Hi, my name is Matt Ballman. This will be my 8th year of teaching. I’ve taught at Willard for all eight of those years! I love Willard. I believe that we have the best teachers and students. I’ve taught 2nd and 3rd grade but I am currently a k-5 academic interventionist. I love my job as an interventionist because I am able to work with students from all grades and have the chance to make an impact on many students!
I graduated from Iowa State in 2015 with a degree in Elementary Education. I graduated from Drake University in 2020 with a Masters in Effective Teaching in Urban Education.
When I’m not at school I love spending time with my family. Last year, my wife and I welcomed our first child. We also have two dogs at home. I am a huge Iowa State fan and love to watch my Cyclones!
Hi! My name is Becca Miller, and I am so excited to be a part of the Willard Elementary family! I graduated from The University of South Dakota with an Elementary Education degree and taught in rural South Dakota for 5 years. I came to Des Moines as a live-in nanny for a little boy. After 3 years with him I went back into education, where I’ve been ever since. I am so proud to be a part of Des Moines Public Schools! I love spending my day surrounded by young people who teach me something new every day. Having an opportunity to be a part of their learning and development is something I consider to be a privilege. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my cat, Salem, who loves to cuddle, play, and escape through the screen door. I also love trying new foods, traveling, hiking, and anything that deals with water including swimming, boating, and paddle boarding. College Basketball (March Madness!) is my favorite! I can’t wait for a great year at Willard!
Hello! My name is Peyton Wenger, and I am the K-1 Academic Interventionist here at Willard. I graduated with a degree in Elementary Education and an endorsement in K-8 Reading from Central College (Go Dutch!) in 2022. I began my teaching career at Willard in the fall of 2022 and absolutely love it here! We have the best students and staff! While at Willard, I have taught 3rd grade and served as an academic interventionist for both K-5 and now K-1. I am so excited to be working with kindergarteners and 1st graders this year on their reading and math skills! In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our two fur babies, Esther and Stella, as well as traveling, baking, and reading. Let’s have another amazing year!