Support Teachers
Karen Birchmier
TLC Instructional Coach
P: (515) 242-8430 | E: karen.birchmier@dmschools.org
Class Description
TLC Instructional Coach
Biography
I have had the privilege of working with Des Moines Public Schools for 28 years. I graduated from Iowa State University with my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Early Childhood Development in 1989 (go Cyclones). I received my Master’s Degree in Education from Viterbo University in LaCrosse, Wisconsin in 2006 (and my Reading Endorsement from Viterbo). I have taught kindergarten, second, and third grade as a classroom teacher. This year I am an Instructional Coach as well as a K-5 Literacy and Math Interventionist, which has been exciting working with all age levels and teachers. I have been married for 25 years, have 2 amazing daughters, one who is working in Sweden and the other attends ISU. We enjoy doing anything outside, love to travel, and we attend many music concerts to hear Talen sing with the Iowa State Singers. I am so lucky to have a job that challenges me on a daily basis. Please email me if you ever have any questions about your child's education!
Amy Cain
TLC Instructional Coach
P: (515) 242-8430 | E: amy.cain@dmschools.org
Class Description
TLC Instructional Coach
Biography
I have been a 2nd grade teacher at Perkins since the 2004-2005 school year. I received a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies at the University of Iowa. After working in publishing in both California and Chicago, I returned home to Des Moines with a desire to teach. I received my Masters of Science in Education at Drake University. I can truly say that I love what I do. I get great satisfaction from watching my students work hard and reach their goals. I love spending time with my son, Ollie, reading, art, and speaking French.
Zac Christensen
K-5 Math Interventionist
P: (515) 242-8430 | E: zachry.christensen@dmschools.org
Class Description
K-5 Math Interventionist
Biography
I have been teaching in Des Moines ever since I graduated from Simpson College 15 years ago. I started teaching 1st grade at Perkins and then spent three years working in the district curriculum office before returning here to teach 4th grade in 2006. Since then, I have been a math teacher, the math leader and an instructional coach. This is my first year teaching 2nd Grade. In addition to teaching 2nd grade, I spend part of my day as an instructional coach, working with teachers in our building. In my free time, I coach football and enjoy spending time with my wife, our two kids, and our two dogs. I am a huge sports fan and especially like it when the family attends ISU sporting events. Go Cyclones!
Stacey Enloe
Instructional Coach/3-5 Math Interventionist
P: (515) 242-8430 | E: stacey.enloe@dmschools.org
Class Description
Instructional Coach/3-5 Math Interventionist
Biography
I have worked for Des Moines Public Schools since graduation from Drake University in 1998. I graduated with a degree in Elementary Education with an endorsement area in science. I achieved my Masters with a reading endorsement in 2007. My first year teaching, I taught 6th grade science at Merrill Middle School and 6th grade math at Callanan Middle School. After my first year teaching, I transferred to Perkins Elementary. I have taught science, 2nd grade, and 4th grade at Perkins. I am currently in a new role of Instructional Coach and Math Interventionist, which I am loving. On a personal note I’m married and have one son. I spend most of my free time taking my son to and from gymnastic practices and meets and enjoy watching him achieve his goals. Besides spending time with my family, I enjoy running in my free time.
Cindy Manning
K-5 Literacy and Math Interventionist
P: (515) 242-8430 | E: cindy.manning@dmschools.org
Class Description
K-5 Literacy and Math Interventionist
Biography
I am a K-5 Literacy and Math Interventionist here at Perkins. I am also a trained Reading Recovery teacher, completing my training through Drake University in 2000. I received my Bachelor of Education degree from Upper Iowa University, including Early Childhood and Reading endorsements, in 1997. I began teaching in the Des Moines district at Edmunds Academy of Fine Arts from 1997 through 2002. After having my second child, I stayed home with my two daughters and ran an “in-home” daycare for 3 years. I returned to the district in 2005, where I began teaching at Perkins. I thoroughly enjoy my position as an Interventionist teacher here at Perkins. It is very rewarding watching my students progress and achieve their goals. My personal life includes my husband, Stan, and our two daughters, Emily and Erica. We live in Grimes. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, attending my daughters’ sporting and music events, reading and boating.
Robin McCoy
K-5 Literacy and Math Interventionist
P: (515) 242-8430 | E: robin.mccoy@dmschools.org
Class Description
K-5 Literacy and Math Interventionist
Biography
I’ve always said that teaching first grade keeps me young but after eleven years I am ready for a change and perhaps some aging! I’m looking forward to teaching third grade next year.
I’ve taught school in three states, Maryland, Michigan and now Iowa. I received my bachelor’s degree from Towson University in Baltimore, Maryland and my master’s degree in reading from Johns Hopkins University. I’ve taught a total of 19 years and love my job. It’s never the same any two days in a row.
In my spare time I like to garden, walk and spend time with my family and friends.
I’m looking forward to travel and grandchildren in the near future.
Tiffani Veen
K-2 Literacy and Math Interventionist
P: (515) 242-8430 | E: tiffani.veen@dmschools.org
Class Description
K-2 Literacy and Math Interventionist