New Regional Directors Named: Crista Carlile Coming to Region 4; Joy Wiebers Coming to Region 5

Congratulations to Crista Carlile for Being Named New Region 4 Regional Director 

Heartland AEA is pleased to announce the hiring of Crista Carlile as the new regional director for Region 4. Crista, who is currently the Director of Teaching & Learning at Urbandale Schools, will replace Carlene Lodermeier, who will be retiring on June 30, 2022. As a regional director, Crista will provide coordination and leadership for the provision of AEA services to the Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS) and the accredited non-public schools located in district boundaries. Her additional responsibilities will include supervision of the Shelter Care Educational Program Administrator with general oversight and support to the Shelter Care Program. 

Prior to her last eight years at Urbandale, Crista held a number of leadership positions at DMPS. She spent three years as the Supervising Administrator at Central Academy, a year as the School Improvement Leader at East High School and five years as the Science Curriculum Director for the district. She began her career as a science teacher and has taught courses in anatomy, physiology and biology. She has also taught a number of adjunct courses for Drake and Grand View Universities. 

Crista holds a doctorate degree in educational leadership from Drake University, an educational administration endorsement from Viterbo University, a master’s degree in secondary education from Viterbo and a bachelor’s degree in biology from Kansas State University. 

We look forward to Crista joining the Agency on July 1, 2022. 

Please Welcome Joy Wiebers to the Region 5 Regional Director Position 

Heartland AEA is pleased to announce the hiring of Joy Wiebers as the new regional director for Region 5. Joy, who is currently the Executive Director of Student Services for the Johnston Schools, will replace Jerry Gruba, who will be retiring on June 30, 2022. As a regional director, Joy will provide coordination and leadership for the provision of AEA services to Region 5 district West Des Moines as well as Dowling and Sacred Heart accredited non-public schools. 

Prior to her three years as Executive Director at Johnston Schools, Joy held two other leadership positions at Johnston. She spent two years as the Director of Student Supports & Equity and five years as the principal at Summit Middle School. She also served as the Principal and School Improvement Leader at Hiatt Middle School and the Dean of Students at Garton Elementary, both in Des Moines. She began her career as a special education teacher and has taught in a K-5 resource room and in an autism cluster program. 

Joy holds a superintendent certification from the University of Northern Iowa, a master’s degree in educational leadership from Drake University and a bachelor’s degree from Central College. 

We look forward to Joy joining the Agency on July 1, 2022.