CEDAR VALLEY HOSPICE
Grief Team
Laura Yeats, BSW, Grief Team Lead
Laura Yeats is the Grief Team Lead at Cedar Valley Hospice, working with grieving adults in Waterloo, Cedar Falls, Independence and the surrounding areas. As a native of Mount Vernon, Iowa, she moved to the Cedar Valley to attend the University of Northern Iowa, where she received her Bachelor of Social Work degree. She brings over 13 years of social work and human services experience to Cedar Valley Hospice, which she joined in 2021.
Laura is passionate about companioning grievers during what is often the most difficult time in their lives. It is a privilege to be trusted with such a personal experience and one that Laura does not take lightly. Laura also finds great fulfillment in providing grief education and leading discussions with different community groups. We cannot create a society that takes care of those of us that are grieving unless we talk about it, and Laura is committed to helping start that conversation. Laura feels grateful to work for an agency that sees the value of grief support and encourages us to always look for ways to enhance our services to meet the needs of the community. This support has allowed us to create new specialized support groups, decrease barriers to our services and foster a culture that is always looking for meaningful ways to support more grievers. All of this is why working in the grief department at Cedar Valley Hospice is truly an honor.
At this current season of life, most of Laura’s free time is spent with her family. Laura and her husband, Brett, enjoy adventures large and small with their full-of-life daughter Willow and are patiently awaiting the arrival of their next baby girl in September. They also have a dog and a cat. They enjoy spending time at the park, grilling, taking short family trips to nearby destinations and eating ice cream.
Allison Capper, LMSW, Grief Counselor
Allison Capper is a licensed social worker and grief counselor at Cedar Valley Hospice, supporting grieving family members in Waterloo and surrounding service areas. Allison was born and raised in Solon, Iowa and moved to Cedar Falls, IA in 2020 to attend the University of Northern Iowa. She received her Bachelor of Social Work degree in 2023, and continued her education as a part of the University of Northern Iowa’s Trauma-Informed Master’s Program. She received her Master of Social Work degree in 2024.
Allison is passionate about providing support and guidance to those walking through their journey of grief. She recognizes that grief has no timeline, and everyone’s experience is unique. Allison understands that no person grieves the same and is there to provide non-judgmental and compassionate support. She is proud to work for an agency that provides knowledgeable, respectful and compassionate care to those grieving in the community, regardless of if the loss occurred as a part of our hospice program.
Allison is grateful for the opportunities she has to spend time with her family and friends outside of work. When she’s not with them, she enjoys reading, going out for dinner, eating ice cream, and watching sports. Allison loves to travel and is always excited for her next adventure, both personally and professionally.
Lynette Jordan, LBSW, Grief Counselor
Lynette Jordan is a licensed social worker and grief counselor at Cedar Valley Hospice, primarily serving Grundy Center, Waverly and the surrounding communities. She has lived in the Cedar Valley for most of her life, leaving the area only for her education at Iowa State University. She has worked at Cedar Valley Hospice for the past 25 years, first as a clinical social worker before transitioning into the role of grief counselor.
Lynette is passionate about the work of grief. She works within a team of people who care deeply about people who are grieving and want to lean in when the rest of the world returns to their own lives and problems. She believes that grief is natural, normal and needed. By providing acknowledgement of the pain of grief to those suffering loss, they give people the opportunity to heal. People often ask how she and her team members do the work of grief every day. Lynette states that it is a privilege to walk beside those who are struggling with the pain of grief, and to provide a safe place where their regrets, anxieties, anger, and pain can be witnessed without judgement.
Lynette has three grown children: a son Ben who lives with his wife and young children in Milwaukee; and two daughters, Elly and Megan who reside in the Des Moines area. She enjoys spending time with them and her three little grandchildren, Ollie, Lola, and Jack.
Danejia Lobdell, MSW, Eucalyptus Tree Coordinator
Danejia Lobdell is a social worker and coordinator of the Eucalyptus Tree Program at Cedar Valley Hospice. In her role, she travels to 15 counties across Northeast Iowa to provide counseling for children and families, educate on grief and loss and give support to area schools. Additionally, she plans the annual Cedar Valley Hospice Youth Grief Camp. She started as a Youth Grief Counselor in 2024 before being promoted to Eucalyptus Tree Coordinator.
Danejia is passionate about helping children and young adults through their grief because they are oftentimes overlooked when a loss has occurred. By acknowledging their feelings and recognizing that both adults young people grieve, she fosters an environment where youth feel empowered to handle difficult emotions in a healthy way and honor their loved ones. Danejia believes that witnessing each child’s progress is not only rewarding, but humbling.
Outside of her role as Eucalyptus Tree Coordinator, she finds fulfillment in a variety of interests and pursuits. Whether it’s diving into a new book, trying new foods, or enjoying quality time with loved ones, Danejia cherishes every opportunity for growth and connection. Originally from Cascade and a proud alumnus of the University of Northern Iowa, where she earned her Bachelor and Masters degrees, she’s always been driven by a desire to make a positive impact. For Danejia, life’s purpose lies in actively being the change she wishes to see in the world, both personally and professionally.
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