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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!

Melissa Shumaker De Leon
Kindergarten Spanish Immersion Teacher

Melissa brings a wealth of experience from the past 12 years living and teaching in Spain, where she served as a preschool music teacher, English language instructor, and missionary. Her background includes teaching young learners through engaging, creative lessons while helping children develop confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning. She is also fluent in both English and Spanish and has a heart for sharing God’s love through education.

A graduate of Messiah College with a degree in Church Music and Theology, Melissa is passionate about nurturing children’s growth academically, spiritually, and creatively.

Heather Kimble
After School Care Director

As a current LM parent and 2005 alumna, Heather is already a familiar face in our community. She brings years of experience serving families through her work with the Chester County Intermediate Unit and children’s ministry, where she has helped create safe, caring, and engaging environments for young children.

Heather’s heart for serving others, along with her strong organizational skills and commitment to building relationships, make her a wonderful addition to our team. We are excited to welcome her back to Lancaster Mennonite and look forward to the care and encouragement she will provide to our students and families.

Ethan Philips
Residence Hall Advisor

Ethan is a graduate of Fairmont State University with a degree in Secondary English Education and has spent the past two years teaching middle school English Language Arts. His experience as a teacher, camp counselor, and Young Life leader reflects his passion for building meaningful relationships with students and helping them grow both academically and personally.

As a Dorm Advisor, Ethan is looking forward to supporting our boarding students, fostering a welcoming community, and investing in students as they learn and grow throughout the school year.

Brent Siegrist
STEM Teacher

He brings extensive teaching experience from both the United States and Kenya, where he taught mathematics, science, Spanish, and Christian worldview courses while serving at an international Christian school, Rosslyn Academy, and he has also served as a pastor. Brent holds degrees in mathematics, biology, and theology from EMU, and a teaching degree from the University of Saint Francis.

His background in STEM, theology, and education reflects his passion for helping students grow in knowledge, curiosity, and faith.

As students explore God’s world through hands-on learning and critical thinking, Brent is excited to encourage them to ask questions, solve problems, and discover how faith and learning connect. We are grateful to welcome him to the LM community and look forward to the impact he will have on our students.

Valentina Muñoz López
Spanish Immersion Aide

Valentina joins our Elementary School this year as a Spanish Immersion Aide through the Mennonite Central Committee – MCC‘s International Volunteer Exchange Program (IVEP).
Originally from Bogotá, Colombia, Valentina is passionate about intercultural exchange, service, and building meaningful relationships. She looks forward to sharing her language and culture with LM students while learning from our community. In her free time, she enjoys music, movies, crochetting, spending time with family, and participating in her church community.