Hello, my name is Shawna Cooper and I am the ECSE associate in the Down By The Bay Classroom. I have worked in Early Childhood since March of 1995 and have been with Des Moines Public Schools since August of 2012. I graduated from Marshalltown Community College in December of 2011 with my Associate in Science degree in Early Childhood Ed. I have a huge passion for teaching children and watching them explore and learn new things. When I am not working with children at school, I am spending time with my husband Chad, and my two daughters Libby and Jazmine. I also live on a farm with goats, turkeys, and pigs and serve at my church, and am the music booster secretary for my daughter’s school.

Hello families! I will be the Head Start Educator in your child’s classroom. I graduated with honors from Drake University with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. I also have endorsements in Reading and English as a Second Language. This is my 1st year teaching for DMPS. The past year-and-a-half I spent teaching abroad in Israel and South Africa. I love to travel and explore new places. I enjoy reading, photography, and spending time with my friends. I’m looking forward to a great year with your child!

Hello Families! My name is Danielle Martens. I will be the Early Childhood Special Educator in your child’s classroom. This is my 2nd year teaching with DMPS. When I’m not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my husband Rob, and our kitten, Chief. We are expecting our first child, a boy in October! I love to explore the trails around the metro on my road bike and cook new recipes in my spare time. I’m looking forward to an great year with your child!