Faculty & Staff

Fr. Chris Fontanini

Hello, I am Fr. Chris Fontanini. I grew up on the southside of Des Moines, Iowa attending Fort Des Moines school for Kindergarten, First, and Second grade. From third grade to eighth grade, I attended Christ the King. I attended Dowling Catholic High School and graduated in 1980. I attended Iowa State University and graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration and International Studies. I went to work for Farmers Insurance Group for a time, then worked for Domino’s Pizza-first as a delivery driver and then as crew chief.

I made the decision to enter the seminary discernment process in 1987, attending St. Paul Seminary for my pre-theologate year and then Kenrick Seminary in St. Louis for my theologate years. I graduated with a Masters in Divinity in 1992 and then worked as a lay minister for 3 years at St. Athanasius, Jesup and St. Francis, Barclay township, Dunkerton, Iowa. I was ordained a deacon in 1996 and a priest in 1997. I was assigned to St. Francis of Assisi in 1996 and remained there until 2000. Then, I was assigned as Pastor of St. Patrick’s, Audubon, and Holy Trinity, Exira in 2000 and remained there until 2003. Bishop Charron assigned me to the St. Thomas More Center, St. Mary’s, Guthrie Center, and St. Cecilia’s Panora for a time before inviting me to be Vocations Director and Chaplain of the St. Thomas More Center. I remained in that position for four years, had some temporary assignments at Immaculate Conception, St. Mary’s, St. Patrick’s, Irish Settlement, Assumption, Churchville, and St. Catherine of Siena before going on sabbatical. After my six month sabbatical, I was assigned to St. Joseph’s, Earling and St. Peter’s, Defiance and assisted with Shelby County Catholic Schools. I remained in that position for four years. Then, I was assigned to St. Thomas Aquinas, Indianola, Immaculate Conception, St. Mary’s and Catholic Priest Chaplain at Simpson College. I completed eight years there before being asked by Bishop Joensen to be pastor of St. Joseph’s and canonical administrator of St. Joseph’s Catholic School. 

I am excited about embarking on a new year, 2023-2024 school year. The State of Iowa Educational Savings Accounts have been a big boost to increase enrollment, increasing our student population by 10 percent. We are also excited about the expansion of our facilities as we have doubled the size of the school with an additional 20,500 square feet. With that, I want to give our parents, who have not participated with the financial contribution of the parish, an opportunity to do so. We have a rare opportunity to be among the pioneers to help elevate to an even greater degree the educational standards of our school with well qualified, dedicated staff and principal.  My hope is that you will consider a gift of $50, $100, $500, $1000 or more to help us reach the finish line with our pledges. I want to thank all of those who have contributed with their time, talent, and treasure and all of you who have made faith based education a priority centered on Jesus Christ. God bless you all! Fr. Chris Fontanini

Mrs. Hernandez

Hello, my name is Lisa Hernandez. I have twin boys who will be Freshmen at Dowling Catholic.

This is my 10th year here at St. Joseph Catholic School. I have spent the last 8 years as the Pre-Kindergarten Associate. This will be my 2nd year as the Preschool teacher.

Ms. Miller

Hi! I’m Amy Miller, I’m so excited to get the opportunity to work with the 3yos. I’ve spent the last 20+ years in customer service for a variety companies. I graduated from East High in 2004 but I’m hoping to further my education and get a degree in teaching as I’m really enjoying every moment of my day.

I have a daughter in 2nd grade and she has been at St. Joe’s since pre-Kindergarten. She’s enjoyed her time here and loves her friends. 

In my free time, I like to watch movies/tv and read books with/to my daughter. My favorites are The Simpsons, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and Doctor Who.

Mrs. Pope

I’m Stacey Pope and I’m excited to be the Pre-Kindergarten teacher this year. I have been teaching preschool on the east side of Des Moines for the past twelve years.  Prior to that I graduated from Iowa State University (Go Cyclones!) with a degree in early childhood education unified with special education. I later went on to get my masters in urban education from Drake University. I grew up on a farm near Harlan, Iowa. I live with my husband, three children, and dog Kaylee. We enjoy reading books, building LEGO, and exploring new parks together.  

My goal for each child that enters my classroom is to grow socially, academically, and in their love for God. At the end of their preschool experience I want them to feel ready and confident to enter kindergarten.  Looking forward to getting to know you and your child this year! 

Mrs. Crossmon

Hello, my name is Lauren Crossmon. I am a third-grade teacher at St. Joseph Catholic School. I live in Des Moines with my husband, our son, our baby on the way, and our little dog Louie. I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, crocheting, watching movies, photography, and taking trips to Disney with my family.

This is my ninth year of teaching. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Iowa State University. I have endorsements in math, reading, Talented and Gifted (TAG), and English as a Second Language (ESL). I taught for three years at Martin Luther King Elementary School in Des Moines before I followed my husband to Ottumwa, IA, to teach at Cardinal Middle School in Eldon, IA. I taught one year at Iowa Connections Academy, which is an online public school, during the COVID year to be home with my newborn preemie. I have been a classroom teacher, reading interventionist, math interventionist, talented and gifted teacher, and ESL teacher.

I was born and raised in the Des Moines area. I went to St. Pius X Catholic School and then Dowling Catholic High School. In my classroom, I work to meet students at their level and make sure that our classroom is a place where all feel welcome and comfortable. I really enjoy helping students fill gaps in their learning, pushing students who are developmentally ready for higher-level content, and making sure every student feels like they matter.

Mrs. Denniston

My name is Anna Denniston. Goo Biiig Redd! I’m originally from Omaha, Nebraska and moved to the Des Moines area in 2019! I went to UNO and graduated with my Bachelor in Elementary with STEM endorsement.

My husband Jake and I have two kiddos, Marin and Mason, as well a pup named Kane! When I’m not teaching, you can catch me spending quality time with my family or rewatching my favorite Disney shows and movies.

Mrs. Guiter

Hi, I’m Mrs. Guiter. I am the fifth-grade teacher at St. Joseph Elementary. This is my fifth year teaching here. I started my college career at the University of Northern Iowa and graduated from Upper Iowa University with a degree in Elementary Education and with a reading endorsement. 

I’m originally from Independence, IA. I went to St. John’s and loved my experience. I loved it so much, I knew I wanted to teach at a Catholic School. St. Joseph’s has been my home away from home. I hope you will feel the same way in this classroom! 

I’m married to my high school sweetheart, Tim. We have a Toy Australian Shepherd, Nellie, who is 10 months old. I enjoy going to sporting events, concerts, and the lake. I LOVE reading, going for walks (especially with Nellie), and spending time with my family and friends. I’m also oddly good at Connect Four!  

Favorite Bible Verses:
John 3:16
1 Corinthians 13:4–8
1 Corinthians 13:13

Mrs. Hrastich

My name is Beth Hrastich, and this is my 4th year as the Kindergarten associate. This will be my first year full-time. I love working at St. Joseph School and being a member of St. Joseph Church!

My husband Kyle and I have been married for 19 years and have four children. They keep us busy cheering them on in all their activities, including: Marching Band, cross country, soccer, ice hockey, and swimming. In my free time, I play adult league soccer, enjoy reading and being part of a book club, take care of my flowers, and travel.

Mrs. Knepper

Hello! My name is Marissa Knepper. This is my 6th year teaching, and I absolutely love what I do. My husband and I live in Ankeny with our two beautiful children, Micah (2) and Emersyn (5 months), and our wonderful puppy, Macy. I grew up in Marion, Iowa, and attended Linn-Mar High School, where I graduated in 2014. During high school, I was an active member of the marching band and show choir. I then attended the University of Northern Iowa, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Special Education. Currently, I am in the process of earning my Reading Endorsement as well. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and experimenting with my Cricut.

My goal as a teacher is to create an environment that not only fosters academic growth but also propels student confidence, excellence, and a strong sense of belonging. By nurturing these qualities, I aim to provide a classroom where every student feels valued and empowered to achieve their full potential.

Miss Murphy

My name is Debbie Murphy. I have been teaching first grade at St. Joseph since 1990. I have also taught preschool and 2nd grade. I grew up in Des Moines, graduating from St. Augustin and Dowling Catholic. I have a degree in elementary education with an early childhood endorsement from the University of Northern Iowa.

My goal is to create positive relationships with my students in a safe learning environment. I want my students to be successful and grow academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. I want to help students become confident and proud of their accomplishments. I look forward to working with each student and helping them achieve their own learning goals.

In my free time, I enjoy reading, listening to music, spending time with family and friends, and working out.

Ms. O’Connor

Hello! My name is Autumn O’Connor. I grew up in Des Moines, Iowa, surrounded by my large
(10 siblings!) and loving family. I feel blessed to have been able to travel and grow throughout
my eclectic teaching career.
After graduating from North High School in 2000, I attended the University of Northern Iowa
and majored in Elementary Education. I proceeded to move to Oahu, Hawaii, in January of 2005
where I taught Kindergarten for a year and First grade for three years at Leihoku Elementary in
Waianae. Upon moving back to Des Moines in the fall of 2009, I subbed and then taught Second grade
for three years at St. Joseph School. I also began teaching ELL and GED classes for DMACC until

1. This included about a year of teaching reading and GED classes at the Newton Correctional
   Facility, two days a week, and life skills classes at the Polk County Jail, the other three.
   In July of 2014, my sister Molly and I took off for a 10-day road trip to move me to Anchorage,
   Alaska for “one year”. One year quickly turned into SEVEN! as I taught in the tiny (55 people)
   village of Platinum, AK, from October, 2014 until May of 2016. Then onto living in Anchorage
   and teaching Fourth grade at the phenomenal Williwaw Elementary until May of 2021.
   I am now the aunty to 21 nieces and nephews, so it was high time I came back to good ol’ Iowa!
   After soaking up one more amazing Alaskan summer, I road tripped to Washington with my bff
   since 3rd grade, Katie, and then with my mom, getting to stop and spend time with several of her
   siblings along the way. Since being back, I have enjoyed lots of quality time with friends and
   family, and loved being the Hawks Club Coordinator here at SJS last year, but decided it was
   time to get back in the classroom.
   The Lord, education, and family have shaped me into the empathetic, well-rounded,
   enthusiastic, and ever-growing person I try to be. I am excited to be teaching Fourth grade this
   year and look forward to getting to know and grow with each student as we encourage each
   other in our faith, relationships, and abilities!

Mrs. Krastel

Hello! My name is Chelsea Krastel, and this is my 9th year teaching Middle School Math and Science at St. Joes. I am also the 8th Grade Homeroom Teacher.  

I grew up in the Diocese of Des Moines, attending Sacred Heart and Dowling as a K-12 student. From there, I earned my Bachelor of Science in Education and Human Sciences at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. My degree is in Elementary Education with endorsements in Middle School Math, Science, Social Studies, and Language Arts, as well as K-8 Reading.

After graduating from college, I knew that I wanted to return to Des Moines and teach in a Catholic school. SJS has been a wonderful place to work and grow! I am very happy to be a part of this community and have a lot of passion for teaching our students.

I currently live in West Des Moines with my husband Matthew and our dog Nova. We are currently waiting, praying, and hoping to adopt our first child soon. When I’m not at school, I enjoy watching Husker football, reading good books, and spending time with family and friends.

Ms. Healy

Hello,
My name is Susan Healy, and I am the part-time Title 1 Reading Teacher. I have taught in the public schools for the past 35 years. I received my B.S. in Elementary Education from Central College in Pella, my M.S. in Effective Teaching from Drake University, and I am Reading Recovery trained. 

My passion is teaching literacy to striving readers. I believe all children have literacy knowledge, and I base my teaching around their individual knowledge. I like to approach my teaching from an asset model and build on what is known. I strive to develop a self-extending system in each learner, so that they can ultimately be independent, problem-solving readers and writers. Along with this, I want each child to develop a love of reading and books.

My faith and my family are very important to me. In my spare time, I enjoy family gatherings, walking with my rescue pup, Buster, yoga, reading, and fashion.

I am grateful and excited to be part of the St. Joseph community of students, families, and staff!

Miss Parker

My name is Maggie Parker, and I teach music at St. Joseph Catholic School. This will be my second year at SJS! I received my bachelor’s degree from Drake University, studying music education. I am originally from St. Louis, MO, but found my love of Des Moines through my time at Drake. Outside of school and music, I enjoy cooking, crafting, and playing board games with friends and family.

One of the things I love most about teaching music at SJS is introducing students to music ministry. Not only do they have the opportunity to use skills we have developed in music class, but students often deepen their relationship with God through music. In addition to music ministry, we focus on developing functional music skills that enable students to be independent musicians. This includes work in audiation, reading notation, and movement. I have a passion for teaching through vernacular music, which has inspired units with older students on ukulele and bucket drumming. I am also excited to work with band students, starting this year!

Mrs. Rodine

Hello! My name is Jen Rodine, and I am the Professional School Counselor here at SJS. This fall, I am starting my 26th year in the Diocese of Des Moines, and 25 of those years have been here at St. Joseph! The thing I love most about St. Joseph School is that our entire staff is committed to educating the whole child. We want to ensure that all students grow spiritually, academically, socially, and emotionally.

I am from Des Moines, and my husband, Matthew, and I have raised our 3 boys here in Des Moines as well. We are members of Holy Trinity Parish and live in the Beaverdale area. I received my Bachelor’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa in English Education, and my Master’s degree from Drake University in School Counseling. In the past, I have coached high school volleyball and softball, and am currently one of the St. Joseph Girls on the Run coaches, as well as one of the Middle School Speech and Debate Team coaches. I am very proud of all the clubs and teams we have at St. Joseph for students to participate in!

Some of my interests include reading, cooking, and being active. I enjoy hiking, going on bike rides, and walking our dogs, Boone and Dougie! I am an avid sports fan, and I do my very best to get to as many St. Joseph sporting events as I can!  

I am looking forward to meeting all our new students and welcoming back our current students and families. Every year I think, “This is going to be the best year yet!” 

Mr. Steffen

My name is Treyten, and I’ve spent the last 5 years attending Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa. While there, I also participated in wrestling and our Student Athlete Advisory Council. I’m really passionate about physical activity and health, which I can’t wait to bring to the classroom! I’m excited to be a part of the community. 

Mrs. Woodward

Hi!  I am excited to join the St. Joseph’s school team as the ELL and STEM teacher this year.  I have my Master’s degree from Drake University with endorsements in Reading and Teaching ESL. I have been with the Diocese of Des Moines for 12 years. Previously, I was a first-grade teacher at Holy Trinity and the ESL and Student Support teacher at St. Pius X.

I believe that it is important to build a community of learners to promote cooperation and collaboration, where students become problem solvers and deep thinkers. I want to provide rich academic content that challenges and excites students while creating a space where they feel supported to take risks to extend their learning.

When I am not at school, I spend time reading and traveling with my husband of 33 years.  We enjoy cooking together, spending time with friends, and riding bikes along all of the wonderful bike trails around the Des Moines area. 

Mrs. Begley

Mrs. Begley has been a registered nurse for 9 years. This will be her first year as a school nurse at St. Joseph Catholic School. 

Mrs. Begley and her husband, Josh, live in Pleasant Hill. They are raising 2 young boys who will be attending St. Joseph’s, and she’s excited to see the boys throughout the day. She enjoys cooking, baking, and taking family bike rides. 

She is excited to play a role in helping children of St. Joseph’s get the best education. 

Mrs. Nieto

Hi! My name is Paola Nieto. I am originally from Queretaro, Mexico. My parents,
siblings, and I moved to Iowa in 1999, and I can’t imagine my life anywhere else.
I graduated from lowa State University with a bachelor’s in industrial engineering.
We are a Cyclone family!

My husband, Emilio, and I have five children, Alex, Gabby, Emma, Naomi, and
Fatima and a puppy named Teddy. We’ve been members of Our Lady of the
Americas Church for over 20 years, and I have been serving as a lector and
Eucharistic minister at Saint Joseph for the last year during the Spanish Mass. I
stay busy with my girl’s swimming meets year-round, serving at church, and
spending quality time with my family. I love to see new places. Traveling is so
much fun and eye-opening. I’m always amazed by God’s creation!

Mrs. O’Connor

Hi! I’m Cathy O’Connor. I worked in the cafeteria for 16 years and then left for 3 years when COVID hit. I am coming back part-time this year.

I love St. Joseph Catholic Church and School. My youngest three children graduated from St. Joseph and went on to Dowling Catholic High School.

I currently have eight grandchildren here at St. Joseph Catholic School. I hope all of you have as good an experience here at St. Joseph as many children and I have had.

Mr. O’Connor

My wife and I (plus 11 children) joined the St. Joseph’s Church community in 2001. Twelve years ago (2011), I responded to a need at the school for a bus driver….and the rest, as they say, is history. Been driving ever since!

Over the years, we have sent a number of our children through St. Joseph’s school, and now—years later—a good number of our grandchildren are in attendance. I have found the St. Joseph’s community a great place to stay constructively involved and am active in many parish activities (music, Scripture study, RCIA, etc.). I am happy to be a part of this vibrant and growing community!

Dougie Rodine

Hey Gang, it’s me – Dougie!

This is going to be my second year as Mom’s (Mrs. Rodine’s) assistant at school. I have not been formally trained as a “therapy” dog, but I do continue training to eventually be “Good Citizen” certified. I love coming to school to see all the students, visit classrooms, join recess, and especially see those special lunch ladies!!

Some of my favorite things are playing with my big brother, Booney, eating Mom’s plants, taking naps, and getting lots of pets and scratches! I am looking forward to seeing all my friends at St. Joes, and remember – we are all there to learn, including me!