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.
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.
Patricia Hagarty
Library Associate
P: 515-242-8439 | E: patricia.hagarty@dmschools.org
Biography
For college I have attended UNI & DMACC. I am an avid reader. I love birds, nature, and gardening as well as walking. In the past I have sewn with my daughters mittens for the St. Joseph Indian School in Chamberlin, SD. They were made out of polar fleece & recycled tops of socks for the cuffs. We did this during Thanksgiving Break. I live simple, no internet or cable.
Sarah Hanrahan
Instructional Coach
P: 515-242-8439 | E: sarah.hanrahan@dmschools.org
Biography
My name is Sarah Hanrahan and I am an Instructional Coach here at Willard. This will be my 12th year in education, and the start of my 6th year here at Willard. I obtained my undergraduate degree at Northwest Missouri state in Elementary Education with a minor in early childhood. I have received my graduate degrees at Viterbo University. I have a Masters in Reading, as well as my Principal endorsement. Willard is an amazing building. I love working here!
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.
Lisy Murdock
Bilingual Family Liasion
P: 515-242-8439 | E: lizy.murdock@dmschools.org
Biography
My name is Mrs. Lisy. I'm from Bolivia, but I have been in the USA since 1989. I have two adult children. My husband and I live in Urbandale.
This is my 12th year working for DMPS. I'm the Bilingual Family Liaison. I'm excited to work at Willard!
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!