Welcome to Findley Elementary School, where we are committed to our mission: Building Big Dreamers and High Achievers. We can only accomplish this through the focused work of our dedicated staff, supportive efforts of our families, and strong connections with our community partners.

Findley Elementary is unique in its participation in two key initiatives: “I Have A Dream” Foundation, and the Turnaround Arts program led by the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities.

The Des Moines “I Have a Dream” Foundation has adopted Findley Elementary School as a Dreamer Academy. All students and families are Dreamers and will benefit from our culture of college and career, while gaining access to community resources to help make their educational and personal dreams a reality.

Findley Elementary is also proud to be a Turnaround Arts school; one of the initial eight pilot schools in the country. The Turnaround Arts initiative is designed to narrow the achievement gap and increase student engagement through experiences with music, visual art, and movement. Today, as a sustaining school, Findley demonstrates dramatic results in academic performance, student leadership, and parent involvement.

A necessary component of our students’ success includes our business partner, John Deere Financial, who generously provides resources, programs, and adult volunteers. Findley also connects with the YMCA to offer before and after school childcare at school.

Please contact me if you’d like to learn more about our school and the exciting ways in which we dream big and reach for high levels of achievement.

Sincerely,
Barbara Adams

This is my 18th year working for DMPS at Findley Elementary.  I am the school Librarian.  I studied Early Childhood Education at University of Wisconsin-Stout and Elementary Education at Mankato State University.  I am married with three children and six grand children.

I am an academic interventionist at Findley.  My previous teaching experience includes teaching Kindergarten and 1st through 4th grades.  Please let me know when you have a comment, question, or concern.  I care about your student and am happy to help.

Mrs. Campero graduated with a B.S. in Elementary and Special Education from Iowa State University in 1999 and received a master’s degree from BVU in 2017. She has been teaching at Findley Elementary since 1999. She enjoys working with her students and building relationships. She loves spending time with her husband, two sons, two daughters, and her beautiful grandson.

Hi! my name is Fabiana Centeno. I am the Building Associate here at Findley. I am an East High Alumni class of 2020! I am excited to start my 2nd year at Findley and work with so many amazing kids. I am here to support and provide aid to your child. I want to make it a goal that every child I work with feels loved and valued! 

Hello! My name is Ms. Chamberlain. I attended Iowa State University where I graduated with a degree in Elementary Education and endorsements in math, reading, and English language arts. Before coming to Findley, I was a substitute teacher in Des Moines. In my free time I love spending time with my friends and family, traveling, attending the Farmers’ Market, and reading and cheering on the Cyclones! I am so excited to have a great year with 5^th grade at Findley! 

Mrs. Clement graduated from Drake University with a B.A. in Music Education and her M.Ed. in Culturally Responsive Teaching and Urban Leadership. Originally from MN, she enjoys singing and traveling. She started teaching at Findley in 2018, and also serves the school as an Arts Integration Specialist.

I have been teaching for almost 20 years throughout the Des Moines district. I graduated from Dowling Catholic High School, and continued my undergraduate education at the University of Iowa where I then worked on cruise ships traveling a lot of the world.  Upon return I worked on my master’s at Drake University, and my PhD at Capella University.

I am thrilled to educate the scholars at Findley!

I graduated from East High School here in Des Moines in 2017. I continued my education at Simpson College where I received my bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 2021. Although this is only my third-year teaching, I have had many jobs in the district including Metro Kids, AmeriCorps, and subbing. I am excited to continue my teaching career at Findley! When I am not teaching, you can find me outside hiking/traveling with my husband or playing with our corgi, Benson!

After being a student of Des Moines Public Schools during my entire K-12 education, I graduated from Lincoln High School in Des Moines in 2003. I went to Iowa State University and finished my teaching degree in 2007 and then my masters degree in 2011. In addition to teaching, I enjoy reading, traveling, crafts, photography, and spending time with my family!

I have been teaching in Des Moines Public Schools since 2007. Over the years I have been a classroom teacher for 2nd and 3rd grade, a K-5 technology teacher, a small group reading and math teacher, and instructional coach.

I started as a school nurse in 2014 at Walnut Street schools in Des Moines and in 2018 I transferred to Findley. I went to Southwestern Community College and in 2008 received my associates degree in nursing. I am currently taking classes to graduate with my bachelors degree in August of 2020. I also work on a medical surgical floor at Methodist Hospital where we specialize in kidney transplants. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my husband and two daughters. We love to spend time outdoors, playing sports, and hanging out with our 3 dogs. On the weekends you will find me out at the soccer fields cheering my daughters on!

I began teaching at Findley Elementary in 2004, when I started teaching 5th grade.  I had been teaching middle school for 12 years before that, and I was looking for an opportunity to teach in an elementary school.  I have worked with Kindergarten through 5^th grade! The community at Findley warmed my heart immediately; we have such an awesome staff and wonderful families whom I have had the privilege to work with over the years.  I am proud to say that I am a parent of a Findley student (who attended Harding and graduated from North High in 2021!), and I have been active in our Findley Elementary PTO, where I serve as President.  I LOVE being a part of great things at Findley!! My husband and I love to watch lots of sporting events with our son, and we enjoy our pets and getting together with extended family.

I’m passionate about teaching and student success, and I’m inspired by organizations doing great work. Put them together and you’ve made my day. You’ve made my life, actually. I believe Des Moines Public Schools is one of those organizations.
In January, 2014, I received my second bachelors degree and became a teacher at Findley Elementary. Since then, I’ve spent my days helping students believe in themselves and their life missions.

I graduated from Northwest Missouri State University (GO BEARCATS!) with a degree in Human and Family Services. I have been with DMPS over 10 years as a SUCCESS Case Manager.  I work with students and families who need support with attendance and behaviors. I also provide resources regarding housing, basic needs, mental health supports, and parenting skills. Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any concerns or needs you may have. In my spare time, I like to golf, travel and watch college football and basketball.

I became the program manager for the Des Moines I Have a Dream Findley Dreamer Academy in August of 2015. I coordinate college and community partners for Findley and maintains the foundation’s College Savings Account program for Findley scholars. From 2006-2015, I worked asacademic advisor in the DMPS for middle and high school students at Moulton, Hiatt, Meredith, Hoover and Roosevelt. Billy graduated from Central College in 2000 with a bachelor of arts in theatre. Since then, I have been a barista, restaurant GM, painter, actor and coordinator of the Central College Upward Bound program. I enjoys recess, dreaming BIG, spending time with his family, and you can catch him being walked by his dog, Summer, two to three times a day.

Contact: (515)-402-6806

www.desmoinesdreams.org

www.facebook.com/IHaveADreamDSM/

I have worked for Des Moines Public Schools since 1987. I worked at Wallace Elementary for 12 years before coming to Findley in 1999. I am married and I have one son, and 2 Grandchildren. In my spare time I enjoy traveling and spending time with my family.

Hi, my name is Kari Osborne. I started teaching at Findley in 1999 and taught special Ed. for 8 years. I then became a Kg teacher here at Findley which is a joy everyday with new challenges. I am married to Brent and have 3 kids, Kristyn, Brady and Emersyn. We enjoy being active with activities outside.

I joined Findley in June of 2022 as the associate principal. I am truly fortunate to be working in a fantastic school amongst amazing students, staff, families, and community partners.

In 2008 I started teaching in Des Moines Public Schools at Harding Middle School as a Family and Consumer Sciences teacher. In 2010 I transferred to East High School where I taught Family and Consumer Sciences and worked as an instructional coach. I began my work in elementary in 2021 as an associate principal  at Garton Elementary.

I hold degrees from Iowa State University in horticulture, family and consumer sciences education, and school leadership. I continue to learn and grow each day through reading, listening to podcasts, and taking classes in educational leadership, organizations and policy at ISU.

I have two daughters. My wife also works in schools.

When I am away from work I enjoy traveling, spending time outdoors in my garden or hiking, and cooking.

I graduated from Central College with a BA in Elementary Education with a K-8 Reading endorsement. I am a K-12 Reading Specialist with a Masters degree from University of Iowa. When I think of my job at Findley, I find myself smiling and picturing the students I have the pleasure of working with every day. When I’m not at Findley, I enjoy reading, walking my dog and spending time with family and friends.

Hi Findley families! I am very excited to return to the district as a BFL. Before moving to the US, I worked as an ELL teacher for 4 years in Canada. Indeed, I obtained a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Newfoundland and Labrador and my current ESL endorsements from the University of California, Davis.

I was born and raised in a coastal town in El Salvador. I love outdoor activities such as camping and hiking. Truly looking forward to serving your families this school year!

Hello Findley Families! I am new to DMPS and am excited to learn and grow with the whole Findley community. I graduated with an MA in school counseling from the University of Iowa in 2021. I’ve previously been an elementary school counselor in Iowa City, a wildlife camp coordinator for UI Wild, an educator with the Iowa Children’s Museum, a special ed paraeducator, a preschool assistant with Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County, a camp coach for Children’s Theater of Madison, and a childcare provider. I’ve lived in many places and learned a lot from every child and family I’ve met. I’m eager to be part of the team here at Findley and to be there for every student and family every day.

I am originally from Independence, Iowa and graduated from high school there. I then went on to the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa to complete my BA. I majored in Elementary Education and minored in Special Education and Literacy. I have been teaching Special Education at Findley Elementary since Fall of 2007. I live in Ankeny with my husband, Matt. We have two kids; a son, Mason, and a daughter, Kaylee. We also have a crazy little dog, Yogi! I enjoy spending time with my family and friends!

I am the Behavior Strategist at Findley Elementary. I have been an educator at Findley since 2006 and love the extended family that the community has provided. I attended Grandview College and received a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and an endorsement in Reading. In 2017 I earned my master’s degree in Leadership and Learning from Buena Vista University. I love swimming, reading and being outdoors. I love spending time with my family which includes my husband Abraham, my daughter Chloe and son Isaac.

Coach Rob currently serves as our Student Support Coordinator. He hails from Spring, TX by way of Mountain Home, Arkansas. Coach Rob graduated from William Penn University with a B.A. in Physical Education w/ Emphasis in Sports Administration and holds a M.A. in Sports Administration from Liberty University. Coach Rob is currently a coach at North High School where he serves as Assistant Coach for both football and girls’ soccer.

Hello my name is Brooke Stewart. I am a Special Ed Associate at Findley . I am married and have 2 kids. I love working in my classrooms with all of the kids and staff!

I attended the Des Moines Public Schools and graduated from Hoover High School. I went to Luther College in Decorah, Iowa and then taught for 1 year in Riceville, Iowa before moving back to teach special education for DMPS in the fall of 1994. I taught 1 year of middle school and then for 7 years at Edmunds Academy of Fine Arts before coming to Findley in 2001. I graduated with my Master’s Degree in Education from Viterbo College. I love reading, camping, and spending time with friends and family which include my husband, daughter, and son.

My name is Breeanna Tallakson. This is my 15th year as a teacher. I graduated from UNI in 2008 with a Bachelor’s in Education and received my master’s from Western Governors University in Educational Leadership. I taught first and third grades in the Clark County School District and Des Moines Public Schools. I am excited to be in my second year as the instructional coach at Findley.

When I am not teaching, I love being with my two boys, Mason and Myles and my husband Andy who is the PE teacher at Hoyt Middle School. We like to play outside, practice ninja warrior and travel. I look forward to being a part of the Findley family again this school year.

I grew up in Sioux City, Ia. After graduating from Iowa State, I taught Elementary Spanish. I have been at Findley as an English Language Learner (ELL) Teacher since 2013. Outside of school my family enjoys spending time together cooking, biking and playing games.

I have been teaching in the Des Moines Public Schools since 2016. I began as a substitute then was hired as an interventionist. I am so happy to now be teaching 3^rd grade at Findley! I graduated from the University of Iowa in 2010 with a degree in psychology. After that I went to Drake University and earned a master’s degree in teaching. Outside of school I enjoy reading, cheering on the Hawkeyes, and spending time with my husband and 3-year-old son, Myles.  We have three small dogs as well!

I have been teaching for 25 years, 24 of those years have been at Findley. I graduated from Newton High School, and continued my education at DMACC, Iowa State University, and Viterbo University. I have 3 children, a dog and 2 cats. I spent 10 years in the United States Marines traveling the world but never forgot my first love – School.

Hi!  I started with Des Moines Public and Findley Elementary in 2019, and I am excited to be back again this year!  I graduated from Iowa State University in 2016 with a degree in business.  I then discovered speech-language pathology, loved it, and knew I wanted to work with children every day.  I graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in 2019 with a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology.  I love getting to work with students with diverse needs and watching them grow in their communication skills!

I am originally from Boone, Iowa and graduated from high school there. I then went on to Iowa State University where I played the trumpet in the Iowa State University Cyclone ‘Varsity’ Marching Band. I majored in Elementary Education with endorsements in Reading and Math while at ISU. Over the past 8 years I have also completed my Special Education Strat I, Strat II Behavior Disorders, and Strat II Intellectual Disabilities endorsements. I also received my master’s degree in Special Education in December of 2018. I have been teaching Special Education at Findley Elementary since Fall of 2013. I live in Grimes with my husband, 2 dogs, and a few cats. I enjoy bike riding, golfing, kayaking, and spending time with friends and family!