Administration

 

 

PRINCIPAL – MS. KARA MERLIN

Ms. Kara Merlin began teaching in 1995 and joined Pasco County as an assistant principal at Mittye P. Locke Elementary School in 2006.  She then served the students and families of Pasco County as the principal of Calusa Elementary School from 2010-2019.  Ms. Merlin earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the State University of New York- College at Geneseo, a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Towson State University and an education specialist degree in K-12 Educational Leadership from National Louis University.  Ms. Merlin is passionate about helping students succeed in school and in life and is excited to bring this passion to the high school level.  She is thrilled to join the Sunlake staff and be a part of the success of everyone in the Seahawk Nation.

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL – MS. CHRISTINE RAMIREZ

Ms. Christine Ramirez started teaching in Pasco County in 1997.  She graduated from the University of South Florida with a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership.  The majority of her administrative career has been spent working with elementary-aged students. She joined Sunlake High School in 2022, bringing her expertise in interventions and relationship building to the secondary realm.  Both of Ms. Ramirez’s sons attended Sunlake High School and her Seahawk Pride is strong.  Ms. Ramirez has a passion for helping others and solving problems.  Ms. Ramirez is currently the administrator for the class of 2027 and looks forward to working with all Seahawks.
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL – MR. DOUG ELIAS

Douglas Elias began his tenure with Pasco County Schools in 2003 as a Special Education teacher at Land O’ Lakes High School.  He helped open Wiregrass Ranch High School as the Athletic Director and Special Education teacher.  Mr. Elias began administrative duties in 2008 serving both J. W. Mitchell High School and Gulf High School through MTEC’s Adult Education program.  He has since served as an administrator at Gulf High School, River Ridge High School and Sunlake High School.  Prior to his arrival in Pasco County, Mr. Elias spent 9 years as a Division 1 Strength and Conditioning coach at Kansas State University, the University of South Florida, and West Virginia University.  During that time, he had the privilege of having trained over 50 NFL athletes, 2 NBA athletes, and 1 Olympic Decathlete.  Mr. Elias is excited to join the Seahawk Nation and support its tradition of excellence in academics and athletics.

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL – MS. TISHA DOOHEN

 

 

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL – MS. CADY BAER

Ms. Cady Baer began teaching with Pasco County Schools in 2014 as an English teacher and AVID Coordinator at Ridgewood High School. She then took a teaching position at Sunlake High School in 2018. After completing her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership at the University of South Florida, she gladly accepted a position as an Assistant Principal at Sunlake. Aside from education, Ms. Baer previously coached high school and All-star cheerleading. She is also heavily involved in the Westchase Charitable Foundation and several other charitable groups in the Tampa Bay Area. Ms. Baer brings a passion for helping others and a love of learning to her role. She cannot wait to support the success of every Seahawk!

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL – Mr. Jeffrey Wolff