Kari Tietjen Email & Phone Number

United States

I am a Senior Systems Implementation Manager working with teams to develop implementation project plans, getting from contract signed to trained and using the system. I help translate what iCareManager can do to help the business and their needs and provide quality care for people with disabilities.iCareManager is an easy-to-use EHR software solution, created to empower providers of iDD, Assisted Living or Long-Term Care, and Case Management organizations. The team is comprised of motivated care-givers and engineers involved in a constant cycle of building solutions for the long-term-care.

Iowa

Iowa APSE is the Iowa state chapter of the Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE), a national organization committed to improving and expanding integrated employment opportunities, services, and outcomes for people experiencing disabilities. During my tenure, I was elected to the Iowa APSE Board of Directors, holding positions such as Past President and Marketing/Communications Committee Chair. I had previously served as Board President (2019-2021), President-Elect (2018-2019), Vice President (2017-2018), and Chapter Board Member.Some of my key accomplishments included:- Co-leading the design of the Annual Iowa APSE Conferences from 2017 to 2022, encompassing both in-person and virtual events. This included comprehensive event planning, metrics analysis, vendor coordination, entertainment management, and more.- Managing registration platforms, event apps, and communication suites for seamless event experiences.- Expanding Iowa APSE's presence on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, effectively amplifying the organization's outreach.- Overhauling the Iowa APSE webpage by redesigning a WordPress site and maintaining its content.- Designing visually engaging email newsletters and implementing strategies to cultivate a growing subscriber list.- Executing email campaigns using Constant Contact.

Des Moines Metropolitan Area

I provided social media and website support for CICIL's new Connection Center, which was launched in October 2022. Independent living centers like CICIL had a long history of supporting those with disabilities, with a focus on peer-provided support. My role involved assisting in the growth of the Connection Center through graphic creation, event sharing, website updates, and providing marketing metric tracking for the full-time CICIL staff. Additionally, I offered job coaching and consultation services directly to local employers and individuals with disabilities, focusing on CESP-related work.

Des Moines, Iowa Area

APSE is a national professional membership organization devoted to Employment First, the movement to deliver meaningful employment, fair wages, and career advancement for people with disabilities. Highly organized and responsive, I built lasting relationships and led three CESP committees from 2019-2021. Handling projects professionally, I collaborated with a volunteer Credentialing board and vendors. I contributed to webinars and conferences, including state and federal levels. I initiated 2020's CESP community conversations on inclusion work.My track record demonstrated quick action, composure with sensitive content, and top-tier quality while managing the certification life-cycle—eligibility, exam, and maintenance.My role showcased a rapid tech adaptation. At APSE, I swiftly transitioned the 2020 conference to virtual within weeks, becoming the go-to person for its implementation, serving 600-700 attendees. This success led to ongoing accessible hybrid and tech-forward events.With marketing and tech skills, I managed APSE's social media, website, and emails for 2.5 years, boosting metrics on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and the website.

Candeo’s (candeoiowa.org) employment team works with local employers to bridge the gap of understanding, while providing a viable pool of employees. Employers who hire via Candeo’s employment services learn about various disabilities and how to successfully supervise people with disabilities. If necessary, they may receive assistance with job accommodations and job coaching.My duties:- Led a team of 3-7 professionals who supported adults with disabilities find and maintain paid jobs - Supported departmental hiring, training and accountability of staff - Evaluated services for both financial sustainability and positive outcomes- Built and maintained partnerships with collaborating social service organizations- Helped with the outlining and execution of our program's strategic vision- Worked with individuals with disabilities in a 1:1 setting to determine interests and create customized employment opportunities with local businesses - Helped develop and implement two new programs within our organization including customized employment and career exploration services

Des Moines, Iowa Area

- Helped 35 adults with disabilities to find jobs at local businesses that were tailored to their skills and business needs- Discovered client skill sets, support needs, and employment preferences- Created positive employment profiles for each job seeker that outlined their employment desires - Met with businesses to determine workflow changes that could result in part- and full-time employment opportunities- Developed and implemented training for fellow Employment Specialists- Tracked funding for each job seeker to ensure services were provided in a financially sustainable, quality-oriented way- Met with advocacy teams and communicated potential opportunities to provide education and career counseling

Ames, Ia

The Program for Women in Science and Engineering at Iowa State University enhances STEM experiences for women by advocating for diversity and inclusion.- Grew learning community program by 50 participants over 2-year span, including age and background-diverse women in STEM fields- Coordinated and implemented professional development opportunities for 200+ annual program participants- Recruited, hired, trained, and supervised three peer mentors for sophomore and transfer learning communities- Developed professional relationships with businesses to provide financial support to the program- Wrote programmatic learning outcomes to guide peer mentors and students in career and leadership-based activities, including a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion- Redesigned curriculum for and instructed courses on professional development and leadership for STEM students- Set up qualitative and quantitative assessments to measure program and learning outcomes over 2 years, resulting in publication in the journal New Directions for Student Services

- Supervised two undergraduate site leaders- Selected 17 participants through the application and interview process- Led pre-trip educational meetings with the group about location and prevalent issues- Assisted in planning of logistics for the five-day trip- Led discussion with participants to reflect on experiences and build community among members - Participated in community service work with the students in Indianapolis

Masters Of Education, Student Affairs

B.A., History, International Relations

Magna Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa