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About Us

Aging can feel overwhelming.

We’re here to help.

For more than 50 years, Heritage Area Agency on Aging has walked alongside older Iowans and caregivers—helping people age with dignity, independence, and choice.

Whether you’re searching for resources or simply have a quick question, we can connect you with:

  • Experienced case workers
  • Nutrition and wellness programs
  • In-home care and senior living
  • Transportation services
  • Community and social activities

Our team includes caregivers, aging adults, and professionals who understand the path—because they’ve walked it, too. We’re not just a resource. We’re your advocate.

Call Today: 319.398.5559

Serving East-Central Iowa Since 1971

Heritage serves Benton, Cedar, Iowa, Johnson, Jones, Linn, and Washington counties.

We’re a proud member of USAging, a non-profit organization representing more than 600 Area Agencies on Aging and Title VI Native American Aging Programs nationwide.

What Guides Our Work

Our Mission

To provide leadership, advocacy, and innovative services that improve the quality of life for older Iowans, individuals with disabilities, and family caregivers.

Our Vision

We envision communities where optimal aging happens—where aging is honored, supported, and celebrated.

View Area Plan on AgingCall Today: 319.398.5559

Funded by Trust

and Community

We are a non-profit agency supported by:

  • The Older Americans Act
  • Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
  • Older Iowans Fund endowment
  • Grants and special programs
  • Donations from individuals, businesses, and community partners

Our Team

Barbara Werning

Executive Director

Kellie Elliott-Kapparos

Integrated Services Director

Jenn Knudtson

Fiscal Director

Jill Sindt

Community Advancement Director

Bryan Bruner

Health & Wellness Coordinator

Drew Floyd

Elder Rights Specialist

Tim Getty

Regional Nutrition Coordinator

Kimi Hambright

IRTC/Options Counselor Coordinator

Miranda Kasemeier

Options Counselor

Shannon Kiekhoefer

Options Counselor

Laura Kriegermeier

Elder Rights Coordinator

Mandy Leemhuis

Elder Rights Specialist/​Case Manager

Harrison March

Community Engagement Coordinator

Uriel Moorer

Elder Rights Specialist

Jennifer Sloan

Finance Coordinator

Ann Neville

Case Manager

Julie Roman

Nutrition Program Coordinator

Madalyn Schiffer

Information Specialist/​Options Counselor

Anna Slife

Nutrition Services Coordinator

Jennifer Walker

Information, Referral & Assistance Specialist

Angela Wright

Options Counselor

Denise Babcock

Operations Coordinator

Janice Coleman

Data Project Specialist

Keith Stamp, Chair

Kirkwood Community College
Board of Trustees

Sister Susan O’Connor, Vice-Chair

At-Large
Mercy Medical Center

Scott Olson, Treasurer

At-Large
Cedar Rapids City Council

Karen Huber, Secretary

At-Large
Home Instead

Sarah Wagner

Benton County designee
Benton County Social Services

Bruce Barnhart

Cedar County designee
Board of Supervisors

Chris Montross

Iowa County designee
Board of Supervisors

Mandi Remington

Johnson County designee
Board of Supervisors

Jon Zirkelbach

Jones County designee
Board of Supervisors

David Thielen

Linn County designee
Linn County Community Services

Karri Fisher

Washington County designee
Washington County Public Health

Peggy Doerge

At-Large
Kirkwood Board of Trustees

BJ Dvorak

At-Large
Linn County Emergency Management Agency

Jessica Fairbanks

At-Large
Right Dose Pharmacy

Dusti Winkie

At-Large
Wallace & Beverly Winkie Foundation

Evans Waller

Advisory Council Representative
Cedar County

Larry Kudej

Board Advisor
AARP Iowa State President

What is an Advisory Council?

Area Agencies on Aging across the country utilize the expertise and advice of volunteers on their Advisory Councils. Heritage’s Advisory Council is made up of older adults, service providers, and other insightful members from across the region. The group has five key focuses: Advocacy, Planning, Communications, Resource Development, and Education.

Kay Fisk

Linn County

Shirley Geadelmann

Cedar County

Marianne Hanshaw

Washington County

Judi Hertle

Benton County

Don Kline

Washington County

Larry Kudej

Johnson County

Rep. Art Staed

Elected Official

Lisa Tallman

Jones County

Evans Waller

Cedar County

Join Our Team

No current openings

Contact Us

Our Hours

Monday–Friday
8:00am–4:30pm

Appointments are encouraged. 

Call Us

Main Office: 319.398.5559
Toll-Free: 1.800.332.5934

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