Hello! My name is Tabitha Klinefeldt. I’m brand new to Samuelson this year and so excited to get to know all of the staff and the kids and their families!  Please don’t be afraid to stop in and say hi!

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 16 year old daughter and a 12 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 am so excited to be involved in such a wonderful diverse community here at Samuelson and look forward to a great year!

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.

Hello! My name is Carrie Weers and I am the professional school counselor at Samuelson Elementary. I am very excited about working with all the students at Samuelson and would welcome the opportunity to visit with you also. I will be in your student’s classroom for a 30-minute classroom guidance lesson every other week. I also will be working with small groups and individuals. Reach out if you need any community resources as well. My job is to ensure that your student has everything they need to be successful at school. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call me at (515) 242-8441 or email me at: carrie.weers@dmschools.org.

My name is Tam Ho. I will be Samuelson Elementary Physical Education Teacher this year.

My wife’s name is Oanh, we live in Des Moines, and have two boys attending Des Moines Public Schools.

In my free time I enjoy golfing, fishing, and spending time with my family.

My goal is to get kids moving and help students find activities they enjoy and be active with those activities for a lifetime. Feel free to contact me at: tam.ho@dmschools.org if you have questions.

Hello! My name is Denie Rew. I am so honored and proud to be a member of the Samuelson community! I have been a teacher with Des Moines Public Schools since 2003. During my career I have worked with children from birth through second grade. I received my teaching degree from Iowa State University (Go Cyclones!!) in the areas of Early Childhood Education and Special Education, and have my K-6 reading specialist endorsement. I am always excited for new learning opportunities and growing as a teacher.

I currently reside in Urbandale with my AMAZING family! My family includes my husband Jason, my daughter Dennan, my son Dayne, and our two sweet pugs J.T. and Fizer. Our family loves going camping, playing sports, and watching our beloved Cyclones.

My goal is to always provide a fun, caring, and positive learning environment for every child that enters my classroom!

My name is Brooke Wehrman. I have been the school nurse at Samuelson Elementary since 2017. Prior to becoming a school nurse I worked at ChildServe for 11 years. I received my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Grand View University in 2008. I am also a Certified Pediatric Nurse. I love being a pediatric nurse and helping children. I am married and have wonderful and courageous twin daughters who keep me on my toes.

Hi! My name is Marisa DeVito and this will be my 4th 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 Jennifer Butz. I have been teaching in Des Moines since 2008. I earned my undergraduate degree from The University of Iowa in 1999 and my graduate degree from The University of Oklahoma in 2004. I taught 1st and 2nd grade in North Carolina for two years, 1st/2nd grade Multiage in Mannheim, Germany for five years, for the first four years in Des Moines I taught 3rd grade and have taught 5th grade for the past ten years. I’m so excited to be a part of Samuelson’s staff as this is where I began my educational path as a kindergartener! I look forward to instilling a love of learning in children, and challenging them to read, read, read! I love teaching because of those “AH-HA” moments, and when students make a connection to the real world while in a lesson. I look forward to being a part of each child’s educational path!