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OUR TEAM

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BRANDY YOUNG

Executive Director

The words of Isaiah 61 have long captivated Brandy’s heart: proclaiming the good news, binding up the broken hearted, and setting the captives free. She experienced God transform her own ashes into beauty, which fueled a passion to help others experience the same. Her path led her in and out of the corporate world, local ministries, and overseas missions, where she witnessed sex trafficking for the first time while serving in Thailand. She later came to see the issue in her own surrounding community and is inspired by the light Wings brings to the darkest situations. As a lifelong learner, she recently completed her Master of Arts in Christian Leadership and a certificate in Spiritual Direction through Sioux Falls Seminary. Brandy has three young adult step kids and a handy husband who happily builds whatever she dreams. She loves being outside, hiking with her adorable pup Stella, and waterskiing every chance she gets.

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DANA KING

Director of Operations

Dana comes to Wings from a long career in the corporate world, working in Human Resources.  Longing to do something different and dip her toes in a ministry role, Dana joined the team to put her HR skills to use for a different purpose. Supporting the staff at Wing for the purpose of one more girl - one step, one choice at a time.  Dana lives in Northwest Iowa with her husband Dave and has 2 adult daughters.  She loves being in the Rocky Mountains every chance she gets!  In her free time, she loves to hike, bike, cook and try new adventures.

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OPEN

Director of Residential Services

Position currently open

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ERIN GERMAN

Director of Finance

 Erin German has a heart for serving others and has given her time and talents to several faith-based ministries, providing hope and restoration. She learned about Wings from her church and is grateful her gifts of administration can be used in the finance area of the organization. She wholeheartedly believes in the mission of Wings and looks forward to helping grow the mission. Erin has 19 years of experience in banking and also worked at her local church as Finance Manager.  Erin resides in Ankeny with her husband and has three adult children.  She enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her dog.

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KAITLYN HANSEN

Office Manager

Kaitlyn learned about Wings while attending Iowa State and immediately fell in love with the mission and heart behind the organization. God opened her eyes while serving in East Asia, South America, and the U.S. to those who are hurting and the need to be a voice for the voiceless. She loves that she can be a part of something bigger where God is at work providing healing and hope in her community. When not at work you will find her reading books in her hammock, sitting around the firepit with her husband, or playing with her two bunnies.

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EMMA KOESTNER

Development Coordinator

In the spirit of Galatians 5:1, “For freedom we’ve been set free.” ‘Be free!’ Emma would say and she wholeheartedly means it! Emma came to Wings after spending several years working in overseas missions, advocating for anti-trafficking organizations. She was brought back to central Iowa for the mission of Wings of Refuge and has been honored to continue sharing freedom as the Lord has blessed her in three years on the Direct Care team before transitioning into her role as Development Coordinator. Emma’s hope in serving on the Wings Development team is that Jesus would be glorified and women’s stories of healing and hope magnified. When she is not connecting with our community, Emma loves spending time outside, daydreaming about her next travel adventures, and making delicious coffee (ideally all together at the same time!)

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SHELBY HENNAGER

Social Enterprise Coordinator

Shelby thinks Jesus said it pretty well in John 13:34 to "love one another", simply put! Whether it’s serving at a food bank, working a job, or interacting with our family and community, we are called to point others to the love of Jesus in everything we do. Shelby joined the Wings team excited to help participants gain a sense of freedom when it comes to work. She believes we have all been intentionally created to do great things and her hope is that the women leave the Social Enterprise ready to enter the secular workforce, feeling set up for success, and knowing that they are deeply loved wherever and in whatever they are doing.

In addition to those listed here, the ministry of Wings of Refuge would not be possible without the dedicated staff and volunteers who faithfully serve behind the scenes and in the residential homes to help make restoration possible. 

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