Kimberly Neesen; Co-Director

Kimberly Neessen is a 1989 graduate of Cornell College with a B.A. in English and Secondary Education. She is also a graduate of the University of Colorado with a M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction. Prior to joining IPS, Kimberly taught at Jefferson County Public Schools in Colorado. Kimberly is currently working on an early childhood endorsement and is a children's advocate for Compassion International. She and her husband, Eric, currently live in Indianola with their three children.

Joanne Thessen; Co-Director

Joanne Thessen is in her second year teaching at IPS.  She has a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential, an Aim4Excellence National Director Credential, and is a graduate of Northwood University.  Prior to joining IPS, Joanne taught preschool in Virginia, and was a substitute teacher.  Joanne teaches religious education at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, is a parent volunteer at Wilder Elementary, and has volunteered with the Junior Achievement program.  Joanne and her husband, Greg, have three children and live in Indianola. 

Michelle Smith

Michelle Smith is starting her seventh year as a teacher at the Indianola Preschool. In the past, Michelle has worked with young children as the Head of Day Camps and as a Kiddie College assistant through Indianola Parks and Recreation. She is currently employed at Indianola Child Care. Michelle and her husband Tyler live in Indianola.

Heather Hulen

Heather Hulen has been a teacher at the Indianola Preschool for the past six years and a substitute teacher prior to that. She is Head Cheer Coach at Indianola High School.  She has served as a  Board Member on the Indianola School Board and has served as past President of the Indianola Preschool Board, YRE Parent Group and Irving PTO. She is a parent volunteer at Irving Elementary, and taught youth religious education for several years. She is also involved with many community organizations, including the Warren County Fair, and the National Balloon Classic. Heather and her husband, Bill, live in Indianola and they have three children.

Becky Hastie

Becky Hastie is a graduate of Simpson College with a BA in Music Ed. She is starting her seventh year as a teacher at IPS. She has previously worked in child care centers is DSM and Indianola and has also been a substitute teacher for Indianola and the surrounding school districts. She is an active member of the Indianola First United Methodist Church, Simpson Guild and a leader for the local Campfire club. She lives in Indianola with her husband, Mike, and their three children.

Connie Tormey

Connie Tormey graduated from The University of Iowa with a RN, BSN degree.  She is currently employed part-time as a registered nurse at Lutheran Hospital and at the Southglen clinic.   She will begin her fourth year teaching at the preschool.  Connie and her husband, Ed, live in Indianola with their two children. 

Becky Mays

Becky Mays will be starting her fourth year with IPS. Prior to joining IPS, Becky was a substitute teacher and worked in a country school in Nebraska. Becky and her husband, Justin, live in Indianola, with their three children.

Pamela Hartung

Pamela Hartung graduated from Drake University with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Education with an emphasis in reading.  She taught second and third grade, as well as, Title 1 reading in the Des Moines Public School District for ten years. This will be her second year teaching at the Indianola Preschool.  Pamela and her husband, Jeff, have three boys and live in Indianola.

Cheryl Geurts

Cheryl Geurts is starting her first year teaching at Indianola Preschool. She is a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa with a BA in psychology, MAE in educational psychology, and EdS in school psychology. She worked for seven years as a school psychologist in the Indianola schools. She has been on the board of Emerson PTO for seven years and has served as a parent volunteer in several classrooms. Cheryl and her husband Martin live in Indianola with their 3 children.