I grew up in a small rural town in northeast Iowa. My journey in education began at Wartburg College, where I earned my B.A. in Education. Following graduation, I ventured to Colorado, beginning my teaching career in diverse urban elementary schools.

Since 2009, I’ve been dedicated to educational leadership within the Des Moines Public Schools. My experience spans various leadership roles across preschool, elementary, and middle school levels. In 2017, I assumed the role of school principal, and in 2024, I proudly became the principal at Pleasant Hill Elementary and Montessori School.

I enjoy spending time with my family outdoors, eating out at new places, and walking the family dogs.

This year I will be starting my 20th year teaching for Des Moines Public Schools. I am looking forward to starting my 3rd year at PH as an Academic Interventionist as well as the Intern Assistant Principal at Pleasant Hill. I have spent 15 years prior to coming to Pleasant Hill teaching at Capitol View Elementary in Des Moines and 2 years at Lovejoy Elementary. I have taught kindergarten, first grade, fourth grade, fifth grade and was an academic interventionist for 6 years prior to coming to Pleasant Hill.

My husband and I live in Urbandale with our 5 children. Cole and Ella are our twins that will be sophomores this year at Urbandale High School and Madelyn our daughter will be in 8th grade at Urbandale Middle School. Our youngest two kiddos will be at Webster Elementary School, Ava in 5th grade and Maddox in 4th grade. We keep busy with softball, basketball, soccer, show choir, track, cross country and enjoy being outside together. I am currently serving as the Silver Cord coordinator for Urbandale High School.

I graduated from Johnston High School in 2000 and graduated from the University of Iowa in 2005 with my Elementary Education Degree. After I began teaching, I knew I wanted to continue learning and graduated with my Master’s Degree in elementary education in 2005 from Viterbo University. I am currently working on my Administration Degree at Viterbo University and will graduate in 2026. I have been the co-chair of the district Educator Quality and Professional Development Committee for the Des Moines Public Schools for the last 8 years. I have been trained as a District Leadership Coach that empowers staff to set self-initiated goals around individual growth and learning.

I believe that my job as leader and teacher is to have high expectations of all students and I believe all students can and will learn at high levels and will be successful adults. I look forward to another great school year and please know I am here to support all students and be the best advocate for the students at Pleasant Hill!