Our Team

Mr. MacFarlane has worked in the Lakota School District since 2014. Prior to being named interim principal in 2024, Mr. MacFarlane served as an assistant principal at Lakota East since 2019. Before he started teaching in the suburbs of Chicago in 2007, he completed his undergrad from DePaul University and earned his master's from Concordia University Chicago. He is a fan of all things Lakota East and enjoys positively impacting the lives of others. 

Katrina Murray brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her role as Assistant Principal at Lakota East High School, where she is entering her fourth year. Before joining Lakota East, she served as an Assistant Principal at Springboro High School and spent three years as a Teacher Leader at Middletown High School.

Katrina’s 20-year career as an English teacher at Edgewood and Middletown high schools was built on a passion for student learning, literacy, and leadership. Before her career in education, she served six years in the military, specifically the United States Air Force and the Ohio Air National Guard.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from Miami University, a Master of Arts in Teaching from Miami University, and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Wright State University.

Brian Wallace returned to Lakota and rejoined the Plains staff in fall 2021 as an assistant principal. He is thrilled to join the East Main team in the same role. Prior to returning to Lakota, Brian spent 15 years at Sycamore Community Schools, serving as an assistant principal, principal, and HR director. Earlier in his career, he was a health teacher and athletic director at Ridge and Plains Junior Schools.

He earned his bachelor's degree from Wright State University and a Master of Education in Educational Administration from the University of Cincinnati.

Mr. Wallace is passionate about helping students grow academically, socially, and personally. He is excited to join the Thunderhawk team and looks forward to creating positive connections with students, families, and staff while helping students successfully navigate their high school years. 

Ms. Meiring is beginning her fifth year as the Athletic Director at Lakota East, and her 10th year overall in the district. She was previously the Assistant Athletic Director and Facilities Manager at East and has extensive experience in athletic administration and coaching. As a former basketball coach, Ms. Meiring coached collegiately at Transylvania University and Marietta College, as well as Hamilton High School and Saint Ursula Academy. During her time at SUA, Meiring was also the head field hockey coach and assistant Athletic Director.  

She holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology and Sports Management from Denison University and a Master of Science in Physical Education with a Sports Administration emphasis from Eastern Kentucky University. Ms. Meiring is looking forward to a great sports season for all of our Thunderhawk student-athletes!

Deputy Hale began working in Lakota in 1995. He has been the school resource officer (SRO) at Lakota East since the school opened 1997.

Deputy Hale enjoys being around the students, building positive relationships with them and being able to assist them if help is needed. He enjoys seeing the students laughing and having fun, as school resources officers enjoy this as well.

Since 1984, Deputy Hale has worked with the Butler County Sheriff's Office on the road, in detectives, crime prevention and then as an SRO position for Lakota. He is a founding board member of the Ohio School Resource Office and is now the past president..

Deputy Hale takes his role as school resource officer very seriously and is committed to the safety and security of Lakota East. He encourages parents to reach out to him if they have a need, question or anything to report about their child or another student.

Mrs. Linder is beginning her eighth year as Office Manager and her 14th year with the Lakota Local School District. Prior to her current role, she worked in Lakota East's administrative office and also spent two years at Shawnee Early Childhood School. As Office Manager, Mrs. Linder oversees school communications and purchasing for the building. She also coordinates substitute teacher coverage, ensuring that classrooms remain appropriately staffed each day. In addition to her office responsibilities, Mrs. Linder serves as the Varsity Cheerleading Coach and Junior Class Advisor.

Mrs. Linder earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from the University of Cincinnati. She also holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Xavier University. Mrs. Linder and her husband have three children, all of whom attended Lakota East High School.

Mrs. Myers joined the Lakota East team in 2018. She is the Main Office Secretary and is  responsible for issuing work permits and parking passes.  She has two children who both attended Lakota East High School.

Mrs. Hetterich joined the Lakota East team in 2019 and serves as the attendance secretary for sophomore, junior, and senior students. Prior to joining Lakota East, she worked at both Ridge Junior School and Liberty Junior School.

Mrs. Hetterich is the proud mother of four children, all of whom attended Lakota East.

Mrs. Zajbel earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Miami University and has experience in intensive care, care management, and school nursing. She has served the Lakota district for 15 years, including roles at Union Elementary School, Hopewell Junior School, and as a District Float Nurse. 

Mrs. Zajbel is also a proud parent of three Lakota East High School graduates and values the opportunity to support the health and well-being of Lakota students and staff.