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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. Join us in giving them a very warm welcome!
Philip Warner
Assistant Superintendent
Phil Warner joins LM as the Assistant Superintendent. Philip shares, “I have a passion for helping students grow. I believe a thoughtfully designed curriculum, mentoring and shepherding teachers, and a school community with intentional spiritual formation are the critical components for a healthy and thriving school. I’m excited to do this work at Lancaster Mennonite, in an Anabaptist educational community, and to join alongside dedicated faculty and staff doing great work at the school.”
Lydia Leaman
High School English Teacher
Dr. Katelyn Barlet
IU13 ESL Teacher
Dr. Barlet is excited to join the team at Lancaster Mennonite, serving as an ESL/ELD Specialist through the IU13! She received her D.Ed. from Penn State University. Dr. Barlet holds two master’s degrees from Millersville University in the areas of Leadership for Teaching and Learning and Language and Literacy. Her bachelor’s degree, earned at Bucknell University, is in Elementary Education with concentrations in ESL and Spanish.
In addition to her current role as an ESL/ELD Specialist, she serves as an adjunct instructor for courses within the ESL Certification Program at Eastern Mennonite University (Lancaster Campus). She is passionate about teaching multilingual learners and learning about the many languages and cultures represented in our community.
Kit Baker
High School Choir
Kit Baker joins LM as our High School Choir Director! She is excited to start the year because, “the sense of community that is so prevalent and important here. I believe that there is a place for everyone in choir and I cannot wait to meet all of my new students and get singing!”
Kit loves to bake, read, and play with her two young boys. Her favorite Bible verses are Ephesians 3:20-21 – “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
Sophia Rueda
1st Grade Spanish Immersion Teacher
Sophia Rueda is the new first grade Spanish Immersion teacher! She shares, “I am excited to work at Lancaster Mennonite School because I believe in this school’s mission, values, and morals. LM has built a family-oriented community with kindness and compassion, and I am very lucky to now be a part of that. LM is also one of the few schools with a Spanish Immersion program, which creates a whole world of opportunities for students, and that is truly special.”
Rachel Lesher
Kindergarten Teacher
Rachel Lesher will be our new Kindergarten Teacher! Last year, Rachel was an Elementary Classroom Aide, and we’re excited for her to take on this new role.
She taught previously in Harrisburg City School District and at Locust Grove Mennonite School. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, exploring Lancaster City and playing games together. She also enjoys reading and drinking coffee. Rachel is a member of East Chestnut Street Mennonite Church.
Bethany Benner
Art & MakerSpace
Bethany Benner is the new part-time elementary Art and MakerSpace teacher! She and Jenna Longenecker Conde will work together to give our students a great experience learning about art and working on their projects.
Prior to joining LM Bethany taught nearly 13 years of kindergarten – high school art at Hinkletown Mennonite School and one year at George Washington Academy in Casablanca, Morocco. She enjoys thrift shopping, trying out new recipes, hosting people, playing games and visiting Longwood Gardens and Dutch Wonderland with her family. She attends West End Mennonite Fellowship with her husband and daughter.
Kelly Genn
PreK Counts and Elementary Aide
Kelly Genn is a PreK Counts and Elementary Aide. Prior to joining LM, Kelly was an elementary education teacher at a public school in Florida for 9 years. She then taught at a private school for 7 year. She completed her teacher career at an Episcopal school in Oklahoma.
She shares, “My son, Asher is starting PreK at LM this year. I’m excited to be at the same school as him while also sharing my teaching experience and love for the Lord with the other students of LM.” Her Favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. In her free time she enjoys working out and reading. She also likes to spend time with her family enjoying outdoor activities, watching movies or playing Monopoly.
Michele Snader
PreK Aide
Michele Snader joins LM as a PreK Aide. Prior to joining LM she was an Elementary Instructional Paraprofessional in the Conestoga Valley School District.
She shares, “I am excited to work at Lancaster Mennonite because I love to teach children and to be able to work in a place that not only provides children with an education, but also teaches about Christ is something I look forward to being a part of.” She enjoys crafting, baking, cooking and gardening. She also likes to to read and spend time with her family taking walks, game nights and camping.
Jocelyn Johnson
Before & After School Care Supervisor and PreK Aide
Jocelyn Johnson joins LM as the Before & After School Care Supervisor and a PreK Aide. She is excited to work at LM because, “LM has an excellent reputation for education. I’ve also been able to experience so much love and care through the support provided to my son as a student. The faculty and staff have far exceeded my expectations.”
She enjoys learning, biking, trying new restaurants, and spending time with her in-laws. In her free time she enjoys gardening and arts and crafts with her son. She also enjoys traveling with her husband, especially to other countries.
Luis Ortiz
Residence Hall Advisor
Luis has traveled to 10 countries and is returning to the U.S. after living in Phnom Penh Cambodia for the past three years with his wife Jodi and two children. He has been a disciple of Jesus for over 25 years. Luis is currently a secondary social studies teacher, college professor, and instructional systems designer. Luis served as an Residence Hall Advisor for two years previously at LM and is really looking forward to getting to know the current residence hall community.
He shares, “I am excited to reconnect with the LM community and to serve international students in this role!”
Jonathan Dukeman
Residence Hall Advisor
Jonathan Dukeman grew up in Mount Joy, PA and attended Kraybill Mennonite School. He has a degree in Youth and Young Adult Ministry, and recently completed a two year gap program at a camp in Wisconsin. Jonathan loves building relationships with other people, and walking alongside others to see how God is working in their lives. He’s excited to meet the dorm students and have fun together!
Jodi Ortiz
Residence Hall Advisor
While living in Cambodia Jodi worked at an International Christian school called Logos International School. At Logos she was the art teacher for grades K-12, and she also spent 4 years working for LM as an art teacher back in 2012-2016. When Jodi has the chance she really enjoys spending time in nature, creative hobbies such as painting and digital scrapbooking, and occasionally watching Korean dramas. Her favorite musician is currently Jonathan Ogden and her favorite Bible verse is Proverbs 4:18 The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.
She is looking forward to getting to know the residence hall community, and supporting and mentoring students.
Lea Lumber
Athletic Trainer
Lea Lumbert will be joining the Athletic Department as the Athletic Trainer. Lea has her B.S. from Lock Haven University, majoring in Athletic Training and minoring in Sports/Exercise Psychology and Coaching. She received her M.A. Ed. from Millersville University in Sports Management & Athletic Coaching.
She is excited to work with a diverse population of student athletes here at LM. In her free time she likes to spend time with her family and friends. She also likes to travel and hike with her husband.
As the athletic trainer, Lea is available to work with any PIAA athlete who encounters an injury or illness.
Cesario Pereyra
Custodian
Cesario Pereyra is part of the Lancaster Mennonite Facilities team as a custodian.
Bilemanga Bilombele
Custodian
Bilemanga Bilombele is part of the Lancaster Mennonite Facilities team as a custodian.
