Roger Goedken, Executive Director
Executive Director for Successful Living since 2011, Roger has worked in the human services field for over 30 years. Having worked in many differing roles with many varied populations, each with unique challenges and rewards, Roger and Successful Living focus their mission and passion on improving the lives of adults having a chronic mental illness (CMI), many who have co-occurring disorders and other significant challenges. People like you and me, just with the added barrier of having a mental illness.
Roger has served on served on a number of Boards and committees including the SEATS Para-transit Advisory Board; East Central Region Learning Community Steering Committee; Iowa Association of Community Providers Education and Training Committee and the Johnson County Case Management Advisory Board to name a few. Hobbies include taming the small herd of pets including one dog and five cats, riding motorcycles and tackling light handyman jobs.
Joseph Massa, Director of Programs
Joseph holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology. He started his career as a Mental Health Counselor before directing clinical behavioral services for a hospital. His work in nonprofit management includes working as Executive Director for a veteran's medical research organization at a large VA medical center and as Executive Director for a nationwide agency dedicated to housing, outreach, and adoption services for homeless and abused children and teens. Joseph has also taught Psychology and Sociology courses at the university level. His academic interests include community mental health services programming, LGBTQ mental health issues, and psychotherapy methodology for clients experiencing PTSD.
Joseph joined Successful Living in 2022 where he directs programs for Outreach, Housing, Day Habilitation, and Intensive Psychiatric Rehabilitation. His hobbies include boating, exercise, writing, and painting.
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Kevin Sanders, Housing Director
In 2016, Kevin Sanders joined the Successful Living Team. Kevin is a graduate from the University of Iowa. He has extensive experience empowering the youth in Iowa City with his expertise and training in social services. Kevin has a passion for providing quality services for residents who are currently living in the Habilitation Homes at Successful Living.
In 2021, Kevin was promoted to lead the Successful Living Housing Program. His leadership skills and professional service are being applied in his new role as Housing Director. Kevin's leadership and advocacy work in Iowa City was recognized by the Human Rights Commission in 2018 and 2019. Kevin serves as the President of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in Iowa City. He serves as Director of Education for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Above is a short list of his accomplishments and leadership activities in the community.
Brett Borden, Outreach Coordinator
Brett is thrilled to join the leadership team at Successful Living. Brett has lived in the Iowa City area for 12 years and been in human services for 10. He is originally from southwest Iowa and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education from Northwest Missouri State University. Brett loves helping people and pushing them towards their full potential. Brett enjoys reading and doing theater in his spare time.
Amber Armstrong, Intake Coordinator
As Intake Coordinator for Successful Living, Amber directs the multifaceted process of placing new clients into all our programs. Amber has worked for Successful Living since 2015 as an Outreach Counselor. She brings experience in organization, collaborating with area case managers, interviewing clients, and having a broad knowledge of community resources to the intake process. When not at Successful Living, Amber is a strong advocate for schools, and enjoys spending time with her husband and children.
Jeff Rogers, Human Resources Director
Director of Human Resources since 2021, Jeff has worked in the Human Resources field for over 15 years in different roles with various projects and a multifaceted range of employees. He finds his work rewarding because he is able to help an organization grow and strengthen policies and procedures for its employees.
Jeff received his undergraduate degree in computer science and his master's degree in human resource management from Devry and the Keller School of Management. Jeff is also a huge dog lover and has been helping rescue dogs for many years.
Ashley Gillette, Finance Director
Ashley started working for Successful Living in 2014 as an Outreach Counselor and became the Medication Administrator less than a year later. Her love for numbers and her past accounting experience encouraged her to take on the role of the Accountant/Financial Manager for the agency in 2016.
