Meet our New Teachers
Mrs. Breitinger, 2nd Grade Teacher
Morgan Breitinger is a new second grade teacher at Prairie Hill this year. Morgan is a Prairie alum graduating in 2016. After graduation, she attended the University of Northern Iowa where she earned her degree and was commissioned as an Army Reserve Officer through the ROTC Program.
In her free time, Morgan enjoys spending time with her family and going on long walks with her husband and their two dogs. She also spends many weekends of her time serving as the Commander of an Army Reserves Transportation Company in Waterloo, IA. She is so excited to be back at Prairie, this time as a teacher! She wants to help support students on their own journeys, just as her past teachers have done for her.
Miss Garcia, 3rd Grade Teacher
Giselle Garcia is a new third grade teacher at Prairie Hill. She recently graduated from Coe College in 2021. After graduation, she taught as a 3rd grade teacher on Chicago’s westside. Although she loves the big city life, she is very excited to return to the Cedar Rapids area.
Giselle comes from a large family back home in Chicago. She loves to spend her time with her 2 year old (yet very grumpy) cat, catching some sun, binge watching crime shows, and treating herself.
Mrs. Stalllman, 4th Grade Teacher
Julie Stallman is eager and excited to return to Prairie Hill! She student taught in Mrs. Velvicks 4th grade classroom in 2018 and loved the amazing community of people at Prairie Hill. For the past 3 years Julie has taught 2nd grade in the Cedar Rapids Community School District. Julie is a Bettendorf High School graduate. After graduating she went to Kirkwood in Cedar Rapids, then transferred to University of Northern Iowa where she graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Literacy Education.
In her free time, she loves to travel to warm places with a beach, cook good food, kickbox, listen to music and spend quality time with family and friends. Her favorite thing about teaching is building lasting relationships and memories with students and families.
Ms. Hansen, Music Teacher
Amber Hansen is joining Prairie Hill as the music teacher. I grew up in Manchester, IA and began singing at an early age. I have always loved singing and making music. I attended college at Simpson College and earned a BM in Music Education. I also have an ME in Differentiated Instruction from Graceland University. I have been teaching elementary music for 18 years in East Central Iowa. My husband, Casey, and my seven-year-old son, Flynn, call Cedar Rapids home.
When I am not teaching I can be found singing/performing locally and writing music. My family enjoys watching hockey and my son is hoping to play this year. I also enjoy spending time outdoors with my son or walking our dog, Lucy. I also enjoy cuddles with our cat, Radar, while watching some of my favorite movies and tv shows.
I am so excited to be a part of the Hill family, to get to know our students and families, and to make some fabulous music this year.
Mrs. Pflughaupt, Teacher Librarian
Sara Pflughaupt is excited to be Prairie Hill’s new Teacher Librarian. She grew up in Walker, Iowa, and graduated from North Linn High School in 2010. She then graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in 2014 with a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education. She taught fourth grade for four years before graduating from the University of Northern Iowa in 2020 with a Master’s in School Library Studies. While Sara is new to Prairie, this will be her eighth year in education.
Outside of school, Sara enjoys spending time with her husband Trever, her son Caleb, and her cat Rory. She also enjoys reading, watching Netflix, crafting, and traveling. She is looking forward to working in the district, and getting to know the Prairie Hill community!
Mr. Donels, SpEd Level 3 Teacher
Kaleb Donels is a new Special Education teacher at Prairie Hill this year. He graduated from Cedar Rapids Washington High School where he swam and played baseball for four years. Kaleb is now a certified K-8 Elementary teacher and graduated from Coe College where he continued swimming and playing baseball. He is currently pursuing his Master’s in Special Education from Morningside University. Kaleb is excited to meet every student and staff member in the building while making a difference with each of them.
In his free time, Kaleb loves to watch sports, hike, and ride bikes with his family. His favorite thing about teaching is seeing the “light bulb” turn on in a student’s head when they learn something they’ve been working hard on. He is ready to learn, teach, and inspire students every single day.
Mrs. Tierney, Computer Tech
Ashleigh Tierney is joining Prairie Hill in the computer tech position. She is excited to be joining the Hill staff full-time after subbing in the building during the 2021-2022 school year. Ashleigh graduated from Mount Mercy and also received her scoping certification after graduation. She has worked as a scopist, translating stenography and editing court transcripts, for the last several years.
In her free time, Ashleigh enjoys watching her kids participate in sports/activities, spending time with family, exercising, playing volleyball, reading, and watching reality TV!
She is looking forward to working alongside the great staff at Hill and getting to know the students and their families!