Hello! My name is Linda Bartlett. I am an ECSE Associate with Miss Amber. I received my degree from Southern California College of Optometry and was enrolled at the University of Iowa in Early Childhood Education. I have been a lead and associate preschool teacher since 1999. I am married with two children and have two cats and a dog.

My name is Kristen Burkett and I am the lead teacher associate in the extended day program at Woodlawn. This is my fifth year of teaching, I started out as a substitute for half a year, then worked at Moulton for the rest of the year, and then spent three years at Jesse Franklin Taylor. I am a mother of two great boys, my oldest being four years old and my youngest being a year old. I love to sing and dance. I am very involved within the community and involved in church, where I like to do some of my hobbies as well as teach the preschool class. I graduated from DMACC with an Associate’s degree in Human Services. I also graduated from Upper Iowa University with my Bachelor’s degree in Human Services. I am looking forward to working with you and your child in reaching his or her full potential. We will have many wonderful experiences and opportunities to learn and grow in the days ahead.

Hello, my name is Katie Chicoine. I am an Early Childhood Special Education Associate. This is my second year with Des Moines Schools and Head Start. I am married and expecting a baby boy in November. I’m excited for this school year at Woodlawn.

My name is Maria Chiovaro and I will be the Head Start associate in your child’s class this year. I have an associate’s degree in Early Childhood Development and lots of experience with children. At home I have a husband and four wonderful daughters, a dog, and a cat. In my free time I enjoy reading, especially non-fiction books, and memoirs. I also enjoy baking and crafts/decorating. I am very excited to start the school year and look forward to meeting you and your child!

Hi! My name is Miss Jodi and I am the Head Start teacher associate in Room 158. This will be my 5th full year at McKee, my 3rd year in this classroom, and my 2nd year in Head Start. I graduated from DMACC with an associate degree in early childhood education and spent 13 years operating an in-home daycare before coming to the school district. Starting this winter, I am currently taking classes at DMACC , and will be attending  Upper Iowa University to complete my teaching degree starting next summer. In my free time, I am a wife, mother of 4 and grandma to 1. I enjoy baking, being creative, gardening, swimming and relaxing on my deck. I’m very excited to work with your preschooler this year!

Hello. My name is Yvonne Gallegos. I have worked with preschool children for the last 20-plus years. I am a certified Para Educator. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I have three sons and eight grandchildren. We have family dinners every Sunday. I also love going to the movies, working on a variety of puzzles and relaxing strolls in the park. I am looking forward to working with your children this year. There are so many new things to learn and explore. I can’t wait to share all of our new experiences with you. If you ever have any questions or concerns please feel free to come in and talk to me or any of the staff in our room. We are here to make our students and families first classroom experience a positive and memorable one.

Hello, my name is Kerry Grimm. This will be my 6th year as an ECSE associate with DMPS. I previously taught at a child development center for 14 years and was an in-home provider for 2 years. I have four daughters, ages 22, 21, 19, and 11.

Hello and welcome to McKee! My name is Miss Julie. I have been employed with Des Moines Public Schools since 1999. I have a Child Development Associate Credential. Thank you for bringing your child to McKee.

Hi! I am Lisa Jackson. I am the early childhood special education associate in the Teapot Room.  I have a B.S. in Elementary Education from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois. Fall of 2017 is the start of my sixth year with DMPS and Woodlawn Preschool.  In my free time I like to go to Gray’s Lake and almost any coffee shop, as well as spend time with family and friends in the community, or at home playing board games or cards.

My name is Mrs. Shelly, and I am new to McKee Head Start. I have an Associates degree in Cross Cultural Studies and I am eager to be a part of the McKee team. One of my goals is to encourage and uplift my classroom teacher, Mrs. Nancy, equipping each other with the focus of educating our students alongside a significant relationship. Outside of school, I am very busy with the activities surrounding my family. I have a loving husband and three kids. We love spending time together, and we are very active in our church. I do enjoy spending time with friends, and scrapbooking. Life is full of adventures, and together we can grow and achieve life’s journey.

I am married with two grown children. I have a granddaughter and a grandson that I love spending time with. I enjoy scrapbooking, shopping, walking, and spending time with friends and family.

Hi, my name is Rosie Kingkade. I am the Lead Associate in the EDP room. This is my sixth year back with DMPS and my sixth year at Mitchell. I previously worked for DMPS for a little over nine years, 6 years in Early Childhood Special Education and a little over 2 years as a Family Advocate. I left the district after earning my Bachelor’s in Social Work and worked for a private agency for a couple of years. I have been married for 34 years, and my husband and I have two grown boys. I love animals, and currently have three dogs and a chinchilla. I am so excited for this school year and look forward to working with your kids! Welcome to Mitchell EDP!

I’m married, we have three grown children and three grandsons that keep me busy. I enjoy time with my family. I like to travel and bike ride.

Hi, welcome to Taylor! I am thrilled to have the pleasure to learn and work with preschoolers. I have my Early Childhood Development Associate credential. I have been working in Early Childhood since 2007 with Miss Hill, Mrs. Herbert, and Mrs. Parsons. I have a son who I enjoy playing board games with, doing karaoke, and watching him grow. I like spending time with my family and friends. I am ready to learn, have fun, and be creative.

My name is Erin Munoz and I am the Head Start associate in the Humpty Dumpty classroom. My fiancé and I have 3 kids; Mia, 18, Tysone, 15 and Ashton, 9. I have been with the preschool program for 6 and a half years. I look forward to meeting your child and watching them grow throughout the year.

My name is Logan Oliveira and I am the Special Education associate. I have been with the district for about 9 years. I have a daughter named Hailey, 5, and a 1 year old son named Knight. I am so excited to meet your kiddos and watch them grow and learn.

My name is DyAnn (DyDy) Oxford and I am Ms. Jessica’s teacher associate. I have been working with the Des Moines Public Schools for 17 years in early childhood classrooms. Before that I did home daycare for 18 years. I have been married for 39 years to my high school sweetheart and we have two children, three grand daughters, and a dog named Trixie. Our son Scott is a sub-contractor for Mediacom. Our daughter BrieAnn is a high school biology teacher. Her husband Jeramie is a firefighter for Des Moines. Together they have three beautiful daughters, all under the age of 9. I also work at the South Suburban YMCA on Army Post Road. If you are ever there, please look for me and say hi!

I am happy to be in your child’s room this year! I have my Associates Degree in general studies and my Early Childhood Development Associate Credential. I have been working with Miss Hill, Mrs. Herbert and Ms. Lee for many years and look forward to another great year! I have been married for many years and have three great boys and four grandchildren. I enjoy walking my dogs and riding my bike. I can’t wait to share my love of reading with your children!

My name is Bertha Perez, I am the Teacher Associate for Mrs. Crowdis’ class. This is my 7th year working in Early Childhood and my 2nd year working for Des Moines Public Schools. I have a Bachelor Degree in Education from Mexico. I have a husband, who I have been married to for 11 years. I also have two kids, a 10 year old girl named Gisele and a 4 year old boy named Diego. I love dancing, reading, cooking, and spending time with my family. I enjoy working with children in preschool and seeing how their knowledge and skills grow throughout the year.

Hi there! My name is Laura Stamper and I am the Head Start Associate in your child’s classroom! This is my first year with the Des Moines Public School district and I couldn’t be more excited to be working with your children. I graduated from Des Moines Area Community College with an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education. I have been working with children for 10 years in different centers around the Des Moines area ages birth to five. Some fun facts about me are I enjoy spending time with friends and family, my two nieces Evey and Lily, and my dog Eve. I love playing softball whenever I can or just being outside. I am so looking forward to working with you all!

Hello my name is Ann Wagener and I am in the Down By The Bay room at Mitchell. I first started teaching in DMPS in 1991 and then moved to my home state of Minnesota where I taught for many years. I am excited to e all the way back to Des Moines where I began. I have 2 kiddos Izzy (21) who goes to UNI and Zach (13) who is in 7th grade in Waukee. I also have an old dog named Lily. When I am not hanging with my crew, I love to read, watch movies, garden, cook and shop for shoes!!! I am excited for an awesome year at Mitchell.