Matt Cahoy BHIS Coordinator
Matt grew up in rural Northeast Iowa on his family farm and is a life long Iowan. In his free time he enjoys cooking with his family and shooting baskets with his much taller nephew as well as many hobbies including golfing, competing in combat robotics, reading, watching sports and movies.
In 2011 Matt earned his BA from Upper Iowa University just down the road from where he grew up.
In addition to his work for the GCMAC he continues to help run a small not for profit movie theater in his home town. Matt got involved in the mental health and BHIS fields to help with those needs in the community he loves.
Matt is available to see clients in the Marengo Office, and also see clients in local school districts near Marengo.
Cora Van De Walle BHIS
About Cora
Cora grew up in Chelsea, IA on a farm in a big family. Growing up with a big family she understands just how impactful family life can be on development. She spent her years playing sports and messing around outside on the farm. She has always had a passion for caring for people and wanting to help make a positive impact on people's lives. Babysitting throughout her years made her realize she loved working with kids, which led her to pursuing her BA in Psychology at Loras College that she earned in May 2023. While full-time in college, Cora worked two jobs, at Hy-vee and an after school program at a local Dubuque school, as well as camp counselor in the summer. So she knows what hard work is and the care it takes to work with children. When Cora is not working she loves to do a little research, weight lifting, and escapes into nature anytime she can.
Availability
Cora is available to see new clients in Marshalltown and the surrounding areas.
Baylee Goodwin BHIS
About Baylee
Baylee grew up just outside of Kalona, Iowa. Baylee spent most of her childhood playing outdoors with her siblings. She now enjoys spending time with her family, snuggling her dogs, cooking, crafting, and spending time outdoors. From a young age, Baylee knew she wanted to work with children and had a passion for helping others. She has spent many years working in childcare and adult care centers. Baylee earned her Bachelor’s in Psychology from Coe College in Cedar Rapids. Her education and background of working with children has led her to her current role as a BHIS Counselor with Grace C. Mae Advocate Center. She is excited to be able to impact children’s lives in a meaningful way, assist in promoting growth within individuals, and having the opportunity to support the community she grew up in.
Availability
Baylee is available to see clients in the Washington Office as well as in school districts nearby.
Kara Wade BHIS
About Kara
Kara grew up in Winfield, Iowa. Kara spent most of her childhood riding four-wheelers, jumping on the trampoline, and playing sports with her four siblings. When in high school, Kara was a four sport athlete (volleyball, basketball, track, and softball). Kara was also the lead trumpet in Jazz Band, helping lead to the first Jazz Championship for Winfield Mt. Union School. She now enjoys spending time with family, cuddling her two cats, playing games, and being outdoors. From a young age, Kara knew she wanted to work with children, after being raised and working in a daycare for years. Kara graduated with a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Middle Georgia State University. With the education background and the years of working with kids, Kara decided Grace C. Mae Advocate Center would be a perfect place to grow. She is happy to be apart of the GCMAC team, helping to teach and inspire the next generation to believe in themselves and grow their mindsets in a positive way.
Availability
Kara is available to see clients in the Washington Office as well as in school districts nearby.
Anahi Aragon BHIS
About Anahi
I grew up in West Liberty, IA. Growing up in a small Iowa town made me realize the need for mental health services in small communities and the need for more social services around the area. I have always enjoyed helping others and working with children. I am also fluent in Spanish. I graduated with my Bachelor’s in Social Work in 2017 and completed my Master’s in Social Work in 2023, both from The University of Iowa. I am excited to help promote positive behavioral skills in children and support healthy and happy lifestyles with our clients.
Availability
Anahi is available to see clients in the Washington Office as well as in school districts nearby.
Dorinda Schwartz BHIS
About Dorinda
Dorinda grew up in Northern Indiana during her childhood and moved to Iowa 7 years ago. She spent her childhood years outdoors, riding four wheelers, camping, fishing, and hiking while also being very active in sports with her siblings (volleyball, softball, and swimming). Dorinda has a passion for helping others. She has spent the past several years working with youth and adults in substance addiction, and mental health with families. Her education background is a Masters in Mental Health, & Masters in Substance use from a christian college.
She is excited to be able to help provide a positive impact in our next generation, while promoting growth within individuals and supporting our surrounding communities. Dorinda became interested with Grace C. Mae Advocate Center to help young teens and children to grow in a positive direction and provide support in our communities.
Availability
Dorinda is available to see clients in the Washington Office as well as in school districts nearby.
Cassandra Forsythe, LMHC and BHIS
About Cassandra
Throughout Cassandra’s life, she has participated in a wide variety of sports. While at Mount Mercy University, she was a collegiate athlete on the women’s bowling team. Cassandra understands the stress that athletes can endure and the positive impact of mental health. She provides a safe and comfortable environment for clients to be themselves and to speak about whatever is on their minds. Cassandra believes in recognizing emotions, thoughts, and behaviors and educates clients about how they are all related to one another.
When not in class or working with clients, Cassandra likes to watch any kind of sports, especially football, and is a big Iowa Hawkeyes fan. She also likes to listen to a wide variety of music and can play multiple instruments. Cassandra is very family-oriented and prefers to spend as much time with family as she can.
Education and Training
Cassandra graduated from Mount Mercy University with her Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology while double minoring in Sport, Health, and Exercise Psychology & Human Resource Management. Cassandra is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Iowa.
Availability
Cassandra works out of our Cedar Rapids office.
Cassandra is accepting new clients