I am excited to be working at Taylor! I look forward to meeting all the students and their families. This will be my 15th year working for Des Moines Public Schools. I taught kindergarten for 6 years on the south side, then moved to the Early Childhood department and have taught in integrated preschool classrooms at Madison, Carver and King, as the Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) teacher. I received my undergraduate and graduate degree in education from Drake University.

My name is Kerri Byl. My students call me Mrs. Byl. I am excited to be teaching full day Head Start at Taylor. Previously I worked in an integrated Head Start classroom at Smouse. I graduated from Upper Iowa University with a BS in Education with an Early Childhood endorsement and a Reading endorsement. I have worked in Adel-DeSoto- Minburn, Waukee, and Johnston before coming to Des Moines Public Schools. I am married to my husband, Jeff. We have a son, Logan, and a daughter, Larissa. I don’t want to forget our dog, Roxie. I like the Iowa State Cyclones but I cheer on the Hawkeyes and Panthers if they are not playing the Cyclones. I also like to read, walk, ride bikes, and spend time with family and friends. Fun fact: Mickey Mouse is my favorite character. I look forward to getting to know your family.

Hello! My name is Ms. Kenzie! I’m married to my husband Zack, and we have a baby named Zander.  Also, we have two puppies at home, Loki and Luna. I look forward to working with all of you this year! I graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Early Childhood Education/Early Childhood Special Education. This is my seventh year in the Des Moines School District.

Hello friends and families! My name is Carissa Harrington and I am so excited to start my 9th year teaching Head Start for Des Moines Public Schools. Prior to teaching I worked at the Bettendorf Family Museum during the summers, where their motto is “play together, learn together”. I taught camps and facilitated hands-on-learning for the guests. This experience allowed me to see how influential hands-on-learning can be and how it plays a key role in the development of young children. I obtained my Master’s in Education with a focus on Culturally Responsive Leadership from Drake. With the classroom activities and curriculum, your students will have many opportunities to learn and grow. I look forward to working with you and your children, and creating memories for us all!

My name is Emily Kurimski. I am excited to be your child’s teacher! I graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in 2014 with a degree in Early Childhood and endorsements in Early Childhood Special Education and Literacy Education. I graduated in 2020 with my masters from Morningside College with a Professional Educator degree. I am the classroom’s special education teacher. I taught Head Start full day for four years before moving to integrated. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Andrew, my daughter, June, and have twins (Feb 2022). I love to clean and organize. I live in Polk City where we spend a lot of time at beaches and playing outside.

Hi! My name is Alicia Peterson but almost everyone calls me Miss P. The best way to contact me is to send a message through School CNXT. I am an avid reader and enjoy spending time with my husband and two daughters.

Hello, my name is Mrs. Sharon! This will be my 18th year with Des Moines Public Schools. I love to spend time with my husband and our two bonus children. I’ve spent the summer at the pool and taking day trips. I’m excited for a wonderful year learning about you and your family. Masters of Education Morningside College 2008  Early Childhood Education and Special Education Iowa State University 2004

Hello, my name is Rachel Tegeler, Early Childhood Special Education teacher. I lived in the Stuart, Iowa area on a dairy farm until I was thirteen. I then moved to Marshalltown where I graduated from high school. After high school, I attended Mt. Mercy College in Cedar Rapids where I received my Elementary Education degree. Two years ago I completed my master’s degree in Early Childhood with a specialty in teaching and diversity.  This is my eighth year in the Des Moines Public School district. I have been in the early childhood profession for over twenty years, which has included working in childcare settings as well as teaching in an integrated preschool program in the Cedar Rapids area. I am married and have four boys ranging in age from 22 to age 15. I love to read, bike, spend time outside and time with my family.

Hi, I’m Angela Tonasket. I grew up in Des Moines, Iowa. I went to Grand View University, where I received my Bachelor’s degree in Education and my endorsements to teach preschool, elementary school, as well as specialized reading and special education up to 8th grade. I also attended the University of Northern Iowa, where I received my endorsement in Early Childhood Special Education. I began teaching in 2009. I am married and have four children. I have three boys and one girl. I also have two dogs at home in Pleasant Hill. When I’m not at school, I like to garden and listen to books or podcasts. I also like to travel and work on home improvement projects. I love teaching at Woodlawn and seeing students grow and change. I can’t wait to meet your child and challenge him/her to discover the joy of learning with me.

Hello! My name is Kaci McKewen. I am  beyond thrilled for this school year. A little about me: I graduated from Simpson College in December 2020. I have an Elementary Degree with endorsements in Early Childhood, Reading, and Social Studies. My hobbies include Frisbee Golf, riding bikes, and spending time with my family.  Really excited to work with you as a team for your child.

Hello! My name is Alicia Washburn. I am an Early Childhood Special Education Teacher with Des Moines Schools. I graduated from Iowa State University with a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education. I received my Master’s degree in Effective Teaching, Learning, and Leadership from Drake University. I live in Des Moines with my son Jack. We enjoy many outdoor activities, traveling, time at the lake, watching and playing sports, movie nights, and game nights! Looking forward to getting to work with a great group of children and families this year! It’s going to be a wonderful year of learning!