Founder, Neighbors Programming Director

Steph is a founder of Neighbors and oversees all of Neighbors programming. Steph directs all high school programming, Neighbors Greek, mentor care, College and Young Adult programming, and service opportunities.

Founder, College Programming Coordinator

James is a founder of Neighbors and assists in coordinating our College and Young Adult programming. James and Steph are married and have 3 young children. James also serves as the Sanctuary Church Worship Director and is a local musician.

Board President, Learning & Development Director

Ellie oversees Neighbors learning and development opportunities. Ellie serves as the President of the Neighbors Board of Directors. Ellie also works at City High School as an Engagement Intervention Specialist. Ellie and her husband JJ have 2 teenagers and a dog named Nike.

Programming Assistant

Eva is a former Neighbors College Intern and Neighbors Greek founder. Eva attends all weekly evening programming events,

Neighbors Board of Directors

Professor of Economics and Business at Cornell College in Mount Vernon.

Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, Santhi has lived and worked in the Iowa City area since 1992. Since completing her PhD in economics, she has taught at multiple institutions, spending the last 15 years at Cornell College. Santhi is committed to serving young adults through education, mentorship, and advising. With husband Sriram, Santhi is blessed to be the parent of two adultish people and one childish, wet-nosed giant named Cashew.

Neighbors Board Member

President & Owner of Bedrock Builders, Certified Public Accountant

Alex is an Iowa City native who began his career in public accounting. He is a Certified Public Accountant and has an MBA from Saint Louis University. He is now the Vice President and Project Manger of Bedrock Builders, a premier custom home builder in Iowa City. He spends his spare time playing soccer, tackling woodworking projects, and with his wife Shannon and their four kids.

Neighbors Board Member

Director of Population Health & ACO Operations, UI Health Care

Kate is responsible for developing and driving forward value-based strategy for the UI Health Care enterprise. Kate focuses on understanding the policy, economic, and social landscapes that impact health, and works to reduce health disparities through collaboration, advocacy, and policy. Kate and her wife Katie have a bustling, blended family in Iowa City. They enjoy traveling, great food, and watching women's sports.

Neighbors Board Member

Associate Professor, University of Iowa

Chris works at the University of Iowa with a dual appointment teaching dance theory and practice as well as gender, women's and sexuality studies. Both disciplines have afforded him extensive travel and experiences from King's College London to Yale to New York University's Center for Ballet. Chris's work is deeply rooted in spirituality and embodiment. He draws from his background in theology and corporeality to question social inequity and injustice. He enjoys riding his one-wheel around town and meeting with friends anytime, anywhere.

Neighbors Board Member

Licensed Master Social Worker, Therapist at Green Counseling Service 

Originally from Sudan, Omnia has resided in Iowa with her family since 2000. Obtaining her Master’s in Social Work from Washington University Brown School of Social Work in 2021, she now offers a compassionate and nonjudgmental environment for individuals seeking therapy for OCD and other diagnoses. Throughout her adolescence, Omnia was actively involved in youth groups, later serving as a mentor in college. Omnia lives in West Branch with her husband, Nick, and their cattle dog, Rue.

Neighbors Board Member

VP & General Counsel at RC Family Farms, Inc.

Megan, along with her husband Ben and two teenagers, is a long time Iowa City resident. She has a law degree and a Master of Business Administration, both from the University of Iowa. Megan is the vice president and general counsel for an agricultural business located in her hometown of Orange City. Her work for the company involves the operations and finance side of the business. In addition to Neighbors, Megan also serves on the boards of directors for Sanctuary Community Church and ACLU of Iowa.

Neighbors College Events & Media Intern

UIOWA Sophomore

Our college intern Ellie is from Batavia, Illinois and a sophomore at the University of Iowa studying political science. Ellie got involved in Neighbors through bible studies and joined us Fall 2025 as a Event and Media Intern. “I love working with Neighbors because it adds an extra community within the community and allows me to make a positive impact.”