Hi! I’m Jennifer Havens.

This is my first year teaching first grade and I am super excited to be at Samuelson. I’m married to Steven and we have a son, Wesley, and a yappy dog named Crash. Let’s make this a magical year!

Hi!  My name is Katie Baker.  I began teaching for Des Moines Public Schools in 2000.  I taught 2nd grade for many years and currently teach Kindergarten.  I’m married and we have two teenage daughters.  I love gardening indoors and out, spending time with family, and have a passion for reading. Looking forward to another fantastic year at Samuelson.

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!  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, and our son.  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!