Des Moines Mom is made up of a group of amazing women who share their stories, wisdom, and ideas. You can learn more about Andrea and Kara, the co-owners of DMM, here.

Meet the Des Moines Mom Writing Team

Senior Contributors

Brittney

Senior Contributor

Brittney's parenting style can best be described as controlled chaos. Her sons, Beckett (2012) and Hudson (2014), are the epitome of ridiculous. Sure, they're good kids. But, they're constantly wrestling, actually climbing the walls and coming up with new ways to get their parents to say "yes" to their crazy ideas. Luckily, she's been married to her husband Tyler since 2007 and they've been parents just long enough to start seeing through their sons' antics. They live a block from Jack Trice stadium in Ames and both work for Iowa State. Brittney works full time in marketing and communications. In her (limited) free time, she like to bike (the kind with pedals and in spin studios), visit family, hang out with friends, host tailgates, be in or on the water - and always has good coffee and red wine on hand. *

Katie

Senior Contributor

Katie is married to her high school sweetheart, Wes. They have two energetic elementary aged boys. They love to explore Des Moines, travel around the country, and do anything sports related together! She owns her own birth and postpartum doula business, The Iowa Baby Lady, and loves serving mothers in the area as they grow, birth, and mother their babies with confidence! *

Liz

Senior Contributor

Liz is mom to Jonah (8), Gwennie (5), and Theo (3). She and her husband Troy have lived in Beaverdale since 2010. A teacher on maternal hiatus, Liz prefers reading to pretty much anything else and uses West Wing reruns to settle her mind. She believes any problem can be solved with fiction but loves to explore her reality in Des Moines.

Mary

Senior Contributor

Mary Salazar is an Iowa native and life-long Hawkeye who loves coffee, books and 90's music. When she isn't working for a metro school district as an administrator, she is spending time with her daughter Lily (2009) and her husband Mateo. *

Niki

Senior Contributor

Niki is an Iowa native who now lives with her husband Ryan, daughter Riley, and son Merritt in Johnston. She is passionate about paid leave for working parents, thrifting, and Beyonce. Niki is the Marketing Campaign Manager at Homesteaders Life Company in West Des Moines. She is also owner of Bee Thrifty, which consigns designer clothing for clients on Poshmark. Niki is a two-time graduate of Drake University with a bachelor’s in journalism (2008) and a Master’s in Communication Leadership (2015). *

Contributors

Elizabeth

Contributor

Elizabeth resides in Ames with her spirited blended clan. They include Elizabeth Rain (2007), Sophia (2011), Will (2017) and Evie Grace (2019). Her husband Mike works for the Iowa DNR while Elizabeth is the HopeKids Coordinator at Lutheran Church of Hope - Ames.. Elizabeth lives on iced coffee and peanut butter m&ms while being the taxi driver for the family. If she isn’t driving to practices or events. Then you will find her doing social media for the Just Between Friends Consignment Sale or working at Target. Elizabeth feels strongly that growth comes from having a group of moms that challenge you and empower you to be a better version of yourself each day. You can follow along with her chaos @nicumamatimestwo.

Eva

Contributor

Eva lives in WDSM with her husband, Zack, and daughters Kate (2019) and Clara (2022). She is a prosecutor with the Polk County Attorney's Office where she handles primarily child welfare cases. Outside of work, Eva enjoys recreating Pinterest recipes that are beyond her level of expertise, trying to find the perfect skincare routine, and buying way more on Amazon than she needs to. Eva shares openly about her experiences involving Zack's deployment, her high-risk pregnancy, Kate's NICU stay, and just about anything else you might care to ask about. She's a big fan of podcasts, personality tests, the Shark VacMop, and ordering her coffee "kid temp" at Starbucks. Connect with her on Instagram @evaateresaa

Keshia

Contributor

I am a former special education teacher now stay at home mom. Our three wild boys and one princess keep me busy! I love my morning coffee and daily adventures.

Ashley

Contributor

Ashley Danielson is a total type A who loves to try new things. As a Mama to two girls, she works outside of the home as a registered dietitian and is a foodie who gets to her yoga mat as much as possible. Ashley enjoys lovely conversation over walks outside, coffee or a glass of wine with family and friends. She works daily on intention, giving herself grace and living life with purpose. Connect with her on instagram @loveyourbites_rdn

Photos courtesy of Breanna Maxwell Photography