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We are thrilled to introduce the newest faculty and staff to Lancaster Mennonite School as we kick off a new school year tomorrow. Join us in giving them a very warm welcome!
New Danville Campus
Kayla Rohrer
5th Grade Teacher at New Danville
Kayla has her Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from Eastern Mennonite University. She was a long-term substitute 4th grade teacher at New Danville last year, filling in for Lindsay Carson when she was out on maternity leave.“I desire to see every student reach their greatest potential. Every day provides an opportunity to inspire learning and growth as individuals and I am grateful to be a part of it.”
She attends Sunnyside Mennonite Church. She enjoys spending time outside and playing music.
Emma Pirrung
4th Grade Teacher at New Danville
She has her B.S. in Elementary Education (PreK-6) from Eastern Mennonite University, and is a 2017 LMH graduate. She did her student teaching at Eastern Mennonite Elementary School in Harrisonburg, VA and Plains Elementary School in Timberville, PA.
She’s excited for her first year of teaching at New Danville!
Monica Carlson
PreK Aide, New Danville
Monica has her B.A. in Music Education from Goshen College, and Masters of Music in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from Westminster Choir College.Currently she is the Director of Prelude Music for MCCL (Mennonite Children’s Choir of Lancaster), and was also the Program Assistant for two years. She was the owner of a private piano studio in Harrisonburg, VA. She has taught general elementary music in public schools as well as at Eastern Mennonite Elementary School in Harrisonburg, Virginia. She served as a private piano instructor at Goshen College, Southern Methodist University, Shenandoah Valley Preparatory Music and Woodberry Forest School and was an instructor at Red Wing Academy. She has Kodaly and Dalcroze training.
Administratively, Monica served as Operations Manager at a children’s museum in Harrisonburg, VA and has performed administrative tasks and program coordination in several different work positions as well as with her church.
“I deeply enjoy being involved in the learning process regardless of the development level. I appreciate being a part of a school system that pays attention to the whole child: mind, body and spirit.”
In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family (husband and three children), exploring the outdoors whether in our garden and woods, hiking, or being near water. She also appreciates an engaging book and making music with others.
Jamilah Burgos
Kindergarten Aide, New Danville
“I’m excited to work at LM because for me it’s a new beginning, a new experience, and above all else a Christ centered environment!”
Jamilah attends the Worship Center, and is very involved with the Children and Young Adult ministries. In her free time she likes to read, dance with her kids in their living room, or paint!
Mary Wright
After School Care Supervisor, New Danville
She is currently attending Lancaster Bible College for Early Childhood Education. She was part of the ND After School Care team last year, and previously she worked as a Teacher’s Aide at Open Door Christian Academy in Fort Washington, PA.
Abezash Sukessa
Food Service, New Danville
Abezash has a Clinical Certificate from Ethiopia Nursing School, and a Direct Care Certificate from the IU13.
We’re looking forward to having her join the Food Service Department at the New Danville campus.
Locust Grove Campus
Luz Casallas
Kindergarten Spanish Immersion Teacher, Locust Grove
Luz has her B.S. in Spanish, English and French from University de la Salle, Bogotá, Colombia, and is currently getting a Master’s in Education and Social Development from the Pedagógica University in Bogotá, Colombia. Before joining LM as a full-time teacher she taught Elementary and Preschool English at Cota, Cundinamarca for 7 years, 3rd-11th grade Spanish and English at school in Bogotá, Colombia for 3 years, and Literacy and Preschool at a school in Chía, Cundinamarca. She was a participant of the IVEP MCC Program at Locust Grove as a teacher’s aid for First to Third grade during 2013-2014.
“I am excited to work at LM because this is a dream come true. After being part of the IVEP program I wanted to come back and be part of the Spanish Immersion program. Also, because teaching abroad will bring learning and pedagogic experiences and the opportunity to create new bonds with children and colleagues. I enjoy teaching because every day you find something interesting, challenging, fun, new and exciting to work.”
In her free time she likes to read, sleep, hike, travel, try new food and watch movies.
Mariana Lorenzana
3rd Grade Spanish Immersion Teacher, Locust Grove
Mariana has her Postgraduate Professional License Teaching Certificate by VA, PreK-6 elementary and intellectual disabilities K-12, M. Ed. in Teaching ESL from Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg, VA, B.A. in Elementary Education and Special Education from Evangel University, Springfield, MO, and Bachelors of Biblical Studies from Asbury Theological Seminary, Orlando, FL – Latino Ministry Formation Program.
She has 27+ years of teaching experience in multiple states in the US, as well as Honduras, most recently teaching K-2 Spanish in Dual Immersion and ESL Teacher in Harrisonburg City Public Schools, VA. She has 13 years of experience in Dual Immersion Classrooms, and developed and implemented the Dual Immersion Program in Harrisonburg City Public Schools. She was a long-term substitute for 3rd grade Spanish Immersion Teacher, Ann Pineda, last year.
“My hope and dream is to be able to influence the children I work with, with the kingdom of God’s principles that they can apply for the rest of their lives so they become Godly contributing citizens of this world. I enjoy teaching because I want to make a difference in a child’s life.”
In her free time she likes to listen to music, watch soccer, visit new places, read, and spend time with her husband and family.
Tierra Greenawalt
PreKindergarten Teacher, Locust Grove
She has her B.S. in Education from Millersville University, Certification PreK-4th. Before joining LM she taught PreK at Lancaster County Christian School, Kindergarten at Brecht Elementary School, and was a Classroom Volunteer at Pequea Church Preschool.
“I am excited to work at Lancaster Mennonite because this school is such a welcoming environment that puts Christ at the center of education. I attended Lancaster Mennonite when I was younger, and I could see God working through the teachers to reach students. I enjoy teaching because I love seeing students engaged and excited about learning.”
In her free time she likes to spend time with my family and friends, especially her younger brother and older sister. She also likes hiking, bike riding, swimming, and getting out in nature to enjoy God’s creation.
Sarah Vega
4th Grade Teacher and Before School Care Supervisor, Locust Grove
She has her B.S. in Elementary Education (K-4) and Biblical Studies from Lancaster Bible College, and a B.A. in Arts in Human Services from Lancaster Bible College. Prior to joining LM she taught at Brecht Elementary School, was a Preschool teacher at Manheim BIC Preschool and Covenant Child Care Center, and was a Teacher’s Assistant at Chesterbrook Academy.
“I am so excited for the opportunity to teach 4th grade at LM, and to build community in my classroom! I am excited to work at LM because of the opportunity to both teach and grow in a Christ-honoring environment. I am excited to work alongside such a community of wonderful teachers and staff, and to show my students the love of Christ throughout our time together in the classroom!”
In her freetime she enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing sports, hiking, being active, playing guitar, piano, violin and ukulele, and singing. Lately she has also been preparing for her wedding in October, which she is very excited for!
Isabel Gibbs
Spanish Immersion Aide, Locust Grove
She has her B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Tennessee.
“I am excited and feel very blessed to work for LM. Both of my children attend the Locust Grove campus, and we have had a wonderful experience with the school and its Christ-centered approach. I’m passionate about instilling in others a sense of compassion, kindness, and well-being, and that is why I really like the prayer of Saint Francis, ‘Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.’ I look forward to the ways I can be a positive influence in the lives of students.”
Julianna Tarpey
Academic Support, Locust Grove
Julianna has a B.A. in Early Childhood Education and ESL Certification from Eastern University.
“I really enjoyed student teaching at Lancaster Mennonite and am excited to continue working alongside the amazing teachers here. I love connecting with students and helping them to recognize their unique abilities and incredible potential.”
She attends Petra Church. In her freetime she enjoys playing guitar and piano, singing, exercising, and spending time with her family and golden retriever.
Linda Miller
Food Service, Locust Grove
She previously worked at Yellow Transportation as a Dispatch Clerk where she scheduled deliveries, received daily cash and check collections, and performed data entry, and before that at Oregon Dairy as a Clerk. She attends Rossmere Mennonite Church.
Rhea Miller
Food Service, Locust Grove
She is a 1993 LM grad, has a B.A. from Eastern Mennonite University in Mathematics, and a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Kansas. She previously worked at Lancaster County Behavioral Health and Development System as a Crisis Intervention Counselor, for the IU-12 as a Substitute Personal Care Assistant, and at the Wyandot Center for Community Behavioral Healthcare as a State Hospital Liaison. She has volunteered in multiple school settings, including Locust Grove. Her son attends Locust Grove. They attend Community Mennonite Church of Lancaster.
Lancaster Campus
Jaimee Mendez
Administrative Assistant at Lancaster Campus
She has her LPN from LCCTC. Before joining LM she was a LPN with the Lebanon VA Medical Center, Lancaster Pediatric Associates, and the Addiction Recovery Systems of Lancaster. She attends LCBC.
She is very detail oriented and excited to join the LM team, joining Alicia Horst, Admin Assistant, in the Middle School and High School office.
Michael George
Long-Term Sub. HS History Teacher, Lancaster Campus
He has a M.A. in History from Temple University, a B.A. in History & Social Science; Secondary Education Licensure from Eastern Mennonite University, and Pennsylvania Instructional II Social Studies 7-12 Certification. He taught Middle School Social Studies at Dock Mennonite Academy for 11 years before coming to LM, as well as High School Social Studies at Philadelphia Mennonite School for 6 years before that.
“I’m a 1997 graduate of LM and the other information is correct, as well. I’m excited to work at Lancaster Mennonite because attending LM as a student was such a formative experience for me. I appreciate the friendships I made during high school and also the way that my teachers and coaches cared about me in a holistic manner. I like teaching because I’m a lifelong learner who enjoys building relationships with my students and fellow teachers.”
He enjoys playing and watching sports, experiencing different cultures, and spending time with family and friends.
Kris Horst
Residence Hall Director
He has a B.A., English Education, Salisbury University and M.A., Education, Eastern Mennonite University.
“After 26 years teaching English at Lancaster Mennonite, I told classes it was time for a change for me. I realized this summer that it wasn’t my students I needed a break from, it was the assignments and grading! I am happy to be back in this new role at LM. I am looking forward to meeting the new students and eager to spend more time with the ones I’ve had in class. Although I won’t have the answer keys to all the other English teachers’ assignments, I am willing to answer questions to help you succeed!”
He enjoys reading fiction, spending time in nature, eating new foods, playing strategy board games, and listening to music. You might hear him cheering (or in agony) for Arsenal, the Rapids or Union in MLS, the Philadelphia Eagles, and LM Blazers!
Malise Landes
Residence Hall Advisor
She is a 2019 graduate of LMH. She recently completed 6 months overseas in South Africa and Tanzania for a Discipleship Training School (DTS).
She says, “during my time in DTS, I learned that I have a passion for youth, specifically high school students. Each person has potential and dreams, and my heart burns to walk alongside them and help them achieve their goals, dreams, and potential. I’m so excited to see what this school year holds for the dorm, and look forward to meeting all the students!”
“I’m so excited to be a residence hall advisor! I love community and people, and I’m eager to build community with the dorm students! I can’t wait to get to know the students and walk alongside them!”
Sara Petersen
Residence Hall Advisor
She is a graduate of Lancaster Bible College in Youth Ministry and Young Adults, with a Bible degree. Before joining LM she was a Camp Counselor at Camp Orchard Hill and Wood Crest Retreat, and Camp Coordinator for Camp Conquest.
“I am excited to work at LM, because I will be able to watch and see the students grow and trust in God, and also to be able to make connections with both students and staff.”
In her free time she loves being with family and friends, spending time with her boyfriend, getting Dunkin Donuts, shopping, and spending time outside!
Beth Chapman
Food Service (Head Cashier), Lancaster Campus
She has a B.A. in Business from Cedarville College. She is the owner and a designer at Findings for Keystone Lancaster Wholesale Mall.
“My gift to others is creating, cooking and serving delicious food to bring others joy and community in fellowship. I’m excited to share this at LM.”
She attends Grandview Church in Lancaster. In her spare time she loves to travel and experience life through others’ lenses and broaden her perspectives.
Filling More Positions
We are excited for the new faculty and staff that are joining our team, and we wish everyone a great start to the new school year! Next week we will also be announcing our new Advancement Team, so keep an eye out for that.
We are still in need of filling a few positions – High School English Teacher, After School Care Aides, Head Cook & Food Service, Maintenance staff, another Residence Hall Advisor, MSO basketball director, and JH girls soccer and volleyball coaches.
So please let us know if you are interested or pass along these open positions to great candidates. We’d love a few more great persons to round out our team so we can continue to offer our great programming for students and families!
