Mrs. Crista Else Administrative Assistant/Music     Mrs. Crista Else had retired from MVAO as their elementary and middle school music teacher in May. She was in retirement mode for a few short weeks before plunging into music at Danbury Catholic. But that's not all! Crista will also be showing her smiling face to all who enter the lobby and will be helping Principal Mrs. Petersen as her administrative assistant.     The Iowa State University graduate grew up on a farm outside of Danbury. She and her husband, James Else stay busy with their 3 sons and 7 grandchildren~Zachary & Noelle and kids Hannah, Jonathan & Alexa; Eli & Holly and kids George & Theo; and Luke & Elizabeth and kids Emma & Harrison.

Mrs. Amy Seuntjens Library     Mrs. Amy Seuntjens is no stranger to Danbury Catholic. As parent to former students, former teacher, and former principal at DC, she has walked the halls numerous times. She returns as the school librarian.     Amy had been a teacher for 12 years, directing the third and fourth graders at DC in their learning before spending 6 years in administration at DC. As a student herself, she earned her undergraduate degree from Briar Cliff University and her Masters through Wayne State.     The Sioux City native has lived in Danbury for the last 34 years with her husband, Matt. There, they enjoyed watching their children Lynsey, Hayley, and Colby grow up and add to the family as they started families of their own. Amy and Matt's grands are Bo, Lucy, Murphy, and twins who will be arriving soon!     Amy enjoys reading, photography, and creating scrapbooks.

Mr. Chase Collins Physical Education     Mr. Chase Collins will be taking a few hours a week off from his job as superintendent of Willow Vale Golf Course in Mapleton to teach Physical Education at Danbury Catholic.     A proud Briar Cliff University alumni, Chase taught for 10 years prior to taking over as superintendent of Willow Vale a year ago. He had shared his teaching expertise to students in 3rd grade, 6th grade general education, and in Secondary Special Education. His wife, Heather continues teaching at Westwood as their junior high and high school science teacher.     Chase grew up in Mapleton, graduating as a Ram. He sees his childhood home almost daily as he, Heather, and their daughter Evie live in the house next door to his childhood home.     Chase is very excited to join all of the wonderful students and staff that make Danbury Catholic special. He is honored for the opportunity to be a part of the team.

Mrs. Jordan Deitschy Kindergarten     Mrs. Jordan Dietschy is beginning her teaching career at MVAO as a kindergarten teacher in the Mapleton center.     Soon after graduating from high school, the Blencoe native attended Western Iowa Tech Community College to earn her associates degree. She then transferred to Buena Vista University where she earned her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. She also received a K-8 Reading Endorsement. She has been a substitute teacher for multiple school districts prior to this year.     Not only is Jordan beginning her career as teacher, she very recently began her life as a wife. She got married to my husband, Blaine this past May. The couple who lives in Salix are excited to begin this new chapter together.     Although she greatly enjoys her time in the classroom, outside of school she enjoys visiting new coffee shops, trying new places to eat, and, of course, shopping.     "I'm very excited to be a part of this school district," said Deitschy. "This year will be filled with lots of new experiences but also a lot of fun. I'm looking forward to getting to know each of my students and their families and making this a fun and meaningful year for everyone."

 

Mr. Denver Hoskins Special Ed     Mr. Denver Hoskins has spent time at MVAO, teaching Math in the MVAO Middle School as a long-term sub. This is his first year as teaching in a full-time position. Denver will be a Special Education instructor.     An Ogden native, Denver is living in Mapleton.     Along with teaching, he will be seen on the coaching staffs of the football the track teams.

Mr. Derek Dougherty Special Ed     He's baack!     Mr. Derek Dougherty is no stranger to the MVAO/MVAOCOU school district. The Ram graduate returns as the MVAOCOU Special Education instructor.     Derek grew up in Mapleton and graduated in 2008. He went to Morningside in Sioux City (Go Mustangs!). He currently lives in Danbury with is wife, Kendra.     Derek's teaching experience takes him to a number of area schools. He began at Schleswig, went to Charter Oak-Ute, then the MVAO middle school, and finally to OA-BCIG. He now returns to his alma mater.     Derek's main hobby is coaching, he said. He can be found at the softball diamond and on the football sidelines. In his free time, he loves reading, golfing, hiking, and going to the lake.     "I'm excited to be a Ram once again," he exclaimed.

Ms. Nicole Taylor Guidance Counselor     Ms. Nicole Taylor joins the staff at MVAOCOU High School as the Guidance Counselor.     Originally from the Cowboy State, Cheyenne, WY, Nicole moved to Iowa in 2008. She graduated from BVU in 2010 with her Bachelor of Arts Degree. Fourteen years later, she again graduated from BVU, this time with her Masters in School Counseling. She has spent several years working with at-risk students.     Nicole has two grown daughters, Olivia and Elizabeth. She loves animals, nature, hiking, camping, and all the fun activities of being outside. Horses are her therapy. She loves traveling and would love to do more. She had the privilege of studying and living in Europe. The Old World intrigues her, and she values tradition, beauty, and the ability to see things from different points of view.     "I am so excited to join the MVAO team and be a part of the school community. I look forward to getting to know all the students, their families, and faculty," she said. "I feel honored that MVAO is allowing me the opportunity to make positive memories with the students and share their ebbs and flows of life. I hope the students will feel comfortable coming to me as their advocate and a source of reprieve.     "As MVAO's new guidance counselor, my main goals are to support student success, build strong family partnerships, and guide academic planning. I have an open-door policy and am available to help in any way I can. I will provide a safe and comfortable place for the students to come and talk, which is a judgment-free zone. I will also focus on student growth, college and career readiness, and emotional well-being."

Mr. Beau Wolfe PK - 8th Grade Music     Mr. Beau Wolfe, growing up in Anthon, his musical voice was heard at concerts in that building throughout his elementary and middle school years. He returns to these programs as a director, teaching in the P-K-8th music.     Currently receiving his licensure, Beau taught in the RV school district last year, teaching middle school Music and Science.     Beau's hobbies include lifting weights, playing guitar and piano, playing video games, and collectibles.     "I'm extremely excited to teach at MVAO with a full schedule," Beau exclaimed.

Mr. Chayton Rowe MS Math     Mr. Chayton Rowe very recently graduated from Morningside University. He begins his teaching career in Anthon as a middle school math teacher.     The Bronson native is currently living in his hometown. He enjoys playing golf, lifting, wrenching on cars and trucks, fishing, and playing board games.     "I am excited to start teaching this fall and look forward to this upcoming school year," he said.