Co- Founder & President
Scott Bergan is Kaitlin's father. Scott has worked in food manufacturing for over 37 years, in Production, Operations and Quality Assurance and Food Safety. This work has kept Scott busy throughout his career. Scott is married to his middle school sweetheart and besides Kaitlin, they have two sons. All three of his children have grown up with their own unique qualities, with each one being different from one another. Without knowing that Kaitlin was struggling with a job-related mental health crisis, Kaitlin's Heart for Heroes was established a year after her passing to honor her for always putting herself before others. Mental health is a big struggle with our First Responders and Veterans and our mission is to support them with resources in an effort to try to get them the help they need.
Co-Founder & Vice President
Lorena Bergan is Kaitlin’s mother. Being Kaitlin’s mom was always my number one job. Supporting her in life never stopped even after we lost her, I knew we had to continue that support. The best way to do that was to find out how best to do that. Her dad and I learned about some of her struggles and then by talking to other responders and families the stories sounded similar. This became clear to us we could help, but we needed to do this in many ways, it wasn’t just one thing. Opening a chat room would be just one of many ways to help make a difference. We will not judge, we will share our story with anyone who wants to hear it, we will protect your privacy, & expect the same in return. No one has to share, listening works. We want people in the responder world to feel comfortable, welcomed, and respected. That’s how we raised Kaitlin & her brothers. We know she had trauma related to her work that changed her. The difference is she didn’t have the tools we have or the right people around her or she’d still be here. Thank you for joining us. We are here as a safe place for you to vent, but never to diagnose. This is support for people very dear to us. You are important and valuable, you matter & this is our purpose..
Treasurer
Kevin Schmitz, CPA, is a board member of Kaitlin’s Heart for Heroes with a passion for supporting first responders and their mental health. He brings extensive experience in accounting, risk management, and governance, along with prior service on multiple nonprofit boards. Kevin is committed to helping organizations build strong, sustainable foundations that support meaningful missions. Outside of his professional work, Kevin enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys gardening, hiking, camping, and bike riding.
Board Member
Jenny Seylar is a retired teacher and semi-retired pastor serving as a hospital chaplain in Iowa City. She has a passion for service, which includes walking alongside and providing support for people who are dealing with crisis and trauma. As a board member for Kaitlin’s Heart for Heroes, Jenny advocates for the work of the Foundation by connecting with other non-profits who seek to support those in crisis. In her free time Jenny enjoys her grown children and grandchildren, kayaking the rivers and lakes in Iowa, traveling to serve with her Rotary Club, and spending time enjoying nature.
Social Media Content Creator
Sara Broers is a professional storyteller, published author, and digital strategist based in North Central Iowa. With a career dedicated to highlighting the hidden gems of the Midwest, Sara brings a wealth of experience in relationship-building and authentic community engagement to the Kaitlin’s Heart for Heroes team. In 2019, Sara was honored by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) as the Individual Leader of the Year for the state, a testament to her dedication to Iowa's communities and her influence as a leader in regional promotion. As the co-owner of the Midwest Travel Network and CEO of Travel With Sara, she understands the power of a well-told story to inspire action and connect people across distances. At Kaitlin’s Heart for Heroes, Sara leverages her expertise in social media and content creation to amplify the organization’s mission, ensuring that the stories of our heroes and the impact of our community are shared far and wide. When she isn’t managing digital landscapes, Sara can be found exploring Iowa’s scenic trails, hunting for the perfect bowl of bread pudding, or spending time on her family farm with her husband, Todd, their two sons, and three grandchildren. She is honored to use her voice to support and celebrate those who serve.
