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.

My name is Kim Hofbauer.  I am proud to be a 1st grade teacher here at Samuelson.  I have been teaching first graders for over 20 years.  It’s been a joyous career that I truly love.  I hope to inspire my students to find excitement as they begin their journey of learning. I have 2 boys, Christian and Elijah. Christian is a senior at Iowa and Elijah is a sophmore at Waukee High School.  I enjoy cooking, bargain shopping, farmer’s markets, reading biographies and walking my dog, Marley.  I look forward to making positive connections with my students and their families.

Hi! My name is McKenzie Larson. I am so excited to begin teaching kindergarten at Samuelson! This will be my first year teaching- yay! I can’t wait to meet the kindergarten students and start a year full of learning and fun! I just graduated from Iowa State University in May 2019. Outside of school I love to travel, go to sporting events, watch movies and be with friends and family. I am looking forward to a GREAT year!

Hi! My name is Leanne Lewis. This will be my first year teaching Kindergarten at Samuelson and I am very excited about it! I previously taught Kindergarten in England for five years! I love teaching and can’t wait to help each and every one of my students develop a love for learning and to discover new interests. When I am not at school, I love spending time with my husband, taking my dog Soshi for walks, cooking, kayaking, and traveling the world. My favorite place that I have visited so far is Japan. I am looking forward to a fun-filled year!