THE DUBUQUE DREAM CENTER ACADEMY (DDCA)

ADMINISTRATION

School Administration

The DDCA's administration is mission-driven and passionate about progressing our students toward reading and math proficiency and pushing staff and students to achieve high academic standards. 

Head of School

ROBERT KIMBLE

Robert Kimble has been a resident of Dubuque since 1989. A graduate of Emmaus Bible College with a Degree in Biblical Studies, he also earned a Masters of Arts Degree in Urban Ministry from Grand Canyon University.

Robert held the position of Youth and Family Program Director at the Dubuque Community Y from 2002 through 2013 then, with other community leaders, went on to create and establish the Dubuque Dream Center. Robert has been the CEO of the Dubuque Dream Center since that time.

He is married to Nellie Kimble, and they are parents to five daughters.

Off-Site School Administrator

DR. JOSH BOWAR

Dr. Josh Bowar lives in Sioux Center (northwest Iowa) with his wife Alicia, who serves as the Director of Alumni and Parent Relations at Dordt University. Josh has extensive experience in serving as an elementary, middle, and high school teacher as well as an adjunct professor at the university level. He also has experience as an assistant principal and head of school. 

Josh works with the Iowa Association of Christian Schools (IACS) to promote, advance, and support Christian schools across the state and is a licensed Iowa school administrator. He also works with the Center for the Advancement of Christian Education (CACE) at Dordt University. 

Josh's BA is from Dordt University. In addition, he has an MA degree in Curriculum and Instruction and one in Educational Leadership, both from Dordt University. He also holds an Ed.S. and an Ed.D. from the University of South Dakota.  

Outside of working with schools, he enjoys spending time with family (including four nephews and four nieces, all under age 11!), traveling, reading, going on walks with his wife, serving on several community and church committees, and writing. Oh, and he can't have a day without coffee!

Development Director

RACQUEL McCLELLAN

Born and raised in Rockford, IL, Racquel McClellan came to the city in 2007 as a student at the University of Dubuque.

After receiving her Bachelor's Degree in Sociology in 2012, she began her career working in social services.

Racquel began her involvement with the Dubuque Dream Center in 2016 as a Board Member, then resigned from her social work position in 2017 joining the Dream Center staff as an Administrative Assistant.

Racquel was promoted to Executive Assistant + Donor Relations Coordinator in June 2018.

Enrollment Director

NELLIE KIMBLE

Nellie Kimble was born and raised in Dubuque.

During her working career, she has been a restaurant and convenience store manager, as well as a start-up manager for multiple franchises.

She is also a certified intervener through Utah State University for the deaf and blind and has worked for the Dubuque Community Schools for seven (7) years with special needs. Nellie also worked for Camp Albrecht Acres for several years.

Business Manager,

Marketing + Technology Administrator

CORI LIEB

Born and raised in Dubuque, Cori graduated from Northeast Iowa Community College in 2011 earning a degree in Criminal Justice.

She was employed with the Dubuque Community School District for 12 years, finishing at Senior High School in the administration offices.

She began volunteering at the Dubuque Dream Center in 2013 and now serves full-time in administration.

School Counselor

AFFRICA KIMBLE

Born and raised in Dubuque, Affrica attended elementary school, middle school, college, and graduate school entirely in Dubuque.

She graduated from Emmaus Bible College in May 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Counseling Psychology and Biblical Studies, then earned a Master of Arts in School Counseling from Loras College in May 2022 with internship placements at Fulton Elementary School and Senior High School.

As a part of the Dubuque Dream Center staff, Affrica continues to be passionate about making a difference in the lives of the children and their families.

She especially loves working with children and is excited about building a comprehensive school counseling program at the Dream Academy as she continues to serve the children and families of the Dubuque Dream Center and the wider Dubuque community.

TRANSFORMING GENERATIONS through Christ-Centered and Quality Education

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2540 Central Ave | Dubuque, IA 52001

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