Dr. Joseph Massa, Executive Director
Dr. Joseph Massa is the Executive Director of Successful Living. His extensive experience includes directing clinical behavioral health for a major hospital system and managing nonprofit social service foundations. He holds a doctorate in clinical psychology and has taught and completed research studies for colleges and universities. His research interests include community-based social service programming, the intersection of religion and psychotherapy in the treatment of individuals living with chronic and serious mental illness, and methodologies in suicide prevention. He joined Successful Living in 2022 as the Director of Programs. Joseph is active in faith-based organizations, serves as a chaplain and is a member of the Iowa City Library Board of Trustees. He enjoys hiking, camping, boating, and spending time with his family.
Ellen Franklin, Director of Programs
Ellen Franklin is an Iowa native. She grew up in Ames and attended Iowa State, where she majored in mathematics and French. Ellen earned master’s degrees in Curriculum and Supervision, Business Administration, and Medical Education through Iowa State and the University of Iowa. Throughout her professional career, Ellen has taught secondary math, coached youth sports, and served as a program director at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. Ellen enjoys learning and has recently focused on the topics of Sportsmanship Behaviors, Leadership, Professionalism, Effective Communication, and beginning Spanish. In her free time, Ellen enjoys spending time with family and being active; her latest pursuits are rucking, biking, and boxing.
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.
Douglas Krough, IPR Director
Doug graduated from the University of Iowa, which he attended after her graduated high school at 15 years old. Doug has worked with Successful Living since 2022 and has experienced at least limited time working in all four programs at Successful Living. Doug is passionate about ensuring that our clients have the support to realize their potential and to accomplish major life goals. Doug enjoys playing video games, watching auto racing, and playing pickleball in his free time.
Rose Olson, Day Hab Manager
Information coming soon
Shahd Taha, Outreach Director
Shahd is an accomplished leader with an MBA in Business Analytics and over 12 years of experience in administrative, HR, and project management, primarily within healthcare, non-profit, and higher education sectors. Known for her dedication, Shahd has a proven track record in leading cross-functional teams, optimizing processes, and delivering complex projects that align with organizational goals. She is recognized for her ability to enhance operational efficiency and patient care, particularly in clinical trials and emergency medicine. Outside of work, Shahd enjoys swimming, traveling with her family, meeting new people, and learning about different countries and cultures—balancing her professional achievements with a passion for adventure, connection, and cultural exploration.
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.
Erica Chambers, HR Director
Originally from Wichita, KS, Erica moved to Iowa in 2022, and joined Successful Living in 2023. Erica has over 15 years of experience in customer service-centric roles where she learned the importance of communication and collaboration. Outside of her time spent at Successful Living, Erica enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, hiking in Colorado, and traveling.
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.
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.
Alisha Pearson, Quality Assurance Coordinator
Alisha has been part of the Successful Living team since 2016. She started out in our Housing program but also worked in Outreach before transitioning to Quality Assurance in 2024. Alisha originally intended to work in the medical field but upon taking a job as a direct service provider for individuals with intellectual disabilities, she discovered her true passion: helping people through advocacy and the right to meaningful community integration and lives. The mental health diagnosis of a close family member drove her to grow her understanding of individuals on a mental health recovery journey, which led her to Successful Living.
Amanda Babcock, IT Coordinator
Amanda graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts in 2008. She has been with Successful Living since 2010 and is responsible for the management of the agency's billing and technology. In her spare time, Amanda enjoys running, baking, and spending time with her family.
Catherine Bettag, Director of Development
Catherine Bettag joined Successful Living’s leadership team in 2024 as Director of Development. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Saint Ambrose University in Secondary English Education. She previously worked as an English teacher, Speech and Drama coach, and spent a few years in furniture sales. Through those experiences, she realized a deep love for connecting with and helping others. She also brings experience in fundraising and event planning to our organization. In her free time, Catherine enjoys decorating, traveling, taking leisurely walks, and spending time with her partner and their three cats.
