New Board Members Bring Multiple Skills to Mosaic
Mosaic has elected six new board members—four to the Mosaic Board of Directors, and two to The Mosaic Foundation Board of Directors this year—who will each serve three-year terms.
“We are extremely grateful for the new Board members’ strong, varying skills and talents,” said Mosaic CEO and President Linda Timmons. “Among many of our strategic objectives to position Mosaic for the future, they will help steer the organization’s expansion to support more people with diverse needs in more communities.”
New Mosaic Board of Directors Members
Kathy Sheng
Kathy Sheng has held executive positions at various financial institutions and has served as co-chair on the advisory council at ChildServe, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children with diverse needs. A member of her family receives services from Mosaic.
“I bring both a family perspective and a business perspective to my board service,” Kathy stated. “I have witnessed many families in need of essential services, such as those offered by Mosaic, often struggling to access them. I am committed to helping Mosaic expand its reach and assist even more people.”
Lakelyn Eichenberger
Lakelyn, who is a caregiver advocate and holds a Ph.D in gerontology, has extensive knowledge of aging issues and family caregiving.
“Being involved with Mosaic is a tradition in my family. My Uncle Jay was supported by Martin Luther Home before it united with Bethphage Mission (Mosaic’s two founding ministries) to become Mosaic. In high school, I volunteered for two summers at Mosaic in Axtell’s day camp. My parents and grandparents continue to be philanthropically involved,” said Lakelyn. “We grew up learning people of all abilities have equal value and worth.”
Mercy Ndosi-Shoo
Mercy, who has Lutheran ministry board experience, was born and grew up in Tanzania, where she witnessed first-hand the cultural shame placed on people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
“I saw how people with IDD—including my nephew—were isolated and lacked proper care, and I don’t want to see that happen to another child,” Mercy said. “I visit my home regularly, and for many years, I’ve volunteered for Mosaic’s international partner Building a Caring Community; they have done a wonderful job of educating my country on how to better include and help people with IDD and their families.”
The Rev. Rachel Thorson Mithelman
Pastor Rachel’s life has been dedicated to serving others and bringing awareness to those with diverse needs. She has served in the parish ministry for more than 37 years, and is currently a board member of the Des Moines Area Religious Council and Calvin Community, an independent and assisted living organization for older adults.
“I am in awe of Mosaic’s incredible quality of work that’s motivated by a love for others,” said Pastor Rachel, “which is how all of us are called to live our lives.”
New Mosaic Foundation Board of Directors Members
Janet Byars
Janet, who possesses an abundance of community involvement and board experience, has a family legacy with Mosaic and Martin Luther Home.
“My grandfather served on the Martin Luther Home board during the ‘40s and ‘50s, my father and mother worked there in the ‘70s and ‘80s, respectively in donor development and direct support,” said Janet. “My husband worked for MLH in government relations. By serving on the Mosaic Foundation board, I hope to continue our family’s legacy of supporting individuals with IDD and pass that legacy on to future generations.”
Mary Sersland
Mary is a former special education teacher with more than 33 years of experience teaching skills to students with various disabilities. Her son is supported by Mosaic, and she grew up with a brother with IDD. Mary has participated in her local Mosaic’s fundraisers—including as a speaker—as well as serving on LifeWorks’ foundation board and board of directors.
“Mosaic has done so much for my son and my family,” said Mary. “I will help the foundation board by bringing that unique perspective of what families want for their loved ones’ lives and how Mosaic positively impacts those it supports.”
Learn more about the Mosaic Board of Directors and The Mosaic Foundation Board of Directors.