Special Education
Amber Baker
Special Education Teacher
P: (515) 242-8438 | E: amber.baker@dmschools.org
Biography
Education:
I graduated from Iowa State University in 2008 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and endorsements in Special Education (Strategist 1), Reading, and Coaching.
I graduated from Drake University with a Master’s Degree in Teaching Effectiveness and Professional Development and an endorsement in Special Education (Strategist 2).
International Baccalaureate Training:
Category I: Introduction to the PYP
Teaching Experience:
I am currently in my 9th year of teaching for Des Moines Public Schools. My first five years of teaching I was a at Moulton Extended Learning Center. The last four years I have been a teacher at Walnut Street Elementary. I have had the opportunity to work at the K-2 level, 3-5 level, and 6-8 level in the area of special education in my nine years of teaching.
Family/ Hobbies:
I enjoy spending time with my husband and my 1 year old daughter Emma. I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I love to stay active by running, riding my bike, and playing volleyball. One of my favorite things to do is snuggle up on the couch with a good book.
Libby Bouma
Special Education Teacher
P: 515-242-8438 | E: elizabeth.bouma@dmschools.org
Biography
Bachelor’s Degree (Criminology and Sociology) from University of Northern Iowa 2003
Master’s Degree (Master’s in Education with a Special Education and Reading Endorsement) from Drake University: 2013
International Baccalaureate Training:
Category III: Inquiry
Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching since 2014.
Family/ Hobbies:
I love spending time with my husband and son. I enjoy cooking, reading, playing games and traveling.
Tonia Morales
Special Education Associate
P: (515) 242-8438 | E: tonia.morales@dmschools.org
Biography
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Buena Vista University
Experience: I was a preschool teacher / director for 19 years. I have been a Sped. Associate at WSS since 2012..
Family / Hobbies: I enjoy spending time with my family and traveling to visit zoos. I enjoy reading, word find puzzles and adult coloring
Lesa Smith
Sped. Associate
Biography
Experience: I have a son with Autism and a stepson with pervasive development disorder so I am very aware of the ability to handle/care for special need children. Although this is my first year as a sped. associate, I love helping the children and look forward to coming to work.
Family/Hobbies: I've been married for 8 years and have two children (one girl and one boy), my husband has twins (both boys). We love to travel, go to movies and see live music.
Shelby Storm
Special Education Teacher
P: 515-242-8438 | E: shelby.storm@dmschools.org
Biography
Education:
I have a Bachelor’s Degree at Simpson College with Endorsements in Reading and Special Education
International Baccalaureate Training:
Category 3: Creating Inclusive Classrooms
Experience:
I have been teaching since 2014, I have been at Walnut Street since 2014.
Family/ Hobbies:
I enjoy spending time with friends and family. I love creating new activities or games in my classroom. I like playing games, watching Netflix, and traveling.