Education: University of Iowa- Bachelors Degree in Social Work
Mercy College of Health Sciences- Associate of Science in Nursing (RN)

Nursing Experience: Mercy Hospital- 1 year on a cardiac and respiratory floor
Mercy Hospital- 4.5 years in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)

Family/Hobbies: My husband and I live in Urbandale with our son, Chase, daughter, Norah, and dog Peaches. We like to spend time with extended family, find new walking/hiking trails to try and watch our niece and nephew’s sporting activities!

Greeting!

My name is Donnyta Alexander. I graduated from Grand View College with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and an Early Childhood endorsement. I also graduated from Philander Smith College with a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Administration. I am currently working on a master’s degree in Culturally Responsive Leadership & Instruction. While I have been teaching for 18 years in public schools, I have also served as a preschool teacher and/or director for 18 years.

In my spare time, I enjoy hanging out with my family. I have three children: Courtney, Charles, and Christian: two grandchildren: Trey and Lauryn, and a dog named Franklin (named for the kid in the Peanuts cartoon). When not hanging out with my family, I enjoy volunteering in the community, listening to music, watching television dramas, and going to the movies.

I am so looking forward to a beautiful year with my new kindergartners!

My name is Tiara Bales. I graduated from the University of Northern Iowa. This will be my 10th year teaching kindergarten at King Elementary. When I am not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family. I have 5 kids and 2 grand kids and another on the way. In my spare time I enjoy creating clip art, gardening, kayaking, and being outdoors.

My name is Tiara Bales. I graduated from the University of Northern Iowa. This will be my 12th year teaching kindergarten at King Elementary. When I am not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family. I have 5 kids and 4 grandkids. In my spare time I enjoy traveling, creating clip art, gardening, kayaking, and being outdoors.

Hey Lions!

My name is Kami Bedwell, and this is my 4th year teaching at King! I graduated from UNI with my bachelors in education, and am currently working towards my masters degree in culturally responsive leadership at Drake University. My husband, Adam, and I live in Urbandale and have five kids- Kaleb (16), Peyton (14), Sawyer (11), Graycie (8), and Benny (6). We have 2 dogs, 2 cats, and a lot of patience.

In my free time, I love cheering on my favorite sports teams, reading, traveling, cooking, and thrifting.

Go Lions!!

Education

• Grand View University: Elementary
• Drake University: Masters in Culturally Responsive Leadership and Instruction Teaching

Experience

• Phillips Elementary: 1st grade
• Findley Elementary: K-5 Intervention
• Valerius Elementary (UCSD): Special Education Associate

Family/Hobbies

I am married with two children and a 110 pound chocolate lab. Willow is 6, idolizes Dolly Parton and is going into the first grade. Krew is 3, believes he has Hulk powers, and is rocking the daycare life. We love all things outdoors, time with family, and trying new things! I am beyond excited to start my 10th year in DMPS with King!!

Hi!  My name is Sara Bitting and I am one of the behavior strategists at King Elementary.  This is my first year at King and I am so excited to join this team!  I am from Des Moines and went to Jackson, Weeks, and Lincoln.   After my years in Des Moines schools I graduated from Drake University.  I absolutely love being a teacher and am excited to join the community at King.  Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, and gardening.

My name is Karli Bohall.

I graduated in May of 2023 from the University of Northern Iowa.  I have a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with endorsements in reading and english/language arts.

I enjoy reading, playing with my dogs, being outdoors, spending time with family and friends.  I am super eager to start my teaching career at King this fall!

My goal in life is to do the most good for the most people. I want to put students first by partnering with parents, staff, and the community to give students the resources to succeed. Namely, my passion and drive to have a helping heart.  This is what makes me stand out as a professional school counselor.

Hello King lions! I’m so excited to be to be a part of the King team this year as the art teacher. I grew up in the Des Moines area and recently moved back. I have a bachelors degree in art education and in studio ceramics from Northwest Missouri State University. After graduating in 2015, I spent 6 years in education in the Kansas City metro area. I currently live in Des Moines with my husband, our son, 2 dogs, and 1 cat. Outside of school my family spends our time playing board games, and cooking for our friends and family. I practice my own art through making pottery in my home studio.

live in the heart of Des Moines with my two children, 1 girl and 1 boy. We enjoy traveling, tic tok, and sports. One fun fact about me, I love Memphis, TN.

My job here at King is to provide our King families with the resources they need to ensure a successful school year for your student. I am so excited for this upcoming school year at King Elementary and look forward to serving your student and family.

Hello!

My name is Ms. Crivaro.  This will be my 7th year teaching, and my 3rd year at King.   I love being a part of the King Lions and the community we have at this school.

Go Lions!

I started with Des Moines Public Schools in August of 1999 and have been at King Elementary since 2014.   Prior to that, I worked in the medical field. I have 2 children and 4 grandchildren and have been married to my husband, Jeff since 1982.

My name is Daniel Felts and I’m excited to be working with students at King Elementary. This is my 11th year teaching, mainly in classroom settings, so I’m excited to be working with and advocating for smaller groups of students. I especially enjoy spending time with my family and our dogs. I also enjoy playing board games, gardening, hiking through and exploring the American Southwest, photography, and good coffee.

Education: Iowa State University- Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education with endorsements in English Language Arts and Reading

Teaching Experience: I have been at King since January 2022! During my time here, I have been an academic interventionist and a 5th grade teacher!

Hobbies: I live in Des Moines and love going for walks, reading books, and watching movies! I also enjoy watching and cheering on the Iowa State football and basketball teams! Go Cyclones!

Education –

Iowa State University –Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education –

Iowa State University –Masters in Education Administration

Teacher Experience –

Oak Park Elementary (9 years): Academic Interventionist K-5, First grade, Behavior Strategist, and an Instructional Coach.  I started working at King as an Instructional Coach in 2019.

Family/Hobbies: I have two beautiful boys, Sawyer and Hunter. We enjoy taking the dog for walks, going to the zoo, reading books, watching football and spending time with family.

My name is Jamie Hogeboom (Ho-guh-boom).  I graduated in May of 2021 from the University of Northern Iowa.  I have a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Middle Level Education.  Some hobbies include hiking, spending time with friends, and visiting new places. I love a good sweet treat! I am so excited for another year at King!

Hey King Lions! My name is Shanie Hubka and I teach 1st grade at King but I previously taught 5 years of special education. I grew up in Eastern Iowa and graduated from Simpson College in 2016. I live with my husband, Jordan, my son, Bo, and our cat, Gus. In my free time I love to go to the park with my family, read books, and binge Netflix. I also love cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes and shopping. I’m super excited for another great year at King Elementary! Go Lions!

Hello! This is my second year with King as an associate. I love working with all the kiddos. I am married and have a son who is in second grade. I also have a mini zoo, as my husband would say, of 2.

Cathy Kearney is from Northwest Iowa and is an alumnus of Drake University. She teaches band in ten Des Moines Schools including here at King. Her main instrument is clarinet, but a fun part of her job is that she gets to play so many different instruments. They are ALL fun.
Cathy’s husband Pat is the TLC grant coordinator for the Johnston Community School District. They have one son, Brogan, who is studying music education at Drake University. They also love their rescue dogs, Billie and Mora.

Education
Drake University
● Masters in Culturally Responsive Leadership & Instruction – December 2018
● Literacy Specialist – December 2018
Upper Iowa University
● Elementary Education Degree – May 2013
● K-8 Reading Endorsement – May 2013

Teaching Experience:
I have taught at King Elementary since August of 2013. I love teaching first grade because I get the honor of teaching children to read. I feel fortunate to work with the awesome students and staff at King. Go King Lions!

Family/Hobbies
My husband Brent and I have three children, Isla, Sayer, and Lachlan. We also have one dog, Copper. As a family we enjoy going camping, swimming, and also just relaxing at home. When I have free time I love to read and go to Starbucks. You might also spot me at Target from time to time

Education: I graduated from Grand View University in 2022 with a degree in Elementary Education and endorsements in Reading and English Language Arts.

Teaching Experience: I previously taught fourth grade and am currently teaching fifth grade! I am very excited to continue to work with this amazing group!

Hobbies: Outside of school I enjoy reading, spending time with family and friends and traveling! I also enjoy playing softball and watching baseball and football!

Education

• Drake University: Masters in Culturally Responsive Leadership & Instruction – December 2023

• Drake University: Special Education Strat 1 and Strat 2 Endorsements – December 2024

•Iowa State University: Bachelor’s in Elementary Education with an ELL Endorsement – December 2011

Teaching Experience: I have spent my entire teaching career here at King! I have taught ELL, 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, and Special Education!

Family/Hobbies: My husband and I live in the Des Moines area with our 2 beautiful daughters, Mia and Shaila! My family and I love to go on walks, bike rides.

My name is Carly Newsom and I am part of the 1st grade team!

I graduated from Upper Iowa University in 2022 with my Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and an endorsement in Special Education. I am married to my husband Adam and we have a son named Dominic and twin girls named Harper and Natalie. When I am not teaching, I enjoy shopping at Target and getting some Starbucks!

I am so excited to be part of the King Lions!

Hey Lions,

My name is Brett Olmstead. I graduated in May of 2023 from the University of Northern Iowa, Go Panthers! I have a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Middle Level Education.

I enjoy golfing, being outside, spending time with friends/family, and watching the Green Bay Packers dominate! I am very excited to continue my teaching journey at King Elementary!

I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Drama and Theatre for Youth from University of Northern Iowa and received my Masters in Social Work from Indiana University. I previously worked as a school-based therapist in Indianapolis. I love having the opportunity through this role to get to know children and families while helping them learn tools to thrive. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with family, cooking, and curling up with my cat and a good book.

Education:
Simpson College, Indianola, IA. Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education, Early Childhood Endorsement, Reading Endorsement, Coaching Endorsement.

Teaching Experience:
1999-2017 1st grade teacher Norwalk Elementary
2017-present King Elementary Interventionist

Family/Hobbies:
I live in Indianola, Ia. with my husband and my 3 boys. Two are in high school and I have 1 boy in elementary. We love to spend time together and my husband and I enjoy watching my boys play sports.

I graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education. I am currently getting my Masters degree in school leadership from Dordt University.

This is my seventh year teaching, all of which have been at King. I have taught second grade, third grade, first grade, and kindergarten.

My husband, Dayne, and I live in Bondurant. We have one son, Kolynn. We have three pets. Our two dogs are named Simba and Remi. Our cat’s name is Larry. I love to read, spend time outside and spend time with my family.

Originally from Indianola, I’m excited to have come home to Iowa. In 2000 I left to attend Western Washington University. After earning my degree in Music Education, I decided to explore this fascinating world. I worked overseas from 2006 until June 2022. I’ve made my home in Japan, Brazil, Nigeria, South Africa, Angola and India. I enjoy listening to world music, learning languages (I speak Portuguese and a bit of Japanese), doing yoga, hiking, biking and reading fiction. I love to sing and have been learning the violin for a few years. Most of all I love teaching Elementary music, exploring and making music with students.

Hello King Lions!

I am Mrs. Stevens and I will be teaching 2nd grade this year! I received my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Iowa State University in 2019, go Cyclones!

I am currently working towards my master’s degree at Drake University. I have been at King Elementary since 2021. What I love about King is the positive and encouraging staff, and of course the amazing students! 🙂 Outside of school I enjoy spending time with my family, reading books, and running.

“One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.” -Malala Yousafzai

Education

• Iowa State University – Bachelors of Political Science

Work Experience

• 1996-1998 – Orchard Place
• 1998-Present – King Elementary

I am married and have two kids; Cade and Audra. We also have a dog named Roxy and a cat named Angel. We enjoy sports and spending time with family.

Education:
Bachelors Degree Evangel University
Elementary Education/Learning Disabilities

Teaching Experience:
Urbandale Middle School 1999-2002
Hoyt Middle School 2003-2006
Monroe Elementary 2006-2009
Edmonds Elementary 2009-2012
King Elementary 2012-Present

I live in Urbandale and have 4 sons, 2 dogs and my beautiful wife.   I coach football, wrestling and track.   In my free time I love to travel and spending time with my family and friends.

My name is Alex Udorvich.  Most of the students just call me “Miss U.”  I am one of the ELL teachers here at King.  I have been working at King since 2018.  I graduated from Iowa State University in 2016 with a Bachelor’s degree in elementary education.  I completed a Master’s degree at Drake University in Culturally Responsive Leadership and Instruction in 2022.  I have endorsements in social studies, language arts, reading, and English language learners.

Outside of school, I enjoy watching TV and movies, going to live music, plants (indoor and outdoor), and organizing.

Education

• Iowa State University – Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, specialization in ELL

Teaching Experience

• Willard Elementary – Bilingual Tutor in 2003
• Moore Elementary – ELL Teacher 2003-2005
• Capitol View Elementary – ELL Teacher 2005-2011
• King Elementary – ELL Teacher since 2011

Family/Hobbies

• I enjoy spending time with my family. I have three kids: Ray, Natalie and Angel. Ray is the oldest and lives on his own but he still likes to hang out with his mom and his siblings. Natalie likes spending time on her phone and talking with her friends but she LOVES being a big sister to Angel.  She’s also starting to do more chores at home. Angel is a busy toddler who LOVES to climb, run and make messes for mom or sister to clean up. As for me, I like to watch shows or movies on Netflix, listen and dance to music, and take care of my plant family. I am always up for learning something new too.

My name is Betsy Yates and I am an Academic Interventionist at King. I work with small group of students to practice math and reading skills. The 2021-2022 school year is my 12th year teaching at King and my 19th year teaching overall. My first six years of teaching I taught 5th grade and when I started at King I taught first grade for three years before moving to an interventionist position.

I am originally from Missouri and attended college at Truman State University and played on the golf team. While at Truman, I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and my Master’s Degree in Elementary Education. Since teaching at King I have also earned my Reading Endorsement from Upper Iowa University.

I have two teenagers and we stay busy with their activities and our dog. During the Covid-19 pandemic we started fostering kittens and haven’t stopped!

I am so excited to be returning to King and see our students learn and grow this year!!