Kailee Becker
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Social Work with a minor in Family Services in May of 2020
Master of Social Work with School Social Work Endorsement in May of 2022
Experience:
- I am the school based Mental Health therapist contracted in through Orchard Place, this will be my 2nd year as the school-based therapist at Walnut Street. Prior to this I worked 2 years as supervisor at REM Iowa for adults with intellectual disabilities and brain injuries and taught preschool for 1 year in Cedar Falls.
- During my undergrad I Interned with Cedar Valley Angels and spent a summer participating in Camp Adventure providing childcare for the U.S. Coast Guard in Petaluma, California.
- While getting my master’s degree I interned as a school social worker with Central Rivers AEA at Sumner-Fredericksburg Elementary and Middle Schools.
Family/Hobbies:
I moved to Des Moines from Cedar Falls/Waterloo area in May of 2022 and bought my first home after graduating from University of Northern Iowa. Outside of working with children and families, I love to go on runs, nature walks, and to the dog park with my dog Nova who is a Siberian Husky mix that I rescued in April of 2021. In my free time I also enjoy having bonfires in my backyard, going boating/being outside, traveling, watching sports, playing co-ed softball and spending quality time with my friends and family.
Education:
- Bachelor’s Degree: Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Northwestern; Class of 2012
- University of Minnesota; Infant and Mental Health Certification
Experience:
This is my 3rd year at Walnut Street School and DMPS. Prior to this, I spent 9 years as an Early Childhood Mental Health Professional.
I split my time between Walnut Street and Downtown Elementary as the School Community Coordinator.
Family/ Hobbies:
My husband Jacob and I moved to Des Moines in 2022, along with our toddler, Zeke, and Australian Shepherd, Tonks, from rural Minnesota. Outside of serving families and kids, I love to cook/bake, read, be outside (especially on the lake), and take the occasional solo trip to Target and TJ Maxx.
I am the Success Case Manager that is split between Walnut Street and Perkins for the 23-24 school year. I have my bachelor’s degree from Grand View in Human Services. I have been in the field in various positions for the last 20 years. My passion is helping families overcome obstacles and reach their full potential. I have two kids, 9 and 5. We enjoy being outside, cuddling animals, art and laughing together.
Education:
o I completed my undergraduate degree in May of 2016 at Oklahoma State University and later completed my Master of Education in December of 2022 at the University of Central Oklahoma.
International Baccalaureate Training:
o None to date
Teaching Experience:
I have 6 years of experience teaching kindergarten, 1st, and 3rd grades before transitioning into the school counseling role. This is my first year serving as a School Counselor.
Family/ Hobbies:
My husband and I moved to Des Moines during the spring of 2023 from Oklahoma. Currently we have three dogs Baxter, Benson, and Stella. I enjoy spending time with them and friends. I love spending time at the lake during my summers. In my free time, I can often be found with a book in my hand.
- I was a student of DMPS myself. I graduated from Lincoln High School. I practically grew up in the Round House; my Dad was a former teacher and coach there for years. I attended Grand View University where I received my Bachelor’s in Science in Nursing (BSN) and am certified in case management (CCM).
- I have had a variety of experiences during my career of 29 years. After graduation I started at BMC in Medical Psychiatry. Later I went to IMMC/Unity Point. My background there included: Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, Triage, Leadership/Management, Diabetic Education and Case Management. I was there for a total of 24 years. This year I will be starting my third year as a school nurse at the Downtown School with the addition of Walnut Street School. I’m very excited to meet everyone there and look forward to developing long lasting relationships.
- I’ve been married for 29 years to my husband, Scott. My youngest daughter, Jenna, just graduated from ISU and is starting her own career this fall as a teacher. My older daughter graduated from GVU and currently teaches for DMPS. When I have time, I enjoy gardening in my flowerbeds, reading and wrangling my three crazy French Bulldogs: Nora, Lincoln and Pearl.
Education:
I received my undergraduate degree from Morningside College in Sioux City and am currently earning my Master’s Degree in Cultural Responsive Instruction from Drake University
International Baccalaureate Training:
I have earned Level 3 International Baccalaureate Training.
Teaching Experience:
I began my teaching in Des Moines in 1999. I spent 3 years building an orchestra program in the Urbandale School District and have been back in Des Moines since 2002. I have taught in over 30 buildings in the Des Moines Metro.
Family/ Hobbies:
My husband Jaime and I have three children, Conner (25), Isabel (20), and Aydan (17.) I spend my free time listening to podcasts and play cello in a few different local bands as well as various studios around town.
Education:
- Bachelor of Science ( Elementary Education) from Iowa State University 2012
- Master of Science Educational Leadership (Administration), Creighton University 2020
International Baccalaureate Training:
Category I: Making the PYP Happen
Teaching Experience:
- Nine years teaching preschool
- Two years Special Education Associate
- Two years substitute teaching – Waukee
- One-year teaching 1st grade
- Six years teaching Fourth and Fifth grade
Family/ Hobbies:
I enjoy spending time with my husband and two daughters. I love traveling, cooking, gardening, reading and anything craft related.