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
I am Angie De Moss, a graduate of Iowa State University—Go Cyclones! I grew up on a farm north of Cedar Rapids, and during my first six years of teaching in Arizona, I even had a pot-bellied pig as a classroom pet!
After taking some time to be a stay-at-home mom, I spent several years substitute teaching in the Johnston School District, where my adult daughter and son now teach. I love spending time with my family, especially making memories in the mountains or at the lake. Some of my favorite moments are simply sitting around the table talking or playing board games. I also have two dogs who enjoy going for walks or keeping me company while I read.
This will be my twelfth year as the Reading Support & ELL teacher at St. Theresa Catholic School. I truly believe God knew what He was doing when He planted me here. I absolutely love working with students individually and in small groups, supporting their learning while building meaningful relationships with them throughout their years at STCS.
As an added blessing, I have the opportunity to share my faith while learning and growing alongside the students, families, and staff who make up the St. Theresa family. I am so grateful to be part of this community and look forward to another wonderful year!
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.
Director of Student Support
Meghan Rupiper
Hello! My name is Meghan Rupiper, and I am incredibly excited to serve as the Director of Student Support at St. Theresa Catholic School. I have always felt called to work in Catholic education, and I am deeply grateful to be part of a community where Christ is at the center of everything we do.
I have 17 years of experience as a school psychologist with Heartland Area Education Agency. My educational background includes undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Social Work from Loras College, as well as a Master of Arts & Specialist Certificate in education and psychological services from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. I also attended grade school and high school at Kuemper Catholic Schools in Carroll, Iowa which instilled in me a lifelong appreciation for Catholic education.
Outside of school, I am blessed with my wonderful husband and three children. We live in Ankeny and are active members of the St. Luke’s parish and school community. As a family, we love staying busy with our children’s activities, going on walks or bike rides, camping, playing games, spending time with family, enjoying movie nights, visiting new places, and taking summer road trips.
I am passionate about creating a welcoming, supportive learning environment tailored to each student’s unique needs. I look forward to partnering with our staff and families to ensure every student has the tools and support to learn, grow, and become disciples of Christ. Please feel free to reach out if I can support your child or family in any way. I look forward to an inspiring year ahead, and I wish every student and family a truly blessed school year.