Hello! My name is Monica Hegland. This will be my first year at Samuleson as a Math Interventionist. I am excited to be a part of the Samuelson staff. I have 20 years of teaching experience in regular and special education. I’ve been in the Des Moines Public School District as an Instructional Coach/Interventionist. I look forward to working with Samuelson students.

I grew up and currently live south of Des Moines (Norwalk). I have my Bachelor’s and Master’s from Iowa State University. I am married and have 2 daughters who attend college. I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, biking, and listening to music.

Hi! My name is Denine Larson.  I am so excited to be a part of Samuelson Elementary as a Reading Interventionist.  I graduated from Fort Hays State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education.  I received my Master’s Degree at Emporia State University as a Master Teacher/Reading Specialist in 2008 and Licensure for Building Level Administrator in 2014.  In addition, I earned National Board Certification in Literacy in 2004 and renewed again in 2014.  I have a passion for learning and work hard to instill a love of learning in my students.

I am married and have two daughters attending the University of Kansas.  My husband and I moved to Des Moines this August from Kansas City where I have been a Reading Specialist for the past 13 years.  Previously I taught 2nd and 3rd grade for 7 years.  We look forward to exploring all Des Moines has to offer.  Establishing relationships with students and families is a priority to me and I await the opportunity to connect with the Samuelson community!

Hello!  My name is Mrs. Noel. This is my fifth year teaching at Samuelson Elementary.  I feel very blessed to be a part of such a great team of caring educators. I am a mother of three busy children, a 15-year old son, a 13-year old son and a 10-year old daughter. My husband, children and I enjoy riding bikes with the kids, jogging, taking our dog, Ace, to the dog park and exploring the world around us.  I also thoroughly enjoy teaching children not only about important educational skills but also how they can contribute to the world to make it a better place.

As an educator, I believe every child is a gift and has extraordinary potential with proper guidance and a nurturing environment.  Building relationships and maintaining communication with not only the students but also the families is important to enhance student growth.