Presenters
Erin Foster
Director Mental Health Access Center
Erin Foster is an Iowa native. She attended the University of Iowa where she received her Bachelors of Science degree in Psychology in 2007. Since graduation from U of IA, Erin has worked in the Cedar Rapids area in areas such as youth mental health and substance use disorder. It was during her time at the Area Substance Abuse Council where her love for anything related to community based work really grew. During her time at ASAC, Erin not only oversaw the Prevention Department in Linn, Benton, and Jones County, but she also had the pleasure of working with many communities through training and policy work both locally and state wide.
In 2019, Erin began her journey as the first ever Linn County Mental Health Access Center Director. Prior to opening in March of 2021, Erin was responsible for the creation of policies and procedures that would ultimately lead five organizations coming together under one roof to form a one stop shop for those experiencing a mental health or substance use disorder crisis.
After working in leadership roles for over a decade, Erin decided to continue her education and in 2023, Erin graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder with her Masters in Organizational Leadership. Erin knows none of her successes throughout her education or professionally come without the strong individuals and organizations who are always willing to work collaboratively to make Linn County a strong and vibrant community.
Brad Kurtz
Licensed Funeral Director
In 2001, Brad Kurtz began as a funeral directors’ assistant while attending Cedar Rapids Kennedy High School. That initial experience has extended to an over 20-year career as an Iowa licensed funeral director, serving many families in our community as they honor and commemorate their loved ones.
In his current role, Brad leads the creation and implementation of outreach programs that seek to educate the community on many subjects including grief care, the importance of permanent memorialization, and the benefits of advance planning.
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Brad serves as a legislative liaison for the Association of Iowa Cemeteries and is a member of several local and national organizations. Brad and his family are active members at Christ Episcopal Church in Cedar Rapids.
Katy Lee, LISW
Social Worker
Kathryn (Katy) Kramer Lee taught school for 2 years before earning a Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Iowa. She worked in a mental health clinical setting for several years as a forensic interviewer of children as part of child abuse investigations and as a mental health therapist for children and youth. She was a school social worker for 25 years at Grant Wood Area Education Agency (GWAEA). During her tenure at GWAEA, Katy worked to integrate mental health systems of support in schools. She also served as the GWAEA Critical Incident Stress Management Team Coordinator for 14 years. The GWAEA CISM Team supports school districts who have experienced a traumatic event such as the death of a student or staff member. This included student and staff deaths by suicide. Katy has presented on school crisis response and mental health integration in schools at the local, state and national level. She is an approved instructor for the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, a certified Youth and Child Mental Health First Aid Trainer and has completed ASSIST training.
The Rev. Brian K. Gross
Christ Episcopal Church Rector
Brian graduated from Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 2014 with his Master of Divinity Degree. Ordained to the diaconate in 2013 and to the Priesthood in 2014 in the Diocese of Wyoming. In 2023, after serving as the Dean of the Cathedral in Laramie, Wyoming, he moved to Iowa to become the Rector of Christ Church. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Episcopal Diocese of Iowa, is the Chapter Representative of the Three Rivers Chapter, and is a Member of the Diocesan Safe Church Advisory Team. He is delighted to be part of a church that values tremendous lay involvement in all aspects of the church. Feel free to email him at briang@ christepiscopal.org
The Rev. Laurie Finn
Episcopal Deacon
Laurie was ordained a deacon in the episcopal church and currently ministers within the Lutheran church. Laurie hails from Maquoketa and will be presenting on how her struggles with mental illness has shaped her faith journey.
Katie Curtis
Foundation 2 Chief Development Officer
Katie Curtis is the Chief Development Officer. Katie graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a bachelor's degree in Youth and Human Services and a master's in Philanthropy and Nonprofit Development. Katie is a Master Trainer in Applied Suicide Intervention Skills. In her spare time, she enjoys golfing, eating locally, and spending time with her husband and son.
Lejla Ford
Foundation 2 Mobile Crisis Outreach Program Manager
Lejla Ford is the Mobile Crisis Outreach Program Manager at Foundation 2. Lejla graduated from the University of Iowa with a bachelor's in psychology with an emphasis on counseling and is a certified trainer in Applied Suicide Intervention Skills. In her spare time, she loves traveling, cooking, gardening and reading mystery novels.