Beverly Nagel Ellis’s parents were in a forced labor camp in Russia during World War II. Her father worked for Russian soldiers as a cobbler there. Fortunately, her mother was able to save and keep some Jewish artifacts from her home in Poland. Ms. Ellis has been an educator for over 40 years. She was the Facilitator for Elementary Gifted Education for the Urbandale Community Schools for 18 years. Currently, Ms. Ellis also works or volunteers for Polk County Conservation Board, Bergman Academy, Iowa International Council, Terrace Hill, Salisbury House, and the Botanical Center.

‍