Samantha Hager

  • Every elementary school relies on quiet leaders who elevate the entire building, and Mrs. Hager is the definition of a Hidden Hero. As our speech-language pathologist, her impact extends far beyond the walls of her therapy room—she is a foundational pillar of our school’s culture and academic growth.



    Every morning, Mrs. Hager sets a positive tone for our entire campus. Her bright smile and welcoming presence in the office give students a warm, safe start to their day, easing morning anxiety and helping every child feel seen and valued before instruction even begins.



    Her contributions to student achievement reach deep into the classroom. Leveraging her specialized knowledge of speech production and language development, she actively supports school-wide literacy, particularly in phonics. By helping young learners connect the mechanics of speech sounds to reading print, she bridges speech therapy and early reading instruction in ways that accelerate student success.



    What makes a school "speechie" truly hero-worthy is the quiet, life-changing work done behind the scenes. Mrs. Hager gives students their most critical tool: their voice. Whether she is helping a child master tricky articulation, building confidence in a hesitant speaker, or collaborating with teachers to adapt instruction for diverse learners, she transforms frustration into self-advocacy.



    For her infectious positivity, her academic collaboration, and her unwavering dedication to giving every child the power to communicate, Mrs. Hager deserves to be recognized as our Hidden Hero.
  • Speech Language Pathologist
  • Crooked River Elementary School
  • Camden
  • Southern