Melanie Beltz
Teacher Associate
Reagan Boeset
6th Grade Science
http://boesetsciencezone.wordpress.com/
Hi, my name is Reagan Boeset and I am so excited for my first year as a Clipper! I am originally from Burlington, Iowa where my husband Nick and I graduated from High School. I attended the University of Northern Iowa in 2004 with a degree in Chemistry Education and had the opportunity to teach at the High School level for 5 years before moving to Iowa City a year ago with Nick and my son Beckett, 2 1/2. I am currently attending UNI to gain my Master's in Science Education and plan to complete my degree in May of 2012. I chose to stay at home this past year with Beckett and have our daughter, Harper now 10mo in October. Staying home with my kids was an amazing experience and I am so glad I did, yet I knew that I truly wanted to get back into the classroom.
My husband Nick is currently subbing, hoping to find his place at a school district in their PE department and get back into coaching. We are sure the move was the right one for our family and have been enjoying the Iowa City area. I enjoy spending time with my kids and family and getting outside! I am thrilled to have gotten a position on the CCA team and look forward to growing as an educator and person here! Please don't hesitate to email, call or even visit the 6th grade science room and I look forward to meeting you and working with your children!
Mary
Burgher
Family & Consumer Sciences
Hi, my name is Mary Burgher. I’m a Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher at both the high school and the middle school. This is my seventh year teaching in the CCA School District. I graduated from Amana High School many years ago. I then graduated from Iowa State University in 1973.
My first teaching position took me half way around the world to Adelaide, South Austrailia. I spent 3 ½ years teaching there followed by four months traveling throughout Asia and Europe before returning home to Amana. I’ve also enjoyed many years as a Home Economist for Amana Refrigeration.
My husband Tom and I reside in East Amana along with our two children. Liesl is currently at senior at Coe College majoring in Elementary Education and will be student teaching this spring. Fritz is a sophomore at Northwestern University majoring in Journalism and Political Science. You can catch him marching with the NU marching band - they’ll be at the Iowa game this year.
Brian Burkhardt
Choir
Brian Burkhardt is the Director of Vocal Music at CCA Schools. A graduate of Wausau West High School (WI) he went on to earn his B.A. from Luther College (Decorah, IA) in vocal and instrumental (trumpet) music education. Mr. Burkhardt went on to graduate study at the University of Iowa where he completed his M.A. in Music with an emphasis in vocal performance and choral conducting.
Mr. Burkhardt began his teaching career at HLV Schools in Victor, IA where he was the K-12 general and vocal music director. He also directed the yearly musical productions at HLV and CCA. During the summer months he worked as the Assistant Director of Operations for the American Institute of Music Studies (AIMS) program in Graz, Austria.
Mr. Burkhardt lives in Coralville with his wonderful wife, Kerri, and two terrific children Brandon and Karissa. When he is not busy with Scouting, coaching or watching his children's athletic or dance events, he remains a frequent performer and conductor in the professional music world.
Stephen Carey
Student Success
Hello, my name is Steve Carey. I grew up on a farm near Churdan, IA with 5 older brothers. I participated in every school extra-curricular activity at Paton-Churdan and graduated in 1992. I attended St. John’s University in Collegeville, MN (sounds made up doesn’t it?) and graduated in 1996 with a degree in social science and secondary education. I then coordinated a youth ministry program at St. William’s Church in Minneapolis, MN until 2001. At that time I moved back to Iowa and spent 5 years teaching 6-12th grade social studies at Paton-Churdan and coached basketball and track.
In 2006 I moved to the area and began teaching 8th grade U.S. History at CCA. Last year I moved to the position of Student Support and have been coaching 8th grade girls basketball and Middle School track the last five years as well.
My wife Jen and I live in Iowa City and have a ceramic cat named Ribbons. I love Hawkeye sports, running, and reading sports or history literature. Please feel free to contact me.
Ruth Cooper
Middle School Librarian
My name is Ruth Cooper. I grew up on a farm in Pocahontas county in Northwest Iowa. I attended college at Berea College, Berea, Kentucky where I learned about country folk dancing and puppetry among other things. I graduated with a B.S. in Elementary Education from Iowa State University, and have a Master’s Degree of Education from California State University, Long Beach. I served as the library administrator at Pocahontas, Iowa, then became a school librarian for the Rialto Unified School District, Rialto, California. I began working at the Amana School/Community Library in 2006 and am now the librarian for the Amana School/Community Library as well as the librarian for the Clear Creek Amana Middle School.
I thoroughly enjoy watching young people connect to reading materials, especially when they seem to be consumed with high quality books. I enjoy reading very much and have too many favorite books to count.
I belong to the Amana Arts Guild.
Please feel free to contact me.
Carolyn Crawford
Cook
Dan
Davies
Instrumental Music
Howdy youngsters! My name is Dan Davies. I am a 1975 graduate of Mt.Vernon Comm. Schools. Interesting that I now teach in the same conference I grew up in (Go-Clippers! Beat the Mustangs). Oh, where was I... Anyway I graduated from college in 1979 and received my degree in instrumental music from the University of Iowa! GO-HAWKS! (Of course I was a member of the Hawkeye Marching Band!). I taught band in Sumner IA from 1979-1985. Got out of teaching for a couple of years and lived in Mpls.MN from 1985-1988 ( ran a couple of marathons, did a long term substitution in special education music and also worked as a music sub in several Mpls. school districts). In 1988-1992 I taught 5-12 band in Coon Rapids IA . In 1992 I was hired here at CCA halftime and taught 5-6 band in Amana. I also started my Masters Degree program at UI in Music Therapy. Eventually I became a fulltime MS band director and I dropped my masters program. This pretty much brings me up to date with my education and teaching.
I play my Flugelhorn in the “Eastern Iowa Brass Band” and I play trumpet in a rock band called “Olds and the Mobiles”. I love music and am very proud to be a “Clipper”!!!!!!!!!!
Lonnie Dayton
special education
My name is Lonnie Dayton. This is my 7th year of teaching at Clear Creek Amana High School. I spent most of my youth in Richmond, Iowa and graduated from Mid-Prairie High School in 1992. I spent two years at Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa before transferring to the University of Iowa to finish my coursework. I graduated from the U of I in May of 1997 with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. After substitute teaching in several Iowa City area schools for a number of years, I returned to education at Morningside College, in order to acquire a Special Education Instructional Strategist 1 endorsement for grades 5-12.
Outside of school, I enjoy playing disc golf, biking and spending time with my family
Grant Elsbernd
Middle School Counselor
https://sites.google.com/a/ccaschools.org/mr-e-counseling/
Hello, My name is Grant Elsbernd and I am the 6th-9th grade School Counselor at Clear Creek Amana. I grew up on a farm near Calmar, Iowa and graduated from South Winneshiek high school in 2004. After that I attended Coe College where I received my Bachelor's degree in Sociology and Communications in 2008. I then went to UNI to get my Master's degree in School Counseling and finished in 2010. I began my education career as a K-12 Counselor in the West Bend-Mallard School district in 2010 and had a wonderful time there but knew it was time to move back to eastern Iowa! I am very excited become a clipper this year and get to know the community. I currently reside in North Liberty. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me or visit my website!
Pat
Flaherty
5th & 6th grade Instumental Music
Hello, all, my name is Patrick Flaherty and I am the Elementary Band Director at CCA and teach lessons at the Middle School for 7th grade. I have been a Band Director since 1977 (it is too scary to count up all those years so I don’t!) and still enjoy making and teaching music.
I grew up on a farm outside Fairfax, IA and went to school in Fairfax and Cedar Rapids. I graduated from Cornell College in Mt. Vernon with a Music Ed. Degree and have been teaching music ever since. My first 2 jobs were 5-12 band jobs, I subbed for 7 years in the C.R. area and have been at CCA since 1990.
Working on the family farm has been a good balance for me and I now live in the same house I grew up in! Our family consists of my wife of 25 years Lisa, sons Daniel (17), Dylan (15), daughter Kate (11) and tail-ender Jesse(5). We all enjoy music in different ways but it seems to be an important part of our family life.
I am in lots of buildings during a normal week but you can reach me easiest by email: pflaherty@cca.k12.ia.us. As you can see by my kids ages, I will be doing this for quite a while and am proud to be able to continue my teaching career here at CCA. Go Clippers!!
Brad Fox
Principal
Be added to Mr. Fox’s distribution list
Hello, my name is Brad Fox. I’m the principal at Clear Creek Amana Middle School. I’m a native of Colfax, Iowa and I graduated from Colfax-Mingo in 1986. I then continued my education and graduated from Indian Hills Community College (Ottumwa, Iowa) in 1988 with an Arts and Science Degree. From there I attended Henderson State University (Arkadelphia, Arkansas) and graduated from HSU in 1990 with a BSE in Physical Education and Special Education. I was then hired by the Center Point/Urbana CSD as a high school special education teacher. While at CPU I also coached baseball, basketball, and golf.
Starting with the 1996-1997 school year I began teaching at Clear Creek Amana Middle School. During this time I have been the middle school at-risk coordinator, assistant principal, and principal. I also coached football, basketball, and golf. Additionally I completed my Masters at the University of Iowa with an Educational Administration Degree.
I live outside of Amana with my wife, Heather and our three children. My children are Cameron (6th grader), Riley (2nd grader), and Carson (kindergarten). In my free time I mostly enjoy spending time with my family, playing golf, and watching and attending Iowa Hawkeye games.
I LOVE Clear Creek Amana and feel blessed to work and have my children attend our GREAT school district!
Theresa Graff
Cook
Jennifer
Hackathorn
Student Support
http://ccaschools6thgrade.wordpress.com/
Beth Hahn
7th grade Math
Hello, I’m Beth Hahn, formerly Beth Struzynski, and I teach 7th grade mathematics at Clear Creek Amana Middle School. I am a native to this area and this school district. I grew up on a farm north of Oxford, Iowa and graduated from Clear Creek Amana in 2006. I then attended the University of Northern Iowa (Cedar Falls, IA) and graduated in the fall of 2009 with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Elementary and Middle Level Education with a minor in Mathematics Education. I was hired at CCA in 2010 and will be starting my third year of teaching middle school mathematics.
I got married last summer to Ryan Hahn, another former CCA grad. Ryan works at Stutsman’s in Hills, IA. Ryan and I now live south of Oxford, while we work on remodeling an old farmhouse outside of North Liberty. We’ve become pretty good painters, sanders, stainers, etc., as we’ve been working on our home. I spend any free time I have with family and friends. I enjoy cooking/grilling with Ryan, gardening with my dad, shopping with my mom, and playing Euchre with my brothers.
I feel very blessed to have been able to attend Clear Creek Amana as a student, and now, to be able to work with such great staff and community members.
Jessica
Huch
6th grade Reading
classroom twitter (CCAMSHuch): https://twitter.com/#!/CCAMSHuch
class site: https://sites.google.com/site/ccamsgrade6reading/
book recommendation blog: http://ccareads.blogspot.com/
I’m Jess Huch, and I teach 6th grade reading at Clear Creek Amana Middle School. I have taught in the Clear Creek Amana district since 2000, right after I graduated from UNI. For the first ten years at CCAMS I taught both reading and language arts. When the middle school moved over to Tiffin for the 2009-10 school year, I begin focusing on reading only.
Shortly after the end of my first year, I got married, and my husband Pete went back to school to the University of Iowa to become a teacher. He is now the English 9 teacher at the high school, as well as the play and musical director. In 2006, our daughter Grace was born. She is a fixture at the CCA football and softball games and loves to hang out with the band and color guard. I spend a lot of my free time chasing after her, but when I get the chance, I read a lot of books and love to learn about and try out technology. We live in High Amana.
Please feel free to contact me, follow my classroom on twitter,look at my classroom site or book recommendation blog
Cynthia Koster
8th grade Reading
Hi! My name is Cynthia Koster and I am the 8th grade reading teacher. I am an eastern Iowa transplant and converted Hawkeye fan - the Husker side of my family wants to disown me for it! My husband, Brian, and I both went to high school together at Kuemper Catholic High School (Class of 99) in Carroll, Iowa. We started dating in March of our senior year and had each separately chosen the University of Northern Iowa for college. We agreed that whoever got a job first, that’s where we would live. Brian was hired as a loan officer in Marengo in 2003 - so we moved to the area! We have been married for almost 8 years.
Brian and I like to travel and visit family. We also like to golf and work on projects around our house. I am an avid reader (would be even if it wasn’t my job!) and like to do various kinds of craft projects and scrapbooking. We have two fur-babies - Cody, our 7 year old Beagle and Socs, the cat who adopted us! We have twin niece and nephew who we spoil every chance we get.
This is my sixth year teaching in the district. Before being hired for my current job, I worked as a classroom associate for a year and a half and also subbed for a year. I love my position, the students, and my colleagues and couldn’t ask for more. Last year, I took on the role of high school speech coach and am looking forward to being a speech geek once again. I also am the person you see behind the score table at home middle school sporting events. I love watching the kids and cheering them on!
Please feel free to contact me anytime.
Mike McCue
6th, 7th & 8th grade Computer Technology
I split my time between the Middle School and the High School teaching all the Business classes. My after school activities include officiating football games, basketball games and coaching 7th grade boys basketball and 8th grade girls basketball.
After graduating from Colorado State University in Fort Collins, I spent 5 years teaching and coaching before starting my own retail apparel business, Michael J’s. Once I completed 20 years in this business, I had the opportunity to work with Goodwill Industries, managed a regional shopping center, and spent time in the insurance industry.
I felt this experience should be put to good use, so I returned to teaching and this is my fifth year at Clear Creek Amana. My wife, Kathy, is also a teacher. We have four children, Sarah, Patrick, Tim, and Matt. Please feel free to contact me anytime.
Lindsey Meade
6th grade Math
Hi, my name is Lindsey Meade. I am from Solon, IA and was a Spartan growing up! Now that I have been a Clipper for the past year, I very much enjoy teaching math and being part of the district. This is my second year in the district, and I recently taught in the Waterloo Community School District at Central Middle School. I went to college at Wartburg College in Waverly, IA. I recently earned my master's degree from Upper Iowa University in Instructional Teacher Leadership. I got married last December and live in Iowa City with my husband. When I am not teaching, I love sewing, cake decorating, fishing, watching and playing sports, and spending time with family and friends.
Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns. I look forward to teaching another year of math and cheering on the Clippers!
Kimberly Meller
8th grade Social Studies
www.missmeller.com
Leanne Nelson
6th grade 21st Century Writing
I am Leanne Nelson, the 6th grade 21st Century Writing teacher. Just last year, the kids knew me as Ms. Goldberry, and sometimes still call me that. This is my fourth year teaching in the CCA district, and I am loving it! This is a school with a bright future and wonderful staff and students; I feel so lucky that I ended up here.
I earned my BA at the University of Colorado at Boulder in 2000, and eventually went back to the University of Iowa to become an English teacher in 2003 (one of the best decisions I have made). I have lived in many places and had many different jobs, but this is by far the best yet. I do miss the mountains horribly sometimes, but I have two little Clippers of my own, and I think that Iowa really is a great place to grow!
I live with my husband Bob, and my two daughters, Beatrice and Eliza, in Oxford. I love to read, write, garden, and spend time outdoors. My family loves to play board games together, read, and will occasionally help me in the garden.
Feel free to contact me. I enjoy working with your children. We have great kids!
Elizabeth Rhodes
7th grade Writing
https://sites.google.com/a/ccaschools.org/7th-grade-writing---ms-rhodes/home
Hello, my name is Elizabeth Rhodes and I am absolutely thrilled to begin my first year of teaching 7th grade Writing at CCA Middle School! Although it is my first year as a classroom teacher, I spent the last two years subbing in the CCA district in mainly Language Arts/English classes, getting to know a district I've grown to love. I know many of the students, but I am very excited to get to know everyone!
I grew up east of Kalona, Iowa in the country on a farm and attended Mid-Prairie Schools and then graduated from Iowa Mennonite School (IMS). After high school, I attended Goshen College in Goshen, IN where I earned my BA in English and Secondary Education in the fall of 2009. I completed my student teaching in High Ability 7th grade and 8th grade Honors Language Arts classes at Goshen Middle School. After graduation, I was hired to fill in for a teacher on extended maternity leave at West Side Middle School in Elkhart, IN, teaching 8th grade Language Arts and Read-180 classes. After that, I moved back home to Iowa and began subbing. Through my teaching experiences, I discovered that middle school students are my favorite, so I am really looking forward to teaching at CCAMS!
I got married last September to Steven Rhodes, also a native Iowan, who works as a Spanish Interpreter for the court system of Iowa. I studied Spanish in high school and college, and while in college traveled to the Dominican Republic for a semester. There I lived with host families and taught English. I know some Spanish, but I am not fluent *yet*, but I plan to learn more all the time. Steven and I now reside near Wellman and spend a lot of time outside. We have a pet goat in our barn named Shredder and a cat named Julio.
Activities outside of school I enjoy include: reading novels, writing, sketching, helping Steven garden, playing violin, drinking really strong coffee with half and half, listening to music, working out, playing sports, and definitely hanging out with family and friends. Before I was hired as 7th grade Writing teacher, I also baby-sat for my beautiful niece Ava, who just turned three, and I wrote for The Wellman Advance (local newspaper), reporting on city council meetings, and sifting through old archives to write the Looking Back column each week.
Again, I am looking forward to meeting students and parents and want to help each student be successful this year! Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
Ben Robison
Middle School Health
http://mrrobison.webs.com/
Hello, I’m Ben Robison, and this is my first year on staff at Clear Creek Amana, teaching 6th grade health, 7th grade health, and 8th grade wellness. I am excited to join the CCA community!
I am a native of New Virginia, Iowa and I attended Interstate 35 schools in Truro, where I was a multi-sport athlete. After high school, I attended Simpson College in Indianola and I competed in Cross Country and Track & Field for the Storm. I graduated in 2010 with a BA in Physical Education and Health and then pursued a MSE at Drake University in Teacher Effectiveness and Curriculum Design & Development. For the last two years, I have been coaching Cross Country and Track at Simpson. I hold 4 separate Track & Field coaching certifications & licenses.
Sharing my love for the human body, how it moves, and how it functions is my favorite thing in the world! Along with teaching and coaching, I enjoy cycling, boating, golfing, track & field, and Iowa Football.
Jill
Santee
7th grade Reading
Hello, I’m Jill Santee, the 7th grade reading teacher at the Clear Creek Amana Middle School. I am originally from the small town of Bode, IA where I graduated from Twin River Valley High School in 2001. After my high school graduation, I continued my education at Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge, Iowa where I graduated in 2003 with an Associates of Arts Degree. From there I then transferred to the University of Northern Iowa where I graduated with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Elementary Education in 2007. I was fortunate to become a member of the Clear Creek Amana staff directly out of college three years ago. I also began coaching the CCA high school dance team after completing my first year of teaching.
I live in Coralville with my husband, Jason. In my free time I enjoy reading and traveling.
Please feel free to contact me.
Jessica
Sauer
6th grade Social Studies Teacher
Hello, my name is Jess Sauer and this is my 11th year teaching Social Studies to 6th graders at CCA. I have also taught Reading, Writing, and Math, but for the last several years have taught only Social Studies. I grew up in Wisconsin and attended Carleton College in Northfield, MN where I majored in Chemistry with an Educational Studies Concentration. After graduation I spent two years in the Peace Corps. I taught English, Math, Physical Science, and Geography to two amazing groups of 10th graders in Namibia, Africa.
When I was finished with the Peace Corps, I moved to Iowa and got my teaching certification at the University of Iowa. I began teaching at CCA as soon as I graduated and have been here ever since. In addition to teaching, I direct the Middle School Play each year and lead a group of students to Washington DC. This year I am sharing the coordination of student council with Mrs. Cooper, the librarian and I’m very excited about this new challenge.
When I’m not doing “school stuff”, I like travel, photography, and trying to tame the out of control vegetation in my yard. I live in Coralville with one cat with a lot of personality.
Contact me any time.
Amanda Simpson
8th grade Science
https://sites.google.com/a/ccaschools.org/8thgradescience/
Hello, my name is Amanda Simpson and I am a true CLIPPER!! I was born and raised in the Clear Creek Amana School District, where I graduated high school in 2001. I eventually left CCA and attended a small school in Wisconsin, called Carthage College, where I played basketball. After a semester I was injured and decided to transfer to the University of Northern Iowa where I graduated with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Education with a minor in Science Education. Spring 2006, I was fortunate enough to be offered a job as the 8th grade science teacher at my beloved CCA. Let’s go CREEK!
I currently live outside of Oxford with my husband Chris, our 3½ year old daughter Bailey, and we are expecting our 2nd child in September. From March through October we spend a lot of our free time at dirt racetracks throughout the mid-west. My husband, brothers (Dave, Denny, and Andy Eckrich), and brother-in-law (Chad Simpson) all race. I also enjoy playing and watching sports, playing with my daughter, and spending time with my other family members and friends.
I am very honored to say that I am a Life Long Clipper! I am very proud of how our school district has grown and I feel privileged to say I am a CCA grad! Don’t be a stranger.
Stephen Smith
Student Support
Hi! My name is Steve Smith and I am one of the 5 special education teachers in the building. This year marks the start of my 10th year of teaching and my 5th year at Clear Creek Amana Middle School. During the school day you may find me in a variety of classrooms co-teaching with the reading, writing, and math teachers. You may also see me working toward reading, writing, and math goals with small groups in my classroom. In addition, I do my best to support students with organization and practice work completion during study skills.
Luther College in Decorah, IA is my alma mater. There I earned my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a special education endorsement. I also played football and basketball while attending. More recently, I went on to complete my master’s degree in special education at Morningside College.
I currently live in North Liberty with my wife, Andrea, and two children, Sawyer and Veda. My wife is also a special education teacher for the Iowa City School District. During our free time, we love going to Iowa games, boating out on the lake, and playing with our children out in the community. I also love to play guitar, sing, and take good care of our pets.
I have a passion for teaching and working with kids. I hope to leave lasting positive impressions on young minds, provide students with the tools to be life long learners, and guide children to become respectful and responsible members of their community.
Joe Taylor
7th grade Social Studies
Hello, my name is Joe Taylor, and I am very excited to be teaching here at CCAMS! I grew up in the small town of Riceville, which is in Northeast Iowa. Through high school, I was a multi-sport athlete and active in both speech and choir. I graduated in 1999 and moved on to Winona State University to study business and finance.
I took a short break during my sophomore year, while I joined the United Stated Army Reserves. In 2003 I was called to serve in Operation Iraq Freedom where I served 18 months in Baquabah. Upon returning from Iraq, I had a major change of heart, and I changed majors to Education, History, and Coaching. (Thank you GI Bill!)
I graduated in 2008 (I guess that I was on the 9 year plan) and married my wonderful wife Renae shortly after. We then moved to Alaska, where I took my first teaching job. After 2 wonderful years in AK, we decided that it was time to move back to the Midwest.
I am on my 5th year of teaching, as I have taught 6th, 3rd, 5th and now 7th grade!
I am looking forward to a wonderful year of teaching and coaching here at CCAMS!
Lauri Tow
Secretary
I started with the CCA district in 1992 as a cook in the Amana building. A job I loved! About 8-9 years later one of the secretaries in the office was retiring, it was suggested to me that I apply for the job. Little did I know at the time, it would turn out to be my dream job! I only had two miles to go to work.
When the middle school moved to Tiffin a few years ago I came with the move! My two mile drive suddenly turned into 15 miles complete with deer! It’s still my dream job and I’m happy to report, one less deer is one the highways!
My husband, Larry and I have lived in the Amana’s for 39 years. We have two daughters, both whom are Clear Creek Amana graduates. I am very proud to be a part of the CCA family. I truly enjoy the people I work with, the families of our students and I learn something every day from the kids who attend here.
Hello, my name is Margaret Trumpold. I am one of the Physical Education teachers at CCAMS. I received my A.A. degree in Commercial Art from Kirkwood Community College and became a non-traditional student at Coe College receiving my BA degree in Physical Education in 2009. I come from a family of educators and look forward to sharing my love of physical activity with the students at Clear Creek Amana Middle School.
My husband Lynn and I live in his grandparents Amana home where we raised four CCA graduates. Erica our oldest and her husband Mark Zimmerman live in Cedar Rapids, William is taxidermist in Solon, Jeff is a senior Computer Science major at U of I, and Emilie is a junior majoring in Elementary Education at the U of I.
I am also the P. E. teacher at Amana Elementary in the mornings and head coach for the Williamsburg Girls High School & Junior High Swim teams. When I’m out of the water, I enjoy spending time with my family, knitting, crocheting and quilting.
Cody Van Fleet
Custodian
Jessica
Von Ahsen
Student Support
My name is Jessica Von Ahsen, I work with special education students in 6th through 8th grade at the middle school. I am originally from Williamsburg, and am currently living in South Amana with my family. My husband Derek farms in a family operation and we have two boys, Jackson is 6 and Cole is 2 and a half. We also have a baby on the way, that is due January 9, 2012.
I graduted from Coe College in Cedar Rapids in 2003 with a degree in elementary education and endorsements in reading and social studies. My first year out of college I worked for GWAEA at the Behavior Learning Center in Iowa City as a paraeducator. After working there for a year, I decided that working with special education students was my passion. I went back to school and got my masters in special education from Morningside College. From there I was hired at CCA in 2004 as a special education teacher.
I am now in my 8th year of teaching at CCA. I love working with all students that come through our doors and enjoy being a Clipper! I look forward to working with students and their families this year.
If you have any questions or concerns about your student, please feel free to contact me. The best way to get a hold of me is through email.
Karl Vogel
7th grade Science
Hi, My name is Karl Vogel. I was born and raised in Jesup, IA where I attended high
school, played football, basketball, track, and baseball. I graduated in 2004, and then
attended Wartburg College. While in Waverly, I played football for two years and
ran track for 4, competing in the decathlon for 3 years, while there I studied Biology
and Secondary education.
I graduated from Wartburg in 2008, and taught 7th grade in Monticello, IA for
2 years. In 2010 I got married and my wife got into Grad school at UCF, in Orlando,
so we moved south. I taught 8th grade for two years in Eustis, FL and after my wife
completed her degree we decided to come home. Heidi and I now live in North
Liberty an are happy to be back.
Molly Wait
Art
Heya! My name is Molly Wait. I am the new CCE and Middle School Art teacher this year. I am from Montezuma, IA where I graduated H.S. in 1995. I attended Northwest Missouri State University from 1995-1999 where I graduated with my Bachelors in Art Ed K-12. I have been teaching for 12 years and still love to come to school each day! I have taught in Iowa, Maine (at summer art camp), Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri and back to Iowa. I have been slowly picking up some extra undergraduate courses in psychology over the last 7 years and am planning on pursuing a masters in Art Therapy, someday.
We are so busy with soccer practice, gymnastics and family that I don’t know when I would find the time to study. My little boy, Charlie is in 2nd Grade and he is very excited to be living so close to his grandparents, finally. My husband Brandon, Charlie and I live in Tiffin with our 3 horses, 1 dog, 2 cats, 2 leopard Gecko’s and some assorted fish. I enjoy riding horses, running, reading, playing with Charlie and painting when I can find the time. I am very happy to be back in Iowa and close to my family and friends. I am also proud to be working at Clear Creek Amana Schools.
Kathy Wehrle
Custodian
Jody
Wengerd
Teacher Associate
Hello, My name is Jody Wengerd I am the Para-Educator for the 7th and 8th grade at the middle school. This is my 13th year with Clear Creek Amana. I had 3 daughters who attended the CCA District. My husband and I grew up in the mountains of Western Maryland. We moved to Amana 14 years ago for a job transfer. I love working with the Middle school age, they make me laugh everyday. In my spare time I do costuming for a theatre group in Iowa City.
Brenda Willis
8th grade Math
My name is Brenda Willis. I work with 8th grade math students.
I grew up on a farm in Brooklyn, Iowa, and was a big Hawkeye fan, BUT was lured to the other side of the state for a quality math and engineering program at Iowa State University! I married my husband, Jason, who was a fourth generation Cyclone and will not be fully converted to the black and gold.
I started my teaching career at Johnston Middle School, but moved after a year to St. Louis where I became an avid Cardinal fan! Our hearts never left Iowa and moved back to a state that we love after 6 years.
We have three very energetic, smart, wild, crazy talkative (don’t know where they get that) children: Ally (4th) and Drew (2nd) at North Bend and Tana (3 yrs) – who thinks she is a “big” kid! There is never a dull moment in our house.
Sandi
Zimmerman
8th
grade 21st Century Writing
My name is Sandi Zimmerman and I teach 8th grade 21st Century Writing. I grew up in North English and graduated from English Valleys high school, and UNI. I live in Williamsburg with my husband Don and our youngest daughter, Abbie, who is a senior at Williamsburg. Our oldest daughter, Lindsay Tippie, is an 8th grade Reading teacher at Prairie Point Middle School in Cedar Rapids. Our son, Alex is a junior at the U of I. Our daughter, Cortney, is the district health aide for CCA and taking nursing classes as well. My mom, Carma Septer, lives in Coralville and is my greatest role model. I have 3 beautiful grandchildren, Preston, Olivia and Mason. Besides the passion for my family, I also have a passion for teaching middle schoolers and for "my techies", The Creek Squad.
CCA DIRECTORY
Administration
Bus Drivers
High School
Middle School
North Bend Elementary
CC Elementary
Amana Elementary