Hello! I am Dawn Coppinger the new Professional School Counselor at the Downtown School. Previously, I was a substitute teacher for  multiple preschools, Van Meter Schools, and West Des Moines Public Schools. I was also a school counselor at Mann Elementary and did my counseling internship at Merrill Middle School. Prior to that, I was a special education teacher at Merrill Middle School, Windsor Elementary, and Meredith Middle School.  I was teaching for Des Moines Schools as I acquired my counseling degree from Iowa State University.  I grew up in Hull, Iowa, and moved to Des Moines after I graduated from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota with an Elementary Education degree and Special Education degree with emphasis on Behavioral disorders and Learning disabilities.

I live on an acreage by Waukee with my 4 awesome kids–2 boys and 2 girls– my husband, family dog, chickens, ducks and other friendly animals. My children attend school at Van Meter Elementary and High School.  If there is any time left in my schedule, I enjoy reading, doing crafts and sewing with my girls, cooking, and anything in the snow or water (which we do as a family). I also love watching my kids participate in football, volleyball, soccer, basketball and track. I am really looking forward to this brand new year here!

If you have any questions or concerns about your child, please contact me at dawn.coppinger@dmschools.org.  Thanks!