Meet Our Team

Kristie Oliver, Executive Director

Kristie Oliver has been the Executive Director of the Coalition for Family & Children's Services in Iowa since March 2009. In this role, she serves as the chief executive, overseeing all administrative, operational, and programmatic activities of the Coalition.

Kristie brings extensive experience in the healthcare and human services fields, spanning from senior living to child and family services. A licensed attorney, she holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Iowa and a Juris Doctorate from Drake University.

Her professional journey includes roles as a government relations liaison, lobbyist, and staff attorney for the Iowa Association of Homes & Services for the Aging (now LeadingAge Iowa), Compliance Coordinator for Life Care Services, and Assistant State's Attorney for Rock Island County, Illinois.

An Iowa native, Kristie enjoys connecting with people, reading, experiencing Iowa's four seasons, cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes, and spending time with her husband and basset hound.

Ashley Johnson, Director of Learning & Evaluation

Ashley Johnson joined the Coalition for Family & Children's Services in Iowa in June 2024, bringing with her a Master’s degree in Social Work and over nine years of expertise in training, coaching, and program development.

Dedicated to advancing child welfare and systemic change, Ashley has worked across multiple states, gaining experience in assessing agency needs and fostering collaboration among multidisciplinary teams. Most recently, she completed a Field Practicum at Ellipsis, a Coalition member, where she focused on strengthening partnerships and identifying opportunities for program improvement.

In addition to her work in child welfare, Ashley has a rich background in youth program development, having held key roles with the Boys and Girls Club of America.

Originally from Iowa, Ashley’s life has taken her across four states due to her husband’s military service. Now settled in Grimes, Iowa, Ashley enjoys quality time with her family, supporting Iowa State University athletics, and immersing herself in a good book.

Rebekah Risbeck, Administrative Coordinator

Rebekah Risbeck is a proud Des Moines native who ventured to California for college and the launch of her professional career. In 2011, she returned to Des Moines to pursue her entrepreneurial dream by opening her own fashion boutique, which she continues to own and operate today.

Rebekah resides in West Des Moines with her 8-year-old son and a lively household that includes a dog, a cat, and a frog. Outside of her business, Rebekah is passionate about staying active through running, hiking, and outdoor adventures. She also has a love for travel, always seeking opportunities to explore new destinations.