Hi, I'm Carisa Danielson. I started my teaching career in ELP in 2000 and then moved to 6th grade when the new AMS building opened in 2005. I transitioned back to ELP just last year.

In addition to teaching, I also own The Funky Zebras Boutique in Clear Lake and co-own The Funky Zebras Okoboji & Coralville. 

Hi, I'm Spencer Esslinger. I've been a high school and middle school social studies teacher in the Ames district for over 20 years, but this is the first year I've taught ELP. I'm very excited to teach something new! I'm also the Activities Director at AMS and really enjoy getting to see our students participate in activities both inside and outside of school.

Outside of school I love spending time with my family, going to ISU athletic events, and spending time outdoors fishing and hunting.

Hi, I'm Steph Schares. I've worked at AMS since 2016. In addition to ELP, I am the sponsor of PRISM (a Gender Sexuality Alliance), National History Day, and coach track and field at AHS.

Previous to AMS, I worked as a school counselor in Portland Public Schools in Oregon and as a middle school Language Arts teacher in Titonka, Iowa. 

I enjoy coaching the Iowa Flyers youth track and cross country team, as well as teaching as an adjunct at Drake University.