THE DUBUQUE DREAM CENTER ACADEMY (DDCA)
FACULTY
Members of the Dubuque Dream Center Academy Faculty are state-licensed teachers with:
- a degree in education and
- endorsements for specific grade levels and subjects.
We're hiring!
We're in the process of hiring our inaugural faculty and we couldn't be more excited about the future and plans for our community!
Questions?
Faculty
The Dream Academy's teachers are mission-driven and passionate about progressing our students toward reading and math proficiency and pushing students to achieve high academic standards.
Teacher: Grades 4-5
NAKIAH KIMBLE
Born and raised in Dubuque, Nakiah graduated from Emmaus Bible College in May 2019, earning her B.A. in Biblical Studies and A.A. in K-12 Education.
She began playing basketball in first grade and continued to play at the collegiate level. She has been involved at the Dream Center since 2015 and looks forward to seeing the growth of this organization and watching the continuous impact the Dream Center will have in our community.
Nakiah is currently finishing her Elementary Education Degree at Clarke University's Accelerated Elementary Education Degree program with a reading endorsement for K-8th grade.
Teacher: Grades 2
DENISE RODRIGUEZ-GALLEGOS
Denise Rodriguez moved to Dubuque in 2020 from northern Virginia after earning:
- a B.A. in Integrative Studies from George Mason University and
- an M.A. in Elementary Education from Western Governors University.
She began teaching in 2021 and has taught 2nd and 3rd grades.
Denise believes in fostering a positive and engaging learning environment. Her goal is to create a classroom of students who feel valued, inspired, and motivated to explore their full potential.
Teacher: Grade 7
PAIGE SABA
Paige grew up in Aurora, Illinois. She attended the University of Iowa where she received her bachelor’s degree in English. After college, she moved to Northern Virginia where she worked as a marketing director for a commercial and residential builder.
Paige took several years off to raise her three daughters. During this time, she went back to school to become licensed to teach through Western Governor’s University. Paige has worked as an advanced academics teacher in grades five and six in Fairfax County Virginia where she taught all subjects, but most recently, math and science. She has taught for a total of 13 years.
Paige looks forward to a new adventure at DDCA. She strives to create a warm and welcoming classroom environment where students feel supported, engaged, and excited to learn.
Teacher: Grade 3
LINDSEY STILWELL
Mrs. Lindsey Stilwell is an experienced elementary teacher of four years. She began her teaching career at TriState Christian School where she taught third and sixth grade.
A 2016 graduate of Wheaton Warrenville South High School, Mrs. Stilwell was raised in Warrenville, Illinois. At a young age, she had the natural love for working with and teaching children. She felt called by God at an early age to pursue a career in teaching.
In 2020 at Emmaus Bible College, Mrs. Stilwell completed and received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Bible, along with a K-8 Reading Endorsement.
She currently resides in Dubuque with her supportive husband, Josiah Stilwell. She is eager to teach at the Dream Center Academy this fall and watch her students grow in their love and desire for Jesus and for academics.
Teacher: K-Grade 1
BRENDA WALLACE
With fifteen years as a classroom teacher -- Grades 1-8 -- and five years as a principal, Brenda Wallace is looking forward to teaching at the Dream Academy.
Brenda earned a Bachelor's degree in elementary and middle school education as well as a Master's degree in Reading and an Educational Leadership degree.
She loves to read and watch Netflix movies! And her favorite place to be is in the sunshine or at the beach!
Teacher: Grade 6
KASI ZELL
Kasi is from Muscatine, Iowa and she spent the past 3 years teaching as a Title 1 teacher in the Muscatine School District. Kasi went to Emmaus Bible College and graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Bible & Theology and K-6 Elementary Education. She enjoy's painting and spending time outside in the beautiful creation that the Lord has made. Kasi will be moving to Dubuque over the summer just as she will be camp counseling at Spring Valley Bible Camp as her third year as a camp counselor.
She look's forward to serving at the DDCA and learning & growing in grace with you all this year!
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.
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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