I am originally from NY state but have called Iowa home for quite some time. I earned my BS degree in Sociology while in NY and went on to complete my degree in School Counseling at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, IA. I have been a School Counselor for 6 years, but this is my first year at Findley and working for DMPS. I am very excited to join this fantastic team and I look forward to getting to know all the students and families that make this school such a wonderful place. I am here to work with all students and families to help with problem solving, academics, social emotional learning and career exploration through classroom guidance lessons, small groups, and individual meetings. In my free time I enjoy being in nature, photography, and interior design. I’m looking ahead to a great year!

I began teaching 2nd grade in 2004. I taught at Willard Elementary until 2011 and have been at Findley ever since. I graduated from Upper Iowa University and received my Masters in Education Degree from Viterbo University. I have three wonderful children – Keenan, Brennan and Zoey. We keep busy playing lots of sports, running races and traveling.

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 will be my first-year teaching, I have had many jobs in the district including Metro Kids, AmeriCorps, and subbing! I am so excited to start my teaching career here at Findley! When I am not teaching, you can find me outside hiking or traveling through the National Parks!

I have been teaching at Findley since 1999. I taught special education from 1999-2007. I started teaching Kindergarten in the fall of 2007 and love working with 5 and 6 year olds. I love working at Findley and hope to work here for many more years. I have been married since 1999 and have three children . I enjoy spending time with my family. My kids are busy in many activites and I enjoy watching tham at dance, gymnastic, and baseball.

Sami graduated from Drake University with a B.A. in Music Education. Originally from MN, she enjoys singing, cooking, hiking, and traveling. She started teaching at Findley in 2018, and also teaches voice lessons at North High School. Go Polar Bears!

I am fortunate to have spent my entire teaching career with the Des Moines district, beginning in 2009.  I began at Findley as an Instructional Coach in 2015 and feel privileged to work with all students and staff.  My favorite part of my day is our morning meeting in the gym, as grade levels begin to chant their college graduation year.  It often brings tears to my eyes!

I graduated from Simpson College in 2009 and received my master’s degree from Drake University in 2013.  At home, I enjoy playing with my sons, relaxing with my husband, and snuggling with my dog.

I graduated from High School in Arlington, TX. I then moved to Iowa to attend Iowa State University. I graduated with a degree in Elementary Education K-6 and Art Education. I have been teaching in Des Moines Public Schools and at Findley since 2018.
Even though being an art teacher has been my dream job since I could remember, my other hobbies include, watching movies, podcasting, and traveling. My favorite art forms include painting, printmaking, and pastels.

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 my teaching career with Des Moines in 2008. I have been with Findley teaching second grade since then. Spending time with my family is really important to me. We like to spend time outdoors going for walks, going to the park, or just hanging out at home. Teaching children has always been a passion of mine. Knowing that I can make a difference in a child’s life is a very rewarding feeling.

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 5th, 4th, 3rd, and now 2nd grade students! The community at Findley warmed my heart immediately; we have such an awesome staff and wonderful families whom I have had the privilege to teach over the  years.  I am proud to say that I am a parent of a Findley student (now at Harding), 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, and we all love to watch good, funny movies on the weekend with our son and our pets.

Hello! My name is Kristin James. I graduated from Augustana University in 2014 with a degree in elementary education and special education. I taught for four years before joining Findley in the fall of 2019. Currently I am working toward completing my master’s degree. In my free time I enjoy spending time outdoors, riding my bike, reading, trying new recipes, and spending time with 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 started my teaching career in Des Moines Public Schools in 2007. I am a graduate of Simpson College and have a Masters in Education from Graceland.  Over the years I have experienced teaching Physical Education at both the Secondary and Elementary Level. I enjoy watching the students change and grow over the years. The best part of being a PE teacher is getting to being a students teacher for several years, and building relationships with them.  When I am not teaching students I enjoying spending time with my family. My husband and I love to spend time camping with our 3 children. Family trips and sporting events keep us very busy.  I look forward getting to know more students and families involved in the Northside Community.

I started teaching in 2010. I taught 5th grade at Holy Family Catholic School for 7 years. After that, I was a reading interventionist at Edmunds Elementary.  I am very excited to be here! I love Findley because there is a strong sense of community within the building.

I grew up in Cedar Rapids and graduated from The University of Iowa. I taught in Omaha for four years before moving to Des Moines. I happened to get a job at Findley and have been here ever since! I am married and have three children. When I am not at school I enjoy supporting my children’s activities and cheering for the Hawkeyes and St. Louis Cardinals.

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 graduated from Central College in 1985 with BA in Elementary Education and from the University of Iowa in 1989 with my MA in Developmental Reading.  I have been teaching in the Des Moines district for 18 years. Last year was my seventh year as an Interventionist at Findley and I will be a 2nd Grade teacher this new school year. I enjoy reading, boating, and watching my daughters’ volleyball games and track meets.

I started my career in education back in 2000 as a 2nd grade teacher in Earlham, Iowa. After two years there, I came to Des Moines and have been here ever since. I have worked at King, McCombs, Lincoln, and Hoyt as either a special education teacher or counselor. This year I am beginning my new role as a GT Consultant serving Findley, Moulton, Park Avenue, and Willard Elementary Schools. I am excited to start this new chapter working with our Gifted and Advanced Learners!

I have a beautiful wife named April and three amazing stepdaughters aging from 22 to 17 years old. I enjoy hanging out with friends and family, riding motorcycle, watching movies, hunting, and fishing.

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!

Hi, my name is Sarah Simmons. I received my bachelor’s degree from Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa. I also have a minor in Special Education and an endorsement in Reading. This is my fifth year teaching at Findley and my fifth year teaching 3^rd grade. Before I taught at Findley Elementary, I taught for two years in Charleston, SC and for two years in San Diego. I enjoy spending time with my family, friends and my dog Brady. I also love to be crafty, read, bake and be near water- especially the ocean.

I am a 5th grade teacher at Findley Elementary. I have taught 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 family which includes my husband Abraham, my daughter Chloe and son Isaac.

Hi! My name is Chelsey Spreitzer. I am a wife and a mother of one human, one dog, and a cat. I have been teaching for Des Moines Public Schools since 2012. This is my 4th year at Findley Elementary. I have taught 1st grade three times in my career and every year I learn more and more about how their minds work. I received my degree in elementary education from Western Illinois University with endorsements in middle school English and Social Studies. In addition, I have a masters from Drake University in Cultural Proficiency with an endorsement in leadership. I enjoy working with 1st graders on their reading skills and watching them grow to become great readers. My goal as a teacher is to always have a growth mindset and to instill this in my students. I want to be a positive role model for them and meet all their individual needs!

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.

I began my teaching career right here at Findley Elementary in 2018.  I graduated from Cedar Falls High School in 2013. I continued my education at Luther College where I received my bachelors degree in 2017. My teaching license includes K-5 core instruction, a reading endorsement, and an endorsement in math and science middle school education.  I love swimming, spending quality time with friends, cooking,  and being outdoors. Step into my classroom and you will find a community of love, respect, and kindness.

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 Des Moines with my 3 dogs and a few cats. I enjoy bike riding, golfing, kayaking, and spending time with friends and family!

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 be teaching 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 degree in teaching. Outside of school I enjoy reading, cheering on the Hawkeyes, and spending time with my husband and five small dogs (Wiley, Petey, Maddie, Harley, Davey).

I have been teaching for 19 years, 18 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 and 2 cats. I spent 10 years in the United States Marines traveling the world but never forgot my first love – School.