Entering my 11th year as a teacher, I’m passionate about creating engaging learning experiences. As a twin and a proud dog mom, I cherish family time and outdoor adventures. Whether I’m at a concert soaking in the music or out on the water boating, I love making the most of life’s moments.

This my 12^th year at Callanan and I currently teach 6^th grade language arts and math. I am also the advisor for Brother2Brother at Callanan, a mentoring and advocacy club that meets after school weekly.  I graduated from UNI with a degree in Secondary Education after completing 6 years in the military.

Hello, my name is Merci Finch, and I love being part of the Des Moines Public Schools. I have the pleasure of being in the district and at Callanan middle school for three years, all teaching Science. When I’m not teaching, I enjoy long walks, movies, reading, listening to music and spending time with family. I enjoy teaching 6th grade Science; I love seeing students learn, being an active participant in in the learning process, coming to class each day to learn, focused, motivated, and enjoying the learning process.

My name is Ms. Humke and I am a first year teacher here at Callanan! I graduated from UNI with a secondary history education degree and have endorsements in U.S government, geography, and economics as well! I teach 6^th grade Global Studies and 8^th grade Early U.S. History. I’m looking forward to a fantastic year!

My name is Traci Nalevanko.  I am a 6^th grade Language Arts teacher at Callanan Middle School.  I have taught every grade 1^st through 8^th grade and each one is my favorite as I teach it!  I earned my Undergraduate Degree from the University of Iowa and my Masters Degree from Iowa State University. I have 2 grown children and three great grand children!

Hi! My name is Mr. Nichols. I am in my 17^th year of education. I have taught in many different content areas throughout my education career. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, our Black Lab “Ranger”, hunting and fishing, boating, working out, coaching various teams in football and wrestling, attending athletic events, and enjoying anytime that I can outdoors! I am super excited for my first year here at Callanan Middle School and to be a part of DMPS.

Hello, my name is Crystal Seeley, and I am excited to be a 6th grade science teacher this year! I have a passion for science and am excited to help students learn about the world around them! I am originally from Wisconsin, but spent four years at Iowa State University earning a degree in Horticulture. This is my eighth-year teaching science. I completed my science education program through the University of Wyoming and am currently pursuing a Masters in Education through the University of Wyoming. When I am not in the classroom, I can be found walking my crazy dog, dancing, reading, watching football, or exploring Iowa.

My name is Shawntae Smith, and this is my 10th year with Des Moines Public Schools and my second year at Callanan. When I’m not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, and listening to music.

I teach 6th Grade Mathematics. I look forward to a year of academic growth, fun and engaging learning, and making math relevant to our daily lives.

My favorite quote is : “Have a good day, but if you can’t, don’t you dare go messing up nobody else’s.” – Tabitha Brown

My name is Mrs. Christine Vanwyhe (van-why)

I am a sixth-grade language arts and reading teacher. I am a south side Des Moines high school graduate. Go Rails! I have an elementary bachelorette degree (K-6) from Upper Iowa University. I received two endorsement in that field. One in language arts and the other is in reading. I also have a master’s degree in education from Graceland University. In addition to those degrees, I have attended over thirty credit hours of training at Heartland Area Education Agency. I have taught in Des Moines Public Schools for 28 years, 16 years in middle school and 12 in elementary. The one thing I am truly passionate about is being happy in my professional and personal life. I am an educator, but I am also only human.

Ms. Wright is a 6th-grade Global Studies teacher with 16 years of experience as an educator in Des Moines Public Schools, where she herself was once a student. As a product of the same school system, she is deeply connected to the community and committed to supporting her students in their educational journeys. Ms. Wright is also a proud mom to Jalynn, 23, and Elijah, 21, and she shares her home with her dog, Cooper, and her cat, Neo. In her free time, she loves watching soccer, enjoying the outdoors, and meeting new people. Ms. Wright’s goal is to be a reliable coach, cheerleader, and teammate for her students in the game of life, and her dedication to their success is truly remarkable.