Welcome to the Samuelson Art Studio! My name is Jill Cory, and I have proudly been with Des Moines Public Schools for many years. I graduated from Iowa State University in Elementary Education and Art. I recently graduated from Drake University with a Masters’ Degree in Culturally Responsive Leadership and Instruction. I love my role as the art teacher, because I have the opportunity to work with all of our wonderful and creative students. My son recently graduated from Iowa State University, and my daughter will be a junior at Valley. The three of us cheer for the Cyclones, Cowboys, and Yankees. We also have fun cooking together. I am happy and honored to be serving the students and their families at Samuelson Elementary.
My name is Tam Ho. To some, I am a teacher and coach. At home I am a husband and father. To everyone else I am just another familiar face at any of the Des Moines public golf course scenes. I initially came to the United States as a refugee during the Vietnam War with my parents. My parents Quang and Dao Ho fled their country and left everything behind. They made many sacrifices to ensure that their children had every opportunity to succeed. My family eventually obtained our citizenship through the naturalization process, as I was growing up in Boone, Iowa. Throughout high school, I excelled in wrestling, and continued the sport through college. I graduated from Mankato State University, and also obtained my master degree at Graceland University. Currently I live in Des Moines, and I am raising two boys with my wife Oanh. When there is free time I enjoy spending it with my family, fishing and golfing.