
Directory
Joe Amadeo
High School Social Studies
HS wrestling head coach
Student council sponsor
I graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in history and political science. I teach high school social studies, sponsor student council, and coach wrestling. I'm extremely proud to be a part of the Baxter Bolt community.
Allison Bartholmey
K-12 Extended Learning Program/K-5 Music
Middle School Chess Club
My job is to stretch kids' brains, and I love challenging curious kids in all subjects! My background is in elementary education and secondary English, and I graduated from Wartburg College (be orange!) In addition to reading and writing, I love playing piano and ukulele, so I'm excited to get to make music with kids every day now too! My husband Aaron and I live in Colfax, and we love watching Jeopardy, exploring state parks, and buying way too many books at used book sales.
Whitney Boaz
Physical Education Teacher
I have been teaching PE for 15 years. I am originally from North Carolina and have been here in Iowa now for 13 years. I love to be outside walking, running, biking and hanging out with my husband and 2 girls.
Scott Brummel
Middle School Social Studies
Sky Diving, Rocky Mountain Climbing, History Lover
Amy Christiansen
4th Grade Teacher
I have been teaching at Baxter for the past 18 years. My husband and I and our 6 children live in Ames. I have 3 grandchildren who were all born this last May. I love to read and to hang out with my grown up children, and of course spoil my grandbabies. One of my grandbabies lives in Arizona, so I like to go there a couple times a year and we FaceTime several times a week. I love teaching in Baxter and have a lot of fun in 4th grade!
Claire DeJong
Kindergarten
I attended Iowa State University where I received my BA in Elementary Education with an endorsement in math and a minor in Technology. When I'm not spending time with tiny humans, I enjoy being active, DIY projects, and spending time with family and friends.
Travis Dee
Secondary School Counselor
MS Football Coach, MS Student Council Advisor
I am a proud 1993 graduate of Baxter High School. I returned to Baxter in 2011. My wife and I along with our two sons live in the school district and enjoy supporting the Bolts.
Jamie Flanegan
Secondary Music
Pep Band
I graduated from Wartburg College in 2020 and have been teaching at Baxter for three years. I love music and cats.
Rhonda Fridley
Elementary Special Education Teacher
I graduated from Waldorf College as a non traditional student. I have taught special education, as well as 1st & 4th grade and love this chance to be a part of a community like Baxter.
My husband and I love to watch hockey during the fall and winter months, and the ponies during the summer months. I am a proud mom of two grown children, who still keep me busy.
I have lived in many places over the years, but am excited to one day visit Australia, Italy and Ireland. Travel is a must for me, and I continue to add to my bucket list all the time!
Deb Gipe
Superintendent's secretary and Transportation Director
I am the Transportation Director and Superintendent's Secretary for the Baxter School District. I was born and raised in Baxter and after working in Des Moines for 10 years came back to work for the school. I have been with the district for over 20 years. Together with my hubby Bill, we live in Baxter and we have raised 2 children Emily and Nathan. Emily lives in Baxter with her husband Eric Moses, they have two beautiful children, Logan and Tanner. Our son Nathan lives and works in West Des Moines. Some of the things I enjoy include spending time with family, experiencing God's love, enjoying our 3 pups, camping, traveling, antiquing and spending time with friends.
Amanda Hoffman
School Counselor
Amanda Hoffman received her Bachelor of Science in psychology with a focus on children and families from the University of Iowa. She then attended Buena Vista University and received her master’s degree in school counseling. She has been a counselor for ten years. Mrs. Hoffman enjoys working with students, staff, families, and in the community to help young people grow into healthy, productive adults! In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading and spending time with her husband and two sons.
Madison Houge
3rd Grade Teacher
MS Volleyball Coach
I grew up in Slater, Iowa and graduated from Ballard High School. I am a graduate of Iowa State University (Go Hawkeyes!). I majored in Elementary Education, minored in Child, Adult and Family Services and have endorsements in Reading and Language Arts. When I'm not teaching I can be found doing anything outdoors with my friends and family. I love playing with my black lab Stanley, golfing, or fishing. I absolutely love being a Baxter Bolt!!
April Kearns
Kindergarten Teacher
I live here in Baxter with my husband, Josh, who commutes to Des Moines each day to work at Mercy hospital as a physician's assistant in pathology. We have two children. Our daughter, Katie, is studying to become a nurse and our son, Micah, is a Senior at Baxter. We also have a big dog named Stella and a little dog named Mr. Tubbs. We recently had a pet spider, but when she had hundreds of babies we decided to release her and her offspring in the country.
I am fortunate to call two great states home. I was born in Texas, but spent half of my childhood growing up in Marshalltown, Iowa. I graduated from Permian High School in Odessa, TX whose claim to fame is the book, movie, TV series Friday Night Lights. I graduated from Abilene Christian University in 1996 with a degree in elementary education. After school I returned to Iowa and rekindled an old church camp flame. A year later Joshua and I were married. He finished his biology degree at UNI and worked for a few years before going back to graduate school in Chicago. He took a job in Duluth, Minnesota where we lived for four years before returning to Iowa in 2008. We are very happy to be living closer to our parents (mine are in Marshalltown and his are in Cedar Falls) and have found Baxter to be the perfect small town for our little family.
Over the years I have worked with children in a variety of settings including: kindergarten and preschool teacher, childcare provider, children's minister and camp counselor. I have a great passion for children and believe strongly that with a little guidance and a lot of love every child has the ability to succeed in my classroom. Day by day, step by step, we will find success!
Aside from school I enjoy a diverse range of hobbies. My mother taught me to knit as a young child and I still knit regularly. I love to ride my bicycle. You might even spot me riding it to and from school. I also enjoy gardening, canning, baking, photography, hiking, snowshoeing, fishing, ice fishing, camping, wild berry hunting and spending quality time with my family in the great outdoors.
Amber Langmaid
Para
I live on my husband's family farm, with our two daughters. I am an Iowa State fan. I grew up in Melbourne, Iowa. Graduated from west marshall high school. Received my AA at DMACC.
I am planning to go to college and finish my degree, to be a teacher, and or a school counselor.
Rob Luther
6-12 Principal / Head Football Coach
I have 5 children, Grant, Taylor, Trent, AJ, and Mallory. My wife Kristin teaches MS Lit at Baxter. We love to travel and find new beaches. I love Golf, Notre Dame , Football!
Angela Mergen
4th Grade Teacher
I am a graduate of William Penn University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education and an endorsement in Reading. I enjoy spending time with my fiancé Shane and our children Gabe, Coy, and Aria. I also enjoy traveling, reading, and running. I’m very passionate about teaching and I’m proud to be a Baxter Bolt!
Debbie Meyer
School Board Member
I am married to Troy and have three daughters, Sadie, Sophie and Abbie. I am a Medical Dosimetrist at Mercy Radiation Oncology. In my spare time I like a good antique shop, basketball game, and time spent in my garden.
Greg Pickett
Teacher Librarian/Tech Coordinator
HS Asst Boys and Girls Golf Coach
I graduated from Marshalltown High School in 1998. I obtained my BA from BVU and my master's degree from UNI. I have been with Baxter since 2011 and loved the community and school so much that I moved my family here. I currently teach library and internet skills to elementary students and middle school library/computer science. I have two children, Lily who is a strong-willed third grader and James a too smart for his own good 5 year old, and a yorkshire terrier Charlie. I am a fan of Harry Potter, but that is not the reasoning for the kids' names. I enjoy hanging out with my family watching Marvel movies and going golfing. Also, I am a big nerd when it comes to video games. I have been playing since the Intellivision(yes I am that old) and continue to play on my Xbox One and Nintendo Switch. I love to read as well, which is a good thing being in this position. Some of my favorite book series are Game of Thrones (all 1 billion pages of them). Ashfall (whom I was lucky enough to have dinner with the author and read the manuscript for his upcoming book), and all of the books by Clive Cussler. I could list a lot more, but I will cut it off at three. If you would like any recommendations, you know where to find me. I enjoy the hunt for a good book for someone. We are all different and have different tastes in literature and that is what makes it so fun to be in my position because I am exposed to so many different genres.
Cory Robinson
School Board Member
I have been serving on the Baxter Community School District Board of Directors since 2013. I grew up in rural Baxter and graduated from here in 1997. My wife, Jennifer, is also from Baxter and we have two sons that attend Baxter Schools. I work at Corteva Agriscience with Pioneer Hi-Bred and also help on our family farm. I enjoy outdoor activities, coaching our kids’ Rec teams, and traveling.
Cheryl Russell
Reading Interventionist
I have been teaching for 18 years, with 16 of those years here in Baxter. I stay busy keeping up with my 3 kids and all of their activities. I also enjoy gardening and reading a good book!
Emily Schneider
MS Mathematics (6th-, 7th-, and 8th-grade, and pre-algebra)
I’m an Iowa State alumnus and proud to have started my teaching journey here at Baxter CSD. While I loved teaching third grade for two years, I’m a math person at heart and look forward to the challenge of helping my students learn to appreciate— if not love— math!
Katie Kibby
Middle School Language Arts
Hey all!
This is my 8th year of teaching. In June 2021, I completed my master's degree from Viterbo University. I love how rewarding teaching is. Every single day I see growth in my students. And every single day the students bring a smile to my face. Teaching is truly the best! For fun, I enjoy planning trips, traveling, working out, and hanging with my friends. :) Go BOLTS!
Anette Sult
Para
I have worked at Baxter Schools for 17 years in the elementary, middle and high school. I have been married to my husband Dave for 39 years. We have two children, Tiffany and MIchael. We have lived in Maxwell for 28 years. We have five grandchildren, Wynona, Steven, Mikayla, Maverick, and Trice. I love to give parties and do crafts especially with my grandkids.
Kim Tichy
School Board Member
I am married to my high school sweetheart, Joel, and we have two daughters, Gwen and Lydia. We moved here in 2007 and absolutely love this community! We attended a small school outside Marshalltown, and definitely wanted a similar small school environment to raise our kids. In my day job, I serve as the immunization registry coordinator at the Iowa Department of Public Health. I have served on our Baxter school board since 2015.
Anna Travis
Elementary Special Education
I graduated from Iowa State University, began my teaching career at Woodward Granger Middle School and have been teaching special education at Baxter since 2004. I enjoy being involved in the school and community and volunteer my time on the Baxter PTO, our Big Bolt Little Bolt school mentoring program, and with the CMB soccer club. I live on a acreage with my husband Ryan and sons Treyton and Cainan.
Shaina Van Beek
Preschool Teacher
My name is Shaina Van Beek and I have been teaching Bitty Bolts Preschool in Baxter since 2013, GO BOLTS!. My husband, Brian and I live on an acreage outside of Baxter where we raise our two girls, Rylee and Callie. I graduated from Iowa State University in Early Childhood Education. We visit Ames frequently to attend Iowa State Football, Men's and Women's Basketball games, Go Cyclones!
Colby Wagner
High School Math Teacher
HS Boys Track
My name is Mr. Wagner and I was born and raised in Ottumwa, Iowa. Throughout my K-12 years, I played baseball and basketball. After high school, I studied at The University of Northern Iowa where I graduated with my mathematics teaching bachelors degree. Now that I'm out of college, I enjoy teaching, traveling and spending time with friends and family. Any type of running or biking is also right up my alley.
Angie Wesselink
MS/HS Principal's Secretary
I am originally from SW Iowa and graduated from NWMSU. I moved to the Baxter area in 1998. I live just outside of Baxter with my husband and 2 kids. My daughter graduated from Baxter in 2018 and my son will graduate from Baxter in 2023. I started working here in 2014. I enjoy spending my free time with family, friends and my cat. Go Bolts & Cyclones!
Cassie Applegate-Brummel
Secondary English
Yearbook, Cheer Coach, Bolts Abroad Sponsor
Teaching for me is so much more than just my career, or where I go from 7:40-3:40 each day. I genuinely love interacting, learning, and growing with my students. Baxter has been my teaching home for nine years; I met my husband here, and I've had the chance to teach some pretty awesome kids. I graduated from UNI with my bachelor's in English Education, and from Southern New Hampshire University with my master's in Creative Writing and English. My husband and I live in Des Moines with our three cats, and when I'm not at school you can find me traveling the world, reading a good book, or working on my novel.
DeAnn Bishop
First Grade
I am a 1987 graduate of Baxter Community School and have been a proud Bulldog, Raider, and Bolt! This is my 24th year of teaching at Baxter, and I truly love my job! My husband, Doug, and I raised our three children, Bailey, Kaitlin, and Nate here and appreciate the values and strength of our small community and school and all they have to offer.
Anna Brown
High School Science Teacher
Academic Decathlon
Throughout my life, I have always loved to learn. Teaching high school science at Baxter is a lot of fun for me because I get to learn and laugh WITH my students every day! I am a graduate of Cedar Rapids Jefferson High School and Iowa State University. I took graduate classes in physics at Drake University and received my master's degree from Morningside College. My husband, Josh, is an active voice for students and educators through his work at the local, state, and national levels in the Education Association. My son, William, is open-enrolled to Baxter High School. We love to travel and actively seek to live our "bucket list." Some of my favorite adventure memories include snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef, eating pineapple at a luau in Hawaii, having a snowball fight in June in Alaska, celebrating the New Year in NYC's Times Square, and riding in a hot air balloon!
Dana Bucklin
5th Grade
MS Girls Basketball
My favorite thing to do is to plant flowers in my yard, mow, and cheer on the Bolts!
Elizabeth Carter
K-12 Art Teacher
Enriching students lives with a variety of creative experiences and love.
Mickolyn Clapper
Superintendent
I graduated from Algona High School and went on to get my bachelor's degree in biology and secondary education from Iowa State University. I earned my master's degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Iowa State as well. I recently earned my doctorate in Educational Leadership from Drake University. The focus of my research was open enrollment and the reasons people choose to open enroll into Baxter. When I am not at school, I love to travel, run, read and spend time with my husband, Trent, and our three children, Courtney, Will and Trice.
Bri Crook
Elementary Instructional Coach
I graduated from Iowa State University in 2018 and have been at Baxter since. Before becoming the instructional coach, I taught third grade and one year in elementary special education. I'm currently working on receiving my Master's degree from Upper Iowa University. When I'm not at school, you can find me spending time outdoors, hanging out with my husband, Tryston, and three-year-old daughter, Oaklee, or catching up on a true crime podcast.
Kristy Dee
2nd Grade Teacher
Assistant HS volleyball coach and head JH boys basketball coach
I have been teaching at Baxter since 2020. I graduated with my Masters in Science of Teaching degree and a reading endorsement from Drake University. I also have a journalism degree from Simpson College.
When I am not at school, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our two children, Eli and Holden.
I have high expectations for all my students. I want every child in my classroom to learn, and behave in a manner that helps create a positive learning experience for other students.
Wyatt Eide
Fifth Grade Teacher
I have been teaching 23 years with twenty of those years at Baxter. I earned my Bachelors Degree in elementary education at the University of Northern Iowa. I have a Master's Degree in educational administration from Iowa State University. I am an adjunct professor of education at Upper Iowa University. In my free time I enjoy spending time with family and searching for antiques.
Holly Foarde
MS Special Education Teacher
I teach middle school special education. I am beginning my 8th year teaching here at Baxter. I love working with our students and being part of the Baxter community. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, hiking, gardening, and cooking.
Bill Funnemark
Ag Education Teacher
I am a Christian, father, grandfather, Air Force veteran, former corn breeder, retired science teacher, marathoner, avid motorcycle rider and author. I have a B.S. in Agronomy and M.S. in Plant Breeding and Cytogenetics from Iowa State University. I lived and worked in Algona for most of my life. After retirement from teaching science, I worked part-time as a substitute teacher for several schools around Algona and the Metro area. My late wife, Carol, and I reared 3 children, Stephanie, Johnston, IA, Mickolyn, Baxter, IA and Chad, Oregon City, OR. I have 9 grandkids. In March of 2021 I moved to Altoona to be closer to my girls and some of my grandkids. This year I’m unretiring and will be the Ag Teacher for Baxter CSD.
Zach Hasselbrink
Elementary Principal
HS Football, HS Boys Basketball
I have been at Baxter since 2012. I taught 4th, 5th, and 6th grade in my time as an elementary teacher, then worked with teachers and students as the elementary instructional coach, and now as elementary principal. I have also been blessed with many great coaching opportunities and coached some very special student athletes. I currently serve as the Defensive Coordinator for Varsity Football and Head Boy's Basketball Coach for the Bolts. I live in Baxter with my wife Rachel, daughter Sloan, and son Josey. In my spare time you can find me with my family, on the golf course, or catching up with good friends.
Sammie Hofmann
Middle School Science & Biology 2 Teacher
My name is Sammie Hofmann, and I started teaching at Baxter in 2018. My husband and I live here in town with our daughter, Sawyer. We also have 2 dogs and 2 cats, and on occasion, a foster dog as well. I am originally from Wisconsin, and graduated from University of Wisconsin - Platteville. I am also an Iowa State graduate. Go Cyclones! My favorite part about teaching science is seeing students make sense of everyday phenomena and gaining an understanding of how to universe works. My favorite part about teaching at Baxter is the opportunity to watch students grow throughout multiple years and the positive relationships I am able to form with students and staff in such a close knit community.
Ashley Jacobs
3rd Grade Teacher
MS Volleyball Coach
I graduated from Iowa State University (Go Cyclones!) in Elementary Education with endorsements in English Language Arts and Reading. In my time away from teaching, I like to spend time with my family, watching spooky movies, and playing board games.
Colette Kunkel
School Board Member
"Born in Iowa but raised and educated all over the world, which included 3
years of highschool in Pakistan. I graduated from highschool on the east
coast (Delaware) and from college on the west coast (University of San
Diego). I am married to Dan Kunkel and have 2 daughters, Alex and Elizabeth,
both Baxter graduates. I am happiest when spending time with family and
friends, watching Bolts,Steeler, and Cyclone sporting events, reading, and
traveling. I am a member of the school board as well as the treasurer for
the Baxter Community Scholarship Org.. BCSD is truly a hidden jewel sitting
in the center of Iowa with the most passionate, caring, driven
administrators, teachers, and extended staff that are making a difference
one student at a time with the strong support of the Baxter community. "
Kristin Luther
Middle School Literature
MS Book Club
Married to Mr. Luther, have 5 total kids, the last of whom went to college this year. Love, love, love to read and shop for new books. This is year 26 teaching, and my 5th year back at Baxter.
Julie McWhirter
Business Manager; Board Secretary
I'm a mom, sister, aunt, and a high school softball hall of famer. I was a bank auditor before working for the district.
Dr. Anthony Meyer
Baxter Athletics Team Doctor
I grew up in Lake City, Iowa graduating from Southern Cal High School and attended Grand View University for my undergraduate studies in biochemistry. I then pursued my chiropractic degree in a warmer climate at Palmer College, Florida Campus, only to return home to Iowa to begin practice. As an athlete once myself, I have a special interest in treating athletes utilizing a variety of chiropractic skills.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my wife Courtney and our two daughters Hayden and Holland, golfing, and spending time outdoors with my dog.
Amanda Moorman
Elementary Secretary
I am a long time resident of this amazing town of Baxter with my husband who was born and raised here. Together we are raising our two beautiful children, Kenny and Cassie, to be kind, strong, and selfless human beings. This community is one of my favorite things about living in Baxter and I love getting to be apart of it everyday. Surround me with family and friends and I will be as happy as can be!
Scott Pierce
Activities Director, Student Success Coordinator, Athletic Enhancement PE, Strength & Conditioning Coach
Strength & Conditioning
I enjoy being active by working out and golfing. In my spare time, I'm usually with my family that consists of my wife, Hannah, and two daughters, Hattie (3) and Millie (1).
Pamela Roush
Maintenance Director
I have lived in Baxter all my life, I have never worked out of Baxter... Sooo I guess you are stuck with me.
Jodie Schabilion
Family and Consumer Sciences/Health
FCCLA
Hi all! My name is Jodie Schabilion and this is my 3rd year of teaching at Baxter. I teach Family and Consumer Sciences and Health. In my personal opinion, I teach essential life long skills! If you have a chance to stop by the school come in and see my brand new room! It is Awesome!! In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, trying new foods and thrifting.
Chris Smith
HS English Teacher
HS Speech
Growing up, I have always fallen back on the experiences and opportunities found in literature and in my writing. Now as a teacher, I get to enjoy sharing this passion with my students who I hope go on to nurture their love of reading and their ability to write for themselves as well as others.
To give some background on me, I have taught English for the last 8 years at Collins-Maxwell, and I am looking forward to year 9, here, in Baxter! Originally, I am from the Quad-Cities where I graduated from Davenport West High School and went on to the University of Northern Iowa to attain my Bachelors of Arts in English. Currently, I live in Ankeny with my adoring wife and three wonderful kids.
Kyle Stribe
PE/Athletic Enhancement
MS Football, HS Golf
My name is Mr. Stribe, I have been teaching and coaching for 12 years. I will be teaching PE/Athletic Enhancement here at Baxter. I live in Ankeny with my wife and 2 boys Tatum and Luka. I enjoy hanging out with friends and family. I also enjoy doing some golfing and am a sports junkie. I am super excited to work with the students and athletes at Baxter. Go Bolts!
Kyle Teeselink
Business Education Teacher
Teaching is my second career after 22 years in the Air Force as a weather forecaster. I taught 7-12 Business Education at 3 different schools before becoming the TLC & Curriculum Director at Eagle Grove Schools for 5 years. My wife Sarah teaches 5-8 talented and gifted students in Bondurant and we have two sons who are serving in the Air Force. I grew up in Wisconsin and enjoy following the Packers, Brewers, Bucks & Badgers. In my free time, I also like fitness activities, traveling, reading, trivia, and board games.
Sara Tiedje
School Nurse
I am a Registered Nurse and a Iowa native. I chose my career in Nursing to help others. I really enjoy getting to know students, staff, and the community. I am married to Nick and we have two daughters, Brynn (5) & Hallie (3) that keep us very busy. In my spare time, I enjoy being with my family & friends, crafting, reading, traveling, and cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes!
Amber Tuhn
Para
My family moved to Baxter in September, 2020. I have a marketing degree from Iowa State University. My husband and I have three children. Elie who runs cross country and track for Simpson College and Emie and Maddux who are students at Baxter. In my free time I like to watch my kids participate in sports, cook, exercise, shop, and travel with my family.
Dennis Vaughn
Secondary Instruction Coach
Head High School and Middle School Cross Country Coach
My wife Chris and I have been married 32 two years. We have three children, a daughter Emily, and sons, Tait and Caleb. We live on an acreage outside of Colo. I graduated from UNI and began teaching in 1990. This is my 28th year at Baxter School.
Lori Warkentin
1st Grade teacher
Elementary Mentor
I live here in Baxter with my husband and two girls who also attend Baxter Elementary. I have been teaching first grade for 4 years and taught 3rd grade previously for 17 years at Storm Lake CSD. I enjoy working with the kids and seeing them grow in their academics and personal life.
Ed Wilson
Special Ed Teacher
I'm a former math and science teacher, and have coached football, baseball, and wrestling. After retiring, I moved to Northern Arizona and taught in Navajo schools for two years.
I love the small school pride at Baxter and wish I would have come here a long time ago!