My name is Meghan Gillespie. This will be my second-year teaching as Cattell Elementary. I am excited to begin another year working with Cattell family and students. I graduated from Upper Iowa University with a degree in Elementary Education with endorsements in Reading and Special Education. In my free time I love to travel to visit new places and spend time with family and friends. I live with my husband Garran and my four children Cullan (15), Kael (14), Briea (12) and Ayla (10). I am excited to start another year in 2nd grade and look forward to an exciting year!
My name is Kiendra Phanfil, and I will be teaching second grade this year at Cattell. This is my first year as a classroom teacher. It is my 20th year working in the district with students. I am so excited to meet the students and the families here at Cattell. I live with my husband Lesther, and my two sons Lesther Jr. (16) and Mateo (12). I have two busy, but wonderful daughters. DiMaucia a sophomore at UNI and Na’Dine (23). As a family we love to watch football, go on bike rides, and go to the pumpkin patch.
This is my first full year of teaching at Cattell Elementary! I graduated from Grand View University with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Reading endorsement.
I believe that all students can learn. I understand that not all students learn the same way, so I create lessons that are engaging and meaningful for my students. I believe that it’s important to build a classroom community so my students feel safe and welcome every day they walk into my classroom.
In my spare time, I love to read and go on vacations! I live with my fiancé and cat named Jax. We adopted Jax about a year ago and can’t imagine life without him!
I can be reached at Cattell by phone or email Monday-Friday from 7:00 AM until 3:00 PM.
Hi! My name is Bianca Zylstra! This is my 7th year as a classroom teacher! I have taught 4th grade and 2nd grade! I graduated from Grand View University with a degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Psychology. I recently received my master’s degree from Drake University in Urban Education with my Talented and Gifted Endorsement. In my free time, I LOVE to read books, spend time with my husband and two boys, and take my dog on walks. I am looking forward to another great year in second grade and can’t wait to get the year started!