School Leadership

Leah Vomhof is the Principal of Shawnee Mission East High School. A graduate of Shawnee Mission East, she is honored to serve the school and community that helped shape her as a student.

Vomhof earned a bachelor's degree in secondary social studies education and a master's degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Kansas. She also holds a building leadership endorsement and is pursuing the University of Kansas District Leadership License. Prior to coming to SME, she served as a social studies teacher, instructional coach, curriculum coordinator, assistant principal, and high school principal.

Vomhof is passionate about building strong relationships, supporting excellent teaching and learning, and creating a school culture where students feel connected, challenged, and supported. She values collaboration with students, staff, families, and the broader community and believes that meaningful relationships are at the heart of student success.

Outside of work, Vomhof enjoys spending time with her family, running, reading, baking, antiquing, and cheering on the Jayhawks. She and her husband also enjoy life with their two Labrador retrievers.

Dr. Anna Thiele proudly serves the Shawnee Mission East community as an Associate Principal. Having grown up attending Shawnee Mission schools, she is grateful for the opportunity to live and work in the East feeder pattern.

Dr. Thiele believes that school should be a place where students want to be—a welcoming environment where they feel connected, valued, and inspired to learn. She is committed to fostering a school culture where relationships, high expectations, and collaboration create an environment where all students can succeed. She believes that when students are supported in navigating challenges, they build the resilience, confidence, and critical thinking skills needed to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

Dr. Thiele earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Spanish from Benedictine College, her Master of Arts in Teaching from Pittsburg State University, and her Doctor of Education from the University of Kansas. In her 13 years in education, Dr. Thiele has taught high school Spanish throughout the KC area, as well as served as a band assistant and percussion instructor.

When not at school, Dr. Thiele enjoys spending time with family at the lake, cooking, and discussing all things “Shawnee Mission Lancers” with her 4-year-old son

Biography to come soon!

Kristoffer Barikmo is proud to serve the students, staff, and families of Shawnee Mission East High School as an Associate Principal. Over a 25-year career in education spanning roles as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, professional learning facilitator, author, and administrator, he has remained guided by a central philosophy: leadership and learning is about empowerment, and schools thrive when we unlock the collective expertise of the entire community.

In his leadership role, Mr. Barikmo is dedicated to cultivating an inclusive, high-achieving school culture. He focuses on supporting rigorous instructional frameworks that prepare students to become the next generation of global citizens, while simultaneously building strong academic and student support systems.

He has a bachelor's degree in Political Science from Saint Louis University, master's degrees in curriculum and instruction (from Rockhurst University) and educational leadership (from Emporia State University), and holds a district leadership/Superintendent license.

Inspired by Archimedes’ wisdom and the power of a lever, Mr. Barikmo is committed to helping every Lancer discover their unique potential to drive growth and impact their community.  Everyone at SME has a powerful lever, and with a place to stand they can move the world!

Ryan Johnson has served in athletic administration since 2015 and has been the Athletic Director at Shawnee Mission East High School since 2022. He believes education-based athletics provide students with opportunities to develop leadership, resilience, teamwork, and character that extend far beyond competition.

Inspired by the positive experiences athletics had on his own life, Ryan is passionate about creating opportunities for student-athletes to grow while fostering an environment where students, coaches, and families can thrive. He is dedicated to supporting coaches and programs by building strong relationships, creating efficient systems, and focusing on exceptional experiences for students.

Ryan earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Education and a Master of Science in Secondary School Leadership from Northwest Missouri State University.

Outside of school, Ryan enjoys staying active through fitness and spending quality time with his family.