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.
Samantha Jones-Tweedy grew up in West Des Moines. She graduated from University of Northern Iowa with a degree in Art Education. After graduation she spent time in Omaha working through Ameri Corp and started her Master in Elementary Education at the University of Nebraska in Omaha, which she received in 2016. She started working for Des Moines Public in 2012 and was happily assigned to Hanawalt in 2016. Samantha and her husband, Adam, have two wonderful girls, Zaida and Sylvia, and enjoying spending time outside, exploring downtown Des Moines , and crafting.
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.