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Classrooms

Rhea Bachman

3rd Grade Teacher

Hello! I have been teaching at Windsor since 2022 and have loved getting to know the amazing students and families during my time here. I have taught 5th grade and now 3rd grade. I graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in 2018 with a degree in psychology and mental health. Soon after, I returned to UNI to pursue a degree in elementary education and graduated in 2021. I grew up in Cedar Rapids with my older sister, Zoe. When I am not at school, I love to spend my time outdoors, with friends and family, and cooking and baking!

Becky Bolte

4th Grade Teacher
Class Description

I graduated from Upper Iowa University and began teaching at Windsor in 2007.  I have taught both 3rd and 4th grade throughout my career, and my favorite parts of teaching are helping students learn new things and reading chapter books aloud!   I also attended Windsor as a student and graduated from Roosevelt High School.  Outside of school I love cheering on the Iowa State Cyclones and spending time with my husband and our 2 kids, Lucas and Olivia.

Sandy Byriel

Kindergarten Teacher

Saudia Cowman

1st Grade Teacher

My name is Saudia Cowman and I have taught for over 20 years with DMPS!  I spent my first 10 years teaching preschool at Capitol View Elementary, I taught second grade at Willard Elementary, and currently I teach first grade at Windsor. 

I am married and we have two boys.  We spend our time traveling, reading, hiking, and getting together with grandparents, cousins, aunts & uncles. I grew up in the Des Moines area and my sisters and I attended DMPS.  

I love working with young children.  My favorite part of my job is building positive relationships with my students. Seeing my students get excited about learning or happy to be in school invigorates and excites me!  I look forward to building a team relationship with parents as well.  Positive connections with parents help encourage and motivate me as a teacher and are supportive to student success.  I look forward to working with you and your child this year.  Together we can achieve many great things!

Hanna Groepper

1st Grade Teacher
P: 515-242-8440 | F: 515-323-8648 | E: hanna.groepper@dmschools.org

Diane Kair

Kindergarten Teacher

Janelle Leahy

3rd Grade Teacher

I have been with the Des Moines Public Schools since 1994, I have taught pre-k through 3rd grade. I came to Windsor in 2000. I am proud to say I spent 12 years as a student in Des Moines Public Schools and am a Roosevelt alum!  Go Riders!  I graduated from Grand View University with a degree in elementary education and later earned my early childhood endorsement. In my free time I like spending time with family and friends, reading, knitting and watching the Chiefs play. I love that I get the opportunity every day to watch our students learn and grow. I love our Windsor community!

Traci Merical

5th Grade Teacher

Amy Nichol

5th Grade Teacher

I have been teaching in Des Moines for 20 years. I graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in 1999 and earned my master’s degree from Grand Canyon University in 2013. This will be my ninth year at Windsor Elementary. Before teaching at Windsor, I taught special education and 2nd grade at Capitol View Elementary, and 3rd grade at Edmunds Elementary.
My husband and I live in Clive with our 3 children Adison, Grace, and Brady, and our dog Dash.

Kate Pimlott

2nd Grade Teacher

Kate Rodriguez

4th Grade Teacher

Mrs. Rodriguez graduated from Iowa State University with a teaching degree. After college she joined the Peace Corps in Costa Rica.  In Costa Rica, Mrs. Rodriguez taught environmental education and English in public elementary schools. She has been a teacher in Des Moines since 1999 and at Windsor since 2007.  In Des Moines she has taught Spanish, 4th grade, and 5th grade.  Mrs. Rodriguez also earned her Master’s degree in Education from Viterbo University in 2010.

Juli Smith

K-3 Special Education
P: 515-242-8440 | F: 515-323-8648 | E: juli.smith@dmschools.org

Welcome to kindergarten! My name is Juli Smith, and I have been teaching with Des Moines Public Schools since 2005. I graduated from The University of Iowa with a degree in elementary education. I have a reading endorsement, as well as, early childhood education and early childhood special education endorsements. Before coming to Windsor, I taught a wide range of grade levels including preschool, kindergarten, first, second, fourth, and fifth grade students.

Jen Wilson

2nd Grade Teacher

Rachel Zimmerman

3rd Grade Teacher
P: 515-242-8440 | F: 515-323-8648 | E: rachel.zimmerman@dmschools.org

Hello! This will be my 6th year of teaching at Windsor. I absolutely love teaching and building relationships with students, and I’m so excited for another school year. I taught 5th grade for two years, and this will be my fourth year teaching 3rd grade. I graduated from Iowa State University in December of 2017, and I received my master’s degree from Drake University in December of 2022. I’m originally from Harlan, IA where I grew up on my family’s dairy farm alongside my twin sister, Emily, and my younger brother, Josh. In my free time, I enjoy reading, playing guitar and piano, being active, and spending time with my friends and family.