Vicki Chats with Andrea Dellit and Lydia Gessner, of Cedar Valley Angels

Andrea Dellit, Executive Director, Cedar Valley Angels

Andrea Dellit is a longtime Cedar Valley leader with a heart for people and a brain for strategy. A foster and adoptive mom, trauma-informed care advocate, and proud 90s kid, Andrea balances family life, community service, and a 20+ year corporate career with grace and grit. She holds both a BA and an MBA from UNI and is passionate about equipping communities with the tools and understanding needed to support children and families impacted by foster care.

Andrea and her husband Brad have fostered six children and adopted four——while also volunteering with causes close to her heart, including the Alzheimer’s Association and infertility support efforts. When she’s off the clock, you’ll find her enjoying tacos, cheering on the Cubs and Cowboys, and still dreaming of hitting the road with the Foo Fighters.

Lydia Gessner, Development Coordinator, Cedar Valley Angels

Lydia Gessner is a storyteller, connector, and creative spirit from New Hampton, Iowa, with a passion for building community and bringing hope into hard spaces. A Bethel University graduate with a degree in English and a concentration in creative writing, Lydia blends her love of words with meaningful advocacy for children and families in the foster care system.

Inspired by personal loss and the adoption journeys of her college coaches, Lydia is deeply committed to helping others navigate grief, find belonging, and discover beauty in the midst of challenge. Through writing, speaking, and community engagement, she seeks to shine light into dark places—championing love, resilience, and transformation wherever she goes.