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Staff Bios
Toni Fuller Merfeld, M.S.Ed.
Director |
 Toni has been in the
field of education for 25 years. She has
extensive experience working with students with learning and behavior
challenges both in the classroom and as a consultant in the public and
private sectors. In addition she received training in setting up and
using structured classrooms for students with Autism using the TEACHH model
developed by the University of North Carolina. Her experience in individualization of instruction helps
to create a meaningful learning experience for students and parents alike.
In addition to her work at the Metro West Kids Learning Center, she currently
teaches in the Department of Education at Upper Iowa University. |
Ron Bartelt
Instructor |
 Ron
comes to Metro West Kids Learning Center having just retired from 36 years of public school
teaching. In those years he taught both basic and advanced math
classes at the middle school and high school levels. Ron's time was
evenly spent teaching in the mainstream classroom setting and the
alternative setting. While busy with teaching, Ron was also busy
farming northwest of Des Moines in Dallas and Greene counties. As Ron
would tell you, "I have had the best of both worlds." Ron wants
students to know that math need not be a mystery. He looks forward to
helping students achieve a clearer understanding of math concepts and become
more competent in math skills. |
Deb Hearn
Instructor |
 Deb
holds a bachelor of science degree in education with graduate work in
reading and special education. Her experience includes working in an
elementary classroom and substitute teaching at all levels. These
experiences have prepared her to individualize instruction for each of her
students in a way that best meets their needs. As a personal coach,
Deb believes all student performance can be enhanced by individualized
instruction in a one-on-one setting. |
Heather Morphew
Instructor |
 Heather
has a degree in early childhood education with an endorsement in special
education from Iowa State University. She is currently earning her
Masters in Education. With seven years working with disabled individuals
in supported community living, three years teaching preschool in a
Montessori setting, and experience integrating autistic students into a
typical classroom setting, Heather brings tremendous background
knowledge to Metro West. |
Alishea Henze
Speech Pathlogist |
Alishea holds a Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology
from the University of Northern Iowa. In addition to facilitating social
skills groups at Metro West Kids Learning Center, she serves as a Speech
Pathologist for Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS). During her time at
DMPS, she has served children and families with autism from Early Access
(ages birth to 3-years) to middle school. She has served as an Early
Access play group facilitator for children with autism. Her experience
working with preschool-age children with autism includes co-teaching an
Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) summer school class for
children with ASD, as well as providing individual and group
speech-language services for children in an ECSE Autism classroom.
Alishea has also provided individual, small group, and classroom
collaborative speech and language services for a K-5 autism program and
middle school structured teaching classrooms. She has training and
experience with Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC), such
as the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and voice output
devices. At MetroWest Kids Learning Center, Alishea provides
assessment and instruction of social language related to social skills
and play skills for preschool- and elementary-age students. |
Sue VanEssen, M.A. C.C.C.
Speech Pathologist |
Sue has served the greater Polk County Schools for the
last 32 years as a Speech Language Pathologist through Heartland AEA
#11. Her experience has included working with a diverse student
population. Sue graduated with her undergraduate and graduate degrees
from Truman State University. She brings experience to Metro West
Learning Center in the areas of early childhood, assistive technology,
spectrum disorders, language/learning disabilities, and parent
education. “Working in the schools has provided me experiences with a
wide age range. I look forward to working with Toni and her team at
Metro West in a caring educational setting.” |
Kristy Nelson
Speech Pathologist |
|
 Kristy
holds a Master’s of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from the
University of Nebraska - Lincoln. In addition to facilitating social
skills groups at Metro West Kids Learning Center, she serves as a
Speech-Language Pathologist for Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS). Her
experience includes children and families with autism and the hearing
impaired population, including those with cochlear implants, focusing on
language and oral communication skills. She has served as an early
childhood play group facilitator for children with various disabilities
as well as hearing impairments. Kristy has also provided individual,
small group, and classroom collaborative speech and language services
for a K-5 autism program and middle school structured teaching
classrooms. She has training and experience with Alternative and
Augmentative Communication (AAC), such as the Picture Exchange
Communication System (PECS) and voice output devices. She has
participated in autism training through the Heartland Area Education
Agency using a behavioral approach focusing on antecedents, behavior,
consequences, as well as Structured Teaching concepts and other
approaches.
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"By the time we found
Metro West Kids Learning Center, school had become a miserable place for
my bright, but learning disabled, son. Toni and the staff at MWLC have given him the one-on-one attention necessary
to build his confidence, and specific learning strategies he is
putting to use every day in the classroom!
-Tracy H.
MWLC Parent
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