Josie Manternach
Program Officer"I knew when I graduated high school I wanted to be in the field of education."
Josie Manternach has lived and taught in schools across the country, but when it came time for her and her husband, Jared, to raise their kids, they settled right back where they grew up: Cascade, Iowa.
“We always wanted to get back closer to home, family and the community we love,” Josie says.
That decision worked out well for Josie’s career. As the Community Foundation’s program officer, she oversees much of the Foundation’s work to support the education and well-being of children close to her small town – and across the seven-county Dubuque region.
Growing up on a family farm, Josie was passionate about agriculture and education and pursued activities and education that combined those interests, including FFA, 4-H and agriculture classes at Cascade High School.
After graduating college and earning a master’s degree from The Ohio State University, Josie moved around the country teaching at schools in Iowa, Florida and Washington, D.C., as Jared’s U.S. Navy duties took him to various regions.
While living out of state, Josie and Jared’s first child was born, and they decided to move back to Cascade.
"The schools and teachers are great, we have a new library coming, a wonderful daycare, and all the familiar faces make it so welcoming," she says.
Today, Josie and Jared are expecting their second child, who they are excited to raise in rural Iowa.
