Meet the Principal

Debra Jokela, Principal

Deb Jokela has worked in education for 28 years as a special education teacher, elementary classroom teacher, special education supervisor, elementary assistant principal and principal. She has a passion for working with teachers, students and their families. She is a firm believer that all students can succeed when they are involved in supportive, positive learning environments where they have a sense of belonging. She loves to partner with parents and teachers of students to ensure the best possible learning experiences which are engaging and have social emotional learning within the classroom environment.

Ms. Jokela attended Minnesota State University, Moorhead where she earned her bachelor's in Elementary Education, and completed licensure requirements to teach special education. She earned her master’s from St. Mary’s University where she also earned a K-12 administrator’s and director of special education licenses. She has worked in St. Cloud Area School District since 2012 and has been at Oak Hill since 2016 as an assistant principal and principal.

Jokela has been married for 30 years to Pete and they have three children. They were excited and happy to welcome their daughter-in-law to the family in September of 2020! They love to travel together, especially west to Montana and Oregon to visit family and skiing in the winter and hiking, and adventures in the summer. They enjoy spending time together with their three dogs in addition to the three dogs their children have! She likes to read, cook, hike, ski, go to concerts and watch movies. 

Emily Miller, Assistant Principal

Emily Miller is excited and grateful to be joining the vibrant learning environment at Kennedy. Her passion for education began with young learners. She holds a bachelor of science in early childhood education, and for eight fulfilling years, she nurtured young minds as a kindergarten and preschool teacher in the Foley Public School District.

Most recently, Miller served as the Administrative Dean at Westwood Elementary in St. Cloud. She attended St. Cloud State University and earned a master of science in educational leadership and administration, as well as a K-12 Principal Graduate Certificate. Miller values the essential partnership with students, families, and the community and believes that by supporting the whole child - academically, socially, and emotionally - together, we can create a foundation for lifelong success.

Outside of school, her family enriches her life. Miller and her husband devote their free time to their four wonderful children. They love spending time outdoors, whether it's at the lake, gardening, or going on an adventurous hike or run.

Email: Emily Miller