Heather Nerem Named DMC Senior Director of Academics

Heather Nerem Named DMC Senior Director of Academics

Heather Hagaman and Trish Lux Named Early Education Co-Directors

Heather Nerem has been named the Senior Director of Academics effective June 1, 2022. As part of this restructure, Heather Hagaman and Trish Lux have been named co-directors of the Early Education department. Mrs. Nerem will retain strategic oversight of Early Education. 

This is a structure uniquely suited to meet the diverse demands of the DMC Early Education programming, from all day preschool, half day preschool, to summer care and after school care for Elementary students. 

Senior Director of Academics

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.

DMC Superintendent Cade Lambert said, “Through more than a decade of experience, Mrs. Nerem has a demonstrated ability to facilitate innovative learning and lead teams of educators committed to nurturing and equipping the hearts and minds of their students. She is passionate about building positive cultures and servant-hearted leadership.”

As the Senior Academic Director, Mrs. Nerem will lead the innovation, alignment, and execution of DMC academics from early education programs through high school. She is committed to Biblical integration and remaining Christ-centered in all academics. Her vision aligns with DMC’s commitment to spiritual development and deeper learning for our students and professional growth for our educators.

“I have a heart for discipling teachers with a Christ-centered, people-focused perspective—seeing who they are in Christ and then encouraging them in that. It is such a blessing from the Lord to walk alongside our teachers, equipping them and mentoring them as we all seek to fulfill the incredibly important mission of DMC. Relationships are the foundation for growth,” Mrs. Nerem said.

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. Mrs. Nerem and her husband Nick have two children who attend DMC, Mya (‘27) and Mason (‘31). They attend Hilltop Church in Waukee.

Early Education Co-Directors

Mrs. Nerem’s transition to the academic role provided an opportunity to restructure Early Education with the knowledgeable people and resources already developed within the department. Heather Hagaman is currently the DMC Early Education Assistant Director and Trish Lux is the Health and Safety Facilitator; they will begin their new roles as Co-Directors in June 2022.  Both leaders are passionate about continuing the culture in Early Education and providing continuity for staff and families. Mrs. Nerem will continue to work directly with the co-directors and provide strategic direction for Early Education.  

“I have a strong belief in shared leadership and that experience is the best teacher," Mrs. Nerem said. "The roles that both Heather and Trish have held here for the last three years at DMC equip them for this opportunity. They are both life-long learners with humble hearts that have continually desired to grow each year in their current roles. Pair this with their love of the Lord and people, it allows them to truly desire to serve the families, children and staff.”

Ms. Hagaman has an AA in Business Administration from the American Institution of Business and her career path demonstrates a heart for children. She has served as the DMC Interim Director and Assistant Director of Early Education as well as a Paraprofessional at Iowa Christian Academy.  Ms. Hagaman’s son Izzy is in the class of 2027 at DMC. Her older son Zeke attends Grand Canyon University in Phoenix. Ms. Hagaman and Izzy attend Hilltop Church in Waukee. 

Mrs. Lux began her career at DMC as a teacher in the two-year old room. COVID presented the opportunity to use her nursing and health skills to address new needs and grow in leadership within the department. Mrs. Lux and her husband Josh are current school parents and have three children, AJ (‘22), Selah (‘24) and Grace (‘25). They attend Saylorville Church in Des Moines.