I’m a mom of two loving girls Camila 11 and Angie 8. We also have American Labrador named Terry Dante Rivas. I am Salvadoran.  My favorite hobbies are riding  bikes, cooking and watching movies. I enjoy helping  kids to learn and working with the wonderful staff at Pleasant Hill Elementary School.

Hello, my name is Amanda Barlow. I grew up on a family farm outside of Carroll and moved to Des Moines in 2015 after graduating from Iowa State University. I started my career as a Family Preservation worker in Des Moines and have worked in various human services positions since. Prior to coming to the Des Moines School District, I worked as a Behavioral Health Social Worker at Broadlawns Medical Center. Advocating for mental health, providing resources for families, and developing positive relationships are a few of my passions. I am currently a student at The University of Iowa studying to earn my Mater of Social Work degree. In my “free time” I enjoy spending time with my husband, baby, family, and friends and I also enjoy the occasional Netflix binge!

As a Community Schools Coordinator, I work as the bridge between our school and the community in which I serve with the goal of improving outcomes for student success. I do this by building relationships with community partners and coordinating how we can work together to meet the needs of our students and families. Community Schools Coordinators work as equity strategists within the district focused on the known fact that students can only do their best in school if they have the necessary support for meeting their basic needs. I serve as a mentor for student success by focusing attention on student engagement both in and out of school, providing resources for students and families, and breaking down barriers to food and housing insecurities. I want to advocate for and encourage students and parents to have a voice in making school decisions and feel welcomed, engaged, and safe at Pleasant Hill Elementary!

I grew up on the East side of Des Moines. I attended Wallace Elementary, Hiatt Middle School, and North High School. I earned my teaching degree at Grand View College. I have been at Pleasant Hill for the last 21 years. I have taught Kindergarten for 18 years and Preschool for 3 years.

My husband, Travis, and I will celebrate our 23rd anniversary this summer. We have 2 children. Zackery will be 20 this summer and attends DMACC. Kristin is 16 and will be in 11^th grade at North. We also have a golden retriever named Roscoe.

I am an avid reader and spend a lot of my free time reading. A few years ago I started running and have completed many 5K’s, 10K’s and 6 half marathons with my awesome running partner, Mrs. Horstman.

I spent my childhood growing up in Ankeny and have always loved sports. When I was 17, I moved to Colorado and attended the University of Northern Colorado. During my time there I meet my wife, coached football, played for a semi-pro football team, and student taught in the Cherry Creek school district in the Denver metro area. I got my first teaching job at Eastridge Elementary, where I student taught, and taught P.E. there for eleven years. During that time, I competed in drug-free body building competitions with my wife Nicole, and both of our two children Beau and Deviney were born. In 2008, I was humbled and honored to win the Colorado Physical Education Teacher of the Year during my time at Eastridge Elementary.

My wife Nicole and I will celebrate our 17th wedding anniversary this year. Our son Beau will be a 4th grader at Ashland Ridge Elementary while our daughter Deviney will begin 1^st grade. When I’m not at Pleasant Hill I enjoy coaching football for Ankeny Centennial high school with the 8th and 9th grade staff, lifting weights, and spending quality time with my family.

If you have any questions regarding the Physical Education program here at Pleasant Hill please contact me at any time. I very much look forward to working with the children of Pleasant Hill Elementary for my third year!

Hi, My name is Geshya Camacho, I am from Puerto Rico and I am bilingual. This is my 14th year at DMPS. I first started as a Native Language Tutor, then a Bilingual Community Outreach Worker and then a Bilingual Family Liasion with the district.  This will be my 4th year as a Special Education Associate. I worked 3 years at Willard Elementary as an Associate, and this will be my 1st year as an Associate here at Pleasant Hill Elementary. I graduated on 2003 with a BA in Social Work at the University of Puerto Rico in Humacao.

I live in Des Moines with my 3 kids ages 11, 9 and 6. My son Adriel will start middle school this year and my daughters Yahelis and Kamila will happily be here at Pleasant Hill Elementary grades 5th and 1st.

During my free time I enjoy decorating, bowling, shopping, movies, eating out and some outdoor activities. I love spending time with my kids and friends. I LOVE working with kids and families.

I am beyond excited to start my 1st year at Pleasant Hill and I know it will be an amazing year!! Looking forward to meeting you all and working with you.

I grew up on a farm south of Barnum, Iowa. I graduated from Buena Vista and later received my reading endorsement from Drake.  After graduating I taught first grade and then went on to teach reading recovery and title for Fourteen years. I am looking forward to another outstanding year and can’t wait to help the staff and students of Pleasant Hill as much as possible. This will be my tenth year at Pleasant Hill and I absolutely love it here. The supportive families and staff make it a great place to work. 

My husband, Corey, and I live in Pleasant Hill and have four children.  Hallie and Hannah are 14 and will be attending South East Polk as ninth graders. Kyle is 13 and Kadie is 12 and they will be seventh graders this year. 

Our summers are spent going to sporting events, spending time on the family farm, and going boating. 

I grew up in Des Moines Iowa where I attended McKee Elementary School, Hoyt Middle School, and graduated from East High School.

I attended the University of Northern Iowa where I graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education. I was a member of the UNI Swimming Team, and was a co-captain my senior year. “GO PANTHERS”!

My husband Troy also graduated from UNI.  We have three children- Keagan, Kade and McKenna. As a family we enjoy going on vacations. Disneyworld is one of our favorite vacation destinations. We also enjoy hanging out at the swimming pool, going to amusement parks, playing games, watching movies and of course reading books.

We also enjoy watching sporting events as a family. Our favorite teams are the Iowa Hawkeyes, Chicago Bears, Chicago Cubs, and the UNI Panthers. Of course our most favorite teams to watch are any that our children are participating on. My children are all very active in extracurricular activities which keep us busy all year long.

I started my teaching career at Smouse Opportunity School in Des Moines. I taught 2^nd and 3^rd grade students with Behavior Disorders for seven years. While at Smouse I took graduate classes at Drake University. I really enjoyed my time at Smouse, and didn’t think that I would ever leave. Then in 2007 a first grade teaching position opened at Pleasant Hill.  I didn’t want to pass up an opportunity to teach at such a great school. The challenges at Pleasant Hill are different than the ones I faced at Smouse, but just as equally rewarding.

Rosenbery

This is my 15th year at Pleasant Hill, and 21^st year as a teacher at Des Moines Public Schools.  This year I am primarily working with students with IEPs in grades 1^st and 3^rd.

I live on the east side of Pleasant Hill with my daughter Mackenzie and son Graydon.  I have 3 kids, Madison is a freshman at Iowa, Mackenzie is a sophomore at SEP, and Graydon is in 5^th grade at Four Mile elementary.

Mackenzie is active in show choir at SEP and she dances 3 nights a week.  Graydon is a sports enthusiast.  He loves to play soccer, basketball, baseball, and is hoping to start football soon.  In our down time we like to spend time together watching movies, cooking together, and playing games indoors and outdoors.

Hello Pleasant Hill Families!

May I start by saying I have the most AMAZING job in the world!! I get to do two of my most favorite things all day: create works of art and help students learn and grow artistically!

I graduated from Iowa State University with a BA in Curriculum & Instruction (K-6) and an endorsement in Art Education (K-8). I have enjoyed being a teacher in the Des Moines district for many years. I taught first grade for 7 years and Kindergarten for 4 years before deciding that I needed to grow my other passion, visual art, as well. Lucky for me, there was an opening at the best elementary school in Des Moines!

When I am not teaching, I am enjoying life at home and in the community. I have a wonderful son who is a former student here at Pleasant Hill. We like to hang out and play at home, go to farmer’s markets, ride our bikes, go to the zoo, and go to Adventureland, particularly Adventure Bay!

I am so excited to see everyone again this fall and meet the new families that will join our fantastic family! I can’t wait to see what all of our talented young artists have in store for us this year!

Hello! My name is Stephanie Harden.  I grew up on the East side of Des Moines where I attended Adams Elementary School, Goodrell Middle School, and graduated from East High School.

I have been with the school district for six years. I started as a Library Associate at Edmunds Elementary. This is my fifth year at Pleasant Hill Elementary.  My first year I was a Special Education Associate. This will be my forth year as the  Office Manager. I feel very blessed to be part of the Pleasant Hill Elementary family.

I live in Pleasant Hill with my husband Jeff, his son Levi 22, my daughter Jordan 24 and my son Robbie 21.  I love to read, watch movies and walking our two dogs Griffin and Biscuit.

My name is Amanda Horstman.  I grew up in Colorado and moved to Iowa right after I graduated high school. I have always loved Iowa so here I am!  My family and I live in Pleasant Hill and love it here!  My husband Fred and I have been married 17 years.  We have four sons (Yes my house is crazy!)  The youngest one, Hudson, is 11 and attends Spring Creek 6^th Grade Center in SEP. My 14-year-old, Harlan, is a freshman at SEP high school this year.  I also have a 17-year-old senior, Haden, who is attending SEP high school as well.  The oldest Horstman, Jake, is 25 and got married last summer.  He and my daughter in law live about a mile from me and are at our house often!

I have been teaching kindergarten for 15 years and still love every minute. I love seeing the growth the students make throughout the year and the light in their eyes when they learn something new.  Being a teacher is the most rewarding job a person could have.  Kindergarten changes kids in ways most could never imagine.  They absorb everything and are always looking forward to new learning both socially and academically.

In my “free” time I love to be outside, go running, going to Hawkeye sporting events, and spend time with my family.  My biggest hobby is definitely running.   I have run 8 half marathons and countless 5K and 10K races as well.  I usually run with my great friends Mrs. Bowman and Mrs. Madsen.  I am always looking for a challenge for myself, my family, and my students!

My name is Tawnee Koch and I have been a Special Education Teacher in the Des Moines School District for 6 years. In 2009, I graduated from William Penn University with a B.A. in Elementary Education, and endorsements in Special Education and Reading. I taught at Garton Elementary for the first five years of my teaching career. I supported students within their classrooms, and I provided teachers with the support they needed to meet students’ individual needs. Before becoming a teacher at Garton, I substitute taught in a variety of school districts.

In January 2021, I transferred to Pleasant Hill Elementary where I continue to teach students who have IEPs. I am super excited to join the teaching staff at Pleasant Hill Elementary School and begin building lasting relationships with students, parents, and staff members. Teaching has always been my passion. Every day I am faced with new adventures that teach me the skills I need to grow both professionally and personally.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time and making memories with my husband, three children, and our dog Lucy.

Hello families of Pleasant Hill. I’m so excited to join this amazing school! I’ve been working as a Registered Nurse for Ankeny schools and I’m so thankful for this opportunity to take over the School Nurse role here at Pleasant Hill Elementary!

I grew up in Des Moines and now my family and I are loving country living outskirts of Altoona. My husband and I have two daughters and two dogs. My oldest daughter is 20 and she’s attending DMACC. She hopes to become a Registered Nurse working in Pediatric Oncology. My youngest is 17 and is in her Senior year of Grandview Christian High School. She hopes to become an art teacher.  Our dogs names are Sadie (Cocker Spaniel) and Molly (Border Collie) and they are both so sweet.

I absolutely love school nursing! I also enjoy camping, art, yoga, attending church, animals, family game nights, gardening and anything that involves nature.

I’m excited to meet you all and honored to be your School Nurse! I have no doubt that this is going to be a great school year.

I attended Buena Vista University graduating in 2007, majoring in Elementary Education with a minor in Psychology, and endorsements in Reading and Social Studies.  I worked as a substitute teacher for 6 years in the Newton Community School District, teaching classes Pre-K – through High School full-time.  I was the coordinator for K-6 religious education at Sacred Heart Church in Newton, IA.  I ran three Career Connection Centers, and spent time teaching career readiness, career coaching, and helping teach classes at DMACC as well as the Newton Senior High School. I just completed my first-year teaching 5^th Grade here at Pleasant Hill Elementary.

I have three boys ages 24, 17, and 15. My oldest graduated from DMACC and is employed as a Realtor by RE/MAX Precision.  My two youngest sons attend school in Newton and are extremely active in sports. I spend a lot of my down time at football, basketball, or soccer games.  We have two dogs at home Fuji a Labradoodle, and Bentley a Pyredoodle.  I enjoy reading, movies, bicycling, and hiking.  In the summer, I love being on or in the water.

I was born and raised in Des Moines. I attended McKee Elementary, Hoyt Middle School for, and East High School. I am a PROUD member of the East High Alumni Association as is my husband, Patrick. We are currently working towards establishing a scholarship for graduating seniors.

We both coach at East High, I am the head girls Varsity Swimming Coach, and Patrick coaches Cross Country. We both also coach middle school sports. Patrick teaches at Goodrell Middle School.

I attended Minnesota State University where I was a member of the Varsity Swim Team. I transferred to UNI where I swam one season for the Panthers and played one season of Rugby. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Spanish minor in 2000. I am certified to teach K-6 General Classrooms and K-8 Spanish.I obtained my master’s degree from Viterbo University in LaCrosse, Wisconsin in May of 2016. I have a master’s degree in Educational Leadership.

Our son Tyler attended Pleasant Hill Elementary, Goodrell Middle School and he attends East High School. Tyler is involved in Football, Swimming, Track and Soccer. Tyler’s activities keep us very busy.

We love to travel! I have been to all 50 states and 14 countries.  We have been on cruises to Alaska, Canada, Scandinavia, Europe and Russia.  We had planned a trip to Mexico, Belize and Honduras but were not able to go, so we are looking forward to our next travel adventure.  We love being outdoors, visiting national parks, going on road trips, swimming, boating, playing golf and playing tennis.  We love the Ocean and the Beach!

I grew up in the small northeastern Iowa town of Maynard and attended UNI and Viterbo University.

I taught kindergarten and Reading Recovery in Waterloo before moving to the Des Moines area over 20 years ago.  In Des Moines, I am the Reading Recovery Teacher Trainer for our district and for Heartland AEA and am also a part-time coach here at Pleasant Hill.  The best part of my day is working with the students and staff at Pleasant Hill!

In my spare time, I enjoy gardening, raising chickens, and spending time with my husband and three sons.

Hello! I am Natalie Madsen (formally Miss Young). I am originally from Mount Prospect, Illinois (a northwest suburb of Chicago). I first came to Des Moines when I attended college at Drake University! Go Bulldogs! I have my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and an endorsement in Reading. I also completed my Master’s degree in 2013 which focused on Curriculum and Instruction. I student taught at Pleasant Hill in spring of 2009 with Nancy Jennings in 3^rd grade. I loved it so much, I had to come back and teach here!

I have been teaching at Pleasant Hill since 2010 and this will be my tenth year teaching second grade. I live in Ankeny with my husband Brian and our son Wyatt was born in late January earlier this year. We also have two dogs that we adopted from AHeinz 57, Julius and Kip!  When I’m not teaching, you can probably find me playing with Wyatt, running and working out, walking Julius and Kip or reading books! I am looking forward to a wonderful school year in person!

Hello, I am Mr. Milligan (Or Mr. M) I am a DMPS graduate! I attended Phillips Elementary, Goodrell Middle School and East High School (GO Scarlets!!) For college I attended Upper Iowa University, Go Peacocks!! I am very excited to be here at Pleasant Hill Elementary School! I have previously worked in Des Moines Public Schools as a Volunteer, Sub and Librarian!

I live in Des Moines with my Boyfriend Dom and we have two little monsters (dogs) Bruiser and Lindy who we love! In my free time I love biking, swimming, reading, spending time with my nieces and nephews, watching new movies, taking the dogs for a walk downtown, cooking, traveling, and trying new and unique restaurants! Outside of the United States I have been to New Caledonia and the Ukraine on Missions Trips! The beach/ocean is my favorite place to travel!

I am excited to meet and get to know all of you and look forward to an amazing year at Pleasant Hill! GO PANTHERS!!!

I was born and raised in Des Moines.  I attended Watrous Elementary (which is now Morris Elementary), McCombs Middle School and Lincoln High School.  I absolutely loved school and want to instill that love and respect I have for education into my students.

I decided to become a teacher after working with special needs students as a teacher associate at Smouse Opportunity School.  I went to college as a non-traditional student and graduated in 2004 from Simpson College in Indianola.  I have a BA in Elementary Education, Reading Endorsement and a Special Education Endorsement.  I taught Special Education for 10 years, 2^nd grade for two years and 1^st Grade for 6 years.  I truly love working with children!  I am so excited to be teaching 1^st Grade again this year with one of my best friends, Mrs. Dolphin!!

I am married to Flip and we have two children.  Jadie is an art director for a firm in Kansas City.   Cody moved to Colorado and works for Miller Coors.  I have the privilege of being a grandparent to two precious kids!  In my spare time, I enjoy playing games with my family, decorating my house, and gardening.

I am very thankful and appreciative to be working at such a wonderful school where every student’s education is a priority.  I look forward to meeting and visiting with all of my students’ parents.  My door is always open, so please contact me at any time with any questions or concerns.

Welcome to Team 3N at Pleasant Hill Elementary! My name is Michelle Nelson aka Ms. N.

Our classroom is a community of caring, respectful, and responsible learners: Taking risks, making mistakes, and sharing while learning both independently and collaboratively is expected.

I earned an elementary education degree and reading endorsement from Buena Vista University, as well as graduate credits from Kaplan, Morningside, and Drake Universities. 2021-2022 represents my 21st year as an educator! I reside in Des Moines with my husband Jim and chocolate Labrador mLee. We are blessed to be near our children and grandchildren.

Pleasant Hill Elementary is an exceptional school community! Join us in celebrating your child’s academic and social-emotional growth.

If you have any questions and/or concerns, please contact me directly via michelle.nelson@dmschools.org or 515.242.8432.

I attended Grand View College.  I graduated in 1999, majoring in Elementary Education.  I received endorsements in the area of Reading, Language Arts, and Early Childhood.  I am starting my 23^rd year of teaching.  My first year of teaching was in Newton, Iowa.  I taught 1^st and 2^nd grade reading.   Then, I taught four years at Wallace Elementary in Des Moines.  There, I taught 4^th and 5^th grade and was also the 3^rd-5^th Literacy Leader.  This is my 18^th year at Pleasant Hill teaching 5^th grade.

My husband, Mike, is the elementary principal at Runnells Elementary School in Runnells, Iowa.  We have been married 22 years.  We have a 16 year old son Brett and a daughter named Kendall, who will be 14 years old in October.  I graduated with my Masters Degree in Elementary Education from Viterbo University in Wisconsin during the summer of 2005.

We also have a Miniature Dachshund named Sugar and a German Shorthair Pointer named Stark.  I enjoy spending time with my two children and the rest of my family, friends, and of course, Sugar and Stark!  I also enjoy shopping and fishing.

Hi! My name is Kathy O’Brien.  I live in Altoona.   I have 2 grown children and  5 amazing grandchildren: Jadyn, Abby, Jackson, Jace and Emily! ❤ I enjoy swimming and being near the ocean.

This is my first year with the DMPS District.   I’m excited about being part of the Pleasant Hill Elementary team!!!

Mr. Parker is the 5th grade band director for Pleasant Hill Elementary. This is his tenth year with DMPS. For nine of those years, he was the Band/Orchestra director for Hoyt Middle School. The first three years included band at Pleasant Hill Elementary.

Mr. Parker has taught music for Keota, Woodward-Granger, and Des Moines Christian Schools. In that time, many of his bands have been successful in the areas of concert, jazz and marching band. His highest accomplishments are winning a state jazz title and having his concert band perform as the class 2A representative at the Iowa Bandmasters Association convention.

Mr. Parker was born and raised in Ottumwa. He has traveled across the country and parts of Europe including Russia with a Christian based group, The Continental Brass and Singers. He resides in Waukee with his wife, Amanda and their two boys, Carson and Caleb who are 16 and 12. Mr. Parker also enjoys coaching baseball and time with his family

This will be my 22nd year teaching at Pleasant Hill Elementary School. Over the years, I have taught 1st grade, 4th grade, and special education. I love teaching, being with family and friends, working in the yard, and being active in my church. My husband is a general contractor. He started his own business over 25 years ago: JRitter Contracting. Our son will be a senior in college this fall in Missouri.

Hello Pleasant Hill students and families, my name is Doug Rucker! This will be my 7^th year teaching in Des Moines Public Schools and my 3^rd year at Pleasant Hill. Prior to graduating, I also served as an AmeriCorps member for 2 years at Cowles Montessori School. In 2015, I received my bachelor’s degree in K-6 elementary education with a K-8 reading endorsement from Upper Iowa University. In 2019, I received my Master of Higher Education degree, also from Upper Iowa University. Go Peacocks!

I live in Ankeny with my wife, Nicole, and our two sons, Henry (7 years old) and Bob (5 years old). We enjoy watching movies, going outside and being active, and relaxing at home. My wife and I moved to Iowa in 2012 from Illinois where we both grew up in small, rural towns.

I promise you every day your child will learn something new in 4th grade. Some days they will bring it home in their hands, some days they will bring it home in their heads, and some days they will bring it home in their hearts. (Valerie Welk)

Hello! My name is Haley Shaw and I’m very excited to be back at Pleasant Hill team this school year. This is my 12th year with DMPS and my fifth year as the counselor at Pleasant Hill!

My educational path started in Norwalk where I grew up. I graduated from Norwalk High School and went on to college from there. I graduated from Grand View University with my BA in Psychology and followed that degree with my Master in Education – School Guidance and Counseling from Buena Vista University.

I currently live in Norwalk with my husband Ryan, our three active kiddos Stella, Ryley, and Rocco. I enjoy reading, kayaking, spending time with my family outside on our acreage, sewing and dancing. I’m passionate about helping others and especially my students.

Hi! My name is Denise Weston. This is my 10th year of teaching English language learners (ELL).
I teach half time at Pleasant Hill and half time at Willard Elementary. I graduated with my BA in education from Upper Iowa University in 2012, and a master’s of science in education from Drake University in 2017. I am passionate about teaching and learning. I tell my ELL students that it is important to maintain their native language and customs, while learning English and learning about new customs. Speaking multiple languages will help them maintain ties to family members, as well as provide many opportunities in the workforce for them in their future. I also love teaching and learning from my students, who come from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

My husband and I live in Altoona. We have been blessed with four intelligent, beautiful daughters, four amazing son-in-laws, and four adorable, energetic grandchildren. I love bike riding, swimming, walking, traveling, and spending time with my family!

Hello!  It is hard to believe but Pleasant Hill Elementary has been my home for 25 years now.  I began teaching at Pleasant Hill Elementary in 1997.  During my years at Pleasant Hill I have taught a first/second grade combination class for one year, a fourth/fifth grade combination class for one year, fourth grade for ten years, kindergarten for two years, intervention groups for one year, third grade for two years, fourth grade for two years, and this will be my sixth year teaching 2^nd grade!

I grew up in the small town of Denison, Iowa where I was 1 of 12 children. One of my greatest joys is being an aunt!  It is always chaotic and loud when we are all together, but I love it and wouldn’t want it any other way. After high school I attended AIB (American Institute of Business) in Des Moines where I earned an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration and Office Management.  I worked for 7 years as an office manager for a small sales business in Des Moines.  I then decided to go back to school at Upper Iowa University in Des Moines and earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education.  I also earned endorsements in Reading and Early Childhood.  A few years ago, I earned my Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction.

In my free time I enjoy spending time with family and friends, reading, shopping, and going to movies.  I also enjoy watching or attending sporting events.  I am a HUGE Denver Broncos fan, Iowa State Cyclones fan, as well as a Kansas City Royals fan!  However, I am the biggest fan of my family, friends, and students!!!

I have been the music teacher at Pleasant Hill Elementary since the fall of 2012.  I have been a music teacher in the Des Moines district since the fall of 2006. Since beginning my music teaching career in the fall of 1997, I have taught vocal music at all levels from Kindergarten to 12th grade. During my tenure with Des Moines Public Schools, I have provided many different performance opportunities for students, including extracurricular choruses and show choir.  At Pleasant Hill I direct the Panther Pride Show Choir and our Panther Pride Chorus who enjoy the opportunity to share out in the community, including a performance at the Iowa Cubs.  I enjoy writing music for students, and I have written and performed several compositions over my years of teaching.

I believe in teaching the fundamentals necessary to help students take their music to the next level. I also believe in giving students many different performance opportunities to showcase their talents and develop confidence.

I have a son, John who is a junior at Southeast Polk High, and my daughter Emma, who is in eighth grade at Southeast Polk both attended Pleasant Hill Elementary.   My wife, Julie, is teaching Third Grade at Pleasant Hill Elementary.  I also work part-time for Colfax Tractor Parts as a farm equipment detailer.

During my time at Pleasant Hill, I have seen growth in the musical talents and involvement of students and am excited about the musical opportunities we will have at Pleasant Hill!

I graduated from Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa with a BA in Elementary Education and endorsements in reading and special education. I taught third grade for four years in Manning, Iowa, and five years of fourth grade at Northwest Elementary in Ankeny, Iowa, before becoming a stay-at-home mom and Children’s Ministry Director at NewLife Church in the summer of 2008. I came back to teaching again in the fall of 2013 as the part-time interventionist here at Pleasant Hill Elementary. I returned to the classroom full-time as a third grade teacher in the fall of 2015. I’m looking forward to my seventh year teaching third grade at Pleasant Hill Elementary. Each year brings its own set of challenges, but I love learning new things to help all kids be successful!

My husband, Scott, and I live in Altoona with our kids, John and Emma. John is in eleventh grade at SEP. Emma is in eighth grade at SEP. We have lots of fun camping, riding bikes, reading, playing games and going to Adventureland. I actively volunteer at our church and enjoy watching the kids in their extra-curricular activities like chorus, show choir, and band (including marching band).