Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree from Arizona State University, Master’s in International Education from SUNY Buffalo.

International Baccalaureate Training:

• Category I: Making the PYP Happen
• Category II: Assessment in the PYP
• Category II: Teaching and Learning
• Category III: Sustainability in the PYP
• Category III: Concept Based Learning

Teaching Experience:

I started my teaching career at Balsz Elementary School in Central Phoenix where I taught kindergarten, first and fourth grade for four years.  I then spent six years working in Mexico City teaching kindergarten and third grade and as an instructional coach for elementary school.  I am so excited to be starting my fourth year at Walnut Street School.

Family/ Hobbies:

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree from University of Northern Iowa (Elementary Education, Minor in Spanish): 2004

International Baccalaureate Training:

• Category I: Introduction to the PYP, Category III: Inquiry
• Catergory III: Inquiry
• Catergory III: The role of mathematics
• Catergory III: Engaging Collaborative Communities
• Catergory III:Local and Global Inquirers

Teaching Experience:

• This is my 17th year of teaching. I taught 11 years in 1st or 2nd grade and I have been in the coaching role for 6 years. I also have four years of experience as a reading and math interventionist.

Family/ Hobbies:

I live in Des Moines with my husband, two boys, and our dog, Yogi. We spend many hours on baseball and soccer fields, in gymnasiums, and at swimming and track meets. I enjoy reading, both for fun and to gain knowledge, and spending time with family and friends.

Education:

BA Social Work University of Northern Iowa

International Baccalaureate Training:

Teaching Experience:

Family/ Hobbies:I am married to my husband, Craig.  We are both Master Gardeners and love to bicycle on the many  trail systems in Des Moines. 

Education: Currently attaining para educator certification.

This is my first year as a classroom associate. I am very excited to be a part of Walnut Street Elementary.

Experience:

I have worked with kids for many years in different environments. My favorite experience was working as a Lead Residential Counselor at a group home facility for pregnant and parenting teenage girls. I held that position for almost 6 years before relocating. The best thing about that job was getting to work with so many different ages and knowing that anything I helped them through was going to positively impact their lives in the future. That position provided me trainings in conflict resolution and CPR certification.

Family/Hobbies:

My favorite day of the week is Movie Monday! Every Monday my son and I get popcorn, pick a movie to watch, which helps get our week started right. I love music, writing poetry, watching basketball, getting new plants (and naming them), collecting vinyls and coffee mugs. I absolutely love creating traditions and memories with my son and hope to be able to help the students at Walnut Street create those things as well.