Shannon Backstrom
I’ve been at Meredith for 23 years, first as a language arts teacher and now as an ELL teacher. I enjoy being outside, listening to music, reading, and hanging out with my husband.
Justin Gutknecht
Courtney Hoover
Joshua Osborne
My name is Elizabeth Wilson, and I am proud to be a Meredith Husky!! I am from the Des Moines area, received a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and Spanish from Central College, and my Master’s in Education from Edgewood College in Madison, Wisconsin. This is my 10th year at Meredith Middle School after 2 years at Green Lake School District in Green Lake, Wisconsin.
I have a true passion for teaching scientific inquiry and the process of figuring things out! I want students to think and wonder about as well as question the world around them. I strive to create a classroom environment that is safe and productive for all. I also have a passion for coaching volleyball. I love to see and help athletes grow in areas other than academics. Being an adviser for Science Bound allows me to watch young scientists of color be challenged and grow through new opportunities.
Personally, I have 2 dogs and love to walk and play frisbee with them as often as possible. I also have a campervan that I love traveling in every summer and on weekends. I also enjoy watching hockey and other sports, reading, cooking, music, and spending time with friends and family.
I look forward to another great year at Meredith with students, guardians and my awesome co-workers. Please reach out anytime!
I started teaching ELL (English Language Learners) at Meredith in 2001. During my time at Meredith, I have enjoyed watching students grow their English language abilities. When I’m not teaching, I enjoy time with my family and traveling. I’m an avid fan of the KC Chiefs and NASCAR.
Meet Ashley Wisgerhof, the artistic maestro with a paintbrush and a knack for making art class a blast. Armed with a BA in Art Education from Grand View University (with a painting flair) and a Masters in Education from Drake, she’s been jazzing up the art scene for ten years. When she’s not turning canvases into masterpieces, you’ll find her leading the art club, cracking jokes, and convincing students that even paint spills can be a form of avant-garde expression. Oh, and rumor has it, nature blushes in her presence – she loves it that much! ??
I have been a middle school science teacher with DMPS since 2014. My family, which includes my husband and son, lives in the Husky Community, so I am excited to be teaching at Meredith.