Hi, I’m Heidi Stoffel! I am Aspire Academy’s Executive Director and Founder. 

I started Aspire Academy in April of 2017 to reach those who struggle with reading, writing and spelling. Helping those who face challenges in these areas became a passion of mine when raising my son. I was quick to realize that resources for him were scarce, and oftentimes we had to travel a great distance to get the help he needed. 

Before opening our doors here at Aspire Academy, I worked with parents across Iowa to develop the Iowa Chapter of Decoding Dyslexia in 2013.  Decoding Dyslexia Iowa is a non-profit that educates parents and teachers about dyslexia, and advocates for adequate dyslexia laws in our state. Through the Iowa Chapter, my devotion to helping others was emboldened. The following year, I was a founding partner of the first dyslexia center in the Des Moines area. 

I am proud to be a part of the foundation for reading, writing and spelling services for students with dyslexia in Iowa and the other regions we serve! It is no mistake that you have found us, and I look forward to meeting with you, either online or in-person, about how we can introduce Educational Excellence into your lives. 

I have filled Aspire Academy with caring, compassionate people, like myself, who love to teach students the skills they need to succeed. 

My personal drive stems from a lifetime of seeing highly talented individuals who struggle with reading and spelling being denied their full potential. 95% of people can learn to read, and we are an organization dedicated to that.