Meet Our Team

Dorothy’s House could not continue without the thoughtful leadership of our board of directors and the dedication of our staff — the unsung heroes of our work.

Our Staff

Founder

Kellie Markey, Founder

After years in a successful marketing career that took her across the globe, Kellie decided it was time to settle back into her hometown of Des Moines, where she began flipping houses for income. She leaned into volunteerism as a way to reconnect with the community and make friends.

While volunteering with teen girls at Y.E.S.S., Kellie was shocked by the nature and severity of abuse the children in our community endure. She was inspired to become a foster parent. It wasn’t long before her worlds merged: she discovered the home that would become Dorothy’s House.

She purchased the home, the adjacent home and the empty lot between the two. She immediately began working on the properties and found a groundswell of support in the community. The homes opened in January 2016 as a “safe place for the practice of life for those whose lives have been interrupted by human trafficking, exploitation and prostitution.”

Aimee McDonald

Executive Director

Aimee McDonald, Executive Director

Aimee McDonald serves as the Executive Director of DH, having stepped into the role in January 2025. She originally joined the organization in 2021 as Director of Operations, bringing with her over 14 years of leadership experience in the human services field. Prior to joining DH, Aimee spent a decade working closely with individuals experiencing homelessness, where she developed a deep and lasting commitment to serving vulnerable populations—especially women.

Drawn to DH’s mission and impact, Aimee found a strong alignment with her own values and professional goals. During her 3.5-year tenure in operations at DH, she played a pivotal role in strengthening internal systems, fostering organizational sustainability, and advancing strategic initiatives. Her thoughtful leadership and deep understanding of the work positioned her to seamlessly transition into the Executive Director role following the departure of DH’s founder, Kellie.

Today, Aimee leads DH with integrity, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to empowering the women the organization serves.

Heather Weppler

Program Director

Heather Weppler, Program Director

Heather comes to Dorothy’s House with a strong background in education and administration experience. She is a dedicated and accomplished professional who is new to the nonprofit and human services environment serving as the Program Director. Heather graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a degree in Elementary and Middle Level Education, however, she discovered a passion for the dynamic and multifaceted nature of office environments, prompting successful transition to Administration roles. She brings a wealth of experience to her role, most recently with 10 years in Administration between Hyperion Field Club and Glen Oaks Country Club. Heather looks forward to how she can be of service to the participants as well as the team through leadership and strong values!

Liz Breen

Licensed Clinical Therapist

Liz Breen, Licensed Clinical Therapist

Liz joined the Dorothy’s House team in December 2025 as the resident clinical therapist, bringing more than a decade of experience in community mental health and a deep commitment to walking alongside individuals in their most vulnerable moments. She was drawn to Dorothy’s House for its whole-person, trauma-informed approach and its unwavering dedication to creating a space of safety, dignity, and healing for survivors.

Liz earned her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Northern Iowa and her Master’s degree in Social Work from St. Ambrose University in 2014. Her clinical work integrates a range of evidence-based modalities, with a focus on complex trauma and psychosis, always tailored to meet each person where they are.

At the heart of Liz’s work is the belief that healing begins with authentic human connection. She is passionate about creating a therapeutic space where individuals feel seen, heard, and empowered to reclaim their voice and their story. Her advocacy extends beyond the therapy room, with a strong commitment to underserved and underrepresented communities.

Jenn Boccella

Community Engagement Director

Jenn Boccella, Community Engagement Director

Jenn joined Dorothy’s House in June 2025 as a Care Coach for the Recovery House. Prior to joining the organization, she spent a decade in full-time college ministry and seven years in marketing and advertising. Throughout her career, Jenn has been driven by a passion for helping people feel seen, heard, and valued, believing that every person has a story worth telling.

Her work as a Care Coach deepened both her commitment to serving vulnerable populations and her understanding of the unique challenges and strengths of the women Dorothy’s House serves. Through building meaningful relationships with participants, Jenn developed a deep appreciation for the organization’s mission and the transformative impact of survivor-centered support.

In June 2026, Jenn transitioned into the role of Community Engagement Director, where she combines her background in relationship-building, communications, and storytelling to expand awareness of Dorothy’s House and strengthen connections throughout the community. She is passionate about empowering survivors, cultivating meaningful partnerships, and sharing stories that inspire hope, understanding, and action.

Lisa Donahue

Curriculum Coach

Lisa Donahue, Curriculum Coach

After hearing a podcast interview of Rebecca Bender, a women who survived human trafficking and began an organization to help others in similar circumstances, I was captivated. I read her book and started looking for local safe houses to volunteer at. I wasn’t anticipating a career path change as my education is in pharmacy but when I saw Dorothy’s house was hiring and changes were occurring at my current job, I jumped at the opportunity to include both in my future. I love my time at Dorothy’s house and find many similarities to being a foster parent which I have been doing for 9 years. My passion is to give back, encourage healing and inspire more of the same.