Hello, my name is Becky Coppess. I have served Des Moines Public Schools students and families for 32 years. I taught student with special needs for 13 years and have served as a special educations consultant for the past 19 years. Currently I serve as the consultant for three school, Samuelson, Greenwood and Perkins Elementary Schools.   I am married and have three adult sons. In my free time I enjoy bike riding, golfing, sewing and cooking.

Hi! My name is Stephanie Hartman. I am very fortunate to be a member of the Samuelson staff. After graduating from Drake University in 1980 with a bachelor of science in education and special education, I taught for 3 years in a private school (grades 5-8).  Then I began my career with Des Moines Public Schools in 1984, teaching special education every year, grades K-5. During those years, I earned a masters degree in elementary education from Viterbo. I am married (Tim P.) with 3 children (Tim J, Katie, and Mollie)  and 5 grand dogs, no grandchildren! We live on an acreage near Earlham, Iowa. I love spending time at our cabin on the Mississippi River near Burlington, Iowa, gardening, walking an hour each day with my sister, traveling, and spending time with my family. I love working with students and staff from Samuelson School!

Hi! My name is Sarah Rowland and I am the Speech Pathologist. This is my first year at Samuelson, and first year with Des Moines Public Schools. I previously graduated from The University of Northern Iowa with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences & Disorders and Family Studies, and a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology. I currently serve four schools within the district including one preschool, two elementary schools, and one middle school. In my free time I enjoy cycling and yoga, as well as being a long-distance aunt to my niece and nephew in Ohio. I am excited to be a part of Des Moines Public and look forward to serving the students and families of Samuelson this year!

Hi!  My name is Heather Silberhorn and I am a Special Education Associate here at Samuelson.  This is my first year with the school district, although I have many years of experience in Early Childhood Development.  I have a degree from Iowa State in a non-education field, but have discovered I really enjoy working with children more than my first career choice.

I am married and we have three children who attend Meredith Middle School and Hoover High School.  Go Huskies!  They are all busy with school activities so you’ll often find us cheering them on during their games, enjoying an orchestra concert, or working the concession stands.  All three attended Samuelson so I am excited to be “back” at Samuelson this year working with the great students and staff.