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. 

Joseph Howard brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his role as Assistant Principal at Lakota East High School. Before joining Lakota East, he served as a District Representative, Dean of Students, Teacher Leader, and Intervention Specialist at Middletown High School, as well as an Intervention Specialist at New Miami High School.

Joseph’s career in education has been built on a passion for student success, inclusive learning, and instructional leadership. He has taught social studies and special education, developed curriculum, coached teachers on best practices, and implemented strategies to support diverse learners in achieving their goals.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from Miami University, a Master’s in Integrated Social Studies from Wright State University, an Intervention Specialist Mild-Moderate Licensure from Miami University, and a Master’s in Education in Administration from Miami University.

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.

Ms. Meiring is beginning her first year as the Athletic Director at Lakota East, and her 8th 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 for one year and assistant Athletic Director.  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 1985, 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 now serves as 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. Hetterich worked at Ridge Junior High and Liberty Junior High for 3 years in the cafeteria and as an instructional aide before joining the Lakota East Team in 2019. She is responsible for attendance for sophomores, juniors and seniors. Mrs. Hetterich has 4 children who have all attended Lakota East.

Mrs. Linder spent two years at Shawnee Early Childhood School before joining the Lakota East team in 2014. Susanne worked in the administration office for four years before becoming office manager in 2018. As the office manager, she is responsible for school communication and purchasing for the building. She also works with substitute teachers, making sure all classrooms are covered.

Mrs. Linder earned a BA in Communication Arts and a BS in Secondary Education from the University of Cincinnati and has an MBA from Xavier University. She has 3 children who all 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. Zajbel is a transplant to the Dayton/Cincinnati area.  She was raised in East Tennessee and the U.S. Air Force brought her here many years ago.  Nursing is her second career, Christel earned her bachelor's degree in nursing from Miami University. She worked in ICU, care management and school nursing.  Mrs. Zajbel has served as a nurse in Lakota for 11 years at Union Elementary School, Hopewell Jr. School and as a District Float nurse. She lives with her husband, Jim, in Lebanon but all 3 of their children graduated from East High School. Mrs. Zajbel enjoys traveling, listening to music and live bands, entertaining and spending time and making memories with friends and family.