Amber Baker
Special Education Teacher
Education:
- Bachelor of Science Degree in Teaching from Iowa State University
- Master of Science in Education: Teaching Effectiveness and Professional Development from Drake University
International Baccalaureate Training:
- Category I: Making the PYP Happen
Teaching Experience:
This will be my 15th year in the Des Moines Public School District. My first five years I taught special education at Moulton Elementary. Then I taught special education for 4 years at Walnut Street Elementary. I then took a two-year hiatus from teaching and was a special education consultant for 2 years for the district. But I missed teaching and having connections with students. So, I got back into teaching special education in 2019-2020 school year and have been back at Walnut Street Elementary ever since.
Family/Hobbies:
My husband Eric and I have two beautiful daughters: Emma (6 years old) and Evelyn (3 years old). We live in Carlisle, Iowa where we have lived in our current home for almost three years. My husband Eric works for Polk County Conservation at Jester Park, Emma is going into 1st Grade at Carlisle Elementary this school year, and Evelyn will be transitioning to the 3-year-old room at Sprouts Early Learning Program. In my free time, I enjoy exercising, riding my bike, reading a good book, trying a new recipe, and spending time with family and friends.
Class Description
Education:
- Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Upper Iowa University
- With endorsements in Strat I and Strat II ID/LD/BD
- Reading
- Language Arts
International Baccalaureate Training:
- Worked in IB for five years now- looking forward to more formal training now that I am certified staff
Experience:
- Worked in the school system (WSS) for four years as an associate and half a year as a full-time certified sub.
- Three children of my own and previously worked in childcare settings
Family/Hobbies:
My husband Chad and I have three kiddos and together we love to watch/play sports, get outside, go to sporting/music events, and just be together. Baseball and football are our favorites and we all cheer on different teams- which can be tricky. We have all lived in Des Moines our whole lives and I actually graduated from DMPS. At our house we have a bit of a zoo- we love animals and have rescued several. I am so excited for my first year of full-time teaching and cannot wait to learn and grow with everyone.
Jared Garwick
SPED Associate
Gregory Laraia
Special Education Teacher
Aimee Little
Special Education Associate
Class Description
I have always enjoyed working with children and have been at Walnut Street School for 7 years now. In my off time I enjoy being outside and gardening. I have been married for 15 years and have two sons and a niece I adopted as my own, that are all fully grown and still the loves of my life.
Carolyne Nowell-Parsons
Special Education Associate
Education:
I graduated from DMACC in 2021 with my associate degree in human services and from Grand View University in 2023 with my bachelor’s degree in human services.
International Baccalaureate Training:
not yet
Teaching Experience:
I’m in my 5th year working for DMPS Metro Kids, 4 of those years being at Walnut Street.
Family/ Hobbies:
I met my husband in 2019 and we got married in 2022. We have a Carin Terrier named Coco that my Nana gave us, an axolotl named Axel, and various types of loaches. Our dream is to one day have a koi pond and a 90-gallon fish tank. I enjoy reading, playing video games, going to movies, and spending time with my family.
Education:
- I have a BA in English & Education from University of Iowa and a M.Ed in Special Education from Drake.
Teaching Experience:
I taught high school ELL and English for two years both in California and at Hoover High School. I taught self-contained special education at Findley Elementary for 11 years. This is my fourth year as a consultant.
Family/ Hobbies:
I love to read and be outdoors!
Victoria Stabile
School Psychologist
Class Description
Education:
- (undergrad) Northern Illinois University (graduate) Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Experience:
This is actually my 1st year as a fully licensed school psychologist, last year was my internship year as I graduated over the summer. Previously, I completed my practicum at Hinsdale Central High School.
Hobbies:
Currently living with my fur family of 3 cats (Bucky, Hiccup and Ty Lee). I have family all over from Virginia to Germany. I have a part time job as a dog groomer which I’ve held since I was a senior in high school. Now that I’ve graduated, I’m getting back into some old hobbies such as drawing and roller skating as well as traveling! Pre-pandemic, I went to places Iceland and Germany, so I’m hoping to plan some fun trips in the near future.
Peter Updegraff
SPED Associate