Administration
Fr. Fontanini, Pastor
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. Ernst
As a product of the Diocese of Des Moines, it is a great honor to continue my vocation in Catholic education as the principal of St. Joseph Catholic School. I am a graduate of Loras College, and a product of their teachers for Catholic Schools program. My vocation to teaching in Catholic schools has allowed me to teach for the last 26 years in the dioceses of Dubuque, Sioux City, the Archdiocese of Minneapolis/St. Paul, and my return to the Diocese of Des Moines.
My deep commitment to Catholic education through all my experiences, and after prayerful discernment, led me to moving into Catholic leadership as the next chapter of my journey. After completing the classes for my certificate of Catholic School Leadership through Creighton University, I decided that I would like to further my knowledge and continue to form, inform and transform students and teachers through receiving my master’s in educational leadership.
My husband, Rich and I have one son, Jack who is a freshman at Dowling Catholic High School. Our home parish is Holy Trinity, but you will see us in the pews of St. Joseph’s as well. We are excited as a family to learn, grow and serve in Christ within the SJCS community.
Early Education
Mrs. Hernandez, Preschool
Hello, my name is Lisa Hernandez. I have twin boys that will be in 8th grade this year.
This is my 9th year here at St. Joseph Catholic School. I have spent the last 8 years as the Pre-Kindergarten Associate. I am so excited to start a new journey as the Preschool teacher.
I will also start my 8th year as a 3rd grade catechist for faith formation.
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Mrs. Capuno, Preschool Associate
My name is Roxane Capuno, this will be my first year as an associate assistant for preschoolers.
My husband and I have a son in 8th grade and twins that are in 3rd grade, all attending St Joseph school.
I am looking forward to helping and building a relationship within students, staff and also serve purpose to our church!
Mrs. Pope, Pre-Kindergarten
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 eleven 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!
Elementary
Mrs. Gawronski, Kindergarten
My name is Casey Gawronski and I am the Kindergarten teacher at St. Joseph Catholic School. This will be my third year here and I have enjoyed becoming a part of this close-knit, faith-filled community. I love working with our Kindergarteners as they become readers and writers. It is so much fun to watch them learn and grow exponentially throughout the year. My number one goal is to instill a love for learning in my students that will stay with them. I want them to feel safe, loved, and valued at school and look forward to coming each day. Every day in Kindergarten is filled with laughter, fun, friendship, adventure, prayer, and so much learning!
I grew up in Des Moines and am a graduate of Holy Trinity and Dowling Catholic. I earned my degree from Loyola University Chicago and have experience teaching preschool through 2nd grade. My husband, Brian, and I have been married for nineteen years and are proud parents to three daughters. When I am not at school, I enjoy spending time with my family, including my pup, Fozzie. My students enjoy getting to know Fozzie each year through the pictures and stories I share with them. Our family likes traveling for our daughters’ cheer competitions and checking out new shops and restaurants. In my downtime, you might catch me binge-watching documentaries on Netflix or trying out a new baking recipe.
Mrs. Hrastich, Kindergarten Associate
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 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, taking care of my flowers and traveling.
Miss Murphy, First Grade
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.
Mrs. Denniston, Second Grade
My name is Anna Denniston. Goo Biiig Redd! I’m originally from Omaha, Nebraska and moved to the DSM 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.
As 2nd graders, we begin our faith journey in learning about Reconciliation and First Communion, so in my classroom we not only focus on education but also being responsible, respectful students of Christ!
Mrs. Crossmon, Third Grade
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, 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 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.
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Ms. O’Connor, Fourth Grade
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 fall, 2009 I subbed for then taught Second grade
for three years at St. Joseph School. I also began teaching ELL and GED classes for DMACC until
- This included about a year 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 3 rd 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!
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Mrs. Guiter, Fifth Grade
Hi, I’m Mrs. Guiter. I am the fifth grade teacher at St. Joseph Elementary. This is my fourth year teaching here. I started my college career at 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 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
Middle School
Ms. Maurtiz, Sixth Grade Homeroom – Language Arts & Reading
My name is Ms. Lauren Mauritz, and I am the middle school ELA and 6th grade homeroom teacher. This is my second year teaching at SJS. Before this, I ran Hawks Club for several years. This is my seventh year teaching in all; I taught middle school ELA for 5 years at Christ the King.
As a product of the Des Moines, I attended school at Sacred Heart and Dowling Catholic. I got my BA and teaching license from Upper Iowa University. Two of my passions are reading and creative writing, so it is a joy to be teaching ELA to middle schoolers. I also assist with Speech and Debate.
When not at school, I can be found spending time with my two little nephews, Jordy and Aaron, reading a good book, or relaxing at home with my three cats.
Mrs. Mahoney, Seventh Grade Homeroom – Religion & Social Studies
My name is Maria Mahoney. I grew up in Carroll, Iowa. I attended Kuemper Catholic School from second grade to twelfth grade. After graduation I attended DMACC and the University of Northern Iowa.
I was blessed with four children. All of my children attended Catholic Schools. My three girls graduated from Kuemper. My son started at St Joseph School and graduated from Dowling Catholic.
I have been involved in the Catholic education my entire life. First as a student, next as a parent, and twenty years as an educator. My parents instilled the importance of combining academic courses with the ability to include God in our daily life. I teach social studies and religion to students 6th through 8th grades. I thoroughly enjoy exploring both subjects with my students. However, my true enjoyment is what I have learned over the years from my students. I look forward to a blessed year with you and your children.
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Mrs. Krastel, Eighth Grade Homeroom – Math & Science
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.
Specialists
Mrs. Rodine, Guidance Counselor
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 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. Arreola, Physical Education
Mr. Arreola’s Biography Coming Soon
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Miss Johnson, Art
Jazmine Johnson is a Simpson College 2013 graduate who has taught Art K-8 for 2 years at St. Joseph’s Catholic School and 3 years at Holy Trinity Catholic School.
She has experience working with youth at Loving Arms Children Center, as well as the Des Moines Art Center. Jazmine has a bachelor’s degree in Art Education and Art History with a strong background and passion for a well-rounded community in an educational setting. Jazmine is a member of Messiah Lutheran Church in Johnston.
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Miss Parker, Music
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. Gomez-Moore, Title 1 Math
Mrs. Moore graduated from the University of Iowa with a B.S. in Elementary Education K-8. She has taught kindergarten through eighth grade in Des Moines, Iowa City, Manhattan Beach, California and Waukee. This will be her fifth year as the Title I Math Support teacher at St. Joseph Catholic School.
She enjoys helping students reach their mathematics potential, and developing their use of mathematics in their daily life.
Mrs. Moore and her husband Sean grew up attending Catholic elementary schools in Des Moines and graduated from Dowling. Their four children attended St. Theresa Catholic School and also are Dowling graduates .
They love that their children received a rigorous education that included Catholic teachings
and the sacraments. She loves gardening, DIY projects, walking, and the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Ms. Healy, Title 1 Reading
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!
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Support Staff
Dougie
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!
Mrs. Begley, Nurse
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, she’s excited to see the boys though out 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. Kelly, Lunchroom Associate
Mrs. Kelly’s Biography Coming Soon
Mrs. O’Connor, Lunchroom Associate
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 onto 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 much children and I have had.
Mrs. Detrick, Lead Bus Driver
Hello, My name is Kimberli Detrick; Kim.
I am a Catholic mother of 6 adult children, and 11 grandchildren. Most of whom live in the Republic of Texas. 1 daughter and 2 youngest grands are here in Iowa.
My goal is Heaven. It hasn’t always been, so I work hard.
I love to travel, crochet, and be with my family. And I usually have an extreme challenge going in my life. Currently it is Taekwando. Because if I sit too long, I’ll rust.
I own my home and live very close to St. Joes. I am single, and prefer it this way. I drive the school bus for St. Joseph’s, and a motorcoach for Arrow Stage Lines. I hope soon to stop doing one of these.
I also help around the church and school in many ways. You will find me teaching for RE, or pulling weeds, or sweeping and moping. Wherever I am led to go.
Mr. O’Connor, Bus Driver
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!
Mrs. Cortes-Ryan, Administrative Assistant
Hello. My name is Krystelle Cortes-Ryan. This will be my 9th school year in the office at St. Joseph Catholic School! I truly enjoy my job. I am so blessed to have the opportunity to work with so many wonderful teachers and staff, students and families!
My husband Michael and I have two kiddos, James (10th grade) and Lydia (2nd grade). We have been members of St. Joseph Catholic Church for almost 12 years. We enjoy staying busy with baseball and love to attend sporting events!
Mrs. Dank, Secretary
I’m Katrina Dank. I have been the part-time secretary at St. Joseph school since the Fall of 2022.
My husband Seth and I met at St. Joseph Church in 2009 while going through RCIA. We have been blessed with five beautiful children, who are attending or will attend school at St. Joseph.
We love our St. Joseph school, church, and community!
Ms. Gavin, Custodian
Ms. Gavin’s Biography Coming Soon
Mrs. Johns, Custodian
Mrs. Johns’ Biography Coming Soon
Hawk’s Club
Miss Chuong, Hawk’s Club Associate
Miss Chuong’s Biography Coming Soon
Miss Kemp, Hawk’s Club Associate
My name is Taylor Kemp, and I’m an elementary education major going into my 3rd year at Drake University. I’m getting endorsements in reading and Teaching English as a 2nd Language. I work at Hawks club the before and after care at St. Joseph’s. I love working with kids and was a camp counselor over the summer! This is my 3rd year and I’m so excited to be back! You can find me curled up with a good book or walking my dog. I love spending time with my friends and eating great food. I’m on the executive counsel for the Drake Education Association and am the Director of Social Awareness for Delta Gamma. I love volunteering in my community, and making a difference. I can’t wait to see what the year brings. Miss Kemp’s Biography Coming Soon
Miss Zimmermann, Hawk’s Club Associate
My name is Emily Zimmerman and I am a junior at Drake University! During the school year, I am studying to be a high school English teacher and this is my second year at the after-school Hawks Club program. Outside of academics and work, I am part of a few different organizations on campus where I get to participate in athletics, hang out with friends, and volunteer in the community.
During the summers, I live at home with my parents in Washington where I work at the YMCA as a camp counselor! It’s so much fun creating special camp memories for my campers, but when the camp day is done I love getting to spend time with my family and old friends, going to all of my favorite local spots, and watching movies with my dog.
Now that I am back at school, I am so excited to be back with the St. Joseph students, aiming for a fun and successful year together!
ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC 