Hello! My name is Devin Birdsell. I am so excited to be your Kindergarten teacher this year! This is my 6th year teaching Kindergarten at Lovejoy Elementary. Kindergarten is my favorite grade. I love all the exploring, learning, and fun we get to have!
When I am not at school, I like to hangout with my husband, son (Jettsen) and dogs. We spend a lot of time outside and enjoy spending time at the lake. I also love softball and coach high school softball at Indianola High school in the summer.
I cannot wait to meet you! We are going to have a year filled with learning and fun!
My name is Heather Bittner, and I am so glad to be at Lovejoy! I graduated from the University of Northern Iowa and got my Master’s Degree from Viterbo University. I have taught fourth grade, first grade, kindergarten, reading, and talented and gifted. I enjoy spending time with my husband, two children, and my dog. I like to read, travel, shop, and go to movies. I love seeing students’ smiling faces and watching them grow and learn each year!
Hello! My name is Mr. Burns. This will be my fourth year at Lovejoy Elementary. I graduated from the University of Northern Iowa, and I am currently getting my masters at Drake! Outside of school, I am always up for an adventure! I enjoy biking, hiking, and running. I also enjoy watching sports and trying new restaurants (specifically sushi restaurants)!
Hello, my name is Jerry Chase, and this will be my 4th year at Lovejoy and DMPS. Before that I spent 14 years as a middle school teacher in Waterloo. I teach 5th grade and have a passion for helping young people discover just how awesome they can be when they try. When I am not teaching, I enjoy coaching baseball and going to the zoo with my family. I have 5 kids and they keep me busy. I look forward to another great year of learning and laughing. My motto is, “no matter the circumstances, together, we can figure it out”.
Hello! My name is Haley Cox-Benson and this will be my fourth year working at Lovejoy Elementary. I graduated from the University of Iowa in 2019 and then moved back to the Des Moines area. Outside of teaching, I enjoy reading, going on walks, and trying new things! In the classroom, I want students to gain independence and feel in charge (and excited) of their own learning. I am excited to work through any challenges with my students this year and to watch them grow not only as learners, but also as people in our community!
Hello, my name is Erin Davis. I have been teaching for 8 years and this is 3rd year teaching in Des Moines. I grew up in northwest Iowa and graduated from Iowa State University with endorsements in reading and math in 2015. I have taught 2nd and 4th grade in the past and am excited to be teaching 5th grade. In the classroom I think it is crucial that students and teachers are able to work together to build a community where everyone will succeed!
Hi 3rd Grade!
My name is Mrs. Denning, and I am so excited to be your teacher this year! This will be my first year teaching at Lovejoy, so I’m looking forward to learning and growing with you. I received my undergraduate degree from the University of Northern Iowa. I live in Altoona with my husband Kyle and 2 daughters. In my free time, I love spending time with my family, watching sports, reading, and sharing delicious meals with friends! I can’t wait to build our classroom community, watch you learn, and challenge yourselves to reach for new goals!
-Mrs. Denning
Welcome to Kindergarten! My name is Mrs. Einsel and I am so excited to meet you. When I am not at school, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and cooking. I also enjoy watching football and cheering on the Iowa State Cyclones. We are going to have such a great year learning and growing together!
I graduated from the University of Northern Iowa. I have my BA degree in elementary education with endorsements in language arts and special education. I have taught kindergarten, 7th grade science, k-12 special education and 2nd grade. I can remember always wanting to be a teacher. I found myself trying to help others all the time. I love seeing children’s smiling faces every day and seeing the growth that they make. It is so much fun to see the moments when it just “clicks” in their heads. I can’t imagine a better job.
Hi my name is Chris Harmeyer-Logsdon and I am a special education teacher at Lovejoy. This will be my 2nd year at Lovejoy and my 26th year teaching with Des Moines Public Schools. I have 3 adult children, Annie, Sam and Jeff and 2 grandchildren, Sebastian and Bodhi. I enjoy reading, live music, biking, camping and generally just being outside! I am looking forward to this school year and love watching the students explore, learn and grow.
Hello! My name is Logan Hemphill and I am a Special Education Teacher at Lovejoy Elementary! I’ve been teaching at Lovejoy since 2020. I graduated from Iowa State University with my Bachelor’s in Elementary Education with endorsements in Special Education (Strat I) and Reading. I also have a minor in Learning Technologies. I received my Strat II – LD/BD Special Education endorsement from Drake University. I am an LGBTQ+ educator and I am passionate about urban education and anti-racism in our school community. Let’s have an amazing year!
This is my 11th year teaching, and my 6th at Lovejoy. I graduated from Drake University in 2003 with a Journalism degree then went back to become a teacher. I received my Masters in Teaching from Drake University in 2011. After spending several years subbing in Des Moines, I started at Brubaker Elementary in 2013. In the last eleven years I have taught grades 1st, 2nd, 4th, and will be starting my first year in 5th this year. When I’m not at school I enjoy reading, running and spending time outdoors with my husband and three children. I look forward to watching my students grow into strong, caring, leaders and learners every year.
A life-long southsider, Mr. Jorgenson grew up in Des Moines attending Mitchell Elementary (now a pre-school), McCombs Middle School, and Lincoln High School. He obtained his Bachelors in Music Education from Drake University and has taught in Des Moines Public Schools since 2006. Specializing in voice and theatre, his core belief is that a high quality music education should be fun and accessible to all students. He looks forward to beginning his 9th year teaching the students of Lovejoy!
Hello, my name is Jason Karaidos. Prior to teaching at Lovejoy I spent 5 years at Meredith Middle School. I received my bachelor degree from Luther College and later obtained my Master’s degree from Graceland University. I’m a Des Moines native where I graduated from Hoover in 1999. I currently live in Des Moines with my wife and 4 children.
I was born and raised in Colorado Springs, Colorado. I went to Graceland University, which is what brought me to Iowa, and I have since called this state my home. This is my first year at Lovejoy, and I am extremely excited to be here! I previously taught at Ruby Van Meter School as a Special Education teacher. I am a firm believer that every child can learn, and I will work hard to create an environment where each child can be successful. In my classroom, children will be engaged in a positive environment with the expectation that everyone will try their very best in preparation of becoming uplifting members of the community. I love to be in the classroom, but while I am away, I love to spend time with my newborn son and husband, read books, redo furniture, and make desserts.
“Teachers who love teaching teach children to love learning.” -Robert John Meehan
Hi! My name is Kristin Lampkin! I have been teaching with Des Moines Public Schools since 2013. This is my third year teaching at Lovejoy. Before teaching Kindergarten, I taught preschool at Mitchell Preschool. I received my bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 2013 from Mount Mercy University. I also received my master’s degree in teaching from Morningside College in 2016.
When I’m not at Lovejoy I enjoy spending time with my husband, son, and two dogs. We enjoy being outside, reading books, listening to music, and watching Minnesota Vikings football. My personal motto is “lead with love and the rest will follow.” I love coming to school and I hope I can help students love it as well!
My name is Ashley Loveless. I am excited to be your child’s kindergarten teacher! This will be my 6th year teaching kindergarten. Prior to teaching kindergarten I taught 3rd grade for 9 years. In kindergarten, your student will learn so many new things. We also have a lot of fun! Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my husband, 2 sons and our 2 dogs. We spend a lot of time outside in the summer and love to swim and go boating. I grew up on the east coast and love the ocean. I also love iced coffee and I have a big sweet tooth!
Hello, my name is Megan Luna.
I am a University of Iowa graduate.
I hold a Bachelor of Art degree in Art with K-12 Art Education Endorsement.
I have taught Art my entire teaching career in Des Moines!
In art class we connect, create, present, and respond to the arts. I love inspiring our students through the creative process and appreciation of the arts.
Outside of teaching, I enjoy art, music and reading.
My joy is time with my husband and two children, my large extended family, and friends.
I look forward to another fantastic year at Lovejoy!
My name is Cari O’Connell and I teach 1st grade at Lovejoy. I graduated from The University of Northern Iowa. I have taught preschool; 2nd and first grade. When I’m not at school I love spending time with my husband, and two children. I am very excited for this school year; I love coming to school and seeing the smiles on the students faces. My favorite part of teaching is seeing the growth that each student makes every year.
My name is Mrs. Reece and this is my second year teaching at Lovejoy. I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Northern Iowa and received my master’s degree from Drake University with a reading endorsement. In my free time I love to spend time with my husband and our dog, Cash. I enjoy spending time outdoors, hiking, paddle boarding, biking, swimming and traveling. In second grade we will challenge ourselves, make new friends, and have fun while learning new things!
Hello Lovejoy families! I am so excited to be a part of the Lovejoy staff as a special education teacher.
My name is Ms. Timmons and this will be my second year at Lovejoy. I recently moved back to Des Moines from Florida, and I have been teaching for 21 years- both in Iowa and Florida. I went to Iowa State (Go Cyclones) and Viterbo University for my master’s degree. In my free time, I love to spend time with my family, bike, hike, read, travel, cook and try new things. I am looking forward to a great school year with LOTS of learning!
I began my teaching career in 2011 with Des Moines Public Schools. Throughout my career I have taught kindergarten, first grade, second grade, ELL and Intervention. I have my Masters of Education in Teacher Leadership, as well as endorsements in Reading, Social Studies and English as a Second Language. I love coming to school every day to see students and help them make growth both socially and academically.
Hello! I am Stefanie Wells and happy to be teaching 1st grade at Lovejoy. My previous teaching experience has been as a Preschool Teacher a couple of blocks away at Mitchell and also in Urbandale. I am married and have two boys. My sons and I are graduates of Lincoln High School.
I love reading and math. My goal is for my students to love learning and celebrate success along the way.
I enjoy spending time with my husband, reading, puzzles, and going for walks.
Hi 3rd Grade! I am so excited to be your teacher this year!! My name is Mrs. Wiederin and this will be my 8th year teaching at Lovejoy. I completed my Undergraduate degree at Iowa State University and my Masters from Drake University! I am married and live in Waukee with my husband Keagan. In my free time I like running, kayaking, cooking yummy meals, and trying new restaurants! Some of my favorite things are cold brew coffee, pasta of ANY kind, the color yellow, read alouds, and rainy stormy days. In 3rd Grade I will challenge you to make smart choices, push yourself toward your goals, and be a kind and thoughtful person in our classroom. I can’t wait to have some fun and learn so much with y’all!
-Mrs. Wiederin
I graduated from Grand View University as a student athlete in December of 2022. My endorsement areas are in Reading, ELL and Instructional Strategist I. Learning new things and challenging myself has always been a passion of mine. I enjoy seeing smiling faces at school each and every day. I am ready to take on the school year, and help each child grow academically and socially!
