Samantha Halm

When students walk through the doors of Ottawa Elementary, most people assume their biggest concern will be their grades. But for some, life outside the classroom creates barriers that make learning seem like a distant goal. That’s where Samantha (Sam) Halm steps in. As the Family Connections Facilitator for the district, Sam is on the front lines, helping students and families facing housing crises and food insecurity overcome these challenges so they can focus on what matters—education.

Sam’s official title may be Family Connections Facilitator, but her role is much more nuanced. “I’m the McKinney-Vento homeless liaison for the district,” she explains. “My job is to ensure that students who are unhoused or in transition have everything they need to go to school.” That means arranging transportation, providing supplies, and, most importantly, making sure these students don’t feel left out. For Sam, it’s about leveling the playing field. “Education is the last pillar we have to ensure everyone can have a better life,” she says, her voice filled with conviction. “I just want to make sure that everybody has access to it.”

Working with families in crisis is no easy task, but Sam approaches it with empathy and a deep sense of purpose. “You never really know what someone’s going through,” she says. “Judgment has no place here. These are kids, and often, they had nothing to do with their circumstances. My goal is to make sure they feel supported and included.”

Sam’s path to this role wasn’t a straight line. With a background in speech-language pathology, she hadn’t initially considered working in education. “It kind of happened by chance,” she admits. “I took a gap year before grad school and ended up getting my sub certification. That led me to a job as a teacher’s aide at a school for at-risk students, and I fell in love with it.”

That love turned into a passion for helping students facing tough situations. Sam’s personal experiences with mental health struggles have also informed her work. “I had a lot of support growing up, especially when I struggled with my own mental health,” she shares candidly. “I had to take a semester off and go into inpatient treatment. It was a tough time, but I had people who believed in me, and I want to be that person for these kids.”

Sam doesn’t just focus on immediate needs like transportation or school supplies; she also emphasizes the importance of mental health. “When a family is in crisis, everything becomes harder. Stress, anxiety, and mental health concerns can pile up, and that makes it difficult for kids to focus on school. We try to address those concerns as well,” she says. “If a student can’t focus on their education because they’re hungry or worried about where they’re going to sleep, nothing else matters.”

Her work extends beyond the classroom, too. Sam often goes into the community to meet families on their terms. “It’s important to understand the ecosystem these students are living in,” she explains. “You see so much more when you meet them where they are, whether it’s in their homes or somewhere else in the community.”

Despite the challenges of her job, Sam remains optimistic about the future. “It’s tough work, but it’s rewarding. Seeing the progress these kids make and the relief on their parents’ faces when they realize they’re not alone—it’s worth it.” Sam is quick to point out that the work she does isn’t limited to students from low-income families. “Chronic absenteeism, housing crises, and food insecurity don’t only affect families in lower socioeconomic statuses,” she says. “It can happen to anyone, and that’s why judgment has no place here. I’m here to help, not judge.”

As a lifelong Ottawa resident, Sam feels a deep connection to the community. Her work at the district office is more than just a job—it’s a way to give back. “My grandpa used to tell me stories about being chased by the truancy officer through the clay hills,” she laughs. “And now, here I am, helping kids stay in school. It’s funny how things come full circle.”

Though Sam’s current position is grant-funded, she’s hopeful that the district will continue to find ways to support the work. “There’s always more we can do,” she says. “I hope we can keep applying for grants because having someone dedicated to going into the community and really understanding what families need is so important.”

At the end of the day, Sam is driven by one simple goal: to make sure every student feels valued and supported. “These kids deserve to have the same opportunities as everyone else, regardless of their circumstances,” she says. “And I’ll keep doing everything I can to make sure they get them.”