Staff
Carlos Alonzo
SUCCESS Worker
P: 515-242-8439 | E: carlos.alonzo@dmschools.org
Biography
Hello, My name is Carlos Alonzo and I’m the SUCCESS case manager. I graduated from Iowa State University and this will be my 12th year working at Willard. I am proud to be part of the Willard family and feel fortunate to be able to work along such an amazing staff, students and their families.
Devan Benjamin
Instructional Coach
P: 515-242-8439 | E: devan.benjamin@dmschools.org
Biography
Hello, and welcome to 4th grade! This will be my fifth year of teaching and my second year at Willard. I graduated with my education degree, Spanish minor, and reading endorsement from Luther College. Additionally, I am working hard to graduate in May with my Master's degree in literacy from Drake University. When I am not busy at school, I enjoy biking, swimming, reading, running, and of course, spending time with loved ones.
Kristen Berven
School Counselor
P: 515-242-8439 | E: kristen.berven@dmschools.org
Biography
This will be my 2nd year as the School Counselor at Willard Elementary. I feel lucky to work with such amazing staff, students, and families! I graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Family Services. I then went on to Buena Vista University where I graduated with my masters degree in Professional School Counseling. Outside of Willard, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our new puppy. We like to go camping, ride bikes, and hang out with family and friends.
Katie Clater
Instructional Coach
P: 515-242-8439 | E: katie.clater@dmschools.org
Biography
Hello! My name is Katie Clater and I am the Teaching and Learning Instructional Coach at Willard Elementary. I started my teaching career in 2003, working as a middle school special education teacher at Moulton Extended Learning Center with Des Moines Schools. After teaching special education for three years at Moulton, I left the district and went to work for Carlisle Community School District. While in Carlisle, I taught both special and general education, ranging from fourth through sixth grade. I returned to the Des Moines Public Schools in 2011 and taught fourth grade at Willard Elementary before transitioning to instructional coaching.
I love teaching at Willard because we have the BEST students and teachers in the Des Moines area!!! All students and teachers come to school with a passion to learn!
In my spare time, you will find me enjoying time with my husband and three children. My children keep me very busy with sporting activities and their love for the outdoors! I also love to travel, work in my flower gardens and read.
Maggie Matijevich
School Nurse
P: 515-242-8439 | E: margaret.matijevich@dmschools.org
Biography
Being a school nurse is my dream job, and I am so happy to be here at Willard. I can't imagine a better place. I love the families and students we have, our community, and all the wonderful people I get to work with every day. I've been a nurse for over 10 years. I attended Mercy College of Health Sciences and worked in many different fields before I finally reached my goal of being here at Willard. If you ever have a health question, or just want to say hi, don't hesitate to stop in. I love all of our students and families, and want to be here for every one of you.
Jen Vasey
Speech Pathologist
P: 515-242-8439 | E: jennifer.vasey@dmschools.org
Biography
My name is Jen Vasey and I am a speech therapist, earning my BS and Masters degrees at Southeast Missouri State University. In addition to Willard, I also provide services to Pleasant Hill Elementary, Hoyt Middle School (Focus Program) and Blank, Lutheran and Mercy hospitals. I truly enjoy working with the students, families and staff at Willard—they are the best!
Personally, I live in Grimes with my husband and two children. Our boys are very active and keep us busy with sporting events!