Our Staff
Jessica Schlader
Executive Director
Jessica Schlader joined the Opening Doors team in November 2025. She brings more than a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising strategy, and community engagement. Passionate about advancing opportunities for women and children, Jessica is committed to leading with compassion and collaboration.
Her career has centered on building strong relationships, securing resources to strengthen programs, and championing missions that create meaningful change. Jessica holds a Master of Business Administration from Clarke University and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh. She is inspired by Opening Doors’ vision of a community where every woman and child has a safe place to call home and the support to thrive. Outside of work, Jessica enjoys being with her family, spending time outdoors, and reading.
Natalie Finley
Development & Marketing Director
Natalie Finley earned her Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Business Administration from the University of Dubuque. Her professional journey began in the corporate sector, where she excelled in various sales and marketing roles. However, her desire to give back to her community eventually led her to the nonprofit sector.
With a proven track record in developing and executing successful marketing campaigns, Natalie is dedicated to enhancing the visibility and impact of Opening Doors. She believes in the power of community connection and storytelling, and is passionate about sharing the inspiring stories of the individuals and families the organization serves.
In her spare time, Natalie enjoys exploring the scenic beauty of Dubuque through hiking or biking, spending time on the river, volunteering, and enjoying quality moments with her family and friends. She is excited to bring her expertise and enthusiasm to Opening Doors, helping create opportunities and transform lives within the Dubuque community.
Ashley Ehrlich
Program Director
Ashley Ehrlich joined our team in March of 2018. She was promoted to Program Director in December of 2022. She previously served as our Assistant Program Director. After receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in social work from Clarke University, Ashley worked as a social worker at the Hillcrest Residential Care Facility in Dubuque, where she worked with severely mentally ill adults. She enjoys spending time with her husband and three children Paisley and Dawson and Ruby.
Audrey Hinz
Assistant Program Director
Audrey Hinz is our Assistant Program Director. Born and raised in Dubuque, Audrey graduated from Loras College in the spring of 2021 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and Criminal Justice. She started as an intern in January 2021 and was hired in March of 2021 as Program Support Specialist followed by Case Manager. In previous college internships, she worked with survivors of domestic violence and juvenile delinquents. Her hobbies include doing yoga, playing tennis, hiking, baking and spending time with her rescue dog, Artie!
Cassie Lambert
Case Manager
Cassie Lambert is our Maria House Case Manager. She works with clients at Maria House and our permanent supportive housing at Francis Apartments. She graduated from Loras College in 2020 with a BASW and a minor in Psychology. Cassie and her fiancé and have five children, four boys and one girl. They enjoy staying active whether that be walking, biking, traveling, going to sporting events, visiting friends and relatives, or going to different parks or places for the kids to play.
Julie Fuller
Emergency Stay Case Manager
Julie Fuller earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Northern Iowa in 2020. She has a strong background in working with individuals affected by substance use disorder, previously serving at Pathways Behavioral Services Residential in Waterloo, Iowa.
After relocating to Dubuque, Julie joined Opening Doors in September 2023 as a Part-Time Program Advocate and was promoted to Emergency Stay Case Manager in October 2025. Julie believes deeply in the power of second, third, and even tenth chances—whatever it takes. She is passionate about helping others not only survive but thrive as they work toward becoming the best version of themselves.
In her free time, Julie enjoys expressing her creativity through art, painting, and drawing. She also loves learning new things through documentaries, reading, and trivia.
Shauna Peterson
Program Specialist & Volunteer Coordinator
With over 16 years of experience in teen, family, and community outreach, Shauna has dedicated her career to strengthening families and empowering individuals to thrive. Her extensive background as a former Youth Program Director and Young Adult Director equips her with a wealth of knowledge in volunteer coordination and community engagement.
Shauna’s passion for helping women, children, and families transform their lives perfectly aligns with the mission of Opening Doors: empowering women and children to achieve success in their personal and family lives while becoming active contributors to their communities.
In her new role, Shauna is excited to share the vision of Opening Doors with the community and inspire others to get involved in making a meaningful difference. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, writing songs, hosting game nights, reading, and cooking. Above all, she loves spending time with her husband and four children.
Erin Renner
Office Manager
Erin Renner graduated with a Bachelors in Accounting from St. Ambrose University in 2017. She received a Master of Business Administration from Clarke University in 2019. Erin worked in public accounting and tax for 5 years. Erin’s passion for helping people brought her to Opening Doors to take the jump into a new direction. During her free time, Erin enjoys coaching gymnastics, spending time with friends and family, cooking, painting and watching scary movies.
Part-Time Program Advocates
Abigail Riegler
Morgan McLaud
Maria Greenwood
Amanda Mata
Michelle Wilcox
Sarah Kitch
Stephanie Rohrssen
Jaycee Page
Taylor Bechen
Paige Wiese
Maintenance: Kent Schumacher
With the help of both the Teresa Shelter and Maria House I know I can do anything if I just stay positive and put my mind to it. With you having “Open Doors” there is hope for everyone who enters the programs.