Content Information
Meet the dedicated professionals who bring our curriculum to life. We are proud to work with a roster of over 10 exceptional instructors—ranging from content experts and seasoned facilitators to specialized vendors. Explore their unique backgrounds, professional experience, and the courses they lead by clicking the accordions below to expand each profile.
Course Instructors
Kim Hanson
- Cross Generational Leadership
- Crucial Accountability
- Civility Training for Employees
- Civility Training for Managers/Supervisor
- Emotional Intelligence
- Developing Employees
- Performance Evaluation
- The Power of Habit
- Supervision Basics
Liz Luiken
Liz is a Training Specialist 1 with PDS. She holds an undergraduate degree in K-12 Music Education and a Master of Education in Higher Education. Liz has spent her career teaching and training adult learners and college-aged students, serving in administrative, supervisory, and instructional roles. Her expertise includes creating learning opportunities through online course development, facilitating trainings, and passive education strategies.
Liz facilitates the following courses:
- Cross Generational Diversity
- Getting Things Done
Shelly Ramus
- Crucial Conversations
- Crucial Teams
- Civility Training for Employees
- Civility Training for Managers/Supervisors
- Enhancing Team Membership
- Emotional Intelligence
- Listening Skills
- Strength Deployment Inventory
- Workplace Ethics
Amy Liechti
Amy facilitates the following course:
- Mental Health First Aid
Todd Lundvall
Todd is an Iowa-native safety professional with experience dating back to the late 1990s. He is an authorized OSHA instructor for all General Duty and Construction numbered courses, as well as a National Safety Council ASC instructor. His training focuses on eliminating risk in high-stakes environments, ensuring students can complete the job safely.
Todd facilitates the following courses:
- First Aid/CPR
- Mental Health First Aid
- Safety courses
Kristy Emmons
Kristy facilitates the following course:
- Investigating Employee Misconduct
Debbie Noe
For the past five years, Debbie has taught the Discipline, Grievances, and Merit System course through Professional Development Services. Her sessions help supervisors and HR professionals strengthen their understanding of Iowa Code, Iowa Administrative rules, and federal laws, while giving them practical strategies they can apply immediately.
Debbie’s experience spans public and private sector HR and consulting roles. She holds a Master of Public Administration from Drake University and a bachelor’s degree in German and Political Science from Wartburg College, speaks fluent German, and is a certified Master Gardener.
Debbie facilitates the following course:
- Discipline, Grievances, and the Merit System
Marie Agey
Marie Agey is the Chief Procurement Officer at DAS, bringing seven years of State of Iowa experience and over 20 years in the private sector. She’s a firm believer that any success starts with people, and she genuinely enjoys helping her team grow and find their confidence. Marie’s goal is to maintain a positive, approachable atmosphere where people feel comfortable reaching out for support and guidance. When she’s off the clock, she’s usually out hiking, traveling, or just enjoying time with her family.
Marie facilitates the following courses:
- Introduction to State Procurement
- Advanced Procurement Certification
Cynthia Borel
Dr. Borel is the owner of Borel Educational Consulting Services and a retired Army Master Sergeant and DoD Civilian with 42 years of total service. She holds a Doctor of Education from Auburn University and three Master’s degrees from Troy University in Adult Education-Instructional Design, Management, and Foundations of Education. Her professional credentials include roles as an International Accreditor for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) Accredited Provider, a SHRM Recertification Provider, and an Independent Recruiter for Service-to-Success. She is the author of Self-Directed Learning: A Creative Experience and holds multiple advanced certifications in instructional design and behavioral assessment.
Experience & Credentials
Military & Federal Service: 42 years of combined service as a retired Army Master Sergeant and Department of Defense Civilian.
Education:
- Doctor of Education (Auburn University)
- M.S. in Adult Education-Instructional Design (Troy University)
- M.S. in Management (Troy University)
- M.S. in Foundations of Education (Troy University)
- Certificate in Data Analysis (Cornell University)
- Bachelor’s and Associate’s of Liberal Arts (The University of the State of New York)
Accreditation & Training:
- IACET Accredited Provider
- SHRM Recertification Provider
- ATD Master Instructional Designer
- Maxwell Leadership Trainer, Speaker, and Coach
- Resilience Building Leader-Trainer
Assessment Certifications:
- Certified DISC Profile Analyst & Everything DiSC Certified Practitioner
- Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) Certified Practitioner
- CliftonStrengths: Achiever, Relator, Belief, Responsibility, Learner
- Five Behaviors Certified Practitioner
- Strong Interest Inventory Practitioner
- Creative Leader 360 Certified Practitioner
Authorship: Author of Self-Directed Learning: A Creative Experience.
Dr. Borel facilitates the following course:
- Foundations of Public Sector Budgeting
Sarah Ennis
Speaker, Trainer, Consultant, Executive Coach
Sarah Ennis is the founder and President of SparkPoint Inc. and has devoted the last 25 years
to helping for profit and non-profit organizations, leaders and teams unleash their vast potential.
She has as a passion for helping organizations build skills and work environments where
leaders and team members can thrive, not just survive. Through years of experience, she has
learned that a healthy, accountable, purpose-driven team is one of the most powerful tools for
success.
Sarah facilitates the following course:
- Excellence in Public Service
- The Servant Leader
Ann Wright
Ann facilitates the following courses:
- Dimensions of Behavior
- Managing Conflict & Resistance in the Workplace
Sinikka Waugh
Sinikka Waugh, PMP, President and CEO of Your Clear Next Step, spends her days helping people have better workdays. Trainer, coach, business leader, and difference maker, Sinikka is known for consistently helping people solve problems and get things done at work. With a 20+ year background in languages, literature, and project management, Sinikka has helped over 60,000 people have better workdays since 2008. Her clients value how her professionalism blends seamlessly with her down-toearth, “try this now” approach and her passion for helping others. Sinikka holds a BA from Central College, an MA from the University of Iowa, and is a certified Project Management Professional through the Project Management Institute (PMI).
Sinikka facilitates the following courses:
- Project Management Fundamentals
- Project Management Seminar
Lorna Meyer, PMP
Lorna Meyer, PMP is a people-focused leader who brings clarity, encouragement, and practical support to individuals and teams striving to grow. With a well-rounded career spanning project management, engineering, IT, manufacturing, finance, and marketing, she has built a reputation for strengthening processes, elevating collaboration, and guiding organizations through meaningful change. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree with a double major in Mathematics and Computer Science from Iowa State University. As a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) with more than 30 years of experience, Lorna has led diverse initiatives and teams with a steady blend of strategic insight and hands-on leadership. Known for her passion for both people and process, she enjoys sharing her knowledge, mentoring others, and helping teams unlock their potential. Outside of work, Lorna loves spending time with her family—and on a beautiful day, you might just find her skydiving.