Room 1060-Little Teapot

Elaine Adams

ECSE Teacher-Taylor Head Start

P: 515-323-8600 | E: patricia.adams@dmschools.org

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.

Carissa Harrington

Teacher-Taylor Head Start

P: 515-323-8600 | E: carissa.harrington@dmschools.org

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!

Cielita Lee

Associate-Taylor Head Start

P: 515-323-8600 | E: cielita.lee@dmschools.org

Hi, welcome to Taylor, I’m Miss Lee. 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. 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

Cathy Parsons

ECSE Associate-Taylor Head Start

P: 515-323-8600 | E: cathy.parsons@dmschools.org

I’m Cathy Parsons, I’m married and have three boys and five grandchildren, with another one arriving this spring! They are the joy in my life and I enjoy spending my free time with them. I am an Early Childhood Special Ed associate and have been for many, many years. I enjoy the challenges preschoolers bring and I can’t wait to share my love of reading with them. I am looking forward to a really great year!