Courtney Ihnen is originally from West Des Moines, Iowa. She graduated from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa with a duel degree in music therapy and K-12 music education. After an AMTA approved music therapy internship, Courtney acquired the credentials Music Therapist-Board Certified (MT-BC), working with children of varying abilities such as: autism, cerebral palsy, down syndrome, mental disorders and behavior disorders. Courtney has been teaching K-5 music education at Hanawalt since 2012, and received her master’s degree in culturally proficient leadership and learning from Drake University in 2017. She is an active DMPS technology Trailblazer, national Seesaw ambassador, media contact for the Greater Des Moines Orff association, sings with the Des Moines Choral Society, a member of Young Variety- the children’s charity of Iowa and the Des Moines Young Professional Connection. And, considered by her vet to be a, “Good tortoise mom” to Minerva “Shelly” Ihnen.
Haley Manning Graduated from Northwest Missouri State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical and Health Education while also obtaining her personal training certification. She is excited to begin her teaching career as a Hanawalt Hawk this school year. She is passionate about teaching the importance of fitness and instilling healthy habits to watch students progress. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, and traveling.
My name is Sarah Sheeley and I am so excited to be Hanawalt’s Art Teacher! I have been teaching Art in the district for the past 7 years and feel like by coming to Hanawalt I am coming home to a place I will get to be and stay at for a very long part of my teaching career! I am a practicing artist who does a lot of painting, jewelry, and fiber arts. I studied at Kansas City Art Institute after graduating from DMPS in 2006, then moved back and attended Drake University for my degree in Arts Education. My husband, Heith, and I and our mini Australian Shephard, Cedar, are expanding our family this year and will be welcoming a new baby girl mid October! I look forward to infusing her life with creativity and art just like I strive to do in my teaching. When I am not making or teaching art I love to spend time watching Heith cook (he is a chef!) and obviously taste testing. I also enjoy spending time in nature, reading, practicing yoga, travelling and going to see live music whenever possible. I am so excited to be a paet of the Hanawalt family! Thank you to everyone who has given me such a warm welcome!