Our Educators

Since I was a little girl, I have wanted to be a teacher. I would teach my own classroom of "students" in my basement, wearing my mom's high-heeled shoes and writing on our chalkboard that I got for Christmas one year. On Fridays, I would check all of my students' papers as my mom checked all of her real students' papers. Teaching has always been my passion.

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I went to college at St. Ambrose University and majored in Elementary Education with an endorsement in English language arts. A few years ago, I went back to school and completed my master's degree in teaching and added an endorsement in reading. I began my real teaching career in the Oskaloosa school district teaching kindergarten and then moved to Davis County in 2001 to teach kindergarten. I stayed in kindergarten until my second child was born and then decided to stay at home. During my time at home, I taught preschool for three years when my children were preschool age. Once they were all in school, I went back to Davis County teaching 5th and 6th grade science, social studies, language arts, and reading. In 2018, I returned back to my old stomping grounds in kindergarten and was there until my last day in May of 2024 when I decided to start this new journey of teaching.

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I have a passion for teaching children not only to read but to love reading. I believe that the best learning takes place when students are actively engaged and have opportunities to learn with real-life experiences. Even more than teaching academics, I have a deep desire to share the love of Christ and the truth of His word with people of any age, but especially kids. I live on a small farm near Floris with my husband and three children: Kara (20), Kallie (19), and Cole (15).

I'm incredibly passionate about teaching and working with children. After graduating from high school, I started on my formal education journey at Indian Hills Community College, where I earned my Associate of Arts degree. I continued my studies at Graceland University, where I proudly obtained my Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with a reading endorsement.

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I launched my teaching career at Ottumwa Community School District, where I had the privilege of instructing fourth-grade students for four amazing years. It was during this time that I realized my passion extended beyond traditional classroom subjects. I was inspired to further my education and obtain additional qualifications at William Penn University, earning endorsements in Physical Education and Health. With these new skills, I transitioned into teaching Physical Education. Teaching fitness and health was something that I loved so much for the following four years. Although, there was just a time that I decided then to get out of public education and take advantage of being able to spend more time with my husband and three boys, Landon (11), Jerett (9), and Jetson (4), on our small farm in Bloomfield. I started my own marketing business, Branded and Beyond Design Co., just as a side gig while I was at home.

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While I enjoyed those couple years at home, this unique dream became reality and I am super grateful to have this opportunity to return to teaching. I am eager to create an engaging and supportive learning environment where students not only thrive academically but also develop the confidence, resilience, and passion for lifelong learning. I am genuinely excited about the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of my students once again, but this time be able to soar outside the traditional school walls.

I am so thrilled to be joining Molly and Josie at The Learning Coop. I have spent the last few years working with teachers and professional development so it is such a joy to return to the classroom.

 

I grew up near Burlington, IA and earned my Associate of Arts through Southeastern Community College. I earned a Bachelor's Degree in World and American History, as well as my Secondary Education Teaching Certification from the University of Iowa. 

 

I moved to Bloomfield in 2011, when I began teaching special education at Ottumwa High School. I obtained an endorsement in learning disabilities/behavior disabilities from Morningside University and went on to earn my Master's in Special Education a few years later. For the past 14 years, I've taught special education in small group and full classroom settings. In my last few years at Ottumwa, I became the transition coach for all of the secondary special education teams.

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After our 2 children were born, I began to work part time. With our third baby on the way, I decided I wanted to be able to be able to spend more time with my children and be involved in my community. I loved being in the classroom but was losing my passion in my new position. 

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When Molly and Josie reached out to me about joining TLC, I knew it was the perfect fit.

I am so thankful to be able to be back in the classroom and creating a wonderful educational opportunity for students.