Meet Heather Nicole Hamtil of Wyandotte County

Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Nicole Hamtil

Hi Heather Nicole, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I come from a large family, and my parents were in professions that were in-service to others. My father was a medical doctor and surgeon who was one of the first ophthalmologists to specialize in pediatric ophthalmology. Strabismus in little ones was one of his interests. My mom, was an educator like my grandmother. My grandmother was the first in her family to complete higher education. It was her influence that trickled down through the family that education was the key to opportunity in life and in helping others.

Throughout my life, I have had many interests. I first received a biology degree at the University of Kansas. I worked in my father’s medical office for years — every summer and every holiday break, we would help. I believe he hoped that I would one day take over his practice. I loved science, nature and chemistry, but I knew I could not operate on others. I just did not want to hurt others in any way, even though I know that surgery is a means to a healthier end for the patient.

I went to Europe and taught in France for a year. When I returned, I began a second degree in education. From there, I obtained my Masters, Specialist and ultimately my doctorate. I prided myself on having my father’s title and my mother’s profession.

I am one of 9 children, and currently, I am waiting to meet my 48th niece or nephew. While I have no children of my own, I am proud to say that I have worked with thousands of children of the years, and it is my great hope and prayer that I helped them in some small way to be prepared for all of life’s opportunities. Currently, I am a proud principal of a newer school in USD 500.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Often I have heard that it must be nice to have such an easy life. I’m glad that it looked that way to others, because I would say most of my life has been a struggle. I was born very premature and not expected to live. One person even suggested to my mother that it would be better if I did not make it because I would have lots of health issues and possibly be a vegetable. They suggested my life might not turn out to much.

I have had some health issues such as chronic cough, several bouts with pneumonia and other things that are typical of those born early, Just like every one of us will face one day, we, too, suffered loss in our family. In one year, I lost my grandfather, my uncle and my baby sister. It was that year, when I was about 5, that I began to learn that life was precious and not guaranteed. I did not understand death nor did I understand its permanency, but I also learned that this life is a path to a new and eternal life, and we each have a path of our own. Loyalty and Faith are the vehicles for this path.

My loving and devoted father and very talented physician and surgeon became the victim of Parkinson’s Disease at a fairly early age, It was difficult to watch the difficult goodbye that occurred over the span of 20+ years. He was a fighter, and his suffering, although very evident, was not discussed or dwelt upon. He had an emergency tracheostomy, his perfect teeth were knocked out in the procedure, and eventually he had a feeding tube. He fought very hard to the end of his life. He told our priest that he would offer up all of his sufferings for his children and family so that we would all be reunited in Heaven one day.

Even in this difficulty, there were joys. My brother and his young family lived with us for about 5 years to help with my dad’s needs. My little nephew learned how to load the kangaroo feeding tube, help with my dad, learned to comfort him, and learned the biggest lesson….that all life is valuable. He learned how to serve others. In those 5 precious years, he would garden with me, and he became my little language experiment, I would intentionally teach him vocabulary using ESL strategies. I would work to extend his language, and I am proud to say, this little guy made a lot of progress! He learned a lot about flowers, seeds, bulbs, perennials, biennials, and even surprise lilies (his favorite)! At five years old he could identify and name all of the flowers in the garden.

It was these early years and observations of my little nephew, his struggles and his learning that I began to become interested in writing books that could help little ones learn. I also extended this to work with my nieces and nephews to illustrate their own books and help them publish their work.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am really just an educator, through and through. I have taught PreK, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th grades. I have taught ESL courses. I have taught targeted literacy. I taught all the science K-8 one year, and another year I taught all of the math K-8. I have worked in both private and public settings as teacher, instructional coach, mentor, assistant principal and principal. I earned my doctorate from Saint Louis University and hold my superintendent licensure for both Kansas and Missouri, thanks to their encouragement and expectations.

I am not famous, nor would I think that most people think of me as successful. I only know that I persevere and I want excellence for all. I want a good school for teachers and employees. I want a great school for the community — because it is the school of the community. I am only passing through in service for as long as that is in God’s plan for me. I trust His plan for my life. In the meanwhile, I will work to make sure it is the best school for my students. They are my heart and my love.

I am proud of the book I wrote last summer (2023) when I was taking care of my elderly mom. I was becoming a principal, and I wanted to make a book that would help those children leaving home for the first time, joining a bunch of strangers to learn –be able to transition more smoothly. I used my own puppy, Snuggles, as my character. (We know children can learn lessons for themselves by looking at animals.). It is called Snuggles Goes to School. I also have it in Spanish, and the translator of the Spanish edition is my college roommate — a principal of a similar school in Paraguay.

I started writing books to teach kids about church, writing, tornados, life.

Any big plans?
I’m not sure what life holds for me right now. I enjoy making books for kids…even if they never become big sellers. I know that I am contributing is some small way. If the book helps one child, then it was successful.

I would love to develop some talents, learn more languages, travel and help others.

Recently my life has completely changed in every aspect of what I have known and loved. I am resting in the Will of God and Trusting in His Plan for me.