Hello Park Avenue Families! My name is Leslie Bechen and this is my 7th year at Park Avenue as the Success Case Manager.  I was born and raised in Dubuque, Iowa and I graduated from Simpson College.  In my free time, you can find me cheering on my children at their various sporting activities.

The Success Program is here to work with students and families who need support in the areas of behavior, attendance and education. I can assist with referrals for basic needs, housing, parenting skills and mental health.  Please don’t hesitate to contact me.

You are braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.   -Christopher Robin

Hi! My name is Cheyene Heatley and this is my first year at Park Ave! My husband and I recently moved to here from Kansas City with our two dogs. In my free time, I love to travel, bike, watch football and spend time with my family and friends. As a Community in Schools Coordinator, my role is to provide students and families the resources, opportunities and support they need to thrive in our communities. I can assist with a variety of needs including access to food, clothing, housing, healthcare, childcare, etc. If I can be of any help, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m excited to meet our Park Ave families and see what the new year brings!

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did but people will never forget how you made them feel.” ~Maya Angelou

Hello! I am the school-based therapist, and this is my third year at Park Avenue. I earned by bachelor’s in social work from Buena Vista University and my master’s in social work from the University of Iowa. I love being able get to know children and families while helping them learn tools to thrive.  Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions about therapy services. I look forward to another great year here at Park Ave!

Hello! My name is Lauren Howe, and I am the school counselor. This is my first year at Park Avenue and in the DMPS district! I grew up in Marion, IA and graduated from Linn-Mar High School. I earned my bachelors in Sociology from the University of Dubuque  and my Master’s in School Counseling from Loras College, both in Dubuque, IA. I am looking forward to this new school year!

I am the ALP (Advanced Learning Program) Consultant for Park Ave. Elementary. I grew up in this great city of Des Moines and graduated from Roosevelt High School here in DMPS. St. Olaf College is where I spent my college years and received my teaching degree and a degree in Psychology. After college, I moved back to Des Moines and got my first teaching job in Waukee where I taught third grade, fifth grade, and was an ELP (Extended Learning Program) teacher for 13 years.

I began teaching in 2017 at DMPS- all within the Advanced Learning Program. I serve Morris, Lovejoy and Park Ave. I love my job! Being able to support both students and teachers provides an opportunity for me to build wonderful relationships throughout the years and meet the needs of all of my students.

I live in Des Moines with my husband, two daughters- Lily and Elizabeth, and our dog, Goose. My girls also attend DMPS schools. We love to be outside, play games, cheer on the Cyclones and spend time with friends and family! I am looking forward to a wonderful year!

Hi all! My name is Bailey Swain and I am the School Psychologist. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Northwestern College in Orange City, IA and my doctorate in School Psychology from the University of South Dakota. I recently moved to Des Moines, so this is my first year with the district! I’m so excited to be a part of the Park Avenue family!