ABOUT THE COUNSELORS:
Megan Brackemyer
Howe Elementary & Ogden Middle School
Professional School Counselor
I was born and raised in Urbandale, Iowa before moving to Cedar Falls to pursue my undergraduate degree at the University of Northern Iowa. Currently, My husband and I live in Grimes with our dog, Jack. We are very excited to be welcoming our first child into our family in January!
I graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with my bachelor's degree in elementary and middle level education with a minor in social studies and endorsements in reading and mathematics. Upon graduation, I accepted a teaching job in the Des Moines area. I taught 4th grade for 4 years and K-8 technology for 1 year at St. Augustin Catholic School. During my time in the classroom, I completed my master's degree in school counseling and preventative mental health from Creighton University. This is my first year in Ogden Community Schools and am very excited to be the K-8 counselor here!
Ann Christiansen
Howe Elementary School & Madrid Elementary School
Professional School Counselor
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I grew up in a little town in northwest Iowa that I still call "home." I earned my bachelor’s degree in sociology, psychology, and criminal justice from Iowa State University and worked for a few years as a correctional counselor and in a residential facility for adolescent boys. When I married my husband, Joe, and we started a family, I spent the next several years in a great, mom-friendly position in banking.
I worked for three years as an early childhood associate and grant writer at Assumption Catholic School in Granger. From 2013-15, I served as the shared school counselor between Assumption and St. Theresa Catholic School in Des Moines while completing my Master of Science in Education, Professional School Counseling at Buena Vista University. During the 2015-16 school year, I worked as a part-time school counselor at St. Theresa's.
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My family lives in Grimes and includes 3 daughters, Jocelann (17), Anna (13), and Aubrey (11) and our Cockapoo, Sophie. I also have an office betta fish named Benny.
I am extremely excited to be part of the Ogden School District this year and to get to know the children and families of such a welcoming community!
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Samantha Sperling
Ogden Middle School & Ogden High School
Professional School Counselor
Hello!
My name is Samantha and I am beginning my 1st year at Ogden Junior Senior High School. I graduated from Iowa State University with my bachelors of science degree in Psychology. Upon completion of my bachelors degree, I continued my education at Drake University in Des Moines, where I recieved my master's degree in K-12 Professional School Counseling.
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I am very passionate about my role as the school counselor and am excited to work in the Ogden community. I am available to help your child with a variety of needs; socially, emotionally, academically, and career. I regularly meet with students individually and in groups to help students find ways to be more successful not only in the classroom but also in the community!
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Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any concerns or questions. I would be happy to work with you as you help your child navigate through some of their most important years of development!
Check out this PDF to see an overview of the School Counselor's role in the school.