It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Osceola, IA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
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“Always Best Care in Cedar Valley IA realy helps me a lot. They have Reliable Caregivers who helped me to take care of my loved one for several years. They are highly trained and managed well the daily routines and activities like bathing and dressing. Caregivers of always best care is dependable and passionate to their work. I am satisfied and so glad that I chose their service. Highly recommend whoever needs their caregiving service!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Osceola, IA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Osceola, IA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Osceola, IA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
A shorter county fair this year means more action-packed days. Breakfast and lunch will be available July 15-19 in the events center. Breakfast runs from 7 to 9 a.m. and lunch 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.All times are subject to change. Follow Clarke County Fair on Facebook for fair updates.Monday, July 134-H and FFA exhibit building judging takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with open classes to arrive between 9 a.m. and noon.A change this year is that only those exhibitors with items to be judged will be a...
A shorter county fair this year means more action-packed days. Breakfast and lunch will be available July 15-19 in the events center. Breakfast runs from 7 to 9 a.m. and lunch 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
All times are subject to change. Follow Clarke County Fair on Facebook for fair updates.
Monday, July 13
4-H and FFA exhibit building judging takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with open classes to arrive between 9 a.m. and noon.
A change this year is that only those exhibitors with items to be judged will be allowed in the events center during judging. All parents, siblings, other family members and spectators are asked to please remain outside until judging is complete.
Tuesday, July 14
The dog show begins at 8 a.m.
Wednesday, July 15
Plenty to do and see today. A progressive ag-safety zone will be active from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with an ag skillathon judging contest at 1 p.m., sign-up at 12:30. In the afternoon, enjoy the Clarke Ambassadors Dance Group at 4 p.m., bingo from 6 to 7 p.m., dirt drag races at 7 p.m. and a mariachi band from 7 to 9 p.m.
In animal events, the horse show begins at 5 p.m.
The exhibit building will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The day is sponsored by Chesnut Lawn & Landscape and Andrew Construction.
Thursday, July 16
Family Fun Day at the fair. Start your day with a Soil Conservation breakfast from 7 to 9 a.m. followed by the poultry show at 9 a.m. The pet show begins at 3 p.m. with fun activities starting at 5 p.m.: American State Bank Hot Dog Feed and First National Bank ice cream at 5:30 p.m. while supplies last, pedal pull registration at 5:30 p.m. with the event to start at 6 p.m. and the Ranch Rodeo at 6:30 p.m. Old Iron will be on display all day.
The exhibit building is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and progressive ag-safety zone from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The day is sponsored by American State Bank.
Friday, July 17
With Old Iron on display all day, the exhibit building is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and progressive ag-safety zone from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
At 8 a.m. the goat show kicks off with the sheep show at 1 p.m. A Paws, Claws, Hooves & Handlers costume extravaganza presented by the Fremont Feenix 4-H Club starts at 5:30 p.m. with bingo from 6 to 7 p.m. Free inflatable rides will be available from 4 to 8 p.m., and at 7 p.m. the truck and tractor pull in the west arena starts; admission is $10 adults, $5 kids aged 6 to 11 and free for 5 and under.
Friday’s fair day is sponsored by Paul Mueller Company.
Saturday, July 18
Clarke County Farm Bureau is sponsoring a free breakfast from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Stock dog trials will be held at 7:30 a.m. outside, with the dairy cattle show in the show ring at 8:30 a.m. followed by the beef show at 9 a.m. Rabbits will be shown at 3 p.m.
A cook-off contest begins at noon along with various outside activities in the afternoon: face painter from 2 to 7 p.m., foam party at 2:30, 3:30 and 5 p.m., corn hole tournament at 4 p.m. (registration 2 to 3:30 p.m.), inflatables from 4 to 9 p.m., bingo from 6 to 7 p.m. and chuck wagon races at 7 p.m. From 8 to 11 p.m., the Standing Hamptons will take the stage for a free concert.
The exhibit building is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., progressive ag-safety zone from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Old Iron all day.
Sunday, July 19
The last day of the fair is sponsored by the Clarke County Cattlemen. The exhibit building is open all day and with the progressive ag safety zone from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The swine show starts at 8 a.m., Clover Kids check in at noon with the show to begin at 12:30 p.m. A face painter will be on the grounds from noon to 5 p.m.
At 4 p.m., the awards and recognition begin followed by the livestock and pie auction at 5 p.m.
In response to ongoing concerns surrounding water quality in the Des Moines area, the Osceola Water Board voted last week to reaffirm its commitment to providing customers with safe, high quality drinking water by increasing the frequency of nitrate sampling at the Osceola water treatment facility.Beginning immediately, the Osceola Water Works treatment plant staff will conduct weekly in-house nitrate testing to closely monitor changing conditions as well as submitting additional samples to the Iowa DNR for certified laboratory analys...
In response to ongoing concerns surrounding water quality in the Des Moines area, the Osceola Water Board voted last week to reaffirm its commitment to providing customers with safe, high quality drinking water by increasing the frequency of nitrate sampling at the Osceola water treatment facility.
Beginning immediately, the Osceola Water Works treatment plant staff will conduct weekly in-house nitrate testing to closely monitor changing conditions as well as submitting additional samples to the Iowa DNR for certified laboratory analysis on a quarterly basis.
“Providing safe, reliable drinking water is our top priority,” said Brandon Patterson, Osceola Water Works Superintendent. “More frequent testing gives us better data, builds community confidence, and demonstrates our commitment to our customers."
Under current Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) operating permit mandates, Osceola Water Works is required to collect samples and test for nitrates once a year, in the period of January 1st and March 31st.
Osceola Water Works Nitrate (N) levels have been <0.125 mg/L consistently for the past 8 years and historically, since 1980, always lower than 2 mg/L; well below the EPA standards of maximum contaminant level of 10 mg/L for Nitrates (N).
Typically, lake water (West Lake), does not have high nitrate levels compared to that of rivers or groundwater. Because lakes are still or slow-moving bodies of water, the water is trapped and tends to process nitrates naturally. Algae and aquatic plants quickly consume most of the nitrates, resulting in lower concentrations (often less than 1 mg/L) unless there is excessive fertilizer or animal waste runoff.
In comparison, rivers are flowing systems, (Des Moines River and Raccoon River), and generally have much higher nitrate concentrations than lakes. Rivers act as primary runoff channels that continuously collect agricultural fertilizer and wastewater.
If you have any questions about Osceola Water Works water quality, please contact the Osceola Water Works office at 208 West Jefferson Street, PO Box 515, Osceola, IA 50213, by phone: (641) 342-1435, or by email at .
During its June 10, 2026, Board of Directors meeting, the Clarke County Development Corporation (CCDC) approved a Flashpoint Fund grant to help replace the aging air conditioning system at Full Harvest Senior Housing in Osceola. Through a partnership with the Southern Iowa Council of Governments (SICOG), the CCDC provided the required 25 percent local match toward a project exceeding $150,000, allowing the much-needed HVAC replacement project to move forward.The replacement project has since been awarded to Snyder Plumbing, with engin...
During its June 10, 2026, Board of Directors meeting, the Clarke County Development Corporation (CCDC) approved a Flashpoint Fund grant to help replace the aging air conditioning system at Full Harvest Senior Housing in Osceola. Through a partnership with the Southern Iowa Council of Governments (SICOG), the CCDC provided the required 25 percent local match toward a project exceeding $150,000, allowing the much-needed HVAC replacement project to move forward.
The replacement project has since been awarded to Snyder Plumbing, with engineering, equipment procurement, and installation expected to take approximately 14 to 16 weeks.
Just one week after the grant was approved, however, Full Harvest Senior Housing Building Manager Mary DeLong contacted CCDC Executive Director Andrew Clark with troubling news: after more than a year of unreliable operation, the building's air conditioning system had failed completely.
With July temperatures and heat indices reaching between 95 and 105 degrees, and the hottest weeks of summer still ahead, the CCDC immediately responded by purchasing twelve portable floor air conditioning units. Ten of those units will be installed in occupied apartments, providing temporary cooling for residents until the new central HVAC system is operational
The emergency response was driven by concern for the health and well-being of the building's senior residents, ensuring they have access to safe and comfortable living conditions while construction is completed.
Once the permanent HVAC system has been installed and is fully operational, the portable air conditioning units will be returned to the CCDC. The organization intends to maintain the units as a community resource, making them available to assist other Clarke County residents facing temporary cooling emergencies in the future.
"I believe our mission extends to supporting the health, safety, and overall well-being of our community,” said Andrew Clark, Executive Director of the Clarke County Development Corporation. “While providing temporary air conditioners may seem like a minor effort, it will likely mean everything to residents who were facing days and weeks in apartments exceeding 100 degrees. We're proud to help protect some of our most vulnerable neighbors while the permanent solution is being completed."
Mary DeLong said the support from the CCDC has been invaluable throughout the project.
"We cannot thank the Clarke County Development Corporation enough for everything they have done for our residents," said DeLong. "Knowing our residents will have relief during the hottest part of the summer brings tremendous peace of mind to all of us. Their partnership has truly made a difference."
The portable air conditioning units will remain part of a CCDC emergency community assistance inventory after the Full Harvest project is complete. Residents who may have an immediate need for temporary cooling assistance, or who know someone who could benefit from a portable air conditioning unit, are encouraged to contact the Clarke County Development Corporation. Units will be made available on a temporary basis as inventory allows.
For additional information about the CCDC Flashpoint Fund or to inquire about temporary portable air conditioning units, please contact Andrew Clark, Executive Director, Clarke County Development Corporation, 115 E Washington Street. Osceola, Iowa, phone: 641-342-2944, or email . ClarkeCountyLife.com
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As the start of the 2026-27 school year draws near, new teachers and staff are getting ready to welcome students back to the halls of Clarke Community Schools. Note: Additional new staff will appear in upcoming issues.BushTaking the helm as the high school band director is Mason Bush. A December 2025 graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, Bush majored in instrumental/ general music education with a minor in math, spending this most recent semester substitute teaching in the Des Moines metro and coa...
As the start of the 2026-27 school year draws near, new teachers and staff are getting ready to welcome students back to the halls of Clarke Community Schools. Note: Additional new staff will appear in upcoming issues.
Bush
Taking the helm as the high school band director is Mason Bush. A December 2025 graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, Bush majored in instrumental/ general music education with a minor in math, spending this most recent semester substitute teaching in the Des Moines metro and coaching boys tennis at Ankeny High School.
At UNI, Bush was involved in a variety of ensembles, including marching band, pep band, wind ensemble, symphony orchestra, UNItuba and the Biscotti Brass Quintet. When not with his tuba, Bush could be found playing tennis with the UNI Tennis Club.
“I am looking forward to bringing my passion for music to the Clarke Community and helping students grow as individuals and musicians,” he said.
Bush is an avid Drum Corps International follower, sports enthusiast and Eagle Scout. He likes hanging out with his friends, playing board and video games and puzzling.
Casey
Tim Casey is joining the elementary staff as a special education teacher.
A native of southern Iowa, Casey moved away for a number of years before returning about 12 years ago. For the past three years, Casey has called Central Decatur Schools home, teaching kindergarten for two years and this past year as the sixth grade science and social studies teacher as well as volleyball coach. This coming school year will be his 16th in education. In addition to teaching, Casey spent 13 years working in a hospital’s sterile processing department.
Outside of school, Casey enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling and learning about different cultures.
“I look forward to getting to know the students, families and staff in the upcoming school year,” Casey said. “I am also looking forward to all the new opportunities.”
In addition to teaching, Casey will be heading the girls varsity volleyball team.
Couch
Recent graduate Morgan Couch will be Clarke’s new social worker this year. Couch graduated from the University of Iowa this May with a masters of social work, and is ready to get to know and support Clarke students and families.
“I am excited to be a part of the school community,” Couch said.
She lives in the Osceola area with her husband and their dog, Rue. When not at school, Couch enjoys reading, quilting and spending time outdoors.
Leitch
A new fourth-grade teacher this year will be Tammy Leitch.
Born in Iowa, Leitch has spent most of her life in the Des Moines metro area. She attended Grand View University, graduating in 2002 with her bachelor’s in elementary education. Leitch looks forward to joining the Clarke Elementary community, helping to create a positive and memorable school year.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to join such a close-knit community and look forward to building relationships with my students and their families,” she said.
In her free time, Leitch enjoys traveling, reading, playing Mah Jongg, spending time with family and friends, photography, scrapbooking and spoiling her pets - one dog and four cats.
McGuire
Jillian McGuire will be joining the Clarke Elementary staff as a preschool teacher.
McGuire graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. Prior to Clarke, Mc-Guire worked at Champions Daycare in Lisbon, Iowa, where she said she gained experience working with children of all ages and developed a love for helping young learners grow through play and exploration.
“I am passionate about creating a fun, engaging and welcoming classroom where every child feels valued and encouraged to learn,” she said.
In her free time, McGuire loves reading, listening to Taylor Swift and playing cards with her family.
She looks forward to meeting her students and their families and beginning an amazing year at Clarke that celebrates small milestones and big accomplishments with her students.
Rios
Taking the role of Clarke Middle School ELA teacher is Alex Rios. A fall 2025 graduate of Iowa State University, Rios holds a bachelor’s degree in English education. “I value supporting each student to meet their needs and guiding them to become lifelong readers and writers,” he said.
In his spare time, Rios greatly enjoys writing and hopes to one day publish one of his books.
Rios looks forward to joining the middle school team and working with students, parents and colleagues to meet each student’s individual needs.
Watkins
Returning to Clarke Elementary is Stacia Watkins, who will be the first grade dual-language Spanish teacher. With 39 years in education from kindergarten to 12th grade, most of those have been spent teaching language acquisition, and she looks forward to helping this year’s dual-language first graders continue their journey towards becoming bilingual in Spanish and English. “My life has been greatly enriched through personally studying and learning languages, as it has provided me to more deeply get to know others,” Watkins said. “I wish the same opportunity for my students.”
Watkins holds an undergraduate degree in elementary education and a masters in multicultural bilingual education, specifically-certified in Spanish, from Northern Arizona University. She and her husband have six children and 10 grandchildren.
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