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!

Heather Blackford

Marketing & Communications Director

Heather Blackford, Marketing & Communications Director

Heather comes to Dorothy’s House with a strong background in corporate sales and consulting, leadership development, and community service. She is a dedicated and results-driven professional currently pursuing her MBA at the Wisconsin School of Business. Heather graduated from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management with a degree in Marketing and Accounting and has spent her career in progressive sales and consulting roles, consistently exceeding goals while mentoring emerging talent. While she found success in the corporate world, her passion for serving others has always remained central to her journey. In addition to her professional career, Heather volunteers as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) in Polk County, advocating for children in the foster care system and walking alongside vulnerable youth with compassion and integrity. At Dorothy’s House, Heather is passionate about strengthening outreach, marketing, and community engagement efforts so that more women can find safety, hope, and restoration. She looks forward to serving the participants and team through strategic leadership, transparency, and a heart for justice.

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.

Kathy Bernreuter

Volunteer Coordinator

Kathy Bernreuter, Volunteer Coordinator

After obtaining a degree in applied mathematics from University of Michigan, Kathy worked for several years as a pension actuarial consultant in Chicago and attained her Fellowship of the Society of Actuaries. While living in the UK, she obtained a Certificate of Practical Horticulture from the English Gardening School and studied garden design at Oxford School of Garden Design. Upon her return to Chicago, she was assistant horticulturist at the Lurie Garden in Millennium Park and helped to develop the volunteer program. Kathy has volunteered in many gardens – including Chicago Botanic Garden, Shedd Aquarium and Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. In addition, she has volunteered extensively for non-garden organizations in a variety of roles including teaching ESL, tutoring math, leading public tours, supporting school and church organizations, and helping with volunteer management. Kathy recently completed a certificate in horticultural therapy from Horticultural Therapy Institute and is inspired by the use of plants in programming at Dorothy’s House. She is passionate about helping the volunteer experience be as rewarding as possible for both volunteers and the organizations who benefit from their generous donations of time and talent.