Middle School

ELA
sixth Grade Homeroom

Ms. Angela Allsop

Hello!  My name is Angela Allsop. I grew up in San Diego, California, and relocated to Iowa after college. I have taught secondary language arts for over twenty years, serving students in grades six through twelve.  I earned my bachelor's degree in English from The University of Iowa and my master’s degree in teaching from Morningside University.  

It is a privilege to facilitate learning for all students and support their growth academically, personally, and spiritually.  Middle school students have a special enthusiasm and joy that I love!

My husband and I have four adult children together, and enjoy having them, as well as our extended family, here in the Des Moines area. I run and bike in my spare time, and enjoy watching the Iowa Hawkeyes. 

I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to serve the students and families of St. Luke's alongside a wonderful team of dedicated educators.

Social Studies
Sixth Grade Homeroom

Ms. Katie Lorence

Hello! My name is Katie Lorence! I am from Mason City and I graduated from Mason City High School in 2019. I graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in 2023 with degrees in Elementary and Middle Level Education with endorsements in Social Studies, Literacy, Science, and Math. After graduating college, I spent one year in Kansas City with a Catholic organization working with the poor and homeless of the inner city. One of my main goals as an educator is to make a difference in my students' lives, especially for their lives outside of the classroom. It is so important to me to push my students to do their best, while growing in their faith and love for Christ. In my free time I enjoy going for walks, spending time with family and friends, and doing puzzles. It is such a joy to be a part of the St. Luke's community and I am looking forward to a great year!

RELIGION
Seventh GRADE Homeroom

Mrs. Jessica Willer

Hello!  My name is Jessica Willer.  I grew up in Indianola, where I attended public school and was an active St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church member.  After high school, I attended Iowa State University and received a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture with a minor in Design Studies.  I started teaching in 2020 as a Special Education Associate and now as a Religion Teacher.  I love teaching and feel God has called me to this profession.  I strive to help students develop a relationship with God, know how loved they are by Him, and then learn more about how amazing He is!

Outside of school, I love spending time with family and friends, gardening, and learning more about God from a good Catholic book.  I feel so blessed to be part of St. Luke's and am eager to collaborate with each of you!


Math
Seventh Grade Homeroom

Mr. Hunter Fullem

Hello! My name is Hunter Fullem, and I am excited to teach at St. Luke’s Catholic School. I am originally from Uniontown, Pennsylvania, which is near the PA and WV border. I graduated from PennWest University in 2023 with a degree in Secondary Education specializing in Mathematics. So, this will be my first year as a teacher. During my studies, I was blessed to work with several different school districts in Pennsylvania to develop as a teacher with both middle and high school students.

In my free time, I like to root for my Steel City teams: Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins. I am a very big sports fan in general, though. Usually, you can find me spending time with my family and friends when I am not in my classroom. I especially enjoy going on my family’s annual beach trip.

I am excited to be teaching middle school and to meet everyone of the St. Luke’s family!

ELA
EighTH GRADE Homeroom

Ms. Erin Cain

Hello! My name is Erin Cain, and I am so excited to be teaching in the middle school at St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic School! I graduated from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa with Bachelor of Arts degrees in English Literature and Secondary Education.

I am so grateful to be teaching at St. Luke's! I attended St. Pius X Catholic School and Dowling Catholic High School, so it is a true blessing to be a part of the Des Moines Catholic Schools again (as a teacher this time)!

In my free time, I love going on adventures and playing games with my family and friends.

Please keep our students and teachers in your prayers this school year! I am praying for you. See you in the middle school soon!

Science
Eighth Grade Homeroom

Mrs. Marissa Stevens

Hello! My name is Marissa Stevens and I am so excited to be a part of St. Luke's Catholic School for the upcoming school year. This is my second year as a teacher and I am so excited to continue teaching at such an amazing school. I went to Northwest Missouri State University and graduated in 2021. I graduated with a degree in Middle School Math and Science. Also, I grew up in Des Moines where I graduated from Dowling Catholic High School in 2018.

In my free time, I love playing board games with my husband and our friends, reading and going to target. We love to travel and try to do an escape room everywhere we go as well! I also spend a lot of my time playing with my nieces and nephews and being with my family.

I am very excited to continue my career at St. Luke's and cannot wait to get to know each and every one of you!