08/21/2026
✨ A huge welcome to our new early education teachers and staff! ✨They would love to meet current EE families at the open house today, Aug 21! Families please attend during your classroom's scheduled time that was shared in the newsletter.
🍎 Ms. Jamie Brewer | 4 year old Gentle Giraffes Lead Teacher
Hi, I’m Ms. Jamie, and I’m excited to be working in the Giraffes room! I earned my degree in Early Childhood Education from Maranatha Baptist Bible College and have many years of experience helping children learn and grow, including serving in the Early Ed Department at DMC from 2010–2015. My faith is an important part of my life, and I have attended Valley Church for the past 19 years. Outside the classroom, I enjoy cooking, planting flowers, and spending quality time with my family. I’m grateful for the opportunity to create a positive, encouraging environment where children can grow in their learning and faith!
🍎 Mrs. Anna Conn | 2 year old Peaceful Penguins Lead Teacher
Hi, I’m Anna, and I’m excited to be the lead teacher in our new 2-year-old classroom, the Peaceful Penguins! I have been teaching for seven years and am grateful for this new opportunity in early childhood education and to join our school community. My husband and I have a 9-month-old son and five cats and dogs who keep us busy! In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family, going for walks, and reading a good book. I feel blessed to be part of a Christ-centered environment where we can help children grow academically, socially, and spiritually, and I look forward to a wonderful year together!
🍎 Miss Zoe Deace | 3 year old Tempered Turtles and 4 Year old Gentle Giraffes Assistant Teacher
Hi! I’m Zoe, and I’m 21 years old. I love working with kids because every day is different, and I enjoy watching them learn, grow, and have fun. My favorite color is yellow, and outside of work I love reading, going on walks, and spending time with the people I love! Zoe will be working in our Turtle & Giraffe rooms!
🍎 Mrs. Saraya Pederson | 4 year old Faithful Frogs Assistant Teacher
Hi, I’m Saraya Pederson (pronounced “Saramia”)! I was born in Thailand and have a Cambodian background. My husband, Chad, and I have been married for 20 years, and we have three kids: Danni, who is starting her first year at UNI; Penelope, a 10th grader at Urbandale High School who loves track and hurdles; and Van, a sixth grader who loves engineering and tinkering. In my free time, I enjoy trying new recipes, biking and walking with my family, reading my Bible, thrifting, watching movies, and exploring natural health remedies. You can also find me working part-time at Target!
🍎 Mrs. Katie Swartwoudt | 4 year old Faithful Frogs Lead Teacher
Hi, I’m Miss Katie! I’m so excited to join the DMC family. I graduated from UNI in 2022—Go Panthers! I’m entering my fourth year of teaching, including my third year teaching 4/5s preschool. Outside the classroom, I love spending time with my husband of three years, Trent, and our two sweet dogs, Wiley and Waylon, who keep us busy with walks and trips to the dog park. I also enjoy spending time with family and curling up with a good book. I’m looking forward to a wonderful year and getting started at our new center!
🍎 Miss Kate Utrie | 2 year old Peaceful Penguins and 4 Year old Faithful Frogs Assistant Teacher
Hello! My name is Kate Utrie, and this is my first year here at DMC! I just graduated from the University of Northern Iowa this past May in the elementary/early education field, and I am very excited to show kids how learning about the world around them can tie them back to God. When I am not teaching, I like to paint and craft, go on walks, and do really anything related to music. I look forward to getting to serve the students and fellow staff here as I start my post-grad life! Kate will be working in our Penguins & Frogs rooms!
🍎 Miss Lilah Veach | 2 year old Peaceful Penguins Assistant Teacher
My name is Lilah Veach and I am 18 years old! I love to travel and spend time with my family and friends. I have worked in childcare for almost 2 years and am so excited to start a new journey at DMC!
🍎 Miss Olivia Wilson ('23) | 2 year old Joyful Jellyfish Lead Teacher
Hi! My name is Olivia Wilson and I’m so excited to be teaching here this year! I recently graduated from Colorado Christian University and am a DMC alumni myself. The DMC community is truly a blessing to be a part of and I can’t wait to be back on the other end of things this time around teaching our very youngest learners! Olivia is working in our Jellyfish room!
🍎 Mrs. Callie Wobbema | Administrative Assistant
I’m excited to join the team as a part-time Administrative Assistant and to launch the new extracurricular Speech Program for Des Moines Christian High School! Most importantly, I love Jesus and am grateful for my husband of 25 years, Andy, our daughters, Helen and Veronica, and our dog, Henry. I love singing, acting, theatre, coffee, British mysteries, organization, and a good slice of pie—and don’t be surprised if I burst into song when someone says something that reminds me of a lyric! I hope to be someone you feel comfortable coming to for help and that our time together always leaves your day a little brighter. I’m looking forward to a wonderful school year and am praying for our school community!
