Johanys Alvarez
Gerardo Alvarez
Andrea (Nicki) Atwood
Education Background: University of Northern Iowa: PE/Health/Coaching
Courses you teach: Physical Education
Favorite thing about Roosevelt: The people
What hobbies or things you do in your free time: Hiking, cycling, and spending time with my son and daughter
How long have you been at Roosevelt: 3 years
Joshua Benitez
Education Background: I graduated from Roosevelt and attended the University of Iowa receiving a BA in History /Social Studies, English, and Reading Education Endorsements.
Current Role: English 1
Favorite thing about Roosevelt: I love all getting to know all of the students who bring their own unique experiences and perspectives to our learning community. I also love the girls cross country team, orchestra, and Sharks, since I was so lucky to be a part of them when I was in high school.
What hobbies do you enjoy in your free time: I love to run, swim, ride my bike, read books and the newspaper, watch scary/old movies, cook, spend time outside, hangout with family and friends, and play the piano.
How long have you been at Roosevelt: 22-23 School Year!
Angela Besco
Amelia Boggess
Stephanie Brennan
Education Background: Bachelor of Science degree in Family and Consumer Sciences from Iowa State University, a Master of Education degree in Educational Media, Design, and Technology. I also have over 30 post-degree courses relating to my content area.
Current Position: Child Development 1 and 2, Personal Health and Development, and Healthy Relationships in the Family and Consumer Sciences Department.
Favorite thing about RHS: I love everything about Roosevelt! The students are very diverse and come from all different types of backgrounds, which helps to foster a welcoming and vibrant classroom environment. The staff and administration are incredibly supportive and the community is fantastic! I love getting to teach in my own neighborhood where my own children go to school.
Hobbies you enjoy in your free time: I love spending time with family including kids, Finnley and Rigby, and my husband Patrick. We love movies, good local restaurants and are super creative. I love to garden and have over 80 houseplants! We love to spend time in our beautiful backyard with our puppy Alice and love to do different projects in our 120-year-old Cottage Grove historic home. I am also really active in the Drake Neighborhood Association and Hanawalt Elementary PTA.
How long have you been at Roosevelt: 22-23 School Year!
Kristen Burkett
Tammy Clements
Educational Background: BS in Mathematics from the University of South Florida
Current Position: Math Teacher, AP Calculus, Pre-Calculus, Intro to Trig
Favorite thing about RHS: The welcoming attitude of the students.
Hobbies you enjoy in your free time: Reading, before Covid–going to Florida
Years at Roosevelt: 4 years, but I feel like this will be my second “real” year.
Keresten Conn
Education Background: Textiles and Clothing, ISU; Masters in Education
Courses: Foods and Nutrition 1, Foods and Nutrition 2
Favorite thing about Roosevelt: I am fortunate to have the best job! I have taught many FCS subjects in the past 20 years but I currently teach nutrition and food preparation. Students and the traditions that have been built here, but also the new traditions that have been developed like the Rider Pride event (just to name one of many). Another great thing is the diversity which allows us to learn a lot from each other.
What hobbies do you enjoy in your free time: Searching out unique food events or restaurants, going to see live music, and spending time with family and friends.
How long have you been at Roosevelt: 20 years
Richard Craft
Education Background: B.A. in U.S. and World History from Mount Mercy College; M.A. in Special Education from University of Iowa
Courses: Modern U.S. History
Favorite thing about Roosevelt: Of course, the history of Roosevelt High School. A classic building built in the 1920s. The many famous leaders that have walked our halls (check out the TRHS Hall of Fame!) And, of course, our diversity!
What hobbies do you enjoy in your free time: Bicycle Riding (Ragbrai anyone?) and Metal Detecting. Ask me about either one of these subjects and I’ll have some stories to tell!!!
How long have you been at Roosevelt: 15 years
Chidananda Dahal
Education Background: Bachelor of Science from University of Delhi, India; Bachelor of Education from Tribhuvan University, Nepal; ELL Empowerment from Grand View University, Iowa
Courses: Algebra 2, ELL Foundations in Mathematics
Favorite thing about Roosevelt: Diverse students body and cooperative staff
What hobbies do you enjoy in your free time: Community service and spend time with kids
How long have you been at Roosevelt: 3 years
Adam Daley
Education Background: Morningside College, DMACC, Bemidji State University
Courses: All Social Studies courses; Flex Lab
Favorite thing about Roosevelt: I love the history of academic excellence here at Roosevelt.
What hobbies do you enjoy in your free time: I enjoy trying out new restaurants and foods!
How long have you been at Roosevelt: 10 years
Micheal Davenport
Education Background: BA, Secondary Education Social Studies and Theatre/Speech Communications (Grand View University). Currently pursuing continuing education in Gifted & Talented Education (Drake University) and Graduate studies in Curriculum & Instruction – Theatre Pedagogy (Oklahoma State University).
Courses: Psychology, African American Studies, Introduction to Theatre Art, Intermediate Theatre Art, Advanced Theatre Arts
My favorite part of Roosevelt: I love this community, love these students and their families. I am fortunate to be able to work with students from all walks of life and intersectionalities. My students know they are respected and valued as individuals in a safe, welcoming environment both in the classroom and on the stage. I am lucky to have been promoted, defended, and supported by the many students, alumni, and greater community.
What hobbies do you enjoy in your free time: I don’t have much free time between leading our Theatre Department, staging multiple productions a year, attending IHSSA Speech competitions, and occasionally acting in local theatre, all whilst attending grad school and wrangling our toddler. When I am not at Roosevelt, I am likely with my son or helping my wife who is a Show Choir director in another district. During Spring and Summer breaks, our family enjoys extensive road trips across the country: visiting historical landmarks, Presidential birthplaces and libraries, and attending (performing at) comedy clubs as time allows.
How many years have you been at Roosevelt: The start of the 2021-2022 school year marks my 5th year with DMPS and at Theodore Roosevelt High School. I was previously at Southeast Polk for four years working at both the junior high and high school as the Musical Theatre director with the Vocal Music Department and Boosters organization
Education Background: DMA Voice Performance and Pedagogy – University of Iowa, MM Voice Performance – University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, BA Music Education, BA Voice Pesiarformance – Bethel College
Current Role: Head Vocal Music, Asian Student Association sponsor
Favorite thing about Roosevelt: The students!
What hobbies do you enjoy in your free time: Dancing, reading, working out
How long have you been at Roosevelt: 8 years
Timothy Dowler
Lynn Eastman
Education Background: BA (triple major) UNI in French, Psychology, and Management; BA at UNI Secondary Education
Courses: Learning Transitions, Co-Teach ELA
Favorite thing about Roosevelt: The diversity of both students and staff- I learn/experience something new all the time
What hobbies do you enjoy in your free time: Reading, camping, bird watching, needle crafts, gaming
How long have you been at Roosevelt: 21 years
Christina Estes
Dione Ferguson
Kathryn Galligan
Katherine Gamble
Terry Gioffredi
Education Background: BA Social Science Education UNI 1985
Courses: US Government, Modern US History, Sociology
Favorite thing about Roosevelt: The kids and people who work here.
What hobbies do you enjoy in your free time: Spending time with family. I have 4 kids (three daughters and 1 son) and 5 grandkids. I enjoy attending the grandkids’ activities. Season ticket holder for Iowa football. Umpiring all levels of girls softball. Watching superhero movies, especially during the COVID-19 isolation. Finally, watching all types of sports especially college sports. Spending time outdoors. How long have you been at Roosevelt: 27 years since the flood of 1993. I have been here so long I have taught parents of current Roosevelt students, along with teaching several staff members.
Dr. Amber Graeber
Education Background: B.S.E and B.A. Drake University; M.Ed Curriculum and Instruction, University of Washington, Seattle; M. Ed Educational Administration, Iowa State University; Ph.D., Iowa State University
Current Role: Social Studies Teacher
Favorite thing about Roosevelt: I love working at Roosevelt because I live in the neighborhood and our diverse students teach me new things every day!
What hobbies do you enjoy in your free time: In my free time I love to read, volunteer, exercise, and spend time with friends and family.
How long have you been at Roosevelt: 6 years
Alexander Gray
Jason Grossman
Kimberly Harrison
Education Background: Buena Vista with a degree in Special Education K-12, additional certifications in Special Education from Drake University; Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University
Current Role: Special Education Teacher
Favorite thing about Roosevelt:
What hobbies do you enjoy in your free time: In my free time I enjoy spending time with grandchildren, gardening, reading, knitting or working on my paper crafts.
How long have you been at Roosevelt: 13 years
Amy Headrick
Deborah (Smith) Henry
Courses you teach: Biology
Favorite thing about Roosevelt: The students. They teach me new things every day!
What hobbies or things you do in your free time: Scrap booking, quilting, gardening, politics.
Ruby Herrera
Ashley Hoegh
Education Background: Dordt College Instructional Strategist I-K through 12
Current Position: Instructional Strategist (Special Education), Biology and Earth Science
What do you love about Roosevelt: The kids are my favorite part about working at Roosevelt.
What do you enjoy to do in your free time: I enjoy reading, hiking, camping, watching the Hawkeyes and spending time with my family.
How long have you been at Roosevelt: This is my 3rd year.
Brandon Hope
Educational Background: BA in Business from Briar Cliff University in 1996. MS in Educational Leadership from Drake University in 2010
Courses Currently Taught: Future Ready, Future Set, General Business, Intro to Business, Marketing Entrepreneurship, and Business Law.
Favorite thing about Roosevelt: Love how our building is filled with so many unique individuals, representing so many cultures and backgrounds, but we all come together as Roughriders!
What hobbies do you enjoy outside of school: Jack of all things, Master of none!
How many years have you been at Roosevelt: Fall of 2000, over 20 years.
Nicole (Krayneski) James
Amelia (Amy) Kissell
Michaella Kleinmeyer
Education Background: AA and AAS in Biology from Indian Hills Community College, Bachelor’s in Biology from Drake University, Master’s in Teaching from Simpson College.
Courses you teach: I teach Environmental Science and AP Environmental Science
Favorite thing about Roosevelt: Learning more about the diverse community!
What hobbies or things that I enjoy in my free time: In my free time I enjoy spending time with my husband, our son, and our three dogs! I like to go to the zoo, spend time in my backyard, as well as binge watch my favorite TV shows.
How long have I been at Roosevelt: This is my first year teaching.
Parker Klyn
Brenda Koester
Mary Pat LaMair
Educational Background: BA from Colorado college and MFA from the University of Colorado.
Courses: Intro to 2D and 3D Design and 3D Design II.
Favorite thing about RHS: My favorite thing about Roosevelt is the people.
What hobbies do you enjoy outside of school: In my free time I love to get outside, spend time with my family, swim, and make art.
Jessica Lange
Cameron Leeper
Scott MacKrell
Whitney McKinstry
Matthew Murillo
Background Education: BS Finance – Drake Secondary Ed – Upper Iowa SPED endorsement – Upper Iowa
Currently teaching: I teach Government, Econ, Environmental Science
What I love about Roosevelt: I enjoy the many different kinds of people I get to meet at Roosevelt.
What do you enjoy to do in your free time: In my free time I play/coach sports with my kids enjoy going to the gym to work out!
How long have you been at Roosevelt: Been at Roosevelt for 14 years
Fatma Musharafa
Abra Nichol
Education Background: Bachelor of Science in History 2000, Teaching license in 2016, MA in educational leadership in 2021
Courses: AP Human Geography / LGBTQ+ History/Inter-sectional Feminism/Independent Study Econ and Gov
What do you love about Roosevelt: I love the diversity of my students.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time: I teach yoga, hike, and road trip
How long have you been at Roosevelt: I have been at Roosevelt since 2016
Sierra Perkins
Carlos Ramirez
Educational Background: Masters of Education from Grand View with an ELL endorsement and a BA in English and Secondary Education from Grand View
Courses: ELL English 1 and the Newcomer ELL courses
What hobbies do you enjoy in your free time: I love teaching at Roosevelt because it is the school in my community, and I am passionate about teaching where I live. I love to see my students when I’m on a walk or at the grocery store. I love to read, listen to audiobooks, and go on walks with my dog.
Jennifer Seals
Lindsey Smith
Kalifornia Sotelo
Education Background: Bachelors Degree from Morningside College in Spanish and Special Education with endorsements in reading and coaching; Masters in Education Administration from Drake University
Courses: I teach Spanish 1
My favorite thing about Roosevelt: is the people in it!
What hobbies or things you do in your free time: I enjoy salsa dancing, working out and being with friends and family!
How long have you been at Roosevelt: 7 years
Beatty Stires
Marilyn Stone
Education Background: Drake University- MS in Counseling / Personnel Services & WEC Endorsement Morningside: Instructional Strategist I Iowa State- BS in Elementary Education
Courses: Learning Transitions, Career Transitions, and Job Training
Favorite thing about Roosevelt: I love the students, families and the supportive environment we have for one another! Go Riders!!!
What hobbies do you enjoy in your free time: I enjoy spending time with my family and all outdoor activities including swimming and biking
How long have you been at Roosevelt: 7 years
Christa Sullivan
Education Background: BA in Spanish, the University of Iowa MA in Language and Literature in Spanish, University of Northern Iowa
Courses you Teach: Spanish I, AP Spanish Language
Favorite thing about Roosevelt: The sense of community I feel working with the students and staff.
What hobbies do you enjoy in your free time: I love spending time with family, bike riding, and reading.
How long have you been at Roosevelt: 6 years
Education Background: ESL Endorsement from Grand View College MA in Secondary Education from Adelphi University BA in English from Adelphi University Certificate in Acting from New York Academy for the Dramatic Arts
Courses: English 4
Favorite thing about Roosevelt: The family atmosphere and the mix of the student body
What hobbies do you enjoy in your free time: Crafting, reading, and family time
How long have you been at Roosevelt: 14 years
Julie Toscano
Education Background: Iowa State University
Current Role: Future Ready and Fashion
Favorite thing about Roosevelt: The students!
What hobbies do you enjoy in your free time: I love spending time with my family, going for walks with my dog, and doing photography.
How long have you been at Roosevelt: 2 years
Carly Triplett
Courtney Vercauteren
Alethea Wall
Jessie Weishaar
Education Background: Undergraduate degree from Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, IA
Courses Taught: AP Psychology, U.S. Government
Favorite thing about Roosevelt: Roosevelt High School has an incredible student body, teaching staff, support staff and administrators. My own children are in the Roosevelt feeder!
What hobbies do you enjoy in your free time: Spending time with my friends and family.
How long have you been at Roosevelt: 2 years
Kimberly Wermerskirchen
Sara Wodka
Brent Wooters
Education Background: Iowa State University, BA in History, Viterbo University, MA in Educational Leadership
Courses Taught: Modern U.S. History
Favorite thing about Roosevelt: That I get to work with a diverse group of students in the classroom and outside the classroom through teaching.
What hobbies do you enjoy in your free time: Love to go to live music events, theatre, sporting events, and decks on a summer afternoon.
How long have you been at Roosevelt: 30 years