My name is Stefanie Beargeon and I am a 3rd grade teacher at Cattell. I have been a teacher with Des Moines Public Schools for 18 years. I live with my three children and two dogs in West Des Moines, Iowa. As a family we love to watch Iowa State football, go to the movies, listen to live music, go on walks, bike rides, go boating and spend time at the lake. I love meeting new students each year and getting to know all of the wonderful families at Cattell.

This is my second year teaching 4th grade at Cattell Elementary. I Graduated from Iowa State University (GO CYCLONES!) I received my Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in English Language Arts and also my minor in Adult and Family Services.

I believe that all children have the ability to learn, it just may be in different ways! That is why I feel it is vital to create meaningful and engaging lessons that serve a specific purpose! I create a positive classroom community where students feel safe and secure with their teacher and peers! I want every student to leave my classroom at the end of the day knowing they are important to me!

I grew up on the South Side of Des Moines. I attended Howe Elementary, Weeks Middle School, and Lincoln High School. In my free time I love being outside, reading, going to movies, and spending time with my 5-year-old son, Jordan!

You can reach me by email megan.bell@dmschools.org and by phone from 7:00- 2:45.

This is my seventh-year teaching 4th grade at Cattell Elementary. I received my bachelors degree from Iowa State University and my masters degree from Drake University.

I have two children, Jordan who is ten years old and Aubrey who is two years old. Jordan plays football and baseball so that keeps us very busy but in our free time we enjoy being outdoors, playing with our Yorkie Teddy, and spending a lot of time with our friends and family.

I enjoy creating a positive classroom environment where students feel safe and loved !

Hi! My name is Kelsey Brandt and I am an academic interventionist. This is my 10th year with DMPS and my 6th year here at Cattell. I am an Iowa State graduate. Go State! I live in Pleasant Hill with my husband and my 2 children. I am an avid reader and a lover of coffee, warm weather, and traveling!

Hello! My name is Paulina Chambers and this will be my 3rd year teaching first grade at Cattell Elementary. I graduated from Iowa State in 2019 with my degree in Elementary Education. Go Cyclones!! I am married and have two dogs.

My favorite things to do are workout and go to Cyclone Football games! 1st grade has been such a great age to teach because of the student’s energy and enthusiasm to try their best. I am always looking for students to succeed in school and outside of school.

Please contact me through email or SchoolCNXT.

I graduated from Wartburg College with a Bachelors of Music Education Degree.  In my 12 years of teaching I have taught general music, choir, and band.  This my 5^th year teaching at Cattell.  I live with my husband, 3 children, and dog.  My hobbies are baking, reading, and making crafts.  I am so excited to continue to work with all of the students here at Cattell!

My name is Keeli Comito. This will be my 1st year teaching 5th grade at Cattell. I received my bachelors degree from the University of Iowa and my masters degree from Drake University. I live in Des Moines with my family and lots of pets. I am looking forward to a fun year!

I am from Southern Indiana, but love living in Des Moines! I have taught K-5 Reading and Math Intervention, Second Grade, and Kindergarten. I received my elementary education degree from Drake University. I am currently attending Drake University to obtain a master’s degree in Culturally Responsive Leadership, along with Administration and Principalship. I have endorsements in Reading, ELL, Early Childhood, and Gifted and Talented.

I graduated with my bachelor’s degree from Drake University. I then went on to get my master’s degree from Viterbo University. I have been working in the Des Moines Public Schools for 23 years.  Most of my career was spent teaching fourth-grade.  This will be my fifth year working as an instructional coach in the district where I work mostly with the upper grade levels. I spend most of my free time with my husband and son.  My son, Jacob, attends the University of Colorado Boulder.  Go Buffalos!  In my free time, I love enjoying the outdoors.  I love biking, paddle boarding, yoga, and spending time with friends and family soaking up the sunshine!

My name is Meghan Gillespie.  This will be my third-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 (16), Kael (15), Briea (13) and Ayla (11). I am excited to start another year in 2^nd grade and look forward to an exciting year!

3rd year at Cattell. I have been in education since 2006, with DMPS since 2014.  I have coached high school sports for 20+ years all over the state of Iowa.  I have a Master of Arts in Coaching & Athletic Administration and Master of Science in Exercise & Sport Science, a Bachelor of Arts in Education with a Physical Education Endorsement.  My hobbies include coaching my youngest daughter’s softball team, family time and watching sports. I am an avid Sooner fan and Iowa wrestling junkie!

Hello!  My name is Lori Kistenmacher (Mrs. K.) and I have been teaching 1^st grade at Cattell for 17 years this year (22-23).  I graduated from Upper Iowa University with my BA in Elementary Education and a Reading Endorsement.  Teaching students to read and instilling a love of reading is my passion!  I am excited each year to be a part of a new community of learners!  I live in the country with my husband Glenn, our dog Kodi, cats – Lexie and Leo, and our frog Fred.  We have 2 sons and 2 daughters who have gifted us with 11 grandchildren (8 girls and 3 boys).  When I’m not at school I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, camping, gardening, and creating.  

This is my fifth year teaching 4^th grade at Cattell Elementary School. I received my bachelors degree from Iowa State University. Go Cyclones!

Outside of school, I enjoy taking walks, reading, being with family and friends, and traveling. I live with my husband Jake and our 3 year old yellow lab Rhett. I am looking forward to meeting and getting to know your students this year!

I have taught first grade at Cattell for 9 years and I am a Grand View graduate.

I am passionate about education and will work hard to instill a love of learning in all my students. I encourage students to set goals and help them meet them through team problem solving, practical practice, use of technology, and parent collaboration. I continue to seek out effective, researched based teaching strategies that will help meet the needs of multiple learning styles while reflecting on how I can continue to grow as a teacher.

Phone (515)242-8403

7:00-7:15 or 2:30-2:45

Best Way To Contact- Email:  bethany.moon@dmschools

My name is Bethany Moon and I teach 3^rd grade.  I graduated from Grand View University and have lived in Des Moines area ever since.   I have taught at Cattell Elementary for the last 15 years and have enjoyed getting to know all the students and families. I am passionate about education and will work hard to instill a love of learning in all my students. Please contact me if you have any questions.  My office hours are 7:15-7:45 and 2:40-3:00.

Phone (515)242-8403

7:00-7:15 or 2:30-2:45

Best Way To Contact- Email:  bethany.moon@dmschools

This is my 14th year of teaching, my 11th at Cattell. I have the following degrees/endorsements:

BA from Briar Cliff University

Teaching Endorsement from Texas

Teaching Endorsement from Iowa -Upper Iowa University

Masters in Teaching and Reading Endorsement – Morningside College

Learning should be a fun experience. I want to build community in my classroom by working hard and playing hard, while striving to build relationships with my students. At the end of the day I want to send them off with a smile and hug.

My husband and I have 6 children. We have one grandchild , one grandturtle (that should be living with his dad not grandparents ) and two granddogs.

I can be reached by phone (242-8403) from 7:00-7:15. You may call after this and leave a message. I will return your call when I am not attending to students. Feel free to email me:

joan.osborn@dmschools.org

This is my 18th year of teaching, my 16th at Cattell. I have the following degrees/endorsements:

BA from Briar Cliff University

Teaching Endorsement from Texas

Teaching Endorsement from Iowa -Upper Iowa University

Masters in Teaching and Reading Endorsement – Morningside College

Learning should be a fun experience. I want to build community in my classroom by working hard and playing hard, while striving to build relationships with my students. At the end of the day I want to send them off with a smile and hug.

My husband and I have 6 children. We have two grandchildren , one grandturtle and one granddog.

I can be reached by phone (242-8403) from 7:00-7:15. You may call after this and leave a message. I will return your call when I am not attending to students. Feel free to email me:

joan.osborn@dmschools.org

Hi! My name is Kiendra Phanfil. I am excited to be your 2^nd grade teacher this year. This will be my second year in 2^nd Grade. This my 21^st year working with students in the DMPS district. My husband, Lesther, and I have four children. This school year is going to be so much fun and I can’t wait to get to know you all better! I graduated from Lincoln College in Illinois with my degree in Early Childhood Education. I then continued my education several years later at William Penn University and received my B.A in Elementary Education.

Hello, my name is Emily Presler. I have been teaching in Des Moines Public Schools for 11 years. This is my ninth year at Cattell Elementary and my fourth year as an Academic Interventionist. I received my Bachelor’s Degree at Grand View University and my Master’s Degree at Drake University.

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, and traveling. I live with my husband Dan, and our two sons, Pace and Paxton. I am looking forward for another exciting year of learning and growing with my students and families! Go Mustangs!

I have been working in education for 19 years teaching.  I hold degrees from Marquette University, Upper Iowa University, Drake University, and Cardinal Stritch University.

I believe everyone learns in their own unique way. The classroom is a safe place for students to learn with and from each other. It is important for everyone to be comfortable making mistakes and growing from those experiences

You can reach me between the hours of 7:00am-3:00pm.  Please contact me via the school office and I will return calls after these times or send me an email. I will return emails within 24 hours at Julie.zimmer@dmschools.org

I have been working in education for 23 years in both Des Moines and in Wisconsin.  I hold degrees from Marquette University, Upper Iowa University, Drake University, and Cardinal Stritch University. I enjoy spending time with my teenage daughter and 2 cats in my free time. We spend a great deal of time at swimming pools- as a swimmer and a coach. I also like to exercise, knit, and read.

I believe everyone learns in their own unique way. The classroom is a safe place for students to learn with and from each other. It is important for everyone to be comfortable making mistakes and growing from those experiences                                                                                                                                                     The best way to contact me is via email (Julie.seckington@dmschools.org) or School CNXT.

Hello! My name is Alex Hackley and this is my second-year teaching and my second year at Cattell Elementary. 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!

Hello! I am going to be a 5^th grade teacher at Cattell Elementary. I am so excited to get to meet the wonderful students and families that make up the school. I am a recent graduate of Drake University where I received my Masters in Elementary Education.

 

My partner, Eddie and I, are originally from Denver, Colorado but have made Iowa our home for the past 5 years. We enjoy the outdoors, sports, and trying new things.

 

Please reach out if you need anything at all! I look forward to getting to know everyone.

Please note that Mr. Sowatzke serves multiple elementary schools, email is the most effective way to reach out.

Hello, my name is Anna Suminski! I enjoy reading and spending time with my dog! I hold a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Drake University. I spent on year working at a school is Ghana and will be returning to Cattell for my sixth year of teaching! I am one of the English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers. I love working with my students and their families. 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!

This is my 15th year at Cattell as an ELL Teacher. Every year I am excited to meet our students and their families! I have also taught Kindergarten and 1st grade in Houston, Texas, Dodge City, Kansas & Burlington, Wisconsin. I graduated from Iowa State University, and I love cheering on the Cyclones! I am married and have 2 children. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, traveling, baking and shopping.

I earned my Bachelor’s from Grand View University. I earned my Master’s from Morningside College. I have been teaching in the Des Moines School District for over 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 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 25 years now. I am a wife and mother of 3 active boys. We have 2 family dogs who require as much, if not more attention than my children. In my spare time I like to read, make jewelry and soap. I consider myself a lifelong learner and frequently take classes for fun.

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 515-242-8403. 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.

Seeing the children grow through the years and working with the wonderful families has brought me back for my 20^th year at Cattell.  Over these years, I have taught kindergarten, second grade and third grade.  Now, I am an academic interventionist working with students in all grades to develop strong reading and math skills.

I live with my husband and my two busy teenagers.  My family loves to travel and have been working to visit all 50 United States.  We only have 15 states left!

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.

Please note that Ms. Wiechmann serves multiple schools, email is the most effective way to reach out.

I attended the University of Northern Iowa for my bachelor’s degree, then went on to continue my education at Viterbo University for my master’s degree in education. This is my 26th year working for Des Moines Public Schools. I have taught 5th grade, 2nd Grade and Intervention. This will be my second year as an Instructional Coach working mostly with 2nd and 3rd grade. My passion for education guides my everyday life in the classroom. I care about building relationships with students and teachers and believe that is the foundation for learning to take place. I have high expectations but will provide the support each and every child and teacher needs to be successful. I spend most of my free time with my family. We love to travel together and explore new places.