This year I start my 18th year in education. During my time I have taught kindergarten, first grade, reading and math interventionist, instructional coach, and assistant principal. This year I will also start my 8th year at Willard. This will be my first year in the special education role.
When I am not at Willard I live in Norwalk with my husband, Weston and our three kids. Kiernan (13), Slate (7) and Berkley (5). We love to golf, hike, spend time outside, and run!
I am super excited for the school year to begin!
My name is Mrs. Hildebrand and I started at Willard in 2006. I am currently as a Special Education Associate, and I love working with kids and the great staff we have at Willard, I call my family! My favorite color is purple and I love camping and spending time with my family and friends.
My name is Mary Love and I am the special education consultant. This will be by 24th year in education. I earned by Bachelor’s Degree from University of NE at Omaha in English/Language Arts/Special Education. I have a Master’s Degree in educational administration from Concordia University, Nebraska. I am an adjunct professor in education at Upper Iowa University. I am married and have three children. In my free time I enjoy spending time with them. I am excited to be here at Willard Elementary!
Hello! My name is Grace Reeve and I am the school social worker. I graduated from Drake University with my bachelor’s in public relations and received my master’s in social work from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. My husband and I recently moved back to the Des Moines area after spending 5 years in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains in East Tennessee. We have a toddler that keeps us very busy and a golden retriever that keeps our toddler busy. Excited to be working at Willard Elementary this year!
Hello! My name is Tyson Valentine and I’m a third year special education teacher. I graduated from Buena Vista University with a degree in physical education in 2016 and have added my special education endorsement onto my license since then. Outside of school I coach baseball, enjoy watching sports, and spending time with friends and family. I’m excited for another great year at Willard!