The last couple of months have brought new faces to the Iowa Department for the Blind’s (IDB) staff and seen two people transition to different positions in the organization.

Leslie Heinzler

Leslie Heinzler started with IDB on August 25, 2015 as Special Services Librarian for the Library. She will be working with cataloging, collection development, collection production management, and library outreach. Leslie comes to the Department with over 12 years of library experience.  She received a Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation from University of Iowa and a Masters of Arts in Library and Information Science from the University of Iowa.  Leslie served as the Director of Library and Tutoring at AIB College of Business in Des Moines.  She brings expertise in cataloging, collection development, library automation systems, instructional training, and a passion for serving people through libraries.

Sam Negron

Sam joined the IDB staff on September 14, 2015 and is the new Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor serving southwest Iowa. He recently earned his Master of Arts degree in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling from the University of Iowa. Sam’s introduction to the Department occurred when he completed his graduate school internship with IDB as a member of the VR team. Prior to his internship with IDB, he gained experience during practicums through the University of Iowa REACH Program and Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services where he worked with individuals to achieve their education and employment goals. He also worked at the Chicago Lighthouse as an adaptive technology helpdesk technician where he assisted individuals in resolving computer problems and developed and provided trainings on the use of assistive technology. Sam brings with him a desire to assist individuals with disabilities to reach their employment goals while building a sense of self-sufficiency and confidence.

Karly Prinds

Karly Prinds joined the Orientation Center team as the new home management instructor in September. Karly had been working as the  Independent Living instructor at Blind Industries and Services of Maryland  (BISOM) where she has incorporated the “Chop“ dessert cooking challenge based off the television show. Students created a dish from several ingredients they were given and competed in several different categories. She has also worked outside the blindness field as an office manager and as a loan manager. She is certified in Unified English Braille and loves planning activities to provide opportunities for students to challenge themselves and build their self-confidence. Karly grew up in the Kansas City area and is enjoying her return to the Midwest.

Al Bickell

Al Bickell began temporary, part-time employment in the Orientation Center on September 29, 2015. He is currently conducting the jobs class.  Al is a graduate of the Center and has worked at IDB previously. With a number of relationships in the business community, a background that includes running his own restaurant, and experience working in other fields, Al is excited to be part of the IDB team and an excellent fit for this teaching role.

Transitions

Eddie Culp became the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for central Iowa on August 14, 2015.

Shannon Myers became the Vocational Rehabilitation Employment Specialist for central Iowa on September 11, 2015.

Please join us in congratulating all in their new positions!