I am so happy to be at Lovejoy! This is my second year as Associate Principal and I am loving all of the opportunities to work with teachers, students and families.  Prior to being at Lovejoy, I was at Carver Elementary as a Special Education Consultant and Dean of Students.  I started my teaching career at Park Avenue Elementary in 2007 as a Special Education teacher.  I went to the University of Northern Iowa and received my degree in Elementary Education and Special Education.  I received my master’s in Educational Leadership from Viterbo University in 2012.

I enjoy spending time with family, going to the lake, camping, spending time outdoors and reading.  I live in Monroe with my husband Zac, and two children, Owen (4) and Ella (1.5), and our golden retriever, Saleen.

Hello, students, families, and Lovejoy community!  My name is Brandi Otto, new principal of Lovejoy Elementary.  I grew up in the Des Moines area and attended all Des Moines Public Schools, graduating from East High School in 1994.  I started my career over twenty years ago as a Special Education associate at Studebaker Elementary. After completing my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education at Grand View University, I was hired at Morris Elementary School where I served as a Special Education and 5th grade teacher. I went on to become a TLC Instructional Coach, 21st CCLC site director and a Released Dean at Garton Elementary School before accepting a position last year as Associate Principal at Moulton Elementary School.  I have a master’s degree in Teacher Effectiveness and a specialist degree in Education from Drake University.  I am so excited to be serving you and our community as Principal of Lovejoy Elementary.

I am married to my husband, Dave.  In our blended family, we share four children, Addison (11 years old), Madelyn (15 years old), Jackson (16 years old) and Gabbi (17 years old).  In our free time, we enjoy traveling (Okoboji is one of our favorite places in Iowa to visit) fishing, and spending time with our family and friends.  During fall weekends, you can find me watching football, cheering on my son, Jackson’s high school team as well as my other favorite teams – Go Hawkeyes and Chicago Bears!

As we get ready to embark on this 2020-2021 school year, I am committed to working hard and providing a safe and productive learning environment for all.  I believe building relationships and working collaboratively is key to creating a positive, strong community.  I look forward to leading staff and students at Lovejoy in continued excellence and academic success.