Hello! My name is Kate Badger. I’ve been employed as a 9-10 teacher at Downtown School since 2012, and my creative spirit couldn’t have found a better home.

I received my undergraduate degree (with an emphasis on Language Arts and a reading endorsement) from Iowa State University in 2003. I taught 5th and 6th grades in the Martensdale/St. Mary’s and West Des Moines school districts.

My passion is my family! My husband and I have two boys, Jacob and Ben (which means I have spent a lot of time rooting on sidelines!), and two well-loved, poorly-behaved dogs, Maisy and George. If you were to stop by my home on a random Sunday, you would most likely find me painting in my studio, reading a good book on my front porch swing (my happy place!), baking away in the kitchen, playing in my flower gardens, walking the pups, or strumming a clumsy tune on my ukulele.

Hello, my name is Marja Bearda. I have been at the Downtown School since 2017. I love it here! It really is a very special place to work!

I taught elementary in Wisconsin for twelve years prior to moving to Iowa in 2016. I received my two undergraduate degrees from UW-Madison and studied insects and elementary education and later obtained my Master’s from Viterbo. I love teaching my students about science, other cultures and art. I would like to be known as the “bug lady.”

My family is multicultural. I am originally from The Netherlands and my husband is from Chile. We have two wonderful children who attend the Downtown School. In our spare time we enjoy: visiting family abroad, traveling, swimming, camping and renovating our old house.

It is my mission to teach children to be kind to one another, care for our Earth, and to travel and see the world because, “Travel opens your mind as few other things do!”

I joined DTS in the winter of 2022! I received my Teaching license from Upper Iowa University. I have a teaching endorsement in Special Education Mild/Moderate, Learning Disabilities, and Behavior Disorders. I also have a Reading Endorsement. Although this is my first year as a Sped teacher, I have three years of experience in the classroom as an associate in Norwalk. I love working with children and have five children of my own. A couple of quick, interesting tidbits about me is I love donuts, playing board/card games, and my favorite color is yellow. While living in Wyoming, I raised backyard chickens, two lambs for a 4H project, and two California rabbits with my children.

I was born in Sparta, Wisconsin and lived in Wisconsin with my eight brothers and sisters until I was in eighth grade.  My family relocated to Sioux City where I graduated from high school.  I attended the University of Iowa and received a B.S. in Elementary Education.  I am certified to teach kindergarten through sixth grade with an endorsement in mathematics.  I have been teaching at the Downtown School since 1995.

My husband, Don Severs, and I have two wonderful sons and a beautiful daughter.  My stepson, Quinn, is seventeen and is making decisions about his next phase in life…college! He attends Johnston High School where he is eleventh grade.

Our other two children are students here at the Downtown School!  Our son, Tate, is nine and a member of Mrs. Burg’s Learning Group. He keeps us very busy! His hilarious comments keep us laughing!  Macy is our budding artist. She loves to classes at the Des Moines Art Center.  She is seven years old and she calls Mrs. Buckner’s classroom home during the school day. Her bright blue eyes and big hugs melt our hearts!  We couldn’t imagine our lives without them!

I was born in Ohio and lived there for 44 years before moving to Iowa with my husband. I’ve served in various roles in education, which include teacher paraprofessional, elementary teacher, and special education teacher, since August of 2002. I have a Bachelor of Science in Special Education with dual licensure in elementary education.  I enjoy teaching elementary students most and have a BIG heart for those who learn differently. My hobbies include playing the piano, writing, drawing, and painting watercolor. I also love to walk my border collie and stubborn English bulldog.

Hello! My name is Rachelle Gerstel and I welcome you to my 7/8 year old classroom! I have been with the Downtown School since 2010. Before coming here, I taught first, second, and third grades for the San Bernardino City Unified School District in San Bernardino, CA for eight years. We then moved back to the Des Moines area where I had the opportunity to teach at the Downtown School. I attended Upper Iowa University and have a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with endorsements in Reading and English Language Arts.

I am passionate about my family, always trying to keep them happy and organized. I have a wonderful husband and two boys who have attended the Downtown School with me. I enjoy watching my kids grow and try new things as they begin to mature in life. When I get a chance I like to work outside in our flower garden, read a good book, and bake for my family. School is another passion of mine. I have realized throughout the years that students learn more when they feel supported, and comfortable in their environment. I like to create an inviting environment for students, parents, and other community members that may visit our school.

Hello!  My name is Jennifer Jones.  I have been teaching at the Downtown school for 8 years. In 2005, I graduated from Grand View University with a degree in Elementary Education and an endorsement in reading. After graduating, I subbed for 2 years, until I found my dream job as a kindergarten/first grade teacher at the Downtown School!

I live on a farm in Bondurant with my husband, Clint and our three children, Zoey, Cooper and Otto. In my spare time, I enjoy being outdoors and spending time with our families.

I love working with children and seeing them grow! I am a firm believer that students learn more by doing and teaching others. ‘Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.’ – Benjamin Franklin

Hi! I am Jeff Kerns. I have been teaching at the Downtown School since 2007. I have a Bachelor in Elementary Education from Grand View College and a Master’s degree in Effective Teaching and Learning from Drake University.  I love spending time with my family. My wife and I have three children and seven grandchildren. I believe in giving back to the community. This is why educating children is a passion of mine. I also love to serve others that are less fortunate by participating in mission trips. Other hobbies of mine include collecting license plates and rocks, especially geodes.

Hello! My name is Barb Leise and I teach 5, 6, and 7 year old children at the Downtown School.  I’ve been at this school since 1998.  I’ve been teaching kindergarten, first grade or second grade since 1988.  I love my job. Teaching is my passion.I believe in the research based practices and individualized instruction that is supported at the Downtown School. I feel fortunate to be here. I attended Iowa State University for my undergraduate degree and Drake University for my master’s. I am married and we have a chubby cat at home. I have 6 nieces and nephews who live in town. We are fortunate to get to be a close part of their lives.

Hello! My name is Jennifer Mann and I am a 9 and 10 year old teacher.  I graduated from Saint Mary’s University many moons ago with a degree in biology.  After volunteering for two years in the New Orleans school district, I returned to college to get my master’s degree in education.  The majority of my teaching career has been spent in the Des Moines Public Schools.  I left for a few years to teach in Rochester, Minnesota but missed friends and family so when the opportunity to return presented itself, we jumped at it.

My husband Brad and I have three great kids–two girls and a boy. Emily, Adam and Libby are all Downtown School alumni.  We also have a dog named Odie who keeps us busy with lots of playing and walks.

Hello! Welcome to our 5 & 6 year old classroom!

I grew up in Western Iowa, in the small town of Pisgah. My elementary and early childhood education degrees are from the University of Iowa — Go Hawkeyes! In addition, I am a trained Reading Recovery Teacher and have my Master’s Degree as a K-12 Reading Specialist from Viterbo University. I have taught in Des Moines for over 20 years. My husband Kris and I have three teenagers; Evan at Iowa State, Sarah at Drake and Quinn at Waukee High School. Our family loves the Iowa and Chicago Cubs, my husband’s cooking, and reading. I am excited to join the Downtown School and am looking forward to a wonderful school year!

I am Isabelle Steele (Izzy) and I joined the 5-6 year old team in 2022.  I am so excited be in the classroom with this great group of kiddos, and even after such a short time, I feel right at home! A few things about me: I recently graduated from the University of Iowa and I am a die hard Hawkeye fan. I am an extreme coffee connoisseur and love all things Cold Brew. Last, but certainly not least, I love reading & talking about books- I could spend the entire school day just going through the library and reading with my students! I am so excited for the opportunity to work with your children the rest of this school year and I cannot wait to see what is in store!