Tricia joined The Arc of Story County as the Executive Director on October 31, 2011. As Executive Director, Tricia is responsible for providing overall leadership of the agency’s mission, goals, and policies that provide advocacy and community-based services that support persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Tricia comes to The Arc with a long history of working with persons with special needs. For seven years, she was the Program Director and the Employment Coordinator at Mainstream Living in Ames. Additional service and case management experiences were gained through employment with ChildServe in Ames, Des Moines Easter Seals, Dallas County DHS, and Hawkeye Health Services in Des Moines.

Tricia lives in Nevada with her husband and their three young daughters and brings to The Arc a deep commitment, an unquestionable passion, and abundant enthusiasm.

I have been working for the Arc of Story County for 2.5 years, and I am planning to graduate from Iowa State University in May. My degree will be in Human Development and Family Studies with a minor in Gerontology. I love working at the Arc and being able to meet so many people and coach. I started working at the Arc in August 2023, when I was starting at Iowa State. I enjoy coaching and working with the athletes and other participants who attend Arc events. I enjoy how enthusiastic and excited participants are at events.

As the new Project SEARCH Instructor in Story County at Iowa State University, Tara Box is an established advocate for unity and inclusion, driven by the belief that all people deserve the opportunity to succeed. Having served this community since 2002, Tara brings a strong educational foundation, including an Iowa State University graduate degree and specialized training in a Gentle Teaching Training, complemented by a Master's in Healthcare Administration. Her professional journey is defined by years of direct support and program development at organizations like Friendship Ark Homes and Mary Greeley Medical Center. Her long-standing commitment to empowerment is further reflected in her service on the board of The Arc of Story County.