Hello VPE students and community! I am beyond thrilled to be part of this wonderful community as I begin serving you and your students as the principal at Valley Park. Please know I share one thing in common with each and every one of you - a commitment to and passion for caring for your kids in a safe and nurturing environment, witnessing dramatic growth academically and socially. High functioning elementary schools exist when there is a highly functioning partnership between school staff and the families the school serves. We will work tirelessly to build and maintain this relationship.

My career in education includes time as a classroom teacher in social studies, PE and special education. The last 18 years, I have served in administrative roles at elementary, middle and high school levels. Most recently, I was the principal at Overland Trail Elementary in Blue Valley. My husband Chris and I have two children - our daughter Hannah is 16 and our son Hank is 13. I enjoy watching our kids’ sporting events, working out and spending time with our family and friends. 

It is so exciting to know we have everything needed to make Valley Park Elementary the place where parents want their kids to be and where students feel at home. 

It is a great day to be a Panther!

Melissa Hansen
Principal
Valley Park Elementary

Hello, Panthers!

I’m Emily Gill and I am thrilled to be joining the Valley Park team! Although the 2023-2024 school year will be my first official year at VPE, this will be my 22nd year in education. 

I started my career teaching 5th grade, where I sponsored Student Council, math competitions, and was a curriculum coach. From there, I moved to the special education side of things as a gifted facilitator for kindergarten through 6th grade. I am joining VPE from Overland Trail Middle School, where I just wrapped up four years of teaching middle school. This summer, I was a coordinator for our Blue Valley Summer Explorations program.

When I am not in school, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our two teenagers. We love to go on walks with our labrador, Chip, and go on trips together. Our favorite places to visit are ones with mountains or beaches. 

I love working with others and solving problems as a team. I am honored to be a part of the Valley Park community!