Year started in education: 2001
Year started at Downtown School: 2024
Path that brought you to DTS: I grew up in Des Moines and began my teaching career here. I had the privilege of teaching in multiple buildings across the district and helped to start the IB program at Hubbell. I went on to work in the School Improvement department of a neighboring district but returned home to DMPS as an Elementary Principal. I spent 9 wonderful years at Wright Elementary on the city’s southside before joining the team here at DTS. I love having the opportunity to support the teachers, students, and families in the DTS community!
Favorite thing about Downtown School or education: I love the opportunity for students to engage in multiage experiences within the project-based learning model, as well as the collaboration with Central Campus and our location in downtown DSM.
College(s) attended: Simpson College; Viterbo University
Year started in education: 2014
Year started at Downtown School: 2024
Path that brought you to DTS: After doing a practicum during my undergrad at DTS, I was impressed with the multi-age classrooms, small class sizes, and the cognitively guided instruction that had children engaged in learning like I had never seen before. When I graduated, my path led me first to Wright Elementary where I spent 10 amazing years learning and growing as an educator. When the opportunity presented itself, I then jumped at the chance to work in this close-knit community school that I had been a part of briefly at the beginning of my education experience.
College(s) attended: Drake University; Viterbo University