With over 20 years of experience in education, Ashley has served as a classroom teacher, interventionist, and leadership coordinator. Originally from Cedar Rapids, Ashley earned her BA in Social Studies Education from the University of Northern Iowa and her Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Drake University. She has previously taught at Jefferson High School in Cedar Rapids, and led Summit’s summer camp program for several years. She has also taught in Kansas City (MO) Public Schools, Lawrence Public Schools, and Blue Valley North High School, and was the Leadership Coordinator at Topeka West High School. Outside of work, Ashley enjoys spending time with her husband and three sons, as well as with family and friends. She’s an avid reader and traveler, and loves all things Kansas City.
Larisa has been a part of Summit in some fashion since it began in 1998. She graduated from Luther College in 1993 with a degree in Elementary Education. She has had a multitude of roles at Summit!
Kathleen is thrilled to be part of the Summit team. As a Summit parent and former Board President, she is passionate about all things Summit! She brings many years of child-centered managerial experience to Summit, most recently as Assistant Director of St. Matthew Preschool.
Chris attended Mount Mercy University where she received her BS in Elementary Education with a reading endorsement. She also received her Early Childhood Endorsement from Teikyo Marycrest. Her favorite part of teaching is learning along with her PreK students. “Every day is different. I like to make school fun and interactive with materials, props, and ideas that encourage language and learning.”
Erin graduated from Kirkwood with her degree in Early Childhood Education. She spent the beginning of her career as an assistant preschool teacher at College Community’s ECC. She then took a job nannying two young boys. Erin spent time volunteering at Summit while the youngest of the boys attended preschool at Summit. As they aged out of preschool, Erin joined the Summit team.
Nikki grew up in Marion and went on to receive a degree in elementary education and special education from the University of Northern Iowa. In 2016 she moved to Arizona to begin her career where she taught 1st grade and kindergarten for 6 years. Since moving back to Iowa, she has served as the director of a daycare center, as well as a K-4 special education teacher. She is married to her husband Will, a physical therapist, and they have 3 young kids and 2 dogs. In her freetime she enjoys all things outdoors, camping, hiking, and going on family walks.
Jackie graduated from Mount Mercy University in 2017 with reading and special education endorsements, and earned her master’s degree in reading and special education from MMU in 2023. Jackie previously served as a special education teacher at Clear Creek Amana. When she’s not working, Jackie enjoys designing and creating costumes for Young Footliters Youth Theatre in Coralville and spending time with her family.
Aly was born and raised in Cedar Rapids, and graduated from Mount Mercy University in 2026 with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a reading endorsement. She has always been passionate about working with children, and helping them grow both academically and personally.
Outside of school, Aly enjoys reading, coaching high school softball, and spending time with family and friends.
Brendan O’Sullivan graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in Elementary Education and an endorsement in history. In 2019, he served as a counselor at The Gow School in Buffalo, NY, a school dedicated to helping students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences. The summer program welcomes students and counselors from all over the world, and was a tremendous experience for Brendan, who is also dyslexic and had difficulties in school.
Brendan enjoys spending time with friends, being active outdoors, working on/riding his motorcycle, and helping people. He is a volunteer firefighter for the Coralville Fire Department.
Sydney grew up in Indiana and graduated from Indiana University in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a license addition in middle school math. Sydney has wanted to be a teacher since she was young and spent her teenage years working with children, teaching dance and gymnastics. In her free time, she enjoys reading, crafting, and playing board games.
Angie received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary/Middle Level Education from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in 2003. She earned her Master Educator Teaching License while teaching Special Education at Tanager Place in Cedar Rapids, later working as a consultant with Grant Wood AEA. She is the proud parent of a Summit alum, and in her spare time she loves reading, cheering for the Green Bay Packers, and spending time with family and friends
Jamie attended Kirkwood and then Central College where he received a degree in health and physical education. He believes that kids who move and enjoy physical activity make more effective learners. Jamie taught gymnastics while going through school which shaped his positive teaching style and the importance of having a growth mindset. In his free time he practices Olympic weightlifting, tends a garden, plays chess and likes to read.
Amber graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a specialized emphasis in Art Education. She has dedicated herself to providing a quality education to students. Amber’s expertise extends beyond the classroom, as she also assumes the responsibility of directing Summit’s Summer Camp program. She fosters an atmosphere of mutual respect, encouraging students to express themselves and take pride in their artistic achievements. Amber’s teaching philosophy is one of fostering creativity, self-expression, and cultural appreciation. She strives to create a nurturing and inclusive learning environment where students can explore various art media and techniques. By incorporating interdisciplinary activities, she encourages students to think critically and connect art concepts with their broader academic studies.
Raelynne received her Bachelor of Music Education from Oklahoma City University. She was a part of various organizations to help children develop musical skills and work as a team to create. She has conducted children’s choirs, taught private voice lessons, and worked at a private school in Oklahoma.
In her spare time she enjoys reading, travelling, playing board games, and spending time with her husband and all of her family.
In her spare time she enjoys reading, travelling, playing board games, and spending time with her husband and all of her family.
Amy grew up in Wisconsin and moved to Iowa to attend Coe College, where she received her BA in Secondary Education and Spanish. She has taught for 13 years in the Cedar Rapids metro area. Amy has explored Spanish language and culture through study abroad experiences and personal travel to Costa Rica, Mexico, Spain, and other countries.
Amy and her husband, Brennan, have two children who keep them busy with their various sports and activities. When Amy is not teaching, she enjoys reading, spending time with family and friends, and trying out new restaurants.
Amy and her husband, Brennan, have two children who keep them busy with their various sports and activities. When Amy is not teaching, she enjoys reading, spending time with family and friends, and trying out new restaurants.
Megan has been in education for fifteen years. She previously taught second and fifth grade before stepping into the interventionist role at Summit. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education specializing in Language Arts from Iowa State University, her Reading Endorsement from the University of Iowa, and her Master of Education: Management of a Quality Classroom Degree from Graceland University. She lives in Cedar Rapids with her family, and enjoys running, hiking, yoga, reading, gardening, and exploring.
Rachel’s family was introduced to Summit Schools through summer camp in 2009. Rachel has volunteered for classroom activities, filled in at the main desk, subbed as an associate, served lunches and is now our Kitchen Manager. She lovingly cooks each school meal from scratch with only the healthiest ingredients, often incorporating produce from Summit’s own garden!
Shelby graduated from Coe College in 2018 where she received her BA in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Reading and Social Studies. While attending Coe, Shelby taught English to Burmese refugees in Thailand one summer and then studied abroad and taught English in Ghana, Africa. Upon graduating, she served as a long-term substitute teacher at Roosevelt Middle School in Cedar Rapids. Shelby previously held a Teach For America position teaching 6th grade science in Boston. In her free time, Shelby enjoys being outside, working out, traveling, crafting, and being around friends and family.
Tonya grew up in Cedar Rapids and received her communications/journalism degree from Augustana College. She was an associate editor at Soap Opera Weekly magazine in New York City and the public relations associate at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center. She enjoys working with Summit staff and students in this part-time position. Tonya and her husband Brent enjoy supporting their children’s many activities, and traveling.
Wahyu received his bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and Master Degree in Accounting from Dallas Baptist University in Texas. Wahyu has over 20 years of experience and has been working with public accounting firms and large financial institutions.
In his free time, Wahyu enjoys working out, playing and coaching tennis, reading, and spending time with family.
In his free time, Wahyu enjoys working out, playing and coaching tennis, reading, and spending time with family.