Hello! My name is Emily Barnett! This will be my 11th year at Callanan! This is the only school I have taught at! An interesting fact about me is I have a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. When I am not teaching, I enjoy being outdoors and reading! My family loves camping in a tent! I graduated from Simpson College with my undergraduate degree and have a master’s from Drake! Go Strom! Go Bulldogs! 

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.

My name is Justin Bowers and this will be my sixth-year teaching eighth grade Early U.S. History at Callanan and my sixth year with DMPS! I am a former DMPS student myself and earned my degree from the University of Iowa and a master’s from Drake university. I enjoy getting to work with DMPS students each day and being a part of the same district I grew up in as well!

Mr. Brown-Now in my 7th year of teaching, I’m dedicated to fostering student growth both in and out of the classroom. My wife and I share our home with 3 dogs and 1 cat. I’m passionate about coaching cross country, track, and soccer, and in my free time, you’ll often find me on the golf course or watching sports.

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!

Mrs. Larson has worked at Callanan for 25 years and continues to enjoy serving her community. She is currently attending Drake University to further her post master’s education. All three of her children attended Callanan and then went on to graduate from Roosevelt. She now has 2 fifth grade grandchildren. She married her high school sweetheart, and they have now been together 40 years.

I have taught for three school years as a high school science teacher. I have taught Science 9, Biology, and Anatomy and Physiology. This is my first year as a middle school science teacher. I have a master’s degree from Simpson College.

I have been married since 2007 and have three children. I like to be outside when it is not cold out. I enjoy planting flowers, fruits, and vegetables, going fishing and hunting, going on walks, and going to the park. I enjoy listening to a variety of music. From middle school through my late teens, I wanted to be a radio disc jockey for a rock station. I found an interest in medical science when I was taking classes for my associates degree

Hello! My name is Bethany Pearson and I am an 8^th grade ELA teacher. This is my 14^th year in education and my third non-consecutive year as a Callanan Cougar. I have taught in Iowa, Georgia, and Texas. I have my bachelor’s in Secondary Education from Drake University, a master’s in public administration from Augusta University, and I am now completing my second year as a doctoral student with Drake University. In my spare time, I like to exercise, read, and spend time with friends and family.

I have been a teacher for DMPS for 26, ALL of them at Callanan! I have co-taught 6th, 7th, and 8th grade language arts and math. I enjoy our Callanan community and couldn’t imagine teaching anywhere else! I graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with my bachelor’s degree. Outside of school I am married and live in West Des Moines. My wife and I enjoy traveling and trying as many new pizza places as we can find!

Welcome! My name is Lindsey Steger, and I am proud to be part of our school community. I have a passion for both education and athletics, coaching volleyball, track, and soccer here at Callanan. Outside of school, I enjoy spending quality time with friends and family. I’m excited to continue fostering a supportive and dynamic environment for all my students and athletes!

This will be my fifth-year teaching in Des Moines Public Schools. I am passionate about reading and literacy; and truly enjoy watching students become active readers.

I live in Clive, with my husband and our three children. Much of my free time is spent watching my children participate in their sporting events: swimming, football, basketball, and cheerleading. I also have a mini-goldendoodle named Mr. Otis Bean, who is the joy of my life!