PRESS RELEASE: IOWA LAKES BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING HIGHLIGHTS MASSAGE THERAPY PROGRAM, RSVP GROWTH AND COMMUNITY IMPACT
Spencer, Iowa — The Iowa Lakes Community College Board of Trustees held its regular monthly meeting Tuesday, June 16, at the Spencer Campus.
The Board received the Iowa Lakes Report from Kyle Norris, vice president of academic affairs, who introduced the college’s Massage Therapy program and highlighted recent enhancements that are increasing accessibility and convenience for both students and community members.
Norris introduced Heather Morey, coordinator and instructor of the Massage Therapy program. Morey is a graduate of Iowa Lakes Community College, where she earned both her Massage Therapy Diploma and Associate of Arts degree before completing a bachelor’s degree in Integrative Health and Personal Development. She brings more than 30 years of experience in cosmetology and 12 years as a licensed massage therapist to the classroom.
Morey shared updates on the program’s curriculum, student success and flexible scheduling options. Designed to meet Iowa Board of Massage Therapy and National Certification Board standards, the program prepares students for licensure and careers in healthcare, wellness centers, chiropractic offices, spas, sports medicine and private practice.
To better serve today’s students, Iowa Lakes now offers part-time and online learning options, allowing students to balance family, work and educational commitments while pursuing a career in massage therapy.
Morey also highlighted the launch of a new online scheduling system for the program’s massage clinics. The system streamlines appointment scheduling for community members while providing students with valuable hands-on clinical experience as part of their education.
Several students shared their experiences in the program.
“The flexibility of the program has allowed me to pursue a career I am passionate about while balancing my personal responsibilities,” said Stephanie Holliman. “The support and encouragement from Heather have helped me build confidence both in the classroom and in the clinic.”
“I was looking for a program that was affordable, close to home and provided hands-on experience,” said Chelsea McAninch. “Iowa Lakes has given me the skills and opportunities I need to be successful in this profession.”
Emma Baartman, a participant in Iowa Lakes’ SAVE program and a student in the part-time Massage Therapy pathway, shared how the program has helped her continue her education while remaining in the workforce.
“The part-time option has made it possible for me to continue working while earning credentials that will help me achieve my long-term goals,” Baartman said. “The support I’ve received has made this opportunity possible.”
The Board also received an update from Mari Duncan, director of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), highlighting significant growth in volunteer engagement and community impact across northwest Iowa.
Since September 2025, RSVP has doubled its active volunteer base in Spencer from 39 volunteers to 78 volunteers, with additional volunteers expected to join the program in the coming weeks.
Volunteer service hours continue to rise as well. During calendar year 2025, Clay County volunteers contributed 1,354 hours of service. Through May 2026, volunteers have already logged more than 1,426 hours, surpassing the previous year’s total.
Duncan reported that RSVP volunteers contributed more than 34,000 hours of service during the 2025-26 grant year. Using the national value of volunteer service, those hours represent more than $1 million in economic impact returned to local communities.
“Our volunteers continue to make an incredible difference throughout northwest Iowa,” Duncan said. “Whether they are supporting community organizations, assisting during emergencies, mentoring others or simply helping reduce social isolation, their service strengthens the communities we all call home.”
Duncan also shared updates on RSVP’s involvement in emergency preparedness and disaster recovery efforts. Through partnerships with Volunteer Iowa, local emergency management agencies and regional recovery organizations, RSVP volunteers are becoming increasingly engaged in supporting communities during times of crisis.
Additionally, Duncan highlighted efforts to address loneliness and isolation among older adults, including collaborative volunteer and student engagement activities designed to foster meaningful connections and improve overall well-being.
In other business, the Board reviewed personnel items and received monthly financial and administrative updates.
The next regular meeting of the Iowa Lakes Community College Board of Trustees is scheduled for Tuesday, July 15, 2026, on the Algona Campus of Iowa Lakes Community College.
For more information, visit iowalakes.edu.