DMC Announces Associate Head of School

Over the past decade, DMC has experienced steady growth in access to Christian education, our programs, and the impact of our mission. With this growth, the scope of responsibility and administrative oversight required to lead the school has expanded. At the direction of the DMC Board of Trustees, an Associate Head of School position is being added effective July 1, 2026. This position will strengthen the delivery of DMC’s mission, build capacity to pursue strategic initiatives, and steward the long-term opportunities of the school. Heather Nerem, DMC’s current Head of Academics, has accepted the Associate Head of School position. 

The new position reports directly to Head of School Mr. Cade Lambert and the two will work in close partnership to advance the mission of the school. Mr. Lambert’s focus will be on the greater DMC community—engaging constituents beyond current parents and employees, broadening the school’s mission across central Iowa, and shaping the future of the school. He will continue to provide leadership in fiscal management and play a key role in cultivating relationships that help sustain the school financially both today and in the years ahead. 

As Associate Head of School, Mrs. Nerem will cultivate relationships with parents, support day-to-day operations, and provide strategic and operational leadership across the school’s academic programs. With direct oversight of the academic divisions, student activities, and co-curricular programming, Mrs. Nerem plays a key role in sustaining the Christ-centered culture, academic integrity, and spiritual formation that define DMC.

Mr. Lambert said, “Heather has helped create and nurture a special culture around our mission and values. She leads with heart and conviction and is positioned to see our school continue to pursue excellence in all areas.” 

Mrs. Nerem joined the DMC team as Director of Early Education in 2019 with a wealth of experience in educational leadership. This includes her work as an Instructional Specialist and Special Educational Curriculum Facilitator for Des Moines Public Schools and her roles as Elementary Principal and Director of Elementary Curriculum and Instruction at Dallas-Center Grimes Schools. In 2022 she became DMC’s Head of Academics, leading the innovation of faculty professional development and the alignment of academic programs from early education through high school.

Mrs. Nerem said, “I am deeply humbled and grateful to the Lord for His leading. With a heart for Christ, a love for our children, and care for our incredible staff and leaders, I am excited to step into this role to collaboratively deepen the impact of our mission—equipping minds and nurturing hearts to impact the world for Christ.”

Mrs. Nerem holds a Masters of Education in Principalship from the University of Northern Iowa, as well as a BA in Elementary Education with a minor in special education, also from UNI.