Hello Everyone!

My name is Ms. Ayala!  I am currently in my seventh year of teaching, but new to South Union.  I am originally born and raised in Racine, Wisconsin.  After high school, I attended Briar Cliff University in Sioux City, Iowa on a softball scholarship and to my Bachelor’s Degree.  In 2016, I graduated from Briar Cliff with an Elementary Education Degree and a Reading Endorsement.  After college, I taught for five years at Bishop Garrigan, in Algona, and one year at St. Pius X School in Urbandale.  A recent achievement of mine is completing my Master’s Program while teaching and coaching softball!  In 2021, I graduated from Grand Canyon University with a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction.

When I am not teaching, I love to go on walks, spend time with family and friends, hunt, fish, cook, and play with my Black Lab puppy Steeler!  I also love to travel around the Des Moines area to try new foods, my favorite is either tacos or pizza.  Another fun fact about me is I love to take road trips to new places around the United States!

I am beyond excited to be your teacher and to watch you grow and achieve your goals!  I can’t wait to get to meet you!  Let’s have a great year!

Hello!

My name is Mrs. Meola!  I have been teaching for 8 years.  This will be my fourth year in DMPS at South Union- Go Little Rails!  My husband, Joe and I live in Altoona with my step-daughter, Eve and French Bulldog, Vinny.  I love staying active, traveling, trying new foods, and getting together with friends and family.  I am looking forward to a year full of fun, learning, and celebrations with you!

Hello everyone!

My name is Katie Wilson and I am an Iowa girl, born and raised.  I attended Des Moines Public Schools growing up and it has been my dream since I was in elementary school to one day be a teacher in this district.  I graduated from Grand View University with a degree in elementary education and an endorsement in reading.  Upon graduating, I taught fifth grade for two years.  After that time I moved to Waterloo, Iowa for a year where I worked as a graduate assistant in the Literacy and Curriculum department at UNI.  In this position, I worked as a practicum supervisor to junior level elementary education students.  Upon moving back to Des Moines I taught middle school for one semester then worked as a substitute in the district.  In my free time, I love spending time with my family, walking my dogs, and reading.  I’m so excited to start teaching at South Union.  One thing I am most looking forward to is getting to know all of my students and their families.  Thank you for welcoming me to your school!