The MonkDev family is growing. With teams in California, Texas, and North Carolina, Monk has weaved remote working into the fabric of the company.

Add to that not one but two team members from the Hawkeye State (Iowa, for those of you unfamiliar with this glorious state!), and you've got a potent mix of MonkDev talent.

Recently I sat down with fellow Iowan and new team member, Jodi Stevens, and asked her about her hometown, marriage, and the best place to grab a bite.

Tell us a little bit about yourself: Favorite food, family, work experience, paper or plastic, etc.

Hello, my name is Jodi Stevens. I'm a happy person who lives in Des Moines, IA. I'm getting married on July 7th, which has been keeping me busy. Thankfully Pinterest is around to help a girl out!

My favorite thing to do is grab breakfast with my fiancé on a Saturday morning at Mullets and then walk to the Des Moines Farmer's Market and Market Day Iowa (opening back up soon).

What are you most looking forward to in joining the team at MonkDev?

I am excited to work for a company that is based in San Diego but willing to build a team in Des Moines. It's great to experience working for a company that's made remote positions a successful reality. Plus, my position at Monk combines three things I love: marketing, technology and ministry.

You went to the University of Northern Iowa, a.k.a. "The Harvard of the Midwest." What's one of your favorite memories from college?

First off, YES! My favorite memory would have to be when UNI made it possible for me to study abroad in Australia. I didn't have a place to live when I arrived and ended up meeting an Australian girl at a bus stop. We discussed my situation and I ended up living with her and her family for a week until there was an opening in the dorms.

This experience was a defining moment in my life.

Nothing has taught me more about taking risks and the value of generosity. I still keep in touch with the girl and her family.

Des Moines is your home, yes? Hard to pronounce, yet only two syllables. What's one of the biggest misconceptions people have about the "City on Two Rivers"?

The largest misconception I've come across is that there isn't anything to do in Des Moines. People have dedicated blogs to proving this isn't the case.

I know we don't have everything a bigger city has to offer, but I prefer it that way. Traffic is a breeze and vacations are exciting! Plus, I truly feel blessed with the group of friends we have in Des Moines.

Have you ever eaten pizza from Pizza Bella? (MonkDev headquarters are located directly above Pizza Bella…Yum!) If not, where's your favorite place to grab a slice?

I haven't had pizza from Pizza Bella. It's a good thing I work remote because I have a wedding coming up! ;) We really don't eat a lot of pizza but if I had to choose, it would be Bagni Di Lucca in the East Village. The pizza is authentic, ingredients are fresh and everyone gets their own personal pizza so you don't have to share!

Take a second and welcome Jodi to the team! Follow her on Twitter or check out her marketing cred on LinkedIn.