Christie Stover
Head of School
Years at Bergman:
6
Christie Stover is a Midwesterner at heart, having spent a considerable amount of time in Illinois and Ohio working in the field of school leadership.
Having served as the Head of School at Applewild School in New England, Christie returns to the Midwest to lead Bergman Academy, bringing with her a considerable amount of administrative experience in independent schools like Bergman Academy.
Christie’s leadership reflects her belief that each member of our school community is valued, encouraged to grow, and welcomed in the educational process.
Contact: cstover@bergmanacademy.org
Educational Background
BS in Secondary Education, University of Illinois
MA in Labor and Human Resources, Ohio State University
Katie Ewing
Director of Admissions and Marketing
Years at Bergman:
4
Katie Ewing is excited to lead Bergman Academy’s admissions and marketing efforts. Sharing Bergman with prospective families and the Des Moines community and guiding people through the admissions process brings her great joy.
Originally from Marshalltown, Katie attended Iowa State University where she earned her BA in Journalism and the University of Louisville where she earned her M.Ed. in Counseling Personnel Services.
Married to Brent, a college track and field coach, and mom to three active kids she spends a lot of time in the role of supporter, driver and fan. She loves reading, fitness, writing, and laughing with friends.
Contact: kewing@bergmanacademy.org
Educational Background
BA in Journalism, Iowa State University
M.Ed. in Counseling Personnel Services, University of Louisville
Sydney Gerritsen
Director of Student Affairs
Years at Bergman:
14
Sydney Gerritsen is an Iowa native, born and raised in Davenport. A lifelong musician, her first teaching job was being the sole orchestra teacher for the Fort Dodge Community School District where learned invaluable lessons in managing large-scale programs across grade levels.
For twelve years, Sydney was a music teacher for Bergman Academy where she joyfully taught all students in addition to directing the choral program.
In December 2021, Sydney graduated with her master’s degree in Educational Leadership and in the 2022-2023 academic year became Bergman Academy’s first Director of Student Affairs, fulfilling a career-long dream to move fully into administration.
Outside of school, Sydney loves to run, spend time with her husband and son, do crossword puzzles, and read.
Contact: sgerritsen@bergmanacademy.org
Educational Background
BA in Music Education, Augustana College
MA in Educational Leadership, University of Louisiana Monroe
Chris Newton
Director of Finance & Operations
Years at Bergman:
4
Chris Newton coordinates all financial aspects of Bergman and ensures the operations of the school are running smoothly.
She has been in the accounting field for more than 25 years and brings to Bergman a wide range of accounting knowledge from various industries such as real estate, construction and most recently non-profit work. Chris as spent the last 3 years working for Goodwill of Central Iowa and brings a vast knowledge of the non-profit work with her.
Chris is married to Bryan and has a daughter Brylee, they currently live in Des Moines.
Contact: cnewton@bergmanacademy.org
Educational Background
MS in Accounting and Finance, Kaplan University
Staci Shabino
Office Manager
Years at Bergman:
4
Staci Shabino manages all front office operations, coordinates our staffing needs and serves as the first point of contact for our families.
When she's not making Bergman a better place, she is enjoying her husband David, her children and her beautiful grandchildren.
Contact: office@bergmanacademy.org