I have had the privilege of working with Des Moines Public Schools for 30 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, as well as a K-5 Interventionist. This year I am a full time Instructional Coach and will be working with all age levels and teachers. I have been married for 27 years, have 2 amazing daughters, one who is working in Sweden and the other attends ISU. We enjoy doing anything outside, especially tennis and golf, 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. My passion to make learning fun is an important goal. Please email me if you ever have any questions about your child’s education!
TLC Instructional Coach
I have been teaching in Des Moines ever since I graduated from Simpson College over two decades ago. My first teaching job was with 1st graders right here at Perkins in 2001. Later, I spent three years working in the district curriculum office before returning to Perkins in 2007. Since then, I have been a 2nd-grade teacher, 4th-grade teacher, interventionist, and an instructional coach. In 2016, while teaching at Perkins, I was awarded the Presidential Award in Mathematics Teaching. In my free time, I coach football and enjoy spending time with my wife and two kids. I am a huge sports fan and our family loves attending ISU sporting events.
K-5 Math Interventionist
I was very fortunate to join the team here at Perkins in 2018 as the Enrichment Leader of the Metro Kids program and have now moved into the role of Student Support Coordinator. I take such pride in getting to know our kids and helping them conquer their challenges and am very thankful to have a job that I love! I am currently in the process of finishing a psychology degree at Upper Iowa University and am looking forward to starting a Masters of School Counseling program upon graduation. I love spending time with my husband and three kids and supporting them in all their interests and activities.