Desiree is an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa.

Her earliest memories include playing school with friends writing homework assignments and correcting student papers on her vintage desk that looked exactly like the desks in her great-grandmother Rosalia’s one room school house in rural North Dakota. Those sweet childhood memories with friends help form the foundation of Desiree’s drive as an educator who is passionate about Trauma Informed Education, mentoring teachers, coaching administrators, advocating for students including students with disabilities and their families, and supporting cultural competency in school staff.  

During Desiree’s more than 20-year career in Education, she has worked with students and staff at all age levels Head Start (0-5 years), K-12 Schools, College, and University.  

Desiree earned her Master of Science in Special Education in 2007 and is a licensed teacher in North Dakota, Minnesota, and California. She is a certified Positive Indian Parenting trainer and is ICWA (Indian Children Welfare Act) trained through the National Indian Child Welfare Association. She is also certified in CLASS Observation through Teachstone.

The Fred Roger’s Institute chose Desiree to participate in the 2023-2024 Educator’s Neighborhood Cohort of Educators. Desiree was then selected by the Fred Roger’s Institute to participate in a smaller more selective cohort of educators to continue with a second year of study during the 2024-2025 school year.

Desiree is an avid reader, lover of singing, writing, creating art, coconut milk lattes, listening to vinyl, and an extremely proud mom of her two phenomenal children.