Hello! My name is Tabitha Klinefeldt. This is my second year at Samuelson and I love the students and parents in this community!

I graduated from Lincoln within the DMPS. I’ve done many different career paths in life, including the dental field, the hairstylist world and most recently the solar industry. Each of those taught me many things but I believe working with kids and their education is what is going to be most rewarding! When I am not at work I like to spend time with my husband and my 2 children ( a 17 year old daughter and a 13 year old son). We like to go to concerts and travel to new places as much as we can. Being a competitive dance mom and a competitive basketball mom keeps me busy!

I try to stay on top of keeping parents informed as much as I can, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions!

Hi! My name is Marisa DeVito and this will be my 5th year teaching 2nd grade here at Samuelson. I graduated from Drake University in 2019 with a BSE in Elementary Education, a Reading endorsement, and a minor in Leadership Development. I am currently getting my Master’s in Culturally Relevant teaching through Drake University. I always love to find new ways to grow and educate myself alongside my students.

I believe in creating a space where students feel safe and supported and know that they are cared for every day. I want students to feel comfortable to take risks in learning, understand that mistakes are part of our educational journey, and believe in their ability to learn as much as I believe in them. I am looking forward to a wonderful year of learning ahead 🙂

Hello!  I feel honored to have the privilege of working with the staff and students at Samuelson Elementary School.  I obtained my bachelor’s degree from Central College and my master’s degree from Drake University.  I started my career at Southeast Polk School as a Special Education teacher and then as a 6th grade classroom teacher.  I came to Des Moines Public Schools as an Instructional Coach.  I have worked at Brubaker Elementary, Smouse Opportunity School, and Samuelson.  I live with my husband and two children.  I enjoy being outside, yoga, movies, and books.

Hello!  My name is Benjamin LaConner and I am the principal of Samuelson Elementary.  I love being part of the Samuelson community due to our student-centered practices, dedicated families, and committed staff.  We are proud to teach a diverse group of students and we believe that this diversity makes our community stronger and improves the learning that happens in our building.  I enjoy working with our partner schools in the Hoover-Meredith feeder-pattern and throughout DMPS to meet the ambitious goals that we have for our students.

I hold Master’s degrees from The City University of Seattle and Northwestern College.  I’m passionate about providing holistic supports and making school systems meet student needs.  It’s important to me to create meaningful connections with students, families, staff, and community members.  I love that Samuelson is a neighborhood school and I want to continue to build on this strength.

Personally, I live in the Drake neighborhood with my wife, Kristina.  We like to bike, read, and spend time with our extended family.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me if I can support you in any way.  Welcome to Samuelson!

Hello! My name is McKenzie Larson. I am grateful to have been teaching at Samuelson since 2019. I have been teaching Kindergarten the whole time being here which I couldn’t be happier about! I love seeing these little ones learn and grow throughout the year! I can’t wait for a year full of learning, fun and lots of laughs!

I graduated from Iowa State University with an Elementary Education degree. I am currently getting my master’s from Drake University in Culturally Responsive Teaching! When I’m away from school I love cheering on the Cyclones and the St. Louis Cardinals and spending time with my friends and family!