SouthWest Iowa Families

Berneeta Criss Wagoner, LISW (Licensed Independent Social Worker), ACSW (Academy of Certified Social Workers), QCSW (Qualified Clinical Social Worker), DCSW (Diplomate in Clinical Social Work)

"Bernie" is the agency director. She has lived and worked in Southwest Iowa over 30 years. She is a clinical social worker with advanced credentials as a diplomat in clinical social work. Her experience includes work in substance abuse, child welfare, mental health services, as well as the schools. A farm wife who was raised on a farm in Nebraska, Bernie is sensitive to changing rural problems and issues. Practice in a rural area allows a professional and unique opportunity to serve individuals and the communities they live in. Bernie has been active in the local Human Service Council, the Child Abuse Council and Iowa NASW for many years. "A rural community is a great place to live and work. I would encourage other professionals to move away from urban areas to experience the opportunities of rural practice." Bernie has a particular interest in serving children and families. "We believe that every family wants to do the very best they can for their children and that with adequate resources and supports they will achieve a goal of helping their children achieve more or have better lives than they did." "It's a universal dream of parenthood." There is no better time than when a child is first born to intervene with young parents. This is why the Bright & Beautiful Beginnings project was begun five years ago.

Bernie serves an ongoing caseload of outpatient clients as well as serving as the agency director. In 1985, Bernie was recognized by Iowa as "Social Worker of the Year", being recognized for her work with families impacted by child abuse and domestic violence in rural Southwest Iowa. This priority for services continues as the Southwest Iowa Families hosts the Domestic Violence Task Force and is the provider for the Batterer's Education Program serving nine counties in Southwest Iowa.

Angie Lutt, Welcome Baby & Stork's Nest Coordinator

Angie visits newborns, coordinates the Stork's Nest program and other activities associated with Bright & Beautiful Beginnings. Angie brings a strong commitment to working with children and families of her home community.

Angie plans and schedules classes, volunteers, and tries to informally meet the needs of the families through referral and community outreach. The needs are many. Being creative and responsive to a changing rural community is a daily challenge.

Diane Gibson, Family Support Worker

Recently one of the young moms served by the intensive (clients are seen once or more weekly) home visiting service stated "I don't know how a mom could get by without a Family Support Worker!" Diane's usual work day includes visiting in homes in West Page and Fremont counties. In addition to bringing developmentally appropriate parenting curriculum, the Family Support Worker provides emotional supports, may assist the client in locating resources like rental assistance or food pantry and may assist with transportation to necessary appointments. The Family Support Worker makes sure that the family is linked with a medical provider. It is a program goal that every child we serve has a "medical home" being linked with a health care provider who is seeing the child regularly to address health care needs.

Family Support Workers become like a member of the family. A Family Support Worker's role begins either during pregnancy or within the first 90 days after the baby's birth and the family remains eligible for services until age five--when the child starts school. Diane says "I know I'll have tears and cry just like I did when my own children went off to school."

Gail Eitzen, Family Support Worker

Gail has been a Family Support Worker for five years. She visits homes of children 0-5 where circumstances suggest a parent may be an overburdened parent with numerous stressors associated with being a young parent in a difficult world.

"One thing I've learned from this job and the families I work with 'Whatever you give power to, it grows!'"

Gail brings an attitude of mature parenting to her families, actively advocates for them and their struggles while teaching parenting skills and how to negotiate the system. Many of the families we serve have lives touched by substance abuse. Gail encourages 12-Step recovery programs and actively assists people with dual disorder (mental health and substance abuse issues) in attending appointments and or staying on necessary medications.

Kathleen Keefer

Kathleen Keefer is the newest staff member. She is originally from New Jersey where she received her B.A. in Communications/Art and her M.A. in Counseling Psychology. Kathleen recently moved to Clarinda from Cincinnati, OH, with her husband, Bob.

Kathleen is supervising the HOPES, Welcome Baby and Stork's Nest program. She will also be providing Parent Education programs for Page and Fremont Counties. Kathleen has over 20 years experience working with families, especially families at risk of abuse of neglect.


Rob Hickman, LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor)

Rob has had a broad range of experiences. Over twelve years of working with children and youth, both as a Boy's and Girl's Town family teacher and a foster parent, as well as having two children of his own.

Rob does outpatient counseling and sees kids transitioning into adulthood through the statewide aftercare program. Rob is a member of the American Counseling Association and has completed mediation training.

Rob uses a broad range of counseling techniques including solution focused, client-centered, cognitive and behavioral therapies and has received recognition for his ability to integrate theology with the counseling experience. Rob especially enjoys working with couples and family relationships.

Sandy Geer, Office Manager

Sandy Geer is likely to be the first person encountered when a client contacts the agency. Sandy is knowledgeable about services and programs of the agency and will take preliminary information for services and as needed refer questions and problems to the appropriate staff for response. If she can't answer your question, she'll put you in touch with the person who can!

Sandy also handles accounts receivable and the general ledger. In addition, she assists with grant planning and management. She is committed to the essential and life changing services the agency offers. Sandy is new to Southwest Iowa having recently married a Clarinda native and moved here from Missouri.

Carol Bellairs, MA

Carol is the coordinator of the Incredible Years Dinosaur School. Carol has been in Clarinda since 1992. She has a variety of experiences with programs that serve children. She is an active volunteer in Community Theatre and a gifted vocalist. Carol’s dramatic experience brings a special depth to the characteristics for Dina and Wally, who are key players in the Dinosaur school program. Carol is a wife and a mother – she’s recently returned from a visit to Japan. She has been a host parent for Japanese students. She brings a rich array of experience to agency staff together with her dedication to the children of the community.