Anne Blaalid
Anne has been with Central Academy since 2007, teaching Pre Advanced Placement Bio/Chem/Physics and Accelerated Physics and Chemistry.  She received her BS from Nebraska Wesleyan University and her Masters of Education from Doane College in Lincoln, Nebraska.  Prior to joining the Academy staff, Anne taught at Crete High School in Lincoln, Nebraska, instructing Biology, Applied Chemistry, Applied Physics and Environmental Science.  mailto:anne.blaalid@dmps.k12.ia.us

Sherry Brooks
Sherry has been with Central Academy since 2000, teaching American Literature, Advanced Placement Language and Composition and Advanced Placement Literature and Composition. She received her MAT from the University of Iowa. Prior to teaching at Central Academy, Sherry taught four years at North High  School. She has received the Who’s Who among American Teachers’ Award twice.  mailto:sherry.brooks@dmps.k12.ia.us

Jean Ellerhoff
Jean has taught at Central Academy since 1983, teaching courses in English: English 9, Advanced Placement English Language and Composition, and Advanced Creative Writing. She received her BA from the University of Northern Iowa and her MSE from Drake University. Jean has presented at the North Central Association National Conference and the National Council of the Teachers of Mathematics national convention. She is also a teacher with the Global Youth Institute.  mailto:jean.ellerhoff@dmps.k12.ia.us

Amy Finnegan
Amy joined the Academy staff in 2005, teaching AP English Literature and 9th grade English. She received her BA from the University of Northern Iowa and her MA in English Literature from Iowa State University. Previous teaching experiences include West Central High School and Norwalk High School teaching AP English Literature, British Literature, Composition and Creative Writing.  mailto:amy.finnegan@dmps.k12.ia.us

Tom Forsgren
Tom has been with Central Academy since 1999, teaching Advanced Placement World and European History. He received his undergraduate degree from Simpson College and earned his Masters and Ph. D. at Iowa State University. He has worked in the Des Moines School District since 1988.  Tom is Nationally Board Certified in social studies and history. He is Director for the Global Youth Institute.                                                     .  mailto:thomas.forsgren@dmps.k12.ia.us

Diane Fox
Diane has been with Central Academy since 2000, teaching 8th grade Government and 7th grade Prep Academy Mathematics. She earned her undergraduate degree at Iowa State University. Prior to teaching at Central Academy she taught for 1 ½ years in Illinois and 3 years in the Des Moines Public School District. She is a member of the National Council for Social Studies as well as the National Council of Mathematics Teachers. She is a 2004 recipient of the Edyth May Sliffe Award.                                     .  mailto:diane.fox@dmps.k12.ia.us

Lindsay Fredregill
Bio coming soon.
mailto:lindsay.fredregill@dmps.k12.ia.us

Dara Gannon
Bio coming soon.
mailto:dara.gannon@dmps.k12.ia.us

Jeff Hepburn
Jeff has taught at Central Academy since 2001, teaching Advanced Placement Chemistry and Chemistry/Physics Principles. He received his BA from the University of Northern Iowa and his MS from the University of Iowa. Additional professional awards include State Excellence in Science Teaching Award, Tandy Technology Scholars National Award winner, Dreyfus Master Teacher Award, and the Iowa Chemistry High School Teacher for Excellence in Science State Award. He is the 2003 IAST Distinguished Service Award recipient.                                                             mailto:jeffrey.hepburn@dmps.k12.ia.us

Denis Hildreth
Denis joined the Central Academy faculty in 2008 teaching English. He earned one undergraduate degree in speech, English, and theatre from Simpson College and another from the University of Minnesota in elementary education. He did his graduate work at Northwestern University. In Des Moines, Denis has taught at Lincoln High School (1974-1979), Douglas Elementary School (1980-1984), and Hoover High School (1984-2008). Denis received the National Federation of State High School Associations regional Outstanding Speech, Debate, and Theatre Award and was inducted into the Iowa High School Speech Association Hall of Fame in 2003. He is a member of the National Council for Teachers of English and the Iowa Communication Association.
mailto:denis.hildreth@dmps.k12.ia.is

Dominic Iannone
Dominic came to the Central Academy staff in 2008, teaching AP US History and World Civilizations.  He received his Bachelors in Social Studies Education Cum Laude as well as his Masters of Arts in History with Honors from Northern Arizona University.  Previously, he has taught at Goodrell Middle School where he was also the Mock Trial coach.  Additionally, Dominic taught as a Graduate Assistant in the history department of Northern Arizona University.
mailto:dominic.iannone@dmps.k12.ia.us

Joyce Johnson
Joyce has been with Central Academy since 1993, teaching 8th grade English and science. She also teaches the 7th grade Prep Academy English and reading. She attended Purdue University for her undergraduate degree and the University of Iowa for her Masters. Joyce taught for 13 years in Indiana and Cedar Falls, Iowa before coming to Central Academy.  mailto:joyce.johnson@dmps.k12.ia.us

Sara Karbeling
Sara has been with the Academy staff since the fall of 2006. She is a graduate of Carleton College and received her masters degree from Northwestern University. Sara teaches AP Physics and some accelerated math classes. Previous experience includes research at Iowa State University and Carleton. Her teaching experience includes Scattergood Friends School and Mount Vernon High School.  mailto:sara.karbeling@dmps.k12.ia.us

Harvey Kimble
Harvey has been with Central Academy since 2003, teaching Advanced Placement US History. He completed his undergraduate and graduate degree work at Western Illinois University. He is a recipient of the Outstanding Teacher Award from ACLD, Grinnell College Outstanding Teacher Award, Finalist for Iowa Teacher of the Year and the Outstanding Teacher Award from the Belin National Center for the Gifted. He serves as President of the Iowa Academic Decathlon. Harvey has been teaching since 1969.  mailto:harvey.kimble@dmps.k12.ia.us

Michael Link
Michael has been with Central Academy since 1986, teaching Algebra I and II, Geometry, Pre-calculus, Integrated Math I, II and III and AP Calculus AB. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Northern Iowa. He is an Edyth May Sliffe Awardee and a national recipient from Iowa for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics Teaching. Michael is Vice-President of the Iowa Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the state representative for the National Association.  mailto:michael.link@dmps.k12.ia.us

Lana Lyddon-Hatten
Lana has been with Central Academy since 1997, teaching Int. Algebra I, Int. Geometry, Int. Alg. II, Pre-Calculus, Rad. Acc. I and Rad Acc. II. She received degrees from the University of Missouri (Kansas City) and Iowa State University. Lana is a recipient of the Edyth May Sliffe Award. She is with the Iowa and National Council of Mathematics Teachers and is involved with the ISU/National Science Foundation research project on Discourse in the Middle School Mathematics classroom.          
mailto:lana.lyddon-hatten@dmps.k12.ia.us

Michael Marcketti
Michael joined the Central Academy staff in 2007, teaching Geometry, Precalculus, and Advanced Math Topics.  He received his BA in Mathematics from Grinnell College, and his M. Ed from Graceland University, with additional courses from ISU, U of I, and Southern University. Michael has previously taught at West High School in Iowa City, The Episcopal School in Baton Rouge, Roosevelt High School and is an instructor for the Belin-Blank International Center for Gifted Education.  He is a recipient of the Edyth May Sliffe Award.  Additionally, he is an American Regions Mathematics League Coach, an officer of the Iowa Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and a member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. 
mailto:michael.marcketti@dmps.k12.ia.us

Catie Miller
Catie joined the Central Academy staff in 2007, teaching English 8 and English 9 and Speech.  She received her BA in Communication from Simpson College, and her masters from UNI.  Previously, she has taught at Meredith Middle School, Roosevelt High School, where she was Head Forensics Coach, and Hoover High School, where she spent 7 years as the Assistant Forensics coach and 2 years as the Assistant Drama Director.  Catie spent 2 years teaching in Japan with the Kofu/Des Moines Teacher exchange, and has been the Assistant Director of the Kofu Exchange since 2004.
mailto:catie.miller@dmps.k12.ia.us

Diane Morain
Diane has been with Central Academy since 2002, teaching Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition and 9th grade English. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Iowa and completed her graduate degree at Drake University. She is a Carver Foundation Grant Awardee and recipient of the Belin-Blank Significant Teacher Award. Diane has also taught classes at Simpson College, Drake University and DMACC. mailto:diane.morain@dmps.k12.ia.us

Joe Obrycki
Joe joined the Central Academy staff in 2008, teaching Algebra II, Geometry, Precalculus and Geometry.  He received his Bachelor of Science from the University of Iowa, where he was a Presidential Scholar, and his Master of Education from Iowa State University.  Joe has previously taught at Valley High School, Ames Middle School (where he also assisted with the Accelerated Learning Program), and DMACC.  He also has taught and lectured at Iowa State University, as well as teaching a summer program for high ability students at Johns Hopkins University. 
mailto:josheph.obrycki@dmps.k12.ia.us

Tamara Pfantz
Tamara has been with the Academy staff since 2005 and teaches mathematics at a variety of levels. She received her undergraduate degree from Iowa State University and received graduate degrees from Iowa State and Drake University. She previously taught in Colorado, Japan, Ames High School and most recently at Iowa State University. She has presented at several national conferences regarding mathematics in education. mailto:tamara.pfantz@dmps.k12.ia.us

Meja Pinkney
Meja has been with the Academy staff since 2005 and teaches English to 7th and 8th grade students. She received her degree from Cameron University and completed the Cameron Teacher Education Program in 2001. Prior to arriving in Des Moines, Meja taught high school English in Lawton, Oklahoma.  mailto:meja.pinkney@dmps.k12.ia.us

Brian Reece
Brian joined the Central Academy staff in 2007, teaching Math I and Math III.  He received his BA in Mathematics from Central College, and his MSM from Iowa State University.  Brian has previously taught at Lake Mills High School, Melcher-Dallas High School and Johnston High School.  Brian is a member of the National Council of Mathematics Teachers.
mailto:brian.reece@dmps.k12.ia.us

Mike Schaffer
Mike has been involved with Central Academy since 1989 and teaches three AP social science courses. He received his BA from Grinnell, his MA from Northwestern Univ. and has teaching experience from 5 states and 2 foreign countries. Mike is recipient of the Rotary, Grinnell College (twice), and University of Chicago Teacher of the Year Awards. He was one of 39 teachers nationwide to receive the 2004 DisneyLand Teacher Award for innovation and creativity in the classroom. He is a former lobbyist for and current member of the National Council for Social Studies. Mike has earned National Board Certification. mailto:michael.schaffer@dmps.k12.ia.us

Scott Schoneberg
Scott has been with Central Academy since 1988, teaching courses involving all aspects of science and computer science. He completed his undergraduate work at Iowa State and graduate work at the University of Iowa. Scott has been named Science Teacher of the Year by the Iowa Academy of Science. He is the Iowa Academy of Science Earth Science Chair, the Datastreme Instructor for the American Meteorological Society and the Iowa Representative for the National Earth Science Association of Teachers.  mailto:scott.schoneberg@dmps.k12.ia.us

Canada Snyder
Canada originally joined the Academy in 2003, and rejoined the faculty in 2007, teaching Advanced 8th Grade Government, World Civilizations and Humanities, and Advanced Placement US History.  Canada has also taught at East and Carlisle High Schools.  She is a member of the National Council of the Social Studies, the Organization of American Historians, the National Consortium for Teaching about Asia, and Teaching about East Asia Summer Institute.  Canada has also received the Who's Who Among America's High School Teacher's Award.  mailto:canada.snyder@dmps.k12.ia.us

Susan Stroope
Susan has been with Central Academy since 1995 teaching Advanced Placement courses in the science fields. She received her BS from Ohio State University and an MS from the University of Iowa. Susan has been selected for the Woodrow Wilson Fellowship Institute for Teachers and the Howard Hughes Medical Research Institute for Teachers. She is a College Board Consultant, Advanced Placement Exam Reader, and an Instructor for the Belin-Blank Advanced Placement Teacher Training Institute.  mailto:susan.stroope@dmps.k12.ia.us

Russ Vanderhoef
Russ has been with Central Academy since 1997 teaching English and Advanced Placement Literature and Composition. He received his BA from Simpson College and has taken graduate classes at Drake University. He is a University of Iowa, Belin Blank Center Most Influential Teacher honoree and an Honorary Thespian Society member at Hoover High School. He is a member of the National Council for Teachers of English. Russ previously taught English and served as technical director in drama for 9 years at Hoover High School.  mailto:russell.vanderhoef@dmps.k12.ia.us