About Your Teacher

Hello, I am Mrs. Hays. I am thrilled to meet you and get to know you!  I started teaching in 2000 and have taught grades K-5.  An interesting note, this is my second career. In my first career I was a clinical music therapist. My husband and I have 2 children. Our family has 2 cats, 3 ducks, chickens and koi fish.  I enjoy being outside in nature. I love music, biking, skiing, hiking, gardening, traveling and getting cozy reading a good book.

Hi! My name is Mrs. Thompson. You can call me Mrs. T! I am so excited to get to know you and your family! This will be my 15th year teaching. My husband, Seth, and I have two children. Hazel is 8.5 years old and Jude just turned 5 years old this past summer. As a family, we love spending time outside. We enjoy going for walks, checking out new parks, and playing with neighbor friends.  My husband and I love listening to music and relaxing on our deck.  I love singing, dancing and drinking loads of coffee. 

My name is Ms. Spencer. I’m thrilled to be one of your teachers this year alongside Mrs. Henkel! This is my 13th year teaching and 7th year teaching at Valentine Hills. In addition to teaching at Valentine Hills, I’ve taught in Chicago and in Thailand. I went to college at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, and have my Master’s degree in Elementary Education.  I live in Minneapolis with my husband Keith, our 3 children Frankie, (4.5 years old) James, (2.5 years old) Will, (5 months) and our dog Winnie. I grew up in the Milwaukee area so during the summer we like to spend a lot of time in Wisconsin with family. When I’m not teaching I like to go on walks, garden, travel, and read. 

My name is Mrs. Henkel and I am co-teaching with Ms. Spencer this year! I have a Bachelors in Speech Language Hearing Sciences from the University of Minnesota and a Master’s degree in Elementary Education from Hamline. This is my 5th year teaching and first year teaching 2nd Grade! My husband, Trent, and I just welcomed our baby girl, Lilah, in May. We also live with our sweet golden retriever, Willow in Coon Rapids. We love hiking, spending time at our cabin in Wisconsin and traveling. I can't wait to meet everyone and start the new year!

Hi Campos Kids and Families! 

My name is Mrs. Campos and I am so glad to be your teacher this year.  I graduated from Concordia- Moorhead and I have been teaching at Valentine Hills for 13 years. Outside of school I love to read, cook, and spend time with my family! My husband and I have two wonderful sons, and a cat! We love to have bonfires and take walks. I look forward to getting to know each of you and making this year together an amazing experience!