Mrs. Dzurinda 

As a graduate from Lakeview, I am beyond thrilled to be able to teach in the same district where I went to school! After high school, I attended Clarion University of Pennsylvania, where I received my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education K-6. I furthered my education by obtaining my Master's in Special Education from Western Governors University. I have been teaching at Lakeview since 2011.

My husband and I have two wonderful boys, Zeke and Reed. We have 2 dogs named Gretta and Pretzel, chickens, and honeybees! I enjoy spending time with my family, thrifting and enjoying a good cup of coffee.

There is so much to look forward to this school year and I think that with all of us working together we can make this a very positive experience. I look forward to working with you and your child to ensure a successful school year! 

Email: Samantha.Dzurinda@lakeviewlocal.org

Miss Kmetz

My name is Melissa Kmetz, and I’m so excited to be your child’s teacher this year! I’m originally from Campbell, and I graduated from Campbell Memorial High School in 1999. I then attended Youngstown State University, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education in 2003. In 2007, I graduated from YSU with a Master of Science in Education with a Specialization in Reading.

I began my teaching career in the Salem City School District in the fall of 2003, where I taught kindergarten for one year and then first grade for two years. I then joined Lakeview as a third-grade teacher in the fall of 2006 and have been teaching third grade here ever since!

In 2023, I was honored to be named Ohio Teacher of the Year, giving me a platform to advocate for students, teachers, and public schools as I traveled across Ohio and the United States. This also led to me serving a two-year term on the Ohio Education Association’s Human and Civil Rights Committee. This role was particularly meaningful to me, as advocating for the rights of all students and educators is something I care deeply about.

The following year, I became the 2024 Ohio Teacher Fellow and spent one year out of the classroom working with the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce’s State Literacy Team. I helped advance literacy achievement through the implementation of the Science of Reading as part of Governor DeWine’s ReadOhio initiative. I also worked with the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation to amplify educators’ voices. After my fellowship, I returned to Lakeview and resumed teaching third grade. 

Outside of school, I’m happiest spending time with family and pets. I rescued two pups in 2022, and one is still with me and keeping me laughing and on my toes today! 

I’m beyond grateful to call Lakeview home, and I’m thankful for the second family I found here. As a teacher, I strive to provide a safe and nurturing learning environment where every child feels seen, valued, supported, and excited to learn. I also hope that, alongside everything they learn academically, my students leave our classroom with a deeper understanding of kindness, compassion, and their ability to make the world a better place. 

Email: Melissa.Kmetz@lakeviewlocal.org

Link to her page

Mrs. Liplin

Hello! My name is Mrs. Emily Liplin. I began my teaching career here at Lakeview Elementary in 2006 in first grade.The following year I taught kindergarten.  During that time I earned a Masters in Reading from Kent State University.  The next five years I taught eighth grade reading.  I was then welcomed back to the elementary to teach first grade.  Finally, I was moved to teach third grade. 

I am married with two wonderful and energetic children, Hank and Halle. We have three cats and one dog.  Our whole family enjoys watching the Browns, Cavs, and Indians; as well as being outdoors. 

I’m very excited to be meeting and teaching your child this year. We're going to have an awesome year! 

Email: Emily.Liplin@lakeviewlocal.org

Link to her page

Mrs. Townsend

I am excited to be part of the 3rd Grade Team at Lakeview Elementary! I hold a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education (PreK–3) from Kent State University and a Master of Science in Education with a specialty in Reading from Youngstown State University. I have also earned a Reading Endorsement (K–12).

I began my teaching journey at Children’s Rainbow Preschool before teaching second grade in Youngstown City Schools. Since joining Lakeview, I have had the privilege of teaching Title I Reading and Math, as well as first grade. I am thrilled to continue growing and learning alongside my students as a third-grade teacher.

I believe that learning is most meaningful when students feel safe, supported, and excited to come to school each day. My goal is to create a classroom where students are encouraged to take risks, ask questions, celebrate their successes, and learn from their mistakes. I especially love helping students discover the joy of reading and watching their confidence grow as they become stronger, more independent learners. Building positive relationships with my students and their families is one of the most rewarding parts of being a teacher.

I live in Howland with my husband. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy reading, papercrafting—especially cardmaking—listening to music, painting, spending time outdoors, and exploring new technology. I also adore animals, especially dogs! I love spending time with my dog and can never resist saying hello to a friendly dog.

I feel truly blessed to be part of the Lakeview community and look forward to an amazing school year filled with learning, growth, and fun!

Email: MaryBeth.Townsend@lakeviewlocal.org

Link to her page