I received my associate’s degree in Criminal Justice from Marshalltown Community College in 2011. I graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a bachelor’s degree in Spanish in 2013. I started my career at Des Moines Public Schools in 2014 at Capitol View Elementary. While at Capitol View, I served as their Bilingual Community Schools Coordinator and Office Manager. In 2021, I found my new home at McKinley as the Office Manager.

I live in Ankeny with my husband, Juan, and our two sons, Ryan and Liam. I enjoy shopping, dancing, swimming, organizing my house, binge watching movies and TV series, and playing board games with my boys.

I graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in 2013 with a BA in Elementary Education and a math minor. I began my teaching career in DMPS at Garton Elementary in 2014 and taught there for 6 years. In 2021 I earned my Masters degree from Drake University. I was also hired as the Behavior Interventionist and Intern AP at McKinley in 2021!

I just recently moved to West Des Moines with my wife Emily and son Louie. We love to spend time with family, friends, and our dog Lucy. I enjoy playing golf, traveling, board games, and being outside.

I am honored to be the principal of McKinley Elementary since 2018. McKinley is a place where strong connections are made between home, school, and our community. I am committed to fostering an environment here at McKinley, where all children feel safe and have access to high quality instruction, so they can cultivate positive change for our school and community.

I graduated from Upper Iowa University with my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in 2004 and from the University of Northern Iowa with a master’s degree in educational urban leadership/principalship in 2013. I began my career with the Des Moines Public Schools in 2005 and have served in different roles during my career: substitute, classroom teacher, interventionist, instructional coach, and Dean of Students. I have been fortunate to serve students, families, and staff at six different elementary schools across our district. These experiences have shaped me as an educator and challenge me to grow and evolve to best serve our school community.

My husband and I have two daughters. Our oldest daughter is an intensive care nurse at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City and our youngest daughter is in high school. When I am not at work I enjoy reading, traveling, and spending time with my family and friends.

I attended Mercy College of Health Sciences for my registered nurse degree and Chamberlain College for my Bachelors of Science in a nursing. I’ve worked at DMPS since 2014 and plan to continue doing so many years to come.

I am a mom to 3 children, one is a college student at UNI and the other two are twins. I love pets! I have 3 kitties and an awesome dog named Hunny. I’ve been a nurse since 2005 working with children is my passion. I love working with students and their families and forming life long bonds.