My name is Justin Ballard. My teaching career has spanned over 17 years. I have experience teaching second through fifth grade. I received my masters in administration and am currently utilizing that degree through the Dean of Students role here at Windsor. In addition to being the Dean, I am also an Instructional coach, dedicated to guide and assist teachers in their own learning and growth.
Outside of school, I love spending time with my wife and two boys. My boys are 17 and 19. (For my own safety, I will not disclose the age of my wife). I enjoy fishing, my dogs, reading, and riding my bike.
Nurse Bennett has been a nurse at Windsor for 15 years and a school nurse for 29. She is from northwest Iowa. She graduated from University of Iowa’s nursing program in 1984. She is married with 3 grown children, all who went to Windsor. When not working, she loves to walk, play golf and spend time in Okoboji, Iowa where she grew up. She is a Hawk fan!
Hello! My name is Rebecca Damman. I was born and raised in Ankeny, Iowa. At Iowa State University, I obtained my undergraduate degree in Elementary Education in the Fall of 2020. My endorsements include reading and English language arts. This is my first year teaching 2nd grade at Windsor Elementary School. I am excited to be a part of the Des Moines Public School District. When I am not teaching, I enjoy spending time with friends and family and painting.
Hanna Groepper
Ms. Doeden is so excited to be the school counselor at Windsor! She spends her free time reading, having coffee with friends, and hanging out with her dog Chewy.
Hi, my name is Janelle Hartwig. I am excited to start working at Windsor Elementary. This will be my 3rd year of teaching special education and I have loved every minute of it. I dual majored in special education and elementary education thought Grand Canyon University. I purchased my first home last year during early covid in Beaverdale and have really enjoyed being in the area. I have a dog named Luna, she’s 2.5 years old. She’s beyond spoiled! I love camping, gardening and pretty much anything outdoors. I’m looking forward to the 2021-2022 school year!
Hello! My name is Crystal Heddinger. I have been at Windsor since 2016. I graduated from the University of Northern Iowa and recently received my Masters at Drake University. I have my degree in early childhood and elementary education with an emphasis in special education and a K-8 Reading endorsement. I have my masters in Culturally Responsive Leadership & Instruction. I have worked as a resource teacher with multiple grade levels each year. I absolutely love my job, the staff, and students here at Windsor! Go Wildcats!
Stacy has lived in Des Moines, Iowa her whole life. She went to Des Moines Public Schools and graduated from East High School in 1979. She went to Upper Iowa University and received her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. She has been teaching for 18 ½ years. I love to come to school every day and teach children. I love my job!!
I have been with the Des Moines Public Schools since 1994, I have taught kindergarten through 3rd grade. In the year 2000 I came to Windsor. I am also 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. I enjoy working with young children and their families.
I am very excited to begin my 22nd year as an educator in the role of Associate Principal at Windsor Elementary! My teaching career began in Los Angeles before moving to Des Moines where I’ve worked the past 17 years. I have taught 1st through 4th grades as a classroom teacher, worked as a reading and math interventionist, and most recently served as an instructional coach prior to coming to Windsor. I am passionate about working with students and adults to cultivate a sense of belonging and love of learning in this beautiful school of ours. I have four children who also attend Des Moines Public Schools, and I also love to travel, read, and watch baseball (Go Dodgers!). I am thrilled to join Windsor and know you will feel the commitment to our students the minute you walk in our doors. Please reach out with any questions/needs you may have. I’m happy to help!
I have been teaching in Des Moines since 2012. Teaching has always been my passion as I love helping kids learn and grow. I graduated from Upper Iowa University in 2012 with endorsements in reading and language arts. I then went on and completed my master’s degree in 2017 from Drake University. I live in Des Moines with my husband and our two beautiful daughters Avi and Izzy. I am excited for the new school year to begin!
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.
Hi Everyone!
My name is Scott Nichols and I am now in my 11th year as principal of Windsor Elementary. It seems crazy how fast the time has gone! Prior to Windsor, I was a Dean of Students for two years at River Woods Elementary in Des Moines and I was a classroom teacher in Knoxville, Iowa and Humboldt, Iowa for 15 years before coming to DMPS. I have a Bachelor’s degree for Iowa State University in Elementary Education, I have a Mater’s Degree from Drake University in ETLL – Curriculum, and a Specialist’s Degree from Drake University in Educational Leadership.
I have a wife, Stacie, and two children – one in college and one that is married and teaching as an adjunct professor. I am very active in the community through the Lion’s Club and I was also a Boy Scout Leader for 12 years. In my spare time I enjoy watching Iowa State, reading, playing cards, and bowling – or at least trying to bowl.
Kathy Posekany
Jacqui joined the Windsor staff in 1999 as a Resource Teacher. She graduated from University of Northern Iowa with a degree in elementary education with an emphasis in special education. She received her master’s degree in learning disabilities from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 1987. Jacqui lives in Urbandale with her husband and has three children.
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.
I have been teaching at Windsor since 2012. I grew up in Hudson, IA and later received my BA in Elementary Education with endorsements in special education, reading, and coaching from Drake University, where I also played volleyball. I love spending time with family and friends and being active.
Hi my name is Sarah and I am excited to be joining Windsor Elementary. I graduated from Coe College in 2017 and have spent the past 5 years working in Cedar Rapids, Iowa as a kindergarten teacher. Currently I am in the process of completing my Masters degree through Buena Vista University. I love to read, try to golf and travel but most of my free time is spent snuggling up to my pug Winston! I can’t wait to discover all Des Moines has to offer and build relationships with the students and families of Windsor Elementary!
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.
Hi! My name is Kim Veigulis. I began my career at DMPS in 2013 teaching 3rd grade at Capitol View Elementary. The past seven years I have spent my time at CV as a 1st grade teacher and thoroughly enjoyed every minute. I am so excited to begin another chapter of my career as one of the instructional coaches at Windsor Elementary. I am looking forward to working with all the talented teachers and staff members to maximize student success and celebrate learning and growth. I went to Iowa State University (much to my husband’s dismay who is a huge Hawkeye fan) for undergrad and got my master’s from Drake University through the DMPS Blue Contract program. My favorite things are my family, friends, walking, biking, traveling, and reading. I am looking forward to a wonderful school year at Windsor!