Katie Slade

As the Executive Director of Exceptional Persons, Inc. (EPI), Katie believes in EPI's vision of - working together we will realize a future where all people are recognized and valued – encouraged and supported to live, work, and grow – in their communities. At EPI we place fundamental importance upon the values of self-direction, community membership, meaningful choice, quality, customer satisfaction, collaboration and stewardship.

Blog posts by this Author:

• Thankful for Your Feedback

  I was so pleased to see your overall satisfaction increased to 4.19 (on a 5 point scale). We also ask the people we serve directly (via interviews by staff that are not involved in their services), and they too gave us an overall satisfaction rating of 4.20.

• Hope is Rising

  Recently, I came across a presentation that really resonated with me. The presentation included research on the science of hope. The premise included the notion that adversity robs us of our capacity for hope. And, as it turns out, thousands of published studies have identified hope as the single best predictor of wellbeing across ones' lifespan.

• Here's What's Happening at EPI

  While we still have work to do, we're making some great progress. We're happy to share our early indicators are very promising. We've been able to reduce our DSP vacancy rate by half and holding steady. We'll continue to do everything in our power to retain our incredibly talented workforce.

• Asking our Legislators to Close the Gap

  Together we make one ask - for additional state financial support to close the gap between DSPs and other entry-level jobs in order to attract and maintain quality DSPs.

• A Message from Katie Slade, Interim Executive Director

  Greetings! I wanted to share with you some of the "Bright Spots" I'm seeing here at EPI within my time as the Interim Executive Director.

• EPI's Longest Serving Employee Retires

  Our longest serving employee retires after 44 years. Being curious how things have changed and how things have stayed the same, we sat down with Lin to find out.

• Taking Your Feedback to Heart

  You are an important person in the life of someone we serve. That's why we ask for your feedback on a regular basis to see how we're doing.

• 'Every DSP has a Purpose': Quarantine with Persons Served

  “Every DSP has a purpose, a calling to do something to make a difference in the world, but some of us go through times that redefine our lives and our abilities to go much further than we ever thought possible and come out on the other side stronger for it. I would do it all over again if needed.”

• What to Expect From EPI as Communities Open

  As our communities continue to lift restrictions, we want to let you know how EPI is responding. We continue prioritizing the health of the persons we serve, our families, and our workforce.

• EPI's Day Habilitation Program Collaborates with Cedar Valley Trails

  EPI's Day Habilitation program is partnering with Waterloo Leisure Services staff and Cedar Trails Partnership to keep Cedar Valley trails maintained for the community to enjoy.

• Walk-in & Interview With Us April 30

  What's a walk-in interview, you ask? It's a little like speed dating - we'll each get a good idea if this working relationship will be a good fit. Unlike speed dating, we'll spring for lunch. Want some more tips? We sat down with our HR Specialist (aka recruiter-extraordinaire) to get answers to your most frequently asked questions.

• More Than You See 2018 - Oh, What a Night!

  Our 5th annual More Than You See was a huge success! We are so grateful to everyone who joined us for a wonderful night to support a very important cause. More Than You See was created to raise awareness that all people are more than what meets the eye. The event's purpose is to celebrate the value persons of all abilities contribute and for everyone to come together to be entertained – and that's just what we did.

• Do you have "stuff" to donate?

  Spring is in the air and, if you're anything like me, that means it's time clean out the closets and other areas of the house to get rid of the things we don't need! It feels so good to fill bags of items we no longer have a need for, and it feels even better to donate them to benefit people in need. That's where EPI comes in!

• More Than You See 2018 - discounted tickets available now!

  EPI's 5th annual More Than You See is right around the corner! This year's dueling pianos, silent auction fundraising event is scheduled for April 6, 2018 at the Hilton Garden Inn Cedar Falls.

• Year End Giving - There is Still Time!

  As 2017 draws to a close, we at Exceptional Persons, Inc. (EPI) are taking time to reflect on all we have been able to accomplish this year along with the help of our great community. We have been blessed by so many who faithfully give and allow us to serve those who are in need.

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