Meet the people that bring Four Mounds to life.

From the visionaries to the hands-on staff and volunteers, these are the faces behind everything we do.

Our Staff

Becky Bodish

Director of Workforce Education

Read bio

Becky Bodish

Becky is a strong advocate for Trades Education and brings over 20 years of experience in education working with students K-graduate level to Four Mounds. She is passionate about helping individuals discover their potential and take ownership of their futures. Becky loves developing creative programs and meaningful curriculum, and she’s proud to be part of an organization making a lasting impact in the community.

Amanda Hauta

Office Manager

amanda@fourmounds.org

Read bio

Amanda Hauta

Amanda serves as Office Manager at Four Mounds Foundation, where she supports the daily operations that keep programs and projects moving forward. She values building relationships and creating positive experiences for staff, students, volunteers, and community partners. Amanda is proud to be part of an organization dedicated to trades education, historic preservation, and community development.

Dee Dix

Director of Inn and Events

dee@fourmounds.org

Read bio

Dee Dix

With more than 30 years in hospitality and management, Dee brings a wealth of experience and a welcoming spirit to Four Mounds. She enjoys being part of a mission-driven foundation and takes pride in sharing the charm and history of the property with every guest and visitor.

Willow Finch

Guest Services & Heritage Coordinator

willow@fourmounds.org

Read bio

Willow Finch

Willow joined Four Mounds in 2024 as Guest Services Coordinator, bringing a passion for history and heritage tourism. A long-time admirer of the Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area, she loves sharing the region’s stories with visitors and is dedicated to preserving the unique beauty of Four Mounds.

Mike Foht

Trades Instructor

mike@fourmounds.org

Read bio

Mike Foht

Mike comes to Four Mounds with 30+ years in construction. His experience ranges from concrete to complete home remodeling. Mike most recently worked in maintenance where his job duties included everything from changing lightbulbs to complete home rehabilitation. Mike also owns an entrainment business and works as a D.J. on the weekends. His outgoing personality, genuine interest in others, combined with his skillset make him a great mentor to our students!

Terry Frost

Trades Instructor

terry@fourmounds.org

Read bio

Terry Frost

Terry joined Four Mounds in 2022 as a Job Coach with the HEART youth program. Known for his joyful energy and people-first mindset, Terry creates an encouraging and productive atmosphere on the job site. His strong work ethic and natural leadership make him a powerful role model for young people.

Eric Ethier

Instructor of Hybrid Woodworking and Automation

eric@fourmounds.org

Read bio

Eric Ethier

Eric Ethier brings over 40 years of specialized retail marketing, design, and production experience to the Four Mounds HEART Program. Having spent 35 years managing a visual production shop network for Nordstrom, overseeing 40 stores nationally, Eric pairs master-level industrial woodworking and automation expertise with a strong background in merchandising and aesthetics. Deeply invested in the Dubuque community, he has served as the Board President and Co-Director of the Key City Creative Center makerspace and has spent the last four years as a cabinet making skills instructor at Four Mounds in partnership with Northeast Iowa Community College. Passionate about building both "place and people," Eric is dedicated to expanding the HEART Program's new shop capabilities through a hybrid curriculum of traditional hand tools and modern automation like CNC routing, helping students build a practical talent stack, self-esteem, and real-world career paths.

Ellen Goodmann Miller

Resource Development Coordinator

ellen.goodmann@gmail.com

Read bio

Ellen Goodman Miller

Kaniyiah Mattison

Student Needs Facilitator

kaniyiah@fourmounds.org

Read bio

Kaniyiah Mattison

Kaniyiah creates a safe, supportive space for students while holding them to high standards. She meets with them weekly to guide personal and career growth. With a deep passion for empowerment and positive change, Kaniyiah is driven to make a meaningful impact in the lives and communities she serves.

Brandon Husemann

Grounds and Facilities Keeper

brandon@fourmounds.org

Read bio

Brandon Husemann

Brandon comes to Four Mounds with 30 years of experience in the areas of construction management, home renovation, hobby farming, and owned his own drywall business for 15 years. Brandon also holds a degree in History Education from Clarke University. Brandon’s construction experience combined with his knowledge of teaching and history have been instrumental in his community volunteer efforts at the Elm Correctional Facility and as an active volunteer at his church leading an addiction recovery program. Brandon is a father of six children and joined the team in 2026.

Colin Schweikert

Grounds and Conservation Technician

colin@fourmounds.org

Read bio

Colin Schweikert

We are ecited to welcome Colin to the team. He is joining our team October 5, 2026. More to come!

Board of Directors

Liz Adams

Board Member

Read bio

Liz Adams

Board Member, since 1987

Natalia Blaskovich

At-large Member

Read bio

Natalia Blaskovich

Natalia serves as Judicial Magistrate for the Iowa Judicial Branch. She has presented continuing legal education on domestic violence for attorneys, members of the judiciary, and the community. Natalia was welcomed to the Board in 2019.

Jim Gronen

Board Member

Read bio

Jim Gronen

Board Member, since 1987

John Gronen

President

Read bio

John Gronen

Grandson of the Four Mounds’ original donors to the City, John has a long passion and institutional memory for Four Mounds, helping to form the organization back in 1987. John and his wife, Mary built their own restoration and development company, Gronen, as they concurrently worked to restore Four Mounds and build the foundation.

Mary Mulgrew Gronen

Vice President

Read bio

Mary Mulgrew Gronen

Mary has served the Four Mounds Foundation nearly since its start as a volunteer and soon after as a board member in 1995. Mary is Vice President at Gronen.

Renee Hesselman

Treasurer, CPA

Read bio

Renee Hesselman

Renee, partner at Honkamp Krueger & Co., P.C., brings experience in tax, accounting, payroll, business valuation, management advisory and strategic planning. Renee has served Four Mounds since 2008.

David Resnick

City of Dubuque’s Appointed Representative

Read bio

David Resnick

David serves as one of Dubuque’s at-large city council members. He has been the liaison between Four Mounds and the City since 2016.

Jean Wuertzer

Board Member

Read bio

Jean Wuertzer

Jean Wuertzer joined the Four Mounds board in 2025 after beginning as a volunteer in 2023. Recently retired, she brings 40 years of experience in social work and in preparing high school students with disabilities for careers through the Dubuque Community School District.

Volunteers

Marlin DeWerdt

Restoration and Furniture Repair

Four Mounds Fellowship

Read bio

Four Mounds Fellowship

This dedicated group of fun-loving and hard-working people put on events annually that help raise friends and funds for Four Mound's mission to preserve, educate, and serve.

Doug Johnson

Groundskeeping

Barbara Hueneke

Garden Volunteer

Mary Kelley

Garden Volunteer

Sandra Nickel

Garden Volunteer

Seth Sample

Team Building Blocks

seth@teambuildingblocks.com

Read bio

Seth Sample

For over 25 years, we’ve had a premier challenge ropes course through our partnership with Team Building Blocks. Seth Sample owns the business and is the course director. Seth also has a tree doctor business, Full Circle Restoration, and volunteers his time helping manage tree health on our site. For more information visit www.teambuildingblocks.com.

Bob Schnee

Maintenance

Janet Schroeder

Garden Volunteer

Danielle Stowell

Winter Farmer's Market

manager@wintermarketdbq.com

Read bio

Danielle Stowell

Danielle Stowell, Market Manager, owns and operates Wicked River Event Production, a local small business specializing in providing clients with logistical event management. Danielle is co-founder of Millwork Night Market, an independent evening farmers market featuring local food producers, artists, musicians, food trucks, and brewers.

Dawn Wagner

Garden Manager

Paul Winer

Window and Furniture Restoration

Get Involved

Make a difference at Four Mounds and beyond

Make a Donation

Become a Volunteer

Apply to a Program

Get in Touch

Didn’t find what you were looking for? Fill out the form below and leave us a note to request more information from our staff.

Name

Message