Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree (Psychology) from University of Iowa: 2007
• Master’s Degree (Teaching) from Anderson University: 2013
• Educational Specialist (Culturally Responsive Leadership and Instruction) from Drake University: 2018
• Master’s Degree (Educational Leadership- Administration) from Drake University: 2019

International Baccalaureate Training:

• Category I: Making the PYP Happen
• Category II: The Exhibition
• Category II: Local and Global Inquirers

Teaching Experience:

• I have been teaching in Des Moines since 2014 and I have been at Walnut Street School since 2015. I have taught 5th grade for 4 years, 2nd grade for 4, and this will be my first year teaching 1st grade. I am so excited!

Family/Hobbies:

In July 2016, I married my husband Derek and became a bonus mom to two beautiful stepchildren, Cameron (2006) and Laurnen (2009). In August 2017, my son Jackson was born, followed by Lillian in November 2020.  I have 1 naughty doggy named Nova (bull dog mix) that acts as our biggest baby.  I love being with my family and spending time with my dog. My family lives on the south side by Easter Lake so we spend a lot of time on the trail walking or riding our bikes.

We love to get out in our community, but I really love to travel. I have had many wonderful opportunities to travel the world, although I do not get the opportunity as often as I would like anymore.  My favorite parts about traveling are the people and the food. When I have down time, I enjoy napping (seriously underrated), reading, crafting, and watching the occasional movie. I also really enjoy going for walks and bike rides.

I am so happy and lucky to be part of the Walnut Street family. Every day I get the opportunity to laugh and genuinely enjoy the teachers and students I am surrounded by. I am also challenged by my colleagues to be better every day. It is my favorite thing to watch those little light bulbs light up when my students have learned something new. This year is going to be another fantastic year.