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Lyndsey Zobrist

5th Grade Teacher

Hello! My name is Lyndsey Zobrist and I absolutely love teaching at Samuelson! I have been an educator for nine years but have been teaching at Samuelson for the last five years in both 2nd and 5th grades. I am currently taking evening and weekend classes at Drake University to get my Masters in Education. In my room we work hard, but we also make time for fun! I’m so excited to learn and grow with my students this year!

Penelope Quesada

Music Teacher
Hello! My name is Penelope Quesada and this is my first year at Samuelson and my 18th year teaching music. I am so excited to meet all of you during this school year. I love seeing students enjoying learning and making music. We are going to have so much fun! Besides my Music degrees (Music Education and Flute Performance) I am also certified to teach technology, robotics and STEAM. I am new to Des Moines and looking forward to enjoy many of the amenities that this beautiful city offers. I have two children, my son Thomas is studying at Purdue University and my daughter Andrea at University of Louisville. And, I have a cat named Lilac. Lilac gets to be my spoiled kitty.
Looking forward to a fantastic year at Samuelson!

Shannon Groth

4th Grade Teacher

Hi!  I am Shannon Groth and I have been a part of this dedicated Samuelson staff since 2006.  I have taught in the Des Moines Public School district since 1992.  I graduated from Iowa State University in 1990 with a Bachelors Degree in elementary education.  I received my masters in education from Graceland in 2010.  In my free time I love traveling, reading, and spending time with my family.  Teaching, as a profession, is something I have been doing since 1990 and I can not imagine anything else I would rather be doing.

Emily Alexander

Special Education Teacher

Raquel Allende

1st Grade Teacher

Hello. My name is Ms. Raquel Allende (the two LL’s make a y sound ). I began my teaching career in California several years ago. For two years I lived and taught in the beautiful Emerald State, Washington. It was Virtual fun! I’ve taught Kindergarten through 3rd grade general education. Last year, I worked with Deaf students in middle school. It was an incredible experience and I enjoyed teaching and learning with Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. However, I am excited to return to elementary to work in early education. I graduated from California State Polytechnic University with a BA in Liberal Arts and from Walden University with a MA in Education. I speak Spanish and communicate in American Sign Language.

My three adult children live on the west coast with their families. I live with my adorable Yorkshire Terrier along with extended family. I enjoy being on the water and in nature. I especially enjoy taking road trips!

I hope to instill the joy of learning and to provide a safe welcoming place to learn!

Brenda Wise

Special Education Teacher

Cindy Roerig

Principal

Hi! My name is Cindy Roerig. I have the pleasure of beginning my thirteenth year as principal at Samuelson. I honestly believe that Samuelson is the best elementary school in Des Moines. We have a competent and caring staff that truly puts the needs of kids first. It is very important that we keep the lines of communication open. Please make sure to contact us if you ever have any questions or concerns.

I am a Des Moines resident and I am a true advocate for DMPS. In my personal life I am married and have one grown daughter and two grown stepsons. My husband and I have five grandchildren. In my spare time, I love to spend time with them. When I am not with my grandchildren, you might catch me on my motorcycle! I also enjoy shopping and reading.

I look forward to a great year with you and your family! Students will learn many new strategies as we implement the School for Rigor model. You will be learning about this model throughout the year.

Abby Wiechmann

Speech Pathologist
Hello! My name is Abby Wiechmann and I am grateful to have served as the Speech-Language Pathologist at Samuelson since the fall of 2019. Samuelson is a great place to be! I graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with my Bachelor’s degree in Communicative Sciences and Disorders and my Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology. Outside of school I enjoy traveling with my husband, reading all kinds of books, and trying out new recipes.
I do serve multiple buildings within the district so reaching out by email is the best way to contact me.

Korey Hauenstein

3rd Grade Teacher

Jill Klunder

Special Education Associate