As we begin preparations for the upcoming school year, we’d like to introduce you to three new members of our leadership team. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us as you plan for the new school year!
Jennifer Prentice
Regional Administrator
Jennifer joins the agency’s leadership team to provide strategic direction, program coordination and administrative oversight in our region.
Jennifer brings over 25 years of experience in Iowa education to this role, with a background in special education consultation, instructional leadership and multi-tiered systems of support. She served as a Department Lead, Co-Lead for Students with Significant Disabilities and Assistive Technology (AT) Lead for PLAEA, and she has successfully led initiatives in professional development, compliance and school improvement.
In her new role, Jennifer will enact the PLAEA Strategic Plan, oversee special education compliance activities and serve as a direct administrative contact for local school district officials, partnering agencies and families. She will also be responsible for recruiting, mentoring and evaluating regional staff to ensure the delivery of high-quality services.
Her career highlights include:
- Prairie Lakes AEA (2014–Present): Special Education Consultant, Department Lead, Co-Lead for Students with Significant Disabilities and AT Lead
- Okoboji Community School District (2011–2014): Self-Contained with Integration (SCI) Educator & District Coordinator for Iowa Alternative Assessment
- Okoboji Community School District (2001–2011): Special Education Teacher
- Early Career: Served in multiple capacities, including Third Grade Teacher at Spirit Lake Elementary and K-6 Multi-Categorical Teacher at Lincoln Elementary
Jennifer holds a master’s degree in school guidance and counseling from Buena Vista University, where she also earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education. Additionally, she completed her leadership credentials through the Iowa Principal Leadership Academy and is licensed as a Director of Special Education and a PK-12 Principal/Supervisor of Special Education.
Jennifer Sammons
Administrator of Special Education Related Services
Jennifer Sammons is the new Administrator of Special Education Related Services. Jennifer served as a Regional Administrator for Prairie Lakes AEA and transitioned into this leadership role to provide oversight for special education, Early ACCESS and compliance functions.
Jennifer brings nearly 30 years of experience in Iowa education to this role, with an extensive background in special education leadership, academic intervention and multi-tiered systems of support. Since 2016, she has served as a Regional Administrator at Prairie Lakes AEA, where she has been instrumental in collaborating with district leaders and special education staff to provide direct services to students and families.
Her career highlights include:
- Prairie Lakes AEA (2016–Present): Regional Administrator
- Prairie Lakes AEA (2013–2016): Academic Strategist/Special Education Consultant
- Sioux Central CSD (2010–2013): 9-12 Lead Special Education Teacher and LEA Representative
- Sioux Central CSD (1997–2010): Served in multiple capacities, including Special Education Teacher, Grant Coordinator and Middle School Coordinator
Jennifer holds a Master of Education and Certification in PK-12 Principal/PK-12 Special Education Direction from Iowa State University. She also earned a B.A. in Elementary and Special Education from Buena Vista University, where she later obtained her Secondary Special Education certification and Reading Endorsement.
Chris Wells
Administrator of Special Education Instructional Services
Chris Wells is the new Administrator of Special Education Instructional Services. Chris served as a Regional Administrator for Prairie Lakes AEA and transitioned into this leadership role to provide oversight for instructional services, professional learning and the implementation of specially designed instruction.
Chris brings over 20 years of experience in Iowa education to this role, with an extensive background in driving systemic improvement, regulatory compliance and instructional leadership at both the regional and state levels. Since 2004, she has been a dedicated leader at Prairie Lakes AEA, serving as a Regional Administrator for the Estherville and Algona regions and leading statewide task forces in conjunction with the Iowa Department of Education.
Her career highlights include:
- Prairie Lakes AEA (2017-Present): Regional Administrator
- ICASE (Iowa Council of Administrators of Special Education) Executive Board Secretary
- Prairie Lakes AEA (2004-2017): Special Education Consultant
- Prairie Lakes AEA (2005-2017): Special Education Consultant/Math Consultant
- Statewide Special Education Procedures Committee
- Co-Lead for the Special Education Eligibility and Evaluation Standards Training Task Team
- Graettinger CSD (2000-2004): Special Education Teacher/Instructional Strategist 1 Grades 5-8
- Forest Ridge Residential School (1997-2000): Middle School/High School Social Studies Teacher
Chris holds a Director of Special Education endorsement from the University of Northern Iowa and is licensed as a PK-12 Principal and Supervisor of Special Education through the Prairie Lakes AEA Principal Leadership Academy. She also earned an M.A. in Teaching from Morningside College and a B.S. in Secondary Education Social Studies from Iowa State University.