Education:

• University of Iowa (BS in Psychology)
• Drake University (MS in School Counseling)

DMPS Experience:

• This is my third year with DMPS and I am so excited to help support Des Moines Public School students and their families! Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns regarding the school counseling program, family changes, individual counseling, and/or groups.

Family/Hobbies:

• I have a huge golden retriever who is named Willis. In my free time, I enjoy reading, being out in nature, and spending time with my friends and family.

Education:

• I received my bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Buena Vista University. I also have my reading and social studies endorsements in EL. I have been teaching for ten years, 8 of those years were in 2^nd grade.

DMPS Experience:

• I joined the Des Moines district in 2021 teaching 1^st grade at Jefferson Elementary.

Family/Hobbies:

• When I am not working I enjoy reading, biking, and spending time with my daughter and puppy. We have fun going for walks, going to museums and watching movies together.

Education:

• University of Minnesota (BA in Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences and Spanish studies)
• University of Northern Iowa (MA in Speech-Language Pathology)

DMPS Experience:

• This is my third year at DMPS working with students and families on the southside of Des Moines.  Prior to working at DMPS, I provided speech therapy for children at an outpatient clinic.

Family/Hobbies:

• My family and I love spending time outside and exploring parks and trails with our two German Shepherd dogs!

My educational career started in my hometown of Marion, Iowa, at Starry Elementary school where I decided I was going to be a teacher after being in Mrs. Parman’s kindergarten class. I attended undergraduate at Cornell College, and had post graduate experience at Drake, Morningside, and Viterbo.

While serving in DMPS, I’ve had the opportunity to wear several hats, as a Professional Learning Facilitator, and as a special education consultant, a behavior interventionist, and a teacher before that. Regardless of the role, my core values have always aligned with service, equity, and disruption. I have worked with the intention to dedicate my career to advocacy, activism, and continued growth toward equitable outcomes for all learners. 

My preferred pronouns are she, her, hers. I live on the south side of Des Moines – the land of Sauk and Meskwaki, with my husband, Derek, and our dog, Durby. Outside of school, we are often with friends and family, bike riding, camping, traveling, eating good food, and listening to good music. I also love reading, working out, being in the sunshine, my birthday, a cozy snowstorm, and Iowa Hawkeye football.

Education:

•   Iowa State University — Early Childhood Education with endorsements in reading and special education.

DMPS Experience:

• This is my 5th year in DMPS! All of my experience in DMPS have been at Howe! I can’t wait to take on another year with all the amazing students and families at Howe 😊

Family/Hobbies:

• When I am not at school, I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I also like volunteering and being active in the community. Some activities I enjoy the most are being outside, shopping, reading, and listening to podcasts and music.

Education:

• Iowa State University (BS in Elementary Education/Science)
• Iowa State University (Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership)

DMPS Experience:

• I have been teaching with DMPS since 1997.

Family/Hobbies:

• My husband and I have three kids. We have two girls and a boy. We currently have no pets, but my youngest daughter is working hard to change that! I love to travel, enjoy the great outdoors, go for walks and spend time with my family and friends.

Hello, my name is Bronson Carpenter, and this is my second year at Howe! I grew up in Corydon, Iowa, a small town in southern Iowa and attended Wayne Community Schools. Following that, I graduated from Simpson College with a degree in Physical Education. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with the people I love most, as well as my dog, Archie! I am looking forward to teaching your children lifelong skills on how to live a healthy physical, mental, and social life!

Hi! I am so happy that I get to be your 1^st grade teacher this year! I love teaching at Howe. This is my 2^nd year at Howe and 6^th year of teaching. I live on the Southside of Des Moines, and I am a Lincoln alum. Go Rails! I graduated from the University of Iowa with degrees in English and Communication Studies. Then I graduated from Upper Iowa University with a degree in Elementary Education with endorsements in Reading and Language Arts. I received my Masters degree in Literacy and Reading Specialist endorsement from Drake University. I spend time outside of school with my husband and two daughters. I love to cook, garden, and run outside.

Education:

• Iowa State University

DMPS Experience:

• I been with DMPS for 26 years.

Family/Hobbies:

• I am married with 2 children. When I am not at school, I enjoy traveling with family and friends.

Education:

• Upper Iowa University (BA Elementary Education)
• Upper Iowa University (Reading Endorsement)
• West Des Moines Dowling Catholic High School
• Holy Trinity Catholic Elementary/Middle School

DMPS Experience:

• I have taught 5th grade at Howe Elementary since the fall of 2007.
• I was a substitute teacher at Holy Trinity Catholic Elementary School during the spring of 2007

Family/Hobbies:

• I am married to my husband, Joel,  and have 4 children, Ashton, William, Mila, and Gwendolyn
• I enjoy spending time outside gardening and playing basketball and baseball with my family.
• I coach middle school boys basketball.
• I am a huge Iowa Hawkeye and Chicago Cubs fan!

Education:

• Simpson College (BA)

DMPS Experience:

• I started substitute teaching in 1997.  I have been a 5th grade teacher here at Howe since fall of 1998.

Family/Hobbies:

• Enjoys spending time with family and friends
• Likes to read
• Loves Hawkeye football and basketball

Education:

• I attended Valley High School
• I graduated with my GED in 1996

DMPS Experience:

•  I started working for DMPS in 2016.
• I am happy to start my sixth year here at Howe as the Metro Kids Supervisor!

Family/Hobbies:

•  I enjoy traveling and watching movies. I spend almost every weekend hanging out with my grandkids!

Hello! My name is Paige Gwyin and I am so excited to be teaching Kindergarten! I grew up on the south side of Des Moines and graduated from Lincoln High School! I was lucky enough to be the building sub for Howe while I was finishing my degree and I am so excited to be back! I graduated from Upper Iowa University with my bachelors in Elementary Education and endorsements in reading and language arts. I have been with DMPS for five years in two roles, one as an associate and then moved into a substitute teaching position. This will be my sixth year with DMPS but now as a Kindergarten teacher. I teach dance and tumbling at DMi dance force on the south side of Des Moines as well. When I am not at work I love to travel, go shopping and be with my family. I can’t wait for a great year!

Education:

• BS in elementary education from the University of Northern Iowa with a minor in special education

DMPS Experience:

• I have been with DMPS for 3.5 years! All of my experience in DMPS have been at Howe! I can’t wait for another year at Howe 😊

Family/Hobbies:

• I love spending time with my fiance, Connor and our dogs, Ghost and Zala. I also enjoy playing sand volleyball, walking my dogs, being outside, and spending time with friends and family.

Education:

• BSN from Grandview University

DMPS Experience:

• I started at Howe Elementary as the school nurse after spending many years employed at a hospital in multiple areas of patient care.

Family/Hobbies:

• I enjoy spending time with my four children and my Yorkie.  I love the outdoors and all the activities that go with that.   My main hobbies are sewing and riding my bike.

Education:

• Iowa State University (BS in Education with endorsements in Reading and English as a Second Language)

DMPS Experience:

• I student taught at Jackson Elementary
• After graduating college in 2017 I became a long-term substitute at Howe Elementary for 5th grade and special education
• This will be my 6th year at Howe

Family/Hobbies:

• I am originally from the Chicagoland area where most of my family still lives. I love all Chicago sports teams, especially the Bears and Cubs. I got married this last October in Iowa City. I have a dog named Jax who we love to take on walks around Des Moines. In my free time I love playing indoor and sand volleyball, fishing, and eating good food!

Education:

• BA in Psychology from the University of Kansas with a minor in Applied Behavioral Sciences
• MS/EdS in School Psychology from Fort Hays University

DMPS Experience:

• I completed my practicum and internship with DMPS and am going onto my 4^th official year as a school psychologist with the district.

Family/Hobbies:

• I love spending time with my husband and two dachshunds, baking, cheering on the Jayhawks and Chiefs, reading books, and trying new restaurants.

Education:

• University of Northern Iowa BA Grand Canyon | University Masters of Reading

DMPS Experience:

• I taught with DMPS for 4 years previously with DMPS, I then taught 1 year in Houston, TX and now am returning for year 6!

Family/Hobbies:

•  I love spending time with my fiance, Isaac and our dog, Willow. I also enjoy reading, running and spending time with friends and family.

Education:

• Des Moines Area Community College and Iowa State University  GO CYCLONES!!!!

DMPS Experience:

• I have been teaching ELL with DMPS since 2009

Family/Hobbies:

• I have a husband and two children.  My family loves animals.  We have two mini pigs, a rabbit, and fish.  We love hockey, traveling, movies, being outside, and anything where we are spending time with family.

Education:

• University of Northern Iowa (BA Early Childhood/ Elementary Education Early Childhood Special Education Reading Endorsement)

DMPS Experience:

• Before staying at home with my children, I taught Kindergarten at St. Joseph Elementary for 8 years. I was a substitute for Des Moines, Southeast Polk and Bondurant.  I was hired by Des Moines in 2016 as the Reading/ Math K-3 Interventionist at Howe. This year I will be staying at Howe as a third grade teacher.

Family/Hobbies:

• When I’m not at school, I enjoy spending time with my large family. My husband and I have been married now for 17 years. We stay very busy attending our kids activities! They are involved in soccer, wrestling and dance and we love supporting them! When we are not busy with kid activities, I enjoy going photography, camping, cooking, swimming, new adventures, bike riding, trying new restaurants, reading and traveling.

Education:

• Upper Iowa University (BA Elementary Education/Reading and English-Language Arts)
• Upper Iowa University (Master in Education with an ESL emphasis)
• ELL Endorsement

DMPS Experience:

• I have been with DMPS since 2012.  I was a substitute teacher and did long-term subbing at the Downtown School and Howe.  I began teaching at Howe in 2013.

Family/Hobbies:

• When I’m not at school, I enjoy going for bike rides, swimming, boating, reading and cooking. In November 2015 I welcomed twins, Hadley and Hendrick. I love spending time reading to them, cuddling and watching them grow!

Education:

• Northwest Missouri State (BS)
• Viterbo University (Masters)

DMPS Experience:

• I have been with the district for 35 years.

Family/Hobbies:

• I have been married to my husband, Kendall, for 36 years.  We have 5 grown children, Austin, Kelsey, Ross, JT, and Jazmine.  When I’m not working, I love to read books, take my dogs on walks, and hang out with my 3 very cute granddaughters!

Education:

• Iowa State University (BS in Child, Parent, Community Service)
• Upper Iowa University (BA in Elementary  Education, Early Childhood and Reading Endorsement)
• Viterbo University (Masters in Education)

DMPS Experience:

• I started with DMPS in the fall of 2002.  I taught preschool for 1 year and kindergarten for 15 years at Howe
• This will be my 6^th year as a reading and math interventionist at Howe

Family/Hobbies:

• My husband, Paul and I have been married 32 years and have three daughters, Bailey, Morgan, Emma and two dogs Roxi and Remi.
• I enjoy spending time with my family and dogs, traveling and being outdoors- hiking, biking, swimming, or kayaking.
• I am looking forward to another wonderful school year.

Education:

• University of Northern Iowa (BA in Elementary Education)

DMPS Experience:

• I am a second year teacher. Before graduating in December 2021, I student taught at Greenwood Elementary School here in Des Moines.

Family/Hobbies:

• I enjoy spending time with my fiancé Tim and our cat, Ozzy. I also enjoy cooking and being outdoors – hiking, running, fishing, or golfing.

Education:

• Ankeny High School
• BA in ED at Grand View University

DMPS Experience:

• I began subbing with DMPS in the fall of 2022.

Family/Hobbies:

• My hobbies include reading,  bicycle riding and camping. As an artist I enjoy painting, drawing and creating mixed media pieces (mostly mosaics and collages). I have played the guitar for over 25 years and have been a part of several different local bands.

Education:

• I attended University of Northern Iowa where I graduated with a BA in special education, as well as earning my Masters Degree in Differentiated Instruction through Graceland University.

DMPS Experience:

• I have worked in special education at Merrill Middle School and McKinley Elementary.

Family/Hobbies:

• I have 3 children, all of whom have recently graduated from Urbandale Schools. My parent and siblings all live within 10-30 minutes from me.
• Hobbies: Reading, shopping, watching movies, traveling

Education:

• I graduated from Luther College with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and an endorsement in reading.

DMPS Experience:

• This will be my second year with DMPS! I student taught at Howe Elementary in 3rd grade and Kindergarten. After I graduated, I worked at Riverwoods Elementary for one year as a Title Interventionist. I am so happy to be back at Howe teaching Kindergarten!

Family/Hobbies:

• I enjoy spending time with my family and friends in my free time. I also like reading, running, traveling, and sewing projects!

Education:

• Drake University – Bachelor of Science in Psychology
• Drake University – Master of Science in Teaching in Elementary Education with endorsements in Reading and Special Education

DMPS Experience:

• This will be my seventh year of teaching, all of which have been in Special Education at Howe!

Family/Hobbies:

• I am married to my husband, Erik, and we have a one-year-old sweet baby girl named Sawyer! We also have a cute and crazy dog named Winnie! When I’m not at school, I enjoy spending as much time outside as possible; running, having campfires, going on walks to get ice cream, and spending time with friends and family. I also love to read, cook, watch movies, and travel whenever I can!

Education:

• Upper Iowa University (BA)

DMPS Experience:

• I started with DMPS in the fall of 2011.  Prior to teaching, I worked at Principal Financial Group.

Family/Hobbies:

• I love yoga, biking, reading, and spending time with my family.  Rich and I have two sons and 1 daughter: Jacob, Austin and Abby.  We became grandparents in 2018!

Education:

• I received my BA in English from the University of Iowa and my Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Iowa.

DMPS Experience:

• I’ve been working in the Des Moines school district for almost 15 years.
• I am very excited to start my 5^th year as the Behavior Strategist at Howe!

Family/Hobbies:

• My husband and I have a 16-year-old, a 10-year-old, and a 3-year-old (and several pets!). I love spending time with family and friends, being outside as much as possible, running with our two dogs, reading, writing, and traveling.

Education:

University of Northern Iowa

• Major: Elementary Education
• Minor: Literacy

Viterbo University

• Masters in Teacher Leadership and Instructional Coaching

DMPS Experience:

• Reading/ Math Interventionist at Monroe
• Reading/ Math Interventionist at Howe

Family/Hobbies:

• My husband and I have a 1-year-old son named Archie
• We have two Goldendoodles named Cooper & Carl
• I love reading, riding my bike, spending time with my family and friends, and swimming!
• I also love to travel, some of my favorite places that I have been include Egypt, Israel, China, Jordan, Iceland, and Greece

David Steinke serves as the 5^th grade Band Director on the South Side of Des Moines since 2017.  Mr. Steinke has served as an Instrumental Music Educator in Des Moines teaching primarily Band since 2008.  Mr. Steinke is also the Percussion Instructor for the Lincoln High School Marching Band & provides Percussion support for the 5^th though 12^th grade Band programs throughout the year.

Mr. Steinke graduated from Iowa State University twice with a Bachelors of Visual Fine Arts in 2000 and a Bachelors in Music Education in 2007.  He received his Master’s in Educational Technology from Full Sail University in 2011. Outside of the School year, Mr. Steinke has worked as a percussion clinician for the DMPS Summer Middle School Band Camp & Cyclone Percussion Academy at Iowa State University.

Mr. Steinke is a member of the Percussive Arts Society, the Iowa Band Masters Association, the South Central Iowa Band Masters Association, and Alumni of the Madison Scouts Drum & Bugle Corps.  He is a co-founder of ConcertCraft Publications, specializing in chamber music for percussion and custom arranging for Marching Band.

Education:

• Drake University, Des Moines Iowa
• Upper Iowa University (BA Elementary Education, Reading and Language Arts Endorsements)

DMPS Experience:

• I have been with DMPS since 2013, supporting students at Walnut Street Elementary School and Goodrell Middle School. I began teaching at Howe Elementary January 2017. I have taught 4th and 2nd grade at Howe.

Family/Hobbies:

• I enjoy spending time with my four children and husband.  I also enjoy playing tennis and a member of several USTA teams in the Des Moines area. Other hobbies include bike riding, swimming, and walking my two dogs!

Trenton Williams is a global educator and graduate of Lincoln High School, Class of 2000, where he was valedictorian, commencement speaker and student body president. Go, Rails!

Williams earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and French from Luther College in Decorah, IA, graduating Magna Cum Laude. He holds a master’s in educational leadership from the State University of New York in Buffalo, NY. Williams also completed an education specialist degree at Drake University.

Before coming to work for Des Moines Public Schools in 2015, Williams spent 11 years teaching abroad; two years teaching at the Dubai American Academy, United Arab Emirates; seven years at the Singapore American School, Southeast Asia; and two years at the International School of Stavanger, Norway. For the past four years, he has served as an interventionist at McKinley Elementary and a Released Dean at Jackson Elementary.