Healing Passages Birth & Wellness Center in Des Moines announced it has hired Katie McIntyre as director of operations. McIntyre brings 15 years of experience in public relations, communications, human resources, management and compliance to the role. She was hired to oversee daily operations and raise awareness of the many services offered through the center, which has recently become Iowa’s first accredited birth center. The center, located at 800 19th St. in the Sherman Hill neighborhood, achieved accreditation late last year though the Commission for the Accreditation of Birth Centers. It’s one of 118 birth centers in 33 states and the only Iowa center to be accredited by CABC. “We are thrilled to have a director of this caliber to welcome clients to our newly accredited birth center,” said Cosette Boone, founder and executive director of Healing Passages. “Katie brings an inner joy that amplifies the warmth and positive energy that radiates at Healing Passages.”