Kindergarten Staff

“ My love for teaching centers around every student knowing that they "matter, have Value, have Purpose!" I am so grateful to be a part of new family that will love kids+families deeply, encourage growth and spread kindness. .

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Taylor DeSousaKindergarten Amanda Birrenkott

Kindergarten

Hey there! My name is Taylor DeSousa and I am ecstatic to be at Pope Farm as a Kindergarten Teacher! I look forward to learning about your child's greatness and welcome them into a passionate school atmosphere! Originally, I'm from Minnesota where I grew up to love the Twins, Target and Caribou Coffee. My husband, Jack and I moved to Madison a few years ago. We enjoy uplifting community, board games, camping and anything Disney! My educational training is with Early Childhood Education, Special Education and Elementary Education.

Hello Pope Farm Families! My name is Amanda Birrenkott and I am excited to join the Pope Farm staff as a Kindergarten teacher! I grew up in Middleton and can’t wait to begin teaching in the MCPASD. After attending UW-Whitewater for Early Childhood Education, I taught 2 years at a bilingual school in Cuenca Ecuador. Last year, I spent teaching English to elementary school students in Spain. I am very excited to start this next adventure back home in Middleton! In my spare time, I love to cook, travel, and spend time outdoors! I am excited to learn about my students and their families! I look forward to building a welcoming and supportive community with you! See you soon!

I am so excited for my first year teaching at Pope Farm and to be working with everyone!

Noel VannieuwenhovenKindergarten

Hello Pope Farm Families! My name is Noel Vannieuwenhoven (pronounced vann-even-hoven) but my students usually call me Mrs. Vann. I was born and raised in Morton Grove, Illinois and after attending St. Norbert College for my undergraduate degree, I moved back home and began my teaching career in 2002. During that time, I met my future husband, became a Packers fan, completed my Masters Degree and moved to Madison! My husband, Troy, and I have two daughters - Sloan is 7.5 and Scout is 3.5. Sloan will be a 2nd Grader in September and Scout is extra excited because she will be beginning 4K in the Fall!

Nori GuestKindergarten

Hi Pope Farm Families!My name is Nori. I am so excited to be a part of Pope Farm Elementary School and to be teaching kindergarten this fall! Prior to Pope Farm, I taught preschool and kindergarten for 6 years at a local school. I have always had a passion for teaching and I love seeing the joy on kids' faces when it all “clicks” and they glow with pride. Watching children grow both academically and socially is the biggest reward I can get as a teacher. I became a teacher to create a love for learning in all children. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, watching movies, and spending time with family and friends. I am also eagerly planning my wedding for this fall. It is an incredible opportunity to be a part of the Pope Farms community and I can’t wait to see what this year has in store!

We currently live in Cross Plains and are looking forward to a summer filled with swimming, vacations and lots of ice cream!I have been teaching Kindergarten and 2nd Grade at Park Elementary for the last 11 years. I am beyond thrilled to be a part of this exciting adventure at a new school building in the MCPASD family! I am looking forward to working with our amazing staff at Pope Farm and getting to know new families and students as well! See you all soon!