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.

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 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 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 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.

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 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.