Year I started in education: 2022

Year I started at Downtown School: 2022

Path that led me to DTS: This is my 3rd school year at DTS and DMPS. Prior to this, I spent 10 years as an Early Childhood Therapist.

Favorite thing about Downtown School or education: I love working with families and kids.

College(s) attended: Northwestern and University of MN

Year I started in education: 2018

Year I started at Downtown School: 2022

Path that led me to DTS: I was an in-home daycare provider while my kids were young. When my youngest daughter entered preschool, I became a para educator at her school. I loved working with the kids and gravitated towards the students who were struggling and needed extra help. That’s when I realized I wanted to be a teacher. I continued as a para while taking classes at Upper Iowa. DTS is my first teaching placement and I couldn’t be happier.

Favorite thing about Downtown School or education: I love the small learning communities in DTS and how the school invites parent involvement.

College(s) attended: BYU-Idaho, Upper Iowa University

Year started in education: 2017

Year started at Downtown School: 2023

Path that brought you to DTS: I worked in a variety of roles in video/film production and owned my own talent agency. I started substitute teaching as I transitioned out of the business, eventually finding my niche as a teaching associate working with kids who need extra assistance. Our own teen went to DTS and I am thrilled to be able to transfer here.

Favorite thing about Downtown School or education: I believe in project-based learning, it reflects real life. Students are able to utilize their unique talents and learn new skills.

College(s) attended: Iowa State University

Year started in education: 1990

Year started at Downtown School: 2014

Path that led me to DTS: I began my career in special education at Merrill middle school. I was then taking classes at Iowa State to be a school counselor. I became a school counselor and interned at Merrill Middle School. I received my first school counseling job at Mann Elementary in 1998.

Favorite thing about Downtown School or education: The thing I love the most at DTS is the relationships between the students & teachers, the students & schoolmates, the teachers & families, and the students with their families.

College(s) attended: Augustana University and Iowa State University

Year started in education: 1993

Year started at Downtown School: 2021

Path that led me to DTS: I started my DMPS education career as a 2nd Grade teacher at Garton Elementary in 1993. While there I taught K-2 grades as well as Reading Recovery. Throughout my career in Des Moines, I have had the pleasure of working with many educators in a variety of schools. Those years were spent as an Academic Interventionist in reading, which is my passion. It is this passion that led me to DTS.

Favorite thing about Downtown School or education: The relationships I have made and helping students reach their goals.

College(s) attended: Iowa State University and Viterbo University

First year in education: 1990

First year at Downtown School: 1996

Path that led you to DTS: I taught in Council Bluffs as a first and third grade teacher for the first five years of my career. After moving to Des Moines, I worked as a substitute teacher for DMPS where I was lucky enough to get placed in a long term position at the Downtown School. The minute I stepped into DTS, I new it was a special place. The following year I was hired as a full time teacher and have spent the last 26 years teaching and learning besides some of the best educators around!

Favorite thing about Downtown School or education: My favorite thing about DTS are the long lasting relationships that I have developed with my colleagues, students and families over the last 26 years of service.

College(s) attended: University of Iowa

First year in education: 1999

First year at Downtown School: 2008

Path that led you to DTS: I started my teaching career with Des Moines Public Schools at Douglas Elementary followed by a stint at Park Avenue Elementary. We moved to Rochester, Minnesota for my husband’s work for a few years, but returned as soon as we could. When we moved back, I started at DTS and have been here ever since.

Favorite thing about Downtown School or education: My favorite thing about DTS and education is the kids! I love having the opportunity to watch students explore, learn, and grow into wonderful little people. Their families are wonderful, too. Downtown School is a wonderfully supportive community!

College(s) attended: Saint Mary’s University

Year I started in education: 1999

Year I started at Downtown School: 2022

Path that led me to DTS: Worked at Lonfellow/McKee/Carver for 20 years, then changed over to Downtown School.

Favorite thing about Downtown School or education: The positive social relationships between students and the support from parents.

College(s) attended: Hawkeye Community College and University of Northern Iowa

Year started in education: 2000

Year started at Downtown School: 2023

Path that led me to DTS: I used to teach general education, English Language Learners (ELL). I wanted to help students who face challenges in their education, so I shifted gears into special education. My education background includes bachelor’s and master’s degrees from outside the US. Then I decided to do a PhD in special education at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. My goal was to link the gap between research and practical teaching techniques. I wanted to take what I learned through my research and apply it to help students thrive in their learning journey. That’s how I ended up at Downtown School – a place where I can bring together all my different experiences to really make a difference in how students learn.

Favorite thing about Downtown School or education: One of my favorite aspects of being at DTS is the opportunity to support my students within an inclusive setting. It’s truly rewarding to collaborate with various teachers and professionals who are all dedicated to the success of our students. This collaborative approach allows us to address the diverse needs of each student more effectively. Another standout feature that I really appreciate about DTS is its emphasis on project-based learning. This approach is quite unique and sets DTS apart. It encourages students to actively engage in their education by working on projects that relate to real-world situations. This not only makes learning more engaging, but it also helps students develop problem-solving skills and a deeper understanding of the subject matter. Overall, these aspects make my experience at DTS incredibly fulfilling and exciting.

College(s) attended: University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign

Year I started in Education: 2018

Year I started at Downtown School: 2023

Path that led me to DTS: I have been a case manager for youth/families in some capacity since 2005. I joined DMPS in 2018, and love blending social work and education!

Favorite thing about Education: Building relationships with students and their families.

College(s) attended: Creighton University, Upper Iowa University