Chris Koepplin, CEO. Photographer: Duane Tinkey.
Q: How would you describe yourself?
A: Kindly intense. Life is short. It’s important to me to be genuine in every interaction and relentless in my pursuit of a better world. Anything worth doing deserves maximum effort. I hope to leave this world a more compassionate place for everyone.
Q: How did you get started in your career?
A: I was a student teacher my senior year of college, but 45-minute opportunities with 25 kids just didn’t fit the bill for where I could make an impact. I started as direct care staff in a girls’ group home at Youth Homes of Mid-America and kind of never left.
Q: What do you love most about your career?
A: I love my team! They give opportunities to people who otherwise might not get them. The impact I get to see and measure is not only on individual kids and families, but on whole systems. I geek out about what’s changing.
Q: What should the community know about Ellipsis?
A: Ellipsis was established in 2021 with the merger of Youth Homes of Mid-America and Youth Emergency Services & Shelter. We offer resources and programs to meet the needs of Iowa’s youth and families.
Q: Anything else you’d like to add?
A: The coming together of Ellipsis has created new chances to help kids, families and our community in the spaces between what is and what’s possible. The support we’ve received is incredible and if we want to leave this world a better place, we will continue to need it.
PO Box 39 | Johnston, IA 50131 | (515) 243-3459 | www.ellipsisiowa.org
