispenser in the breakroom was leaking into the cabinet under the sink. I decided to just take care of it before anyone else noticed. Next thing I knew I was on my hand and knees cleaning out the cabinet covered in soap. We all had a good laugh that day.
Favorite local place for takeout? This is a hard one. I can’t pick just one. If I am downtown then Avenue Subs, Guadalajara or Salvatores. If I am near Park Avenue then Yacky Shack or Osaka.
Where do you volunteer? Right now I am spending a lot of Saturday mornings volunteering with Public Health at vaccination PODS. I also volunteer at my church, Faith UCC, as a middle school Christian Education teacher.
One thing you’d like to learn? To speak Spanish and paint.
Favorite superhero/childhood toy: Transformers, Thunder Cats, Shera, and Heman.
“When I was little I wanted to grow up and be _______” An elementary school teacher.
Favorite music genre/movie/book: I love to read dystopian society books. My favorite series is Red Rising.
What is one thing you love that has nothing to do with work? Going to National Parks on vacation with my family.
What makes you excited to be a part of AIM? I can’t think of a more rewarding job than to work with all sectors of the community to improve outcomes for all students and families. I love living in Muscatine and raising my children here and am excited every day to have a job that I can help make an impact.
Whitney Howell, Early Childhood Facilitator
What is your background? I received my BA in Psychology from the University of Northern Iowa and my MA in Human Services Marriage and Family from Liberty University. Following graduation I worked with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Louisa County as their 4-H
and Youth Enrichment Coordinator. I currently am the Director for Early Childhood Iowa Muscatine County as well as the Early Childhood Facilitator for AIM.
What is the goofiest/oddest thing you have had to do in your role? I’m not sure about this one……….
Favorite local place for takeout? I am from Columbus Junction so it’s a tossup between Sal Vitales and Las Palmas!
Where do you volunteer? I spend my free time volunteering with my sons PTO and with the Louisa County 4-H and Clover Kids programs.
One thing you’d like to learn. I love to bake so I’m always up for trying a new recipe.
Favorite superhero/childhood toy: When I was young I had a stuffed Grover doll from Sesame Street that went everywhere with me. I still have him on a shelf in my house.
“When I was little I wanted to grow up and be _______” I have always loved animals and wanted to be a veterinarian.
Favorite music genre/movie/book: My book reading these days consists of children’s books with my kids. I am also a huge Zac Brown Band fan and love to attend Country Music concerts.
What is one thing you love that has nothing to do with work? Agriculture and raising livestock. We are a farming family. My husband and I started Iowa River Boers in 2017 and raise and sell Boer Goats for 4-H and FFA kids to show. I also spend a lot of time in the kitchen cooking or baking.
What makes you excited to be a part of AIM? I’m excited to foster new partnerships and collaborations between Muscainte organizations and School Districts. We all want what’s best for our kiddos and I believe the work AIM is doing definitely has that at the forefront.
Claudia Artola, Student Success Facilitator
What is your background? I am a junior at the University of Iowa, double majoring in Social Work and Political Science. I moved to Muscatine four years ago, and enrolled and graduated from Muscatine Community College. While getting my degree, I was also working at Iowa State Extension
and Outreach as a Latino Outreach Assistant. I am very passionate about making a difference in our community.
What is the goofiest/oddest thing you have had to do in your role? Nothing so far, we will have to see!
Favorite local place for takeout? Salvatore’s or Monica’s Taqueria.
Where do you volunteer? I volunteer at my local church.
One thing you’d like to learn. I would love to learn how to sew dresses!
Favorite superhero/childhood toy: Scarlet Witch from Marvel Cinematic Universe.
“When I was little I wanted to grow up and be _______” A pediatrician.
Favorite music genre/movie/book: My favorite book is Carrie by Stephen King.
What is one thing you love that has nothing to do with work? I love to be in musicals!
What makes you excited to be a part of AIM? I love to be able to make positive change in my community.
Michele Rhoades, Communications Manager
What is your background? I grew up in Blue Grass and after high school I spent 10 years being a mom and following my husband’s Air Force career around. We settled back into the area and after all my kids were in school, I went back to school for my Bachelors in Accounting. I worked in a
shared accounting position at United Way of Muscatine, Senior Resources, and MCSA. I eventually was hired into the accounting, marketing, & resource development role at United Way and transitioned into marketing and communications for United Way and Aligned Impact Muscatine. I live in Durant with my husband, daughter and son (during college breaks) and our other son, fiance, and our adorable granddaughter live a few blocks away.
Favorite local place for takeout? I love Butcher’s for a quick lunch to-go. Living in Durant, we don’t get delivery. During COVID, Arty’s (Wilton) would deliver to Durant and we quickly grew to love it!
Where do you volunteer? I currently volunteer with the Athletic Boosters at my kid’s school. In past years I’ve volunteered with the Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Durant Community Chest. I will find a new adventure after my youngest heads off to college next year!
“When I was little I wanted to grow up and be _______” A Kindergarten teacher
Favorite music genre/movie/book: I love a good scary movie.
What is one thing you love that has nothing to do with work? We love to camp and kayak. I’m also a big crafter. I sew, scrapbook, bead, macrame, and whatever else I feel the need to create!
What makes you excited to be a part of AIM? I’m really excited to dig deeper into learning more about what all AIM does. I have always had an overview of what AIM is, but behind the scenes, there’s a lot more to it!