Eric Warme is our math tutor. He tutors both adults--oftentimes participant family members--and children. He is currently earning his Master’s degree in education at Drake University. Our Partners Nicole Havelka experienced her first yoga class more than a decade ago and has been hooked ever since. She leads twice-weekly sessions as part of Culture Inc.'s Summer Arts Academy. The practice of yoga became her primary spiritual practice while she was studying to become a pastor at Chicago Theological Seminary from 2000-2004. Because of the physical, emotional and spiritual benefits she gained from that practice, she decided to “pay it forward” by becoming a certified yoga instructor. She finished her teacher training at Spirit Rising Yoga studio in Board Members
Executive Director Rachel Rockwell started Culture Inc. in August of 2008. She has a B.A. and Art Therapy Certificate from Grandview College in Des Moines. After working in the banking industry for several years, Rachel decided she wanted to focus her impact on small business owners. She became a certified E-Myth Business Coach for Benchmark Business Development in Des Moines, which eventually inspired her to pursue her own dream of starting an arts-focused afterschool program. Outside of Culture Inc., Rachel volunteers for Young Parents Network and is an artist in her own right.
Dove Haase began as Summer Programs Coordinator in March 2010. She’s a recent marketing and English graduate of University of Iowa, and her past roles include Public Relations Intern at Children & Families of Iowa and Writing Fellow at UI. Dove is charged with leading and developing Culture Inc.’s Summer 2010 programs and expanding communications to our various stakeholders. She spent much of college mentoring and teaching business concepts to youth K-12 and hopes to continue these volunteer endeavors in Des Moines.
Brittan Alford began working at Culture Inc. in June 2009 and has recently been promoted to Lead Youth Facilitator. Not only does she organize and facilitate afterschool programming, but also provides remedial reading and language tutoring as part of The Foster Aunt and Uncle Project. Outside of her duties at Culture Inc., Brittan is a painter and head cheerleading coach for girls 6-18 in conjunction with the Shooting Stars intramural basketball team. She currently attends DMACC and plans to pursue law at Drake University.
Marcela Hermosillo-Tarin works part-time as an ELL Instructor and Outreach Coordinator. View her language tutoring schedule here.
Martha McCormick founded Next Step in 2006 after retiring from more than 30 years of youth development work at Iowa State University. She challenges clients to look to the future and take next steps with confidence. She helps Culture Inc. with program and outcome assessment, program and resource development.
Tony Wilson founded Central City Community Development Corporation in 2004 to teach others how to maintain balance in their personal and professional lives. His training increases productivity and improves the culture of homes and workplaces. Before founding CCCDC, Wilson spent over 30 years in the National Guard and for DMPS as a teacher and administrator. He coaches Culture Inc. staff, leads the monthly Community Dinner and performs Family Team Meetings for youth and their families.
Visit again soon for a list of our current board members.
