My name is Melissa Miller and I received my undergraduate college degree in History from Simpson College in Indianola.  I worked as the Children’s Librarian at Storm Lake for 5 years before returning to Simpson College and obtaining my Elementary Education certification. I student taught at Garton Elementary in 3rd grade. After teaching in southern Iowa for two years I am excited to be back in Des Moines. I will also be starting my master’s degree at Drake this fall. I am excited to be teaching Special Ed at Samuelson!

Hi! My name is Samantha Schmitt, the students call me Ms. Sam. I am starting my fourth year as a special education associate at Samuelson. I love my job and getting to know the students and building relationships with them. I am currently back in college to become a teacher and can’t wait to have a classroom of my own. I am looking forward to a great year.

Hi! I’m Mrs. Alaina and this is my 5th year working as a special education associate in DMPS and my 3rd year at Samuelson. I have a national vocational qualification in early years childcare and education which I earned in the UK and have worked with children for over 15 years. I’m so grateful to work with the wonderful students and staff here at Samuelson and looking forward to another great school year!

I have been an associate at Samuelson since 2017 after spending many years working in the early childhood field.  Before joining the Samuelson staff I spent a lot of time volunteering here as our children attended Samuelson and will have all  graduated from Hoover High School.  I am looking forward to another great year at Samuelson!