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:

• 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.

• 'Tis the Season of Giving

  To fulfill someone's holiday wish may not seem like much sometimes, but for someone who may not otherwise receive a gift, it's everything. That single gift lets them know that someone in the community is thinking about them. And honestly, is there any better feeling than giving the exact gift on someone's list and making their day?

• Thank You For Helping Fulfill Over 270 Needs!

  There is no better way to celebrate the holidays than by giving to others. The feeling you get when watching someone open the perfect gift you found or knowing you gave a gift to someone who wouldn't normally receive one is heartwarming and hard to match.

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