Tenesha Cooper
Hello! My name is Alex Hackley and this is my second-year teaching and my second year at Cattell Elementary. I work with Kindergarten, and First Grade students who receive extra support throughout their school day. I received my bachelor’s degree from Grand View University. I grew up in Clarion Iowa and moved to Des Moines while attending college. I live with my fiancé and our three dogs who keep us busy! If you need anything feel free to email me and I will get back to you as soon as I can!
I am the Special Education Consultant at Cattell Elementary. I began my teaching career at a bilingual school in Santa Bárbara, Honduras. In the US, I have taught special education in Seattle, Denver, and Des Moines. I love working with teachers and families to provide the supports and services that our students need to be successful.
I live in the Drake neighborhood with my partner, Kristina, and our cat, Gizmo. We like to bike, garden, read, and explore the city in our free time.
Please reach out if you have any questions about special education!
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Arts in Sociocultural Studies, Bethel University
Master in Teaching Special Education, City University of Seattle
Master of Education: Educational Administration, Northwestern College
Yadira Lopez
I’m a special education associate and have been with DMPS since 2019. I find joy in supporting all of our students and love being able to contribute to their growth.
Wanda Phillips
Hello! My name is Amy Snowden. This will be my 21st year of teaching but my first year at Cattell Elementary. I received my Bachelor’s Degree from Wartburg College, my Masters in Education from Morningside College and am currently attending UNI for my Principalship License. I grew up in a small town in Minnesota before moving to New Hampton, Iowa where I graduated high school from. I now live in Panora, Iowa with my husband and English Bulldog. In my free time I enjoy boating, golfing, reading, crocheting, and spending time with friends and family. I cannot wait to see what this school year brings. Go Mustangs!
I am going into my 6th year of teaching special education. I graduated from Iowa State in 2016 with my Bachelor’s in Elementary Education. I will be graduating from Drake University in December with my Master’s in Urban Education and Leadership and my Strategist II: ID. I live with my husband, Brian and my German Shepard, Caesar. I love to play outside with my dog, read, and watch Netflix in my free time. My passion is working with children, and I am looking forward to continuing to work with students and families in the Cattell community!
I got my Bachelor’s from Grand View University. I got my Master’s from Morningside College. I have been teaching in the Des Moines School District for 16 years.
I am a special education teacher who will be supporting 4th and 5th grade students in their classroom. My educational philosophy is that all students are unique individuals that have the ability to learn and grow educationally, socially and emotionally. As a teacher, it is my responsibility to facilitate the learning and growth of students by creating a safe and challenging learning environment.
I have lived in the Des Moines area for 20 years now. I am a wife and mother of 3 active boys. We have a family dog and a hedgehog. In my spare time I like to read and make soap. I do not consider myself a crafty person but enjoy doing crafts.
“OFFICE HOURS” / BEST WAY TO CONTACT/EMAIL: The best way to contact me is through email: neomi.voeller-case@dmschools.org. I will check my email periodically throughout the day and reply as soon as I can. You can also reach me by phone 242-8403. Someone in the office answers the phone from 7:00-2:45. If I cannot be reached by phone, please leave a message with the office and I will return the call as soon as I can.
I received my bachelor’s degree from Grand View University and my master’s degree from Morningside University. I have been teaching in the Des Moines School District for 20 years.
I am a special education teacher who will be supporting 4th and 5th grade students in their classroom. My educational philosophy is that all students are unique individuals that can learn and grow educationally, socially and emotionally. As a teacher, it is my responsibility to facilitate the learning and growth of students by creating a safe and challenging learning environment.
Although I did not grow up in , I have lived in the Iowa, I have lived in the Des Moines area for over 25 years. I am a wife and mother of 3 active boys and 2 family dogs that keep me busy. In my spare time I like to read and be outdoors. Although I do not consider myself a crafty person, I enjoy doing crafts.
“OFFICE HOURS” / BEST WAY TO CONTACT/EMAIL: The best way to contact me is through email: neomi.voeller-case@dmschools.org. I will check my email periodically throughout the day and reply as soon as I can. You can also reach me by phone 242-8403. Someone in the office answers the phone from 7:15-3:00. If I cannot be reached by phone, please leave a message with the office and I will return the call as soon as I can.
I graduated from Ellsworth Community College with an Associative Arts Degree. Then I went to the University of Northern Iowa where I got my Bachelor’s degree in Education. I also received a Master’s Degree from Drake University.
I work with identified special education students at Cattell. I work primarily with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders and focus on reading, math, and writing skills. I have taught at Cattell for 20+ years. I believe that every child can learn. I try to be encouraging and figure out the best strategy to help children be successful and grow. When not at school I spend time with my family and friends. During the summer I run a camp in the Kansas City area for girls with disabilities and their friends.
The best way to reach me is by email. My email address is karen.whittlesey@dmschools.org I will check my email throughout the day and get back to you as soon as I can. You may also try calling between 7:00 and 2:45. The number is 242-8403. If I am not available then leave a message and I will get back to you.
I graduated from Ellsworth Community College with an Associative Arts Degree. Then I went to the University of Northern Iowa where I got my Bachelor’s degree in Education. I also received a Master’s Degree from Drake University. I loved learning so much that I went back to Drake University and got my masters.
I work with identified special education students at Cattell. I work primarily with 2nd and 3rd graders focusing on reading, math, writing and behavior skills. I have taught at Cattell for 25+ years. I believe that every child can learn. I try to be encouraging and figure out the best strategy to help children be successful and grow. When not at school I spend time with my family and friends. I have a sweet dog, Bella and a beautiful sun conure, Sunny at home. During the summer I run a camp in the Kansas City area for girls with special needs and their friends. The best way to reach me is by email. My email address is karen.whittlesey@dmschools.org. I will check my email throughout the day and get back to you as soon as I can. You may also try calling between 7:15 and 3:00. The number is 242-8403. If I am not available then leave a message and I will get back to you.
Megan Wicker
Please note that Ms. Wiechmann serves multiple schools, email is the most effective way to reach out.