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
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
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!