Related Arts
ART
Ms. Laurie Mullen
My name is Laurie Mullen and I am in my second year of teaching art at St. Luke’s. Here is a little information about myself.
I received my BA at the University of Northern Iowa with endorsements in Art K-12.
I enrolled at Drake University after several years of teaching in the metro area and earned my Masters of Science degree in Elementary Education, K-6 with a K-8 reading endorsement.
In my free time, I love spending time with my family, being outside exploring nature, creating art, and traveling when possible!
Our child really enjoys attending St. Luke’s and, as a parent and teacher, I appreciate seeing firsthand the dedication of teachers, administrators, and staff in helping students reach high expectations for academic achievement. I feel blessed that we belong to a school community that nurtures love and understanding of God and the Catholic faith.
St. Luke’s school has amazing artists and I am very proud of what students accomplished last year in my classes!
I enjoy helping students discover the excitement of creativity and to appreciate its importance in itself as well as in our world and our careers. I’m very excited to see what students create this year in art and tech.
Guidance Counselor
Mrs. Alyson Mathis
My name is Alyson Mathis. I am the guidance counselor at St. Luke Evangelist. Over the course of my 12-year teaching career, I was a first grade teacher and the guidance counselor for two. I received my Elementary Education degree with a special education endorsement from McNeese State University. Currently, I am in the process of getting my Masters of Science in Counseling with emphasis in School Counseling at Creighton University.
My family and I moved to Ankeny in July 2022 from Lake Charles, Louisiana. My husband, Michael, and our three boys, Evan, Alex, and William are happy to be here in Iowa. In my spare time, I like to spend time with family and friends, go camping, and hiking.
I’m very excited and blessed to be at St. Luke Evangelist.
READING & MATH (INTERVENTIONIST)
Mrs. Kaleena Nowak
Hello! My name is Kaleena Nowak and I feel so blessed to be teaching here at St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic School. Previously, I have taught Preschool in the diocese and in Des Moines schools.
I am originally from the suburbs of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and grew up attending Catholic School myself. I earned my degree in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education from the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point and my Master's in Elementary Education from GCU.
I have been married for 10 years to my high school sweetheart and we have 2 beautiful daughters. In our free time you can find us adventuring outdoors hiking, tent camping, kayaking, or jumping on the trampoline. I love to read and play board games. I am excited for another great year at St. Luke's!
MUSIC & BAND
Ms. RaeAnne Hopkins
Hello! My name is RaeAnne Hopkins, and I am the K-8 Music and 5th Grade Band teacher at St. Luke's! I am originally from Creston, Iowa. I graduated from Northwest Missouri State University, where I received a degree in Vocal Music Education (with extended certification in Instrumental Music Education). While there, I was active in all the choirs, and most of the ensembles. I play trumpet, piano, and love to sing! This is my 4th year teaching at St. Luke's, and I am excited to see all new and returning students this year! Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, grilling, traveling, and singing in the Des Moines Choral Society.
I have been so proud of the students' musical growth over the past 3 years, and I can’t wait to see what this year has in store! Whether it's through singing, playing instruments, or listening to new songs, I hope to bring a sense of joy and unity to each student. Cheers to a new school year full of hope and possibilities!
Physical Education & Athletic Director
Mr. Lucas Phillips
Hello, I am Lucas Phillips and I am very excited to be teaching Physical Education at St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic School! I received my Exercise Science degree from Central College in 2020. When I am not teaching I enjoy exercising, playing games with friends or family, taking photographs, and cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs & Iowa Hawkeyes.
Teaching physical education is important to me because creating an active lifestyle in students is the key to a lengthy, healthy life. I am looking forward to seeing all students again and picking up right from where we left off last year!
What is taught in P.E.?
Students will improve their cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, and muscular strength while participating in various fun activities within Physical Education class. The students will complete this while participating in many different sports throughout the year. These activities work to improve team building and coordination skills.
Special Events: Middle school students will compete in a badminton tournament during PE in February and field day is always something the elementary school students look forward to!
Librarian
Mrs. JoAnn Curran
My name is JoAnn Curran. I come from a large family in northern Iowa. I attended Catholic Schools from 1st-12th grades. I attended the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls and received my degree in Elementary/Special Education. I taught for 34 years before retiring. I came to St. Luke's after retirement, volunteering and subbing in its first year open. I have worked here since as a Kindergarten associate and the librarian. I feel blessed to work here.
I am a member of OLIH where I taught RE, was co-director of VBS, and am a Eucharistic Minister. I am married to my wonderful husband Dan, and have two sons and four grandchildren who are my everything. I enjoy walking, exercising, reading, and spending time with family and friends. I look forward to another wonderful year at St. Luke's.