Math Intervention/STEM
Erica Niggemeyer
I’m Erica Niggemeyer, and I’m thrilled to be a part of the St. Theresa’s Community School team. With nine years of experience teaching grades 6-12 in special education, I’ve developed a passion for creating inclusive and supportive learning environments. Before transitioning to a full-time role at St. Theresa, I was actively involved in the school community, especially through coaching the girls’ volleyball teams. This involvement reflects my dedication to both academic and extracurricular excellence.
On the home front, I’m the proud mother of five: Eleanor, a Dowling Junior; Annabell, a freshman; Madilynn, an 8th grader at STCS; Kael, a 5th grader at STCS; and Konrad, a STCS kindergartener. My experience as a parent helps me understand the diverse needs of students and their families. When I’m not in the classroom, you can find me cheering on sports teams, experimenting with new recipes, or perfecting my baking skills.
I’m excited about the upcoming school year and look forward to making it a fantastic one filled with learning and growth.
Student Support/ELL
Angie DeMoss
God led me to St. Theresa in His perfect timing in my life, which I soon came to realize that I finally have my dream job! I absolutely love working with my students individually or in small groups and supporting teachers in their classrooms. As a staff, we continuously reach out to support and lift each other up, while having fun, too. Most significantly, my principal always says that, “Faith and family come first,” which is very important to me.
Besides teaching, I love to spend time with my daughter and son when they are home from college. We enjoy movies, board games, boating, hiking and picnics. I still get to be a show choir mom when they are choreographing or directing groups. I enjoy a good book and visiting with friends.
Title 1 Teacher
Julie Hallgren
In June of 2018, I took early retirement from Des Moines Public Schools with the intent of serving our Catholic schools once again. After a 28 year hiatus, I was blessed to return to St. Theresa’s. I support the STCS reading program here Tuesday through Thursday. During most of my 39 years in the education field, I worked as a classroom teacher in grades K-8; during seven of those years, I served as a middle school ELL (English Language Learner) teacher. I also spent four years as a teacher coach while supporting the ELL initiative in several middle and elementary schools.
My daughter, Angela, is a former St. Theresa student and a Dowling grad. She and her husband have blessed me with 6 grandchildren. I make regular treks to Oklahoma to enter into their happy fray. I am also blessed to have my mom living just a few minutes away and we are able to spend time together several days a week.
I enjoy outdoor adventures, fitness activities, and reading. I am currently in formation as an Associate of the Iowa Cistercians and make monthly trips to the monastery near Dubuque. Though I very happily live in the world, I am spiritually called to the practices of monasticism in daily life. I love the flow of balancing service, work, prayer, and rest.
My heart is full and my spirit fed; the Holy Spirit is clearly at work here. I have come home to the Catholic schools.