This is my 20th year teaching at South Union Elementary. I currently teach fifth grade but have experience with kindergarten, second, and fourth grade. I live in Indianola with my husband, high school daughter, two dogs, and one cat. I have two adult children, my daughter is a fifth grade teacher at Carver Elementary and my son attends Iowa School of Pharmacy in Iowa City. I am very excited for another great year and hope to meet you soon!
Marissa England
Interventionist
Hi South Union students and families! My name is Emily Fristo and I am thrilled to be returning to SU as an academic interventionist! I am a product of the Des Moines Public Schools and graduated from Roosevelt High School. After high school, I attended the University of Iowa where I graduated with my degree in Elementary Education. Some of you know me as Emily Bogart (I got married last June!) I taught kindergarten for one year and second grade for two years here at South Union. After a year of teaching first grade in Urbandale, I am extremely excited to be coming back to SU, in a new position! South Union truly feels like home because of all the amazing students, families, and staff. I look forward to sharing my passion for reading and math with my students and watching their learn grow!
I started teaching for DMPS after graduating from the University of Iowa. I taught 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade at Pleasant Hill Elementary. I then moved over to Junior Achievement of Central Iowa where I ran the JA BizTown program. I took a few years to be home with my kids before joining the South Union team.
My husband, Luke and I have two daughters – Mara and Ava. We live in Des Moines and enjoy spending time outside, travelling, working out, reading and cooking. I am thrilled to be part of the SU team!
Michelle Ludwig
Interventionist
Hi! My name is Michelle Ludwig and this is my third year teaching Reading Recovery and being a Reading Interventionist at South Union. I spent seven years teacher kindergarten and first grade before landing my dream job of being a Reading Teacher. I love seeing students grow throughout the year and the confidence they gain from their successes. In my free time I love spending time with my husband and two kids, Charlie (6) and Mia (4), being outdoors, and running. I can’t wait to begin another year at South Union!
Madison McNamee
Interventionist
Hello fourth grade!
My name is Madison McNamee. This will be my fourth year of teaching and fourth year at South Union! I graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education. When I am not teaching, you can find me spending time with my boyfriend, Brandon, and our son Calum, who is a pandemic baby, and our two golden retrievers, Django and Aspen. I also enjoy spending my time being active outside, being with family and friends or relaxing on the couch with a good book. I am so excited to get this year started and to meet all of you!