Meet our new Regional Administrators & Assistant RAs

Lexie comes to the AEA from Des Moines where she served as a principal for the last four years. Prior to her role as a principal she was an assistant principal in DMPS for three years. She also spent time in Waterloo, early in her career, as an literacy instructional coach and elementary classroom teacher.

Lexie earned her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Northern Iowa, majoring in Elementary Education and Middle Level Education. She then received her Master’s in Education and Reading Endorsement from Morningside University and a second master’s in Educational Leadership from the University of Northern Iowa. Lexie and her husband Shonnie live in Elk Run Heights with their son, Kyler, and new baby girl, Layla. Lexie enjoys spending time with her family, watching sports – especially the Iowa State Cyclones, golfing and getting exercise.

Marc joined Central Rivers AEA as a regional administrator in July of 2026. Before that, he was the shared superintendent at Colo-NESCO and Collins-Maxwell. Throughout his career in education, Marc was also a teacher/coach, activities director, AEA school improvement facilitator, elementary principal and secondary principal.

Marc earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Buena Vista University, majoring in Elementary Education. He  received his Master’s Degree, PK-12 Principal, and his ASC Superintendency Certification from the University of Northern Iowa. Marc holds endorsements in reading and driver’s education. 

Marc and his wife Kelly live in rural Colo with their son, Max. They also have a daughter, Kerrington and her husband Jacob, who live in Cedar Rapids. Marc enjoys spending time with his family doing various outdoor activities. This includes camping, boating, fishing, biking and going on Jeep excursions.

Jennifer has been a speech-language pathologist with Central Rivers AEA since 2006. Jennifer has served as a related service provider in several school districts and as a specialist in initial evaluations. Jennifer has been in a speech-language leadership role since 2017.

Jennifer earned a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Iowa, majoring in Psychology. She then earned a Bachelor’s in Communicative Disorders, an education endorsement, and a Master’s Degree in Speech Pathology from the University of Northern Iowa. She then completed her PK-12 Principal/Supervisor of Special Education certification through Viterbo University. Jennifer and her husband, Matt, live in Waverly. She enjoys spending time with her 4 adult children and their families, hiking and camping in the mountains, reading books, gardening and riding her bike.

Melannie has been a special education consultant with Central Rivers AEA since 2021, most recently serving as Discipline Lead and Autism Learning Team Lead. Her background in education includes roles as an instructional coach, special education teacher and general education teacher for Cedar Falls Community Schools. Additionally, she taught elementary special education for Des Moines Public Schools, served as an ECSE teacher at Rainbows United in Wichita, Kansas, and was a preschool teacher for the Greene Community School District.

Melannie earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a reading endorsement from Upper Iowa University. She went on to receive a master’s degree in special education with a consultant endorsement from Morningside University, and a second master’s degree in educational leadership from Viterbo University. Melannie and her husband, Brad, live north of Cedar Falls with their three children: Peyton, McCabe and Hadleigh. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, walking outdoors, listening to audiobooks and attending her kids’ activities.

Kari has been a special education consultant with Central Rivers AEA since 2009. Throughout her time at Central Rivers, she has served as an Autism Team Lead, provided a variety of professional development opportunities, and served as a shared special education director for multiple rural school districts. Prior to joining Central Rivers, Kari worked as both a special education teacher and a general education teacher for Mason City Community School District.

Kari earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, with a minor in Special Education, from Buena Vista University. She later earned a Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning, along with a consultant endorsement, from Morningside College. She also completed her PK–12 Principal/Supervisor of Special Education certification through Northwestern College.

Kari and her husband, Jason, live in Clear Lake with their two dogs, Zoey and Finley. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family – especially her new granddaughter – and shopping for vintage and antique treasures.

Liz has currently been serving as a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) Discipline Co-Lead at Central Rivers AEA, and has served as a direct service provider for various districts for Central Rivers AEA since 2021. Prior to that, she served as a direct service provider at Grant Wood AEA for nine years. During her time at Grant Wood AEA, she also participated in the Organizational Leadership Program and served on a Region Leadership Development Team. 

Liz earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Communicative Disorders, an education endorsement, and a Master’s Degree in Speech Pathology from the University of Northern Iowa. She then completed her PK-12 Principal/Supervisor of Special Education certification through Viterbo University. Liz and her spouse Tom live in Cedar Falls. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, golfing and other outdoor activities.