I have been working for DMPS as a Bilingual Community Worker since 2007. I was born in Costa Rica and moved to Iowa in 1994 following my mom’s transfer to Pioneer Hi-Bred in Johnston Iowa. My primary language is Spanish but I am also fluent in English. I love to travel and learn as much as I can from all of the different countries our students are from. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, cooking, gardening and taking our dogs for walks.

Bilingual Family Liaison

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.

I have been a speech language pathologist (SLP) in the Des Moines School District since the 2018-2019 school year, and have been a school-based SLP since 2012. My passion for helping all students increase their communication skills, advocating for those who need communication support, and working with amazing teachers and staff in the buildings I serve has kept me continually wanting to learn and grow. It has been a joy to join the Perkins family! Outside of school I enjoy being with my family, exploring outdoors or going for long walks, and reading.

Hello! My name is Melissa Keller and I am the school nurse at Perkins Elementary. This is my 9th year with the district and my 22nd year as a nurse. I live in the Perkins neighborhood with my husband and our three children. Our kids are proud Perkins alum! Our oldest kids are at Roosevelt and our youngest is at Merrill. I love being a school nurse and taking care of your students should they need to see the nurse! In my free time you may see me taking walks around the neighborhood with our dog, Charlie (I love seeing students out and about in the neighborhood!), chasing after my son at cross-country and track meets, watching my daughter play volleyball and taking my youngest to the skatepark!

Media Specialist