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About Us
Roots & Wings Educational Services was founded in 2020 by educator and dyslexia specialist Katy Severe, M.Ed., in response to the challenges many families faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Originally launched as Roots & Wings Community School, the program operated as a fully in-person Montessori micro-school based out of Katy’s basement. It provided a hands-on, individualized alternative at a time when most learning had shifted online.
After the micro-school closed at the end of the 2020–21 school year, Katy transitioned to private tutoring and rebranded the business as Roots & Wings Educational Services. Her approach combined Montessori principles with explicit, structured literacy instruction grounded in the Science of Reading. Working with students from a small office in her home, Katy cultivated close relationships with families and created a nurturing, individualized learning environment.
Within her first six months of tutoring, Katy noticed that many students who struggled with reading showed signs of dyslexia. This realization deepened her passion for supporting students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences. She pursued advanced training and is now a Certified Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist. In addition to tutoring, Katy serves as an advocate for families, helping them navigate the evaluation process and secure appropriate school-based supports for their children.
In 2024, Roots & Wings grew into a passionate team of educators, each bringing unique expertise and experience to their work. Together, they form a collaborative Professional Learning Community (PLC), continually sharing ideas, strategies, and resources to better meet the diverse needs of their students.
To support this growth, Roots & Wings established a dedicated home base in January 2025—a welcoming house in Des Moines’ Beaverdale neighborhood. Purposefully designed with tutoring in mind, the space features individual rooms for each tutor and a cozy shared area where families can relax, wait comfortably, or connect with one another.
From its beginnings as a small Montessori micro-school to the growing educational community it is today, Roots & Wings has remained grounded in the same mission: creating an individualized, supportive environment where students can build skills, grow in confidence, and thrive.
Our Approach
At Roots & Wings, we believe every child deserves an education that is:
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Individualized – No two learners are the same. We tailor instruction to meet each child’s unique needs, strengths, and pace.
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Evidence-Based – We use proven methods, including structured literacy and the Science of Reading, to build strong foundational skills.
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Holistic – Academic success is tied to emotional well-being. We support the whole child.
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Collaborative – Our team meets regularly as a Professional Learning Community (PLC) to share strategies, reflect, and grow together.
Whether your child is struggling with reading, needs extra math support, or is ready for academic enrichment, we're here to help them thrive.
Meet The Team
Katy Severe
Britney Mathiesen
Lauren Gallo Heston
Brett Steelman
Katy is passionate about helping students become confident, capable readers. As a full-time professor at Grand View University, she focuses on literacy and dyslexia education while continuing to work directly with students and families through Roots & Wings. With over 18 years of experience in education—including roles in Montessori, special education, classroom teaching, higher education, and private tutoring—Katy brings a diverse toolkit and a deep empathy for all types of learners. She loves building lasting relationships with families and watching kids grow not just academically, but in confidence and independence.
Britney is excited to offer math and enrichment tutoring services. She served as an ELP/GT (Extended Learning Program/Gifted & Talented) teacher in the West Des Moines school district for 7 years. Her credentials include a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and an endorsement in K-12 Gifted & Talented Education (Drake University, 2016). She has continued her education through WDMCS, Drake University, and Roots & Wings Educational Services. Britney lives in Ankeny with her fiance and their dog, Wyatt (who makes occasional visits to the office!).
Lauren is a school counselor at Summit Middle School in Johnston and brings a wealth of experience and insight to our team. Known for her kindness, compassion, and expertise, Lauren has supported many students with dyslexia from a social-emotional lens and played a key role in helping implement a structured literacy intervention program at Summit several years ago. She is currently completing training in the EBLI program and is eager to expand her impact by supporting even more students. Lauren lives in Urbandale with her husband and three children and offers a valuable perspective as both an educator and a parent of a child with characteristics of dyslexia.
Brett is excited to join the team at Roots & Wings! As a lifelong learner, he believes people of all ages can grow every day, even if just a smidge. As a student at Luther College, he studied English and Latin and worked as both a tutor in a Family Literacy Program and an editor of an online journal. Over the last decade, he has worked in Iowa's public education system, starting as an associate in Special Education programs. Now, he works as a school counselor for Des Moines Public Schools. He has experience working with students across a wide range of areas, from writing to life skills, from learning the alphabet to interviewing for a first job. He has worked with children as young as five, as well as young adults, in one-on-one, small group, and whole-group settings. Nothing is more fulfilling than working with students, meeting them where they are and guiding them through the next step. In his free time, Brett is an avid golfer. He also loves spending time with his wonderful wife and their dog at home.
Arlo is Ms. Katy’s sweet and cuddly 3-year-old Wheaten Terrier who occasionally visits the tutoring house. With his soft, teddy bear-like appearance and gentle nature, he’s become a favorite among many of our students! He can be a little shy around new adults and may bark at first, but he loves kids—and once he gets to know you, he will likely greet you with a happy tail wag and a few kisses.
Arlo
Wyatt is Ms. Britney's 9-year-old Goldendoodle/Labradoodle mix. Even in his older age, he still acts like a puppy and will be excited to greet you at the door with a favorite toy. He is a tall dog, and might bark when he hears you coming, but is super friendly and loves pets. If he doesn't already have a toy when you greet him, you can prompt him, "Where is your toy?" and he will be sure to find it for you!
Wyatt
Both Arlo and Wyatt are hypoallergenic, which helps reduce the chance of reactions for kids and/or adults with pet allergies. However, if your child is allergic or has any fears of dogs, please don’t hesitate to let us know. We want all students to feel comfortable and safe. Most of our families end up falling in love with Arlo and Wyatt, but we’re happy to make any accommodations needed!