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, I am Kayla Haskin. I grew up in Dubuque, Iowa and lived there until I went to college at Iowa State University. After college, I started my teaching career in 2011 at Woodward Academy in Woodward, Iowa. I taught middle and high school kids who were in special education. I also taught a GED course to help students earn their degree. After a short time there, I came to the Des Moines Public Schools District. This will be my 9^th year working in the district and my first full year here at Samuelson. Since being in Des Moines I have taught at the elementary level working with students in Special Education. At home I live with my husband, our two children, and two dogs. When I have free time I like to relax on our back patio and just and listen to nature. I love music, learning, and teaching. I’m looking forward to working with the amazing Samuelson staff and families again!

I’m so excited to be a part of the Samuelson team this school year!  After I graduated college in 2002, I taught high school English and ELL at Hoover and in California. I soon realized that my heart was in special education, and went back to get my master’s degree. While I was back in school, I worked as a special education associate at Smouse. For the past 11 years, I taught children with autism at Findley Elementary.  I’m very passionate about serving students with special needs and  I’m really looking forward to this new role supporting students and teachers at Samuelson. In my free time I love to read, take walks with my dog, and travel.

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.

Hi! My name is Abby Wiechmann and I am the Speech-Language Pathologist here at Samuelson. This is my first year with the Des Moines Public Schools and I am excited to be joining this great community! I previously graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with my Bachelor’s degree in Communicative Sciences and Disorders and my Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology. I will be serving four schools within the district including one preschool, two elementary schools, and one middle school. My husband and I enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, and trying out different ice cream shops in the area! I am looking forward to a great school year!