Hi. My name is Susan David. This is my second year of teaching special education at Hillis. I’m so glad to be working with students here! I love working with students and seeing their excitement as they work toward meeting their personal goals in math, writing and reading. Before joining the team at Hillis, I taught at Wallace Elementary and Monroe Elementary. I also taught conversational English in northern Japan for three years. It was a fantastic experience!
In my spare time I enjoy playing the piano and reading. My husband and I also love to try new restaurants and travel. It is our goal to visit all seven continents.
Colleges Attended: Northwestern College, University of Northern Iowa, Viterbo University
Highest Degree Earned: Master’s Degree
Endorsements: K-6 Elementary Classroom, K-8 Social Studies, Mildly Disabled, Learning Disabilities, Multicategorical Resource/Mild, Instructional Strategist 1: Mild/Moderate, English as a Second Language
Years of Experience: 20
Years at Hillis: 2
Original Hometown: Pella, Iowa
High School Attended: Pella Community High School
My husband Bruce and I live in Des Moines with our three children, Tristen, Evelyn and Elsie. We enjoy playing outside, watching movies and we are active in our church.
Colleges Attended:DMACC,
Simpson College
Highest Degree Earned:BA Elementary Education
Endorsements:Early Childhood,
Reading
Years of Experience: 2 years teaching preschool, 15 years volunteer teaching Sunday School, 5 years Special Education Associate
Years at Hillis: 5 years
Original Hometown: Des Moines
High School Attended: Norwalk High School
I attended UNI majoring in Publics Relations/Communications
Travel and Tourism Degree
Property and Casualty Insurance License- Insurance Industry for 6 years.
Project Management for 8 years.
I have worked at Hillis 6 years.
My hometown was Chatsworth, IL.
I attended Sigourney High School.
My family at home includes my husband, Mark, and daughter Taylan.
I am an Iowa State Cyclone Fan. My family and I are avid hiker’s. We love to travel whenever we have the time.
My name is Dara Sam. I am a fifth year teacher. I grew up in Des Moines, Iowa. I attended college at Simpson where I received my degree in elementary education. I absolutely love and adore all of my students and look forward to seeing the progress and hard work each of my students will give this year!
College(s) attended: Simpson
Highest Degree Earned: Bachelors
Endorsement(s): Reading and Special Education
Years of Experience: 5
Years at Hillis: 4
Original Hometown: Des Moines, Iowa
High School Attended: Des Moines North