Our Staff
Carol Gebhart
Executive Director
Carol Gebhart was hired as Executive Director in November 2017. Carol has a BA in Elementary Education from the University of Iowa and a Master of Education in School Administration from Sam Houston State University. She taught in an inner city school in Houston, TX and was a private school administrator for 14 years. She was most recently the Director for the Office of Protection of Children for the Archdiocese of Dubuque. Carol’s professional career has focused on helping children and families. She is passionate about empowering women, and the health and wellness of women and children. Carol is a certified Health Coach who loves waterskiing, organic gardening, cooking, and hiking.
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 two children Paisley and Dawson.
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!
Lauren Krapfl
Case Manager
Lauren Krapfl is our emergency stay Case Manager position. Lauren joined the team as a field student in January 2021 during her senior year at Loras College. Shortly after, she was hired as a part-time program advocate where she remained until she received her Masters of Social Work from Clarke University in May 2023. Lauren was then promoted to full-time staff where she worked with all of the wonderful Opening Doors’ volunteers. Lauren loves the variation she encounters in her work. Whether it is being a part of residents’ growth in the program or bringing in volunteers to share in the mission of Opening Doors, there is always something new to bring joy to the day! She is very excited to continue her professional growth in her case management position. Lauren enjoys running and recently completed her first half marathon
Cassie Nelson
Case Manager
Cassie Nelson 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.
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, spending time with friends and family, cooking, painting and watching scary movies.
Part-Time Program Advocates
Abigail Riegler
Julie Fuller
Amanda Mata
Morgan McLaud
Kirsten Hogan
Sarah Kitch
Jaycee Page
Maria Greenwood
Khloe George
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.