WE ARE CREATIVE
From hosting traditional events to trying something new, Bleeding Disorders of the Heartland is always looking to improve. With your help we can continue to do that!
WE ARE DIVERSE
Our staff and board comes from all different backgrounds and brings different experiences to the chapter. Many of us are directly affected by bleeding disorders, so we understand what managing a bleeding disorder is truly like.
WE ARE AWESOME
Bleeding Disorders of the Heartland serves the best community in Iowa! With your help we will continue to strive to meet expectations.
Brooke Loving, Executive Director
Brooke is the wife of Joe Loving. Brooke and three of their six children are diagnosed with Von Willebrand Disease. Brooke is passionate about membership feeling connected and providing programs that will build relationships that will last a lifetime. Brooke has been involved with the organization as a member, board member and President of Directors. She is looking forward to this new season as Executive Director.
Mission Statement:
To educate, connect, and support those affected with bleeding disorders.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Amber Smith, President
Hi! My name is Amber Smith. My husband Tony and I have been married for 8 years and we have a wonderful 8 year old son Logan. Logan was diagnosed with severe Hemophilia A at birth. I have spent the last 8 years staying at home with Logan, managing his care and now we are homeschooling! He definitely keeps me busy! Prior to my journey as a hemophilia and homeschool mom, I attended Palmer College of Chiropractic and received my degree in Chiropractic Technologies. I spent the next few years working in a local chiropractic clinic helping people in all walks of life take care of their bodies. I am a natural caretaker and I am so excited to help other bleeding disorder families find the comforts they need in this amazing community. BDH is doing big things and I feel so blessed to be a part of it!
Thomas Savage, Secretary
Thomas currently lives in Burlington and co-owns a Massage business. They were diagnosed with Severe Hemophilia A (Factor VII) deficiency around 6 months old. They were the first in the family to ever be diagnosed. Being the first BDH was an invaluable resource to me and my family, and my brother who also has severe VII. From camp to the educational outings BDH taught me and my family to not be afraid of the diagnoses, but instead to embrace it and live a full life. I look forward to working with the board and the community to keep BDH moving forward.
Lacy Covarrubias, Vice President
Lacy Covarrubias is Vice President of Treasury management at Community State Bank in Johnston, Iowa. Lacy has been with the bank over ten years and serves on the employee engagement and leadership development committees. Lacy is native to Iowa and currently resides with her family in Johnston. She enjoys spending time with her two daughters as well as participating in and watching athletic competition. Lacy is active in several volunteer opportunities, networking groups, and non-profit associations within the metro communities. Lacy is looking forward to bringing her leadership experience and network to BDH to help grow the association while raising awareness.
Connor Corcoran, Treasurer
Connor Corcoran is a recent University of Northern Iowa graduate with his bachelor of arts in business administration with and emphasis in management. He currently works as an investment accountant for BH Equities, a multi-family real estate equity firm located in Des Moines, Iowa. He enjoys cooking as well as spending time with friends and family in his free time. Connor is most excited about continuously expanding the budget of BDH to better serve those suffering from hemophilia.
Board of Directors
Dayna Leichty, At Large
Dayna Leichty currently lives in Blue Grass, IA with her husband Andrew and their two children. She has been homeschooling for eight years, and through that has rediscovered an interest in History. She is passionate about helping others see the benefit of homeschooling, and about their two Great Pyrenees rescue dogs.
After being invited to a BDH event, she realized how closely related the disorder is to a diagnosis her own family is walking through, Biliary Atresia. She can relate to the overwhelming emotions of being thrown into a diagnosis, and becoming the daily caretaker and manager, and wants to reach out to be a supportive influence to others who are thrown into the same.
Nate Stirgus, At Large
Asa Kelley, At Large
My name is Asa Kelley, and I am currently a student at the university of Iowa pursuing my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. I am personally affected with Severe Hemophilia type A, and I have been an active member with Bleeding Disorders of the Heartland since I was young. In college, I am a member of Iowa Hawkeye Marching Band, Iowa Pep Band, and University Choir. Through BDH, I took part in previous events such as the Yeti Conference in Oregon, Hill Day, the Teen Impact Awards at 2019 NHF conference and attended most annual meetings. Additionally, I am a camp counselor at Camp Tanager, which is home to our annual Youth Hemophilia camp! I am honored and thrilled to serve on the board, and I cannot wait to see where this next chapter in my life takes me.
Natalie Miller, At Large
Natalie Miller graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in criminology and minor in rhetoric and persuasion. She has been working at Biomat USA, a plasma donation center, in Iowa city for a little under a year. She is also involved in her sorority alpha delta pi and her law fraternity phi alpha delta. Natalie was introduced to BDH through her friend Allison Rooyakkers.
Alyssa Werbach, At Large
I am from Lone Tree, IA, but I live in the Des Moines metro now. By day, I work as the Assistant Controller or BAMKO, but at night I like to spend my time reading, sewing, crafting, and doing home improvement! I love kayaking, traveling and going outside with my dog.
BOARD ADVISOR
Mya Anderson
