Christie Stover
Head of School
Years at Bergman:
9
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.
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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 Ashley
Director of Admissions and Marketing
Years at Bergman:
8
Katie Ashley 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.
She loves spending time with her three children and sweet dog, Darby. She also loves reading, writing, fitness, podcasts, documentaries, and people who make her laugh.
Contact: kashley@bergmanacademy.org
Educational Background
BA in Journalism, Iowa State University
M.Ed. in Counseling Personnel Services, University of Louisville
Craig Murphy
Director of Finance and Facilities
Years at Bergman:
3
Craig Murphy is the Director of Finance & Facilities at Bergman Academy, bringing nearly three decades of financial leadership after 29 years as Controller in an agricultural business. He specializes in budgeting, operational finance, and facilities management. Craig combines strategic financial oversight with hands-on operational experience to support organizational growth and stability.
Away from work Craig enjoys golfing, camping, hiking, fishing, and traveling, and he values family time with his wife, two adult children, and especially their grandchild.
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Contact: cmurphy@bergmanacademy.org
Educational Background
BA degree in Accounting, University of Northern Iowa
BA Degree in Economics, University of Northern Iowa
Sydney Gerritsen
Director of Student Affairs
Years at Bergman:
17
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.
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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
Lyssa Hoffmann
Director of Operations and Community
Years at Bergman:
3
For more than 25 years, Lyssa Hoffmann built her career in hospitality, where she discovered that her favorite part of any experience was always the people. She brings that same enthusiasm for
connecting with others, thoughtful attention to detail, and a healthy sense of humor to her role as Director of Operations and Community at
Bergman Academy. Whether she's planning an event, tackling a challenge, or chatting with families in the hallway, Lyssa loves the relationships and everyday moments that make Bergman such a special community.
A Des Moines native, Lyssa has fond memories of visiting the Science Center of Iowa as a child, making it especially meaningful to now work
in that very building. She appreciates Bergman's celebration of curiosity, creativity, and individuality, and loves that no two days at school are ever quite the same.
Outside of Bergman, Lyssa enjoys discovering great restaurants, sharing good food and conversation with friends, and planning her next adventure. A trained sommelier, she believes some of the best memories are made around a table. She and her husband have two grown children and share a love of travel, especially to Jamaica, where the sunshine,
warm breezes, and laid-back island spirit keep them coming back.
Educational Background
BA in Sports Administration, Simpson College
MA in Christian Education, Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg
Staci Shabino
Office Manager
Years at Bergman:
7
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