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* Offers Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) special program
** Offers Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) & Gifted Academy special programs
*** Offers Adult Education program

Meet the Principal

Desi Wrightsel

As the principal of Nashold Early Childhood Center, it is my privilege to be a part of families’ first experiences with education.

We want to foster a love of learning in our students and be partners with our families. At Nashold, we are one team: staff, children, families and community members. Through this collaborative relationship, we will engage and empower our children.

I love working with children, and I have a passion for fostering a sense of belonging for our entire school community. I am starting my 18th year in education, mostly all of which have been at the early elementary level. I have a master's degree in reading and literacy from Benedictine University, and my master's in educational administration from Northern Illinois University. When I came to RPS 205 six years ago, I was a literacy coach split 50/50 between Nashold and Riverdahl Elementary School. I spent the following three years at Riverdahl as a Kindergarten and Title I teacher, and then moved to Brookview Elementary School to be an assistant principal for two years. I am excited to be back at Nashold as the principal for this great community.

I have lived in this area for 25 years, residing in Durand with my three children: Grant (20), Peyton (17) and Reagan (16). Grant will be a junior at Wartburg College in Iowa, and my girls will be a senior and junior at Durand High School. They are the lights of my life. I am originally from Ohio, so I am a huge Ohio State Buckeyes fan. I love football (Go Bears!), but I will try not to hold it against you if you are a fan of the team up north. One of my favorite things to do is watch my son play football and my daughters play basketball, but they are not always happy about my loud cheering from the sidelines. As my own three children are getting older and starting out on their individual paths, I look forward every day to working with the littles and enjoying their contagious smiles and laughter.

As partners with our community, we welcome families and volunteers to be an active, integral part of our children’s education at Nashold Early Childhood Center. I am proud to be a member of the Nashold family!

Desi Wrightsel  |  desiree.wrightsel@rps205.com