Special Education
Tiffany Allen
Special Education
P: 515-242-8439 | E: tiffany.allen@dmschools.org
Biography
This is my twentieth year of teaching and first year at Willard. I am excited to work with the outstanding teachers and families here at Willard. I received a degree in elementary education with endorsements in reading, learning disabilities, and mild disabilities from the University of Northern Iowa. Throughout my years of teaching I have been driven by the same teaching philosophy: be a passionate, caring, and competent teacher striving everyday to make meaningful connections with students. Outside of the classroom I enjoy reading, camping, hiking, and exploring with my husband, son, and daughter. I also enjoy walking my dog Stanley.
Kari Borlaug
Special Education
P: 515-242-8439 | E: kari.borlaug@dmschools.org
Biography
Hello Wildcat family! My name is Kari (car ee) Borlaug. This is my first year at Willard, and I am extremely excited to join the Wildcat family. This will be my fifteenth year of teaching numerous positions. Last year, I was a second grade teacher at Knoxville. Then before Knoxville, I spent thirteen years at Interstate 35 schools in Truro, IA.
I live with my husband who is still a teacher at Interstate 35, and I have two daughters and my little guy in Indianola. They keep us fairly busy with life by dancing, band, choir, swimming, and other recreational activities. I love to watch Husker (Cornhusker) football and volleyball. I am proud to be to a Wildcat especially since my two favorite colors are yellow and blue! Go Wildcats!
Kaitlin Danner
Special Education
P: 515-242-8439 | E: kaitlin.shultice@dmschools.org
Biography
My name is Kaitlin Danner and I teach K-3 special education. This is my fourth year teaching at Willard! I obtained a degree in Early Childhood Education and endorsements in special education from Iowa State University. I am currently working on my Master’s Degree through Morningside College, along with a Reading Endorsement.
When I am not teaching, I enjoy attending sporting events (especially ISU football games!!), shopping, and spending time with my family and friends. I look forward to a fantastic school year with the great students and families at Willard!
Cassidy Jackson
Special Education
P: 515-242-8439 | E: cassidy.jackson@dmschools.org
Biography
Hello! My name is Cassidy Jackson and I will be teaching 5th grade special education. This is my first year teaching at Willard Elementary, and I am very excited! I graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Special Education.
When I am not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, being involved in activities outdoors, and reading. I am looking forward to my first year at Willard working with the positive students and staff!
Julie Jones
Special Education Associate
P: 515-242-8439 | E: julie.jones@dmschools.org
Biography
My name is Ms. Jones and I have worked at Willard for 10 years, currently as a Special Education Associate, and I love working with kids and the great staff we have at Willard, I call my family! My favorite color is purple and I love camping and spending time with my family and friends.
Carly King
Special Education Associate
P: 515-242-8439 | E: carly.king@dmschools.org
Biography
Hello my name is Carly King. I am one of the special education associates here at Willard and I have been here for three years! I am currently attending Des Moines Area Community College and after completing that I will be transferring to a university to pursue my dream in being a Elementary Special Education teacher. I love what I do and enjoying working with all of the staff and students at Willard! On my free time I enjoy traveling, hiking and relaxing with my cats and puppy at home!
Rhonda Kurtz
Special Education Associate
P: 515-242-8439 | E: rhonda.kurtz@dmschools.org
Biography
I have been with DMPS for 15 years. I cannot think of any place else than Willard that I would want to be. I attended Willard as an elementary student from Kindergarten through 6th grade. I have been a Special Education Associate at Willard for 11 years and have enjoyed every year and every challenge that has come my way. Thank you to all the staff, students and parents that have allowed me to be part of their Willard family.
Heidi Liventals
Special Education/Behavior Strategist
P: 515-242-8439 | E: heidi.liventals@dmschools.org
Biography
Hello my name is Heidi Liventals. Fifteen years ago I graduated from Iowa State University and have been teaching ever since. I have spent the past 15 years teaching special education and loving it. This upcoming school year at Willard I will be half time special education teacher and half time behavior strategist. I'm looking forward to a great new school year with new and returning students.
Jayde Murray
Special Education
P: 515-242-8439 | E: jayde.murray@dmschools.org
Biography
Hi, I am Jayde Murray. I graduated from Grand View University in April of 2017 with my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education and an endorsement in special education. This will be my first year teaching and I will be teaching special education, primarily 4th grade. I was lucky enough to student teach at Willard so I know what a welcoming and fun environment Willard has to offer. I attended Des Moines Public Schools while growing up, so I am thrilled that I get to continue to be a part of DMPS while teaching.
When I am not teaching, I enjoy being outdoors (hiking, fishing, swimming, snowboarding, reading a book outdoors, running) and photography. I also cherish spending time with my family, fiancé, friends, and doggy (Bernese Mt. Dog, he is precious). I am very excited to be a part of the Willard team and have an awesome year!