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.
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.
Sadie Anderson BHIS
About Sadie
Sadie grew up in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Sadie spent most of her childhood making art projects and playing sports. When in high school, Sadie was involved in the leadership club and was the track captain. Sadie now enjoys spending time with her family, doing art projects, and going scuba diving. From a young age, Sadie was interested in the science of psychology and how children learn and develop. Sadie graduated with a Bachelor's degree in pre-counseling psychology from Upper Iowa University and is currently pursuing her master's degree in Clinical Counseling to get her LMHC. With the background of psychology, counseling, and child development, Sadie decided that Grace C. Mae Advocate Center would be a perfect place to grow. She is excited to be a part of the GCMAC team and create a positive impact on families' lives.
Availability
Sadie is available to see clients in the Washington Office as well as in school districts nearby.
Angela Widmer BHIS
About Angela
Angela grew up in Burlington, Iowa and while in high school participated in several sports, choir and band. After graduating high school Angela attended Hesston College in Hesston, KS where she received her A.A. degree. After Hesston, Angela took a year to do volunteer work in Phoenix, AZ where she worked with several non-profit organizations. It was in Phoenix that Angela’s love for working with people grew. She lived in a group home for adults with disabilities as a housemate, worked for an agency that served exploited children and adults, and helped start a program for single moms experiencing homelessness. Following these experiences, Angela attended Goshen College in Goshen, Indiana to complete her degree in Social Work. Angela is now married and lives on the farm with her husband and three daughters. It has been through raising her girls that Angela has developed a deep passion for helping kids learn emotional regulation and it is her passion to create safe spaces for people of all ages to express themselves and find healthy outlets for their emotions. Angela continues to learn about how the body and mind are connected and recently completed a training as a Certified Trauma Specialist. Angela is a certified yoga instructor and also uses breathing and body movements to help kids find safety in their bodies. Angela’s greatest passions include spending time with her family, walking out in nature, making music and doing yoga.
Availability
Angela works out of our Washington office.
Cassandra is accepting new clients
Abbigail Hammes BHIS
About Abbigail
Abbigail Hammes grew up in rural Southeast Iowa and attended Pekin Community Schools. During her school years, she developed a passion for psychology, mental health advocacy, and helping others. She pursued these interests through roles in babysitting, assistant teaching, Direct Support Professional (DSP) work, and Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) services as well as earning her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Iowa State University.
After graduating in Spring 2026, Abbigail was accepted into the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Grand View University, with an anticipated graduation date of Spring 2028.
Abbigail is excited to continue pursuing her passion for mental health care through her work with Grace C. Mae and her graduate studies. She is committed to supporting individuals as well as families with compassion, understanding, and personalized support.
Availability
Abbigail is currently accepting new clients and provides services through the Washington office and surrounding areas.