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.

As the 2020–21 school year came to an end and the micro-school officially closed, Katy transitioned to private tutoring and rebranded the business as Roots & Wings Educational Services. Her tutoring approach combined Montessori principles with explicit, structured literacy instruction grounded in the Science of Reading. She began working with students out of a small office space in her home, cultivating close connections with families and creating a nurturing environment for learning.

Within her first six months of tutoring, Katy noticed that many students who struggled with reading showed signs of dyslexia. This realization sparked a deep passion for supporting students with characteristics of dyslexia and other language-based learning differences. Katy pursued advanced training and is now a Certified Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist. In addition to tutoring, she also serves as an advocate—helping families navigate the evaluation process and secure appropriate school-based supports.

In 2024, Roots & Wings expanded into a small but passionate team of educators, each bringing unique expertise to their work. Together, they form a collaborative Professional Learning Community (PLC), continually sharing ideas, strategies, and resources to meet the diverse needs of their students.

To support this growth, Roots & Wings Educational Services established a dedicated home base in January 2025—a welcoming house located in the Beaverdale neighborhood of Des Moines. 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. This community-focused environment reflects the mission that has guided Roots & Wings since the very beginning.

Our Approach

At Roots & Wings, we believe every child deserves an education that is:

Individualized – No two learners are the same. We tailor instruction to meet each child’s unique needs, strengths, and pace.
Evidence-Based – We use proven methods, including structured literacy and the Science of Reading, to build strong foundational skills.
Holistic – Academic success is tied to emotional well-being. We support the whole child.
Collaborative – Our team meets regularly as a Professional Learning Community (PLC) to share strategies, reflect, and grow together as educators.

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

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.

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!