Vania (Beatriz) Basanez
Interpreter
Hi everyone! ? My name is Ms. Jensen and I am so very excited to be part of such an incredible school and community. I came to DMPS from Fort Dodge, where I started my teaching career as a Title I reading teacher and a coach for The All American Cheer Squad. I earned my Master of Science degree in K-8 Counseling, and began working with small groups, individuals, as well as implementing a variety of before and after-school clubs for students and families. When I am not in school, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends while traveling, boating, surfing, biking, snow skiing, or pretty much anything else active and outside. ?
As a school counselor, I am extremely passionate about advocating for each and every student while building quality relationships. I believe collaboration is imperative, and all children have the potential to succeed when we work together. I will provide a safe and nurturing environment where students can learn to lead more meaningful and successful lives in such a diverse and changing world. I look forward to another amazing school year at South Union Elementary!
Cara Held
Speech and Language Pathologist
Victoria Hintz-Bueno
Behavior Strat
My name is Mrs. Bueno. I grew up as a country kid just outside of Bondurant. I graduated from Iowa State University with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and special education. My first teaching job was back in 1999 in California’s central valley. It was there that I fell in love with the ocean and my soon to be husband, but I missed my family back in Iowa and the changing of the seasons that you just can’t find in California. After 9 years, I moved back to Iowa and began teaching for Des Moines Public Schools. I finished my masters degree in special education at Morningside College and taught special education in elementary and middle school before switching to the role of behavior strategist in 2017. I came to South Union in 2019 and it has quickly become my favorite school. I am the mother of 5 boys who bless my life everyday. I’m a homebody who loves to be in the nature with my family. I love to camp and hike and garden and generally just get my hands in the dirt and watch things grow.
Maxwell Keller
School Psychologist
Caleigh Mormann
School Based Therapy
Jessica Purscell
Instructional Coach
This is my 11th year at South Union Elementary School teaching Reading Recovery. I graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Elementary Education including endorsements in Reading and Math. I live in Des Moines with my husband and 2 daughters. When I am not at school, I enjoy spending time with my family boating, going to sporting events, watching movies and shopping, especially shopping! I look forward to another year working with your children.
Stephanie Scheer
Instructional Coach
Hi, I’m Stephanie Scheer. I am an Iowa native and graduated from Iowa State University. I have been teaching for Des Moines Public Schools for over 10 years, beginning my career in kindergarten and second grade. The past several years I have had the privilege of being an Instructional Coach at South Union. I support our school in many ways including professional learning, data analysis, and traffic control (be sure to wave!) I have a mini-me daughter named Lucy. We love playing with anything girly, watching movies, hanging out with family and friends, and reading LOTS of books.
Braeden Vasey
Student Support Coordinator
Michelle Volquardsen
Gifted and Talented
Jennifer Zindel
SpED Consultant