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 16th year teaching. My husband, Seth, and I have two children. Hazel is 9.5 years old and Jude just turned 6 years old this past summer. We also have a 1 year old Aussiedoodle. She is a sweet and fluffy addition to our family. 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 14th year teaching and 8th 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.  My  husband Keith and I have 3 children Frankie, (5 years old) James, (3 years old) Will, (16 months) and our dog Winnie (7 years old.) 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 6th year teaching and 2nd year teaching 2nd Grade! My husband, Trent, and I have a 1 year old daughter. We also live with our sweet golden retriever, Willow in Champlin. 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 Alicia 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 14 years. Outside of school I love to read, cook, and spend time with my family! My husband and I have two wonderful sons! 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! 

Nyob Zoo 2nd grade families! My name is Gao Yang and I have been teaching at Valentine Hills for 11 years. I live in Maplewood with my husband and three children. When I am not teaching, my family and I love going for walks in the neighborhood, visiting the library and singing songs around the piano. 

I feel so lucky to be part of the Valentine community and I look forward to learning together with you!