November 5, 2025

From Camper to Kavanagh: Megan Schafnitz's EveryStep Journey

DES MOINES, IOWA  --  Megan Schafnitz is completing her first year as a registered nurse working at EveryStep’s Kavanagh House – but she is hardly new to the organization. 

“In 2011, my grandma was receiving in-home hospice care from Hospice of Central Iowa,” Megan says, “I was just out of fifth grade.” 

She remembers the peace that her grandma was afforded in those final days.  “I was just happy that she was able to stay in her home, just because that's what she wanted,” she says, “The nurses really catered to what she wanted and were very caring. I know they were supportive of our family as a whole, so that was really special. They were there for us as well, not just my grandma.” 

As Megan would learn, EveryStep would continue to be there for her and her family.  “One of the nurses who was taking care of my grandma suggested Amanda the Panda to my parents,” she says, “I went to the grief summer camp ... they had different activities we could do, you know, help us to express ourselves at the age that we were, so that was it just felt like a very loving, kind of community.” 

EveryStep remained there for Megan during the holiday season, too.  “So that following Christmas season, following my grandma's passing, I received a cheer box,” she says.  A few years later, Megan decided it was her turn to return the favor. 

“My mom and I came across the opportunity a few years ago and realized we could volunteer to kind of give back and deliver Cheer Boxes,” she says, “So we've been doing that for three years now.” 

While volunteering with the Cheer Box program, Megan was also enrolled in nursing schools.  After graduation, she knew where to start her job search.  She still recalls her first impression of walking into Kavanagh House.  “Walking into the facility itself was very ... I like that it's homey. It feels very personal, it's very calm,” she says, “You know, you walk in and it just feels like you're at ease in that building.” 

Her love of the space, her colleagues, and the organization haven’t wavered since that day.  “I like it a lot. I like that it's nonprofit. I really admire that. I know that comes with its own challenges, but, you know, people are there for the right reason, it feels like,” she says, “We all care about our people and care about each other.”