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Tabitha Klinefeldt

Office Manager

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!

Jim Novak

Band Teacher
Hello!  My name is Jim Novak, and I am so thrilled to be your band director at Samuelson!  This will be my 23rd year of teaching.  Prior to working at Samuelson, I taught 6-8 band at Meredith Middle School, 6-8 band in Harrisburg, SD, 5-8 band in the Sioux Falls Catholic Schools, 6-8 band at Goodrell Middle School, and high school band at Lincoln Public Schools.
I was born and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska.  I earned my undergraduate degree from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, where I performed with the Cornhusker Marching Band, Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Band I & II, and the Big Red Express.  I earned my Master of Music Education degree from
Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota.
I reside in Urbandale with my wife Erin, and my two children, Jay and Nora.  I’m looking forward to a great 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.

Scott Schyvinck

5th Grade Teacher

Mckenzie Larson

Kindergarten Teacher

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!

Patty Link

Librarian

Cynthia Prior

Strings Teacher

Jaclyn Brees

Instructional Coach

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.

Gregory Halterman

Special Education Associate

Samantha Hartmann

3rd Grade Teacher

I am so excited to be in 3rd grade at Samuelson.  Here is a little about me: My husband works at Iowa State at the Bio Century Research Farm. We have 2 kids, Addie and Alex.  We also have a dog named Annabelle who is a Cavachon (small, white, & fluffy).  I grew up in the Chicago Suburbs and graduated from North Central College in Naperville.