About Simply Spanish DSM
Led by Jackie Servellon – Interpreter, Translator, Spanish Instructor & Culinary Educator
A Decade of Real-World Language Work—Rooted in People, Culture & Connection
I’m Jackie Servellon—a Spanish interpreter, translator, and language instructor based in Des Moines, Iowa. I also work as a professional chef and culinary educator, teaching community cooking classes and leading culinary events focused on connection, creativity, and cultural roots.
I hold a B.A. in Spanish with a concentration in Interpreting and Translation from East Tennessee State University. My career has always centered on people—on creating access, building trust, and supporting connection through language, education, and food.
A Career Built on Community
My language work began in college at ETSU’s Language & Culture Resource Center, where I interpreted in medical and community settings. I tutored Spanish to college students, taught community ESL classes, and volunteered with the Migrant Education Program. I also founded the Corazón Latino Festival, now in its 14th year, and organized the Latin Stage for the Blue Plum Festival, translating everything from vendor packets to sponsor materials.
After moving to Des Moines, I continued working as both an interpreter and a translator—often as the only bilingual staff member across a wide range of programs:
Children & Families of Iowa, LIHEAP, and IowaWorks – providing direct client services and translating forms and outreach materials.
HHS Grant Program Coordinator – leading a statewide effort to educate Spanish-speaking Iowans on the Health Insurance Marketplace, including bilingual events, translated materials, and Spanish-language media.
Farmworker Program Educator – teaching pesticide safety and heat stress prevention to Spanish-speaking farmworkers across Iowa, while supporting intake, outreach, and case management in Spanish.
At Oak Park Restaurant, I provided Spanish lessons for owners and staff, and interpreted internal communications—including training sessions, staff meetings, and documentation. This was an example of how language can directly support healthier, more inclusive work environments.
Language Meets the Kitchen
In addition to my work as an interpreter and Spanish instructor, I also run a small business as a pastry chef and culinary educator here in Des Moines. I teach baking and cooking classes for home cooks, families, and curious beginners—offering everything from laminated dough workshops to comfort food favorites.
While these classes aren’t bilingual (yet!), the heart behind them is the same: creating space for people to learn, connect, and feel more confident. Whether it’s through language or food, my goal is to make skills more accessible and meaningful—without the pressure of perfection.
Let’s Work Together
Whether you need interpreting support for a staff meeting, tutoring for your student, Spanish classes for your team, or help translating key documents—I bring care, clarity, and cultural respect to every setting.
