Staff

Heidi Brown is an Iowa native, graduating from Urbandale high school and the University of Iowa. She holds a Master's degree in Educational Leadership from Morningside College. Heidi spent two years as a substitute teacher in the Des Moines metro before moving on to work in out-of-school time education for the YMCA, the Science Center of Iowa, and most recently Des Moines Public Schools. She joins the Iowa Afterschool Alliance after 16 years with Des Moines Public Schools, coordinating out-of-school time programs and community schools. Heidi enjoys reading, rock 'n' roll, and operates a small pottery business (Good Moon Pottery) in her free time.  

Adriana Slaughter is an Iowa native, graduating from Southeast Polk High School and Iowa State University. She holds a Master's degree in Higher Education from University of North Texas. Growing up in the River Bend Neighborhood of Des Moines, Adriana was actively involved in various out-of-school time programs, instilling in her a deep appreciation for the impact and importance these programs have in communities. These experiences helped her become the first high school graduate in her family, eventually leading to her being the first person in her family to graduate with a college degree. Outside of work, you can find Adriana at a thrift store, reading, on her deck enjoying nature, or checking things off her extensive bucket list.