Katie Rasmussen and Jordan Allen joined the Special Olympics Iowa state office staff in September.

Rasmussen has been named director of regional field services for the North Region of SOIA. She oversees the North, Northeast, North Central and Central Areas.

Rasmussen was previously employed at ChildServe in Johnston as a recreational therapist where she worked with individuals from birth to 22 years of age with special health care needs. She provided outings, adapted leisure opportunities, aquatics, school re-entry and pet therapy. She received her degree from the University of Northern Iowa in 2011 in leisure youth and human services, with an emphasis in therapeutic recreation and nonprofit management. She is also a Certified Nonprofit Professional.

Rasmussen has experience with Special Olympics Iowa, helping with the Northeast Area during her college career. She also coached at the Summer Games for Special Olympics Illinois.

Allen has been named the volunteer and unified sports manager for SOIA. She will manage recruitment and placement of all SOIA volunteers as well as the unified sports program.

Allen was previously the administrative assistant for AW Welt Ambrisco Insurance in Iowa City, where she worked for more than three years. She coordinated with all departments at AW Welt and served on the agency’s wellness and social committees. She graduated from The University of Iowa in 2013 with a degree in communication studies and minor in human relations.