Faculty & Staff

Post Baccalaureate Certification in Elementary Education K-6, Millersville University B.S. Marketing with Management Emphasis Psychology Minor, The Pennsylvania State University

Favorite Bible Verse: "If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give it up for me, you will find it." Matthew 10:39 NLT

Enjoys Teaching Because: "I love seeing students gain confidence and an excitement for learning that is contagious and spills over into the classroom community."

Other: Enjoys reading, walking, biking, hiking, and camping with her best friend--her husband! Blessed with two beautiful daughters and two crazy cats. Actively involved at Crossroads Brethren In Christ Church where her husband is the lead pastor.

Industrial Engineering, Columbian College of Professional Education
Spanish Secondary Education, Millersville University

Favorite Bible Verse: Psalm 23

Enjoys Teaching Because: " I enjoy working with students of all ages and different nationalities. I like to help make a difference in someone's education."

Other: Born in Cali, Colombia (SA) Hobbies: listening to world music (Andean, Flameco, Celtic, Classic, Latin), swimming, classic movies, going to the beach, dining out, traveling, hiking and soccer. Previously worked at The Mennonite Home for 10 years and the School District of Lancaster for one year (as a Spanish teacher).

B.S., Millersville University

B.S. in Accounting, Universidad del Bio-Bio in Concepcion, Chile
B.A. in Education, Universidad de Santiago de Chile in Santiago, Chile

"I am a native Spanish speaker from Chile."

Why do you like teaching?: "I have worked as a teacher for more than 10 years. I always wanted to be a teacher and I am very grateful that I have the opportunity here at LMS. I love to teach children, adults and seniors. I am very caring, dedicated and patient with my students and I work hard to see them succeed in their goals."

Favorite Immersion Quote: “One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way.” – Frank Smith

B.S., Special Education, Millersville University
M.Ed., Special Education, Millersville University

Favorite Quote: "All students can learn and succeed...but not on the same day and in the same way." -- William G. Spady

Enjoys Teaching Because: "I love people and I love watching my students grow! Building relationships with my students gives me the opportunity to challenge them academically, encourage them emotionally and disciple them spiritually."

Other: Married to Mike Dickert, with three children: Sarah; Philip; and Bethany. Attends Pequea Brethren in Christ Church.

B.A in Spanish Education K-12., Messiah College
M.A. in Teaching English as a Second Language, Penn State University
M.A. Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction (Spring 2020) from Eastern Mennonite University
Member of the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP)

"I completed my college study abroad in Barcelona, Spain. I then served with MCC as a community development worker and public school teacher in Guatemala for three years. "

Favorite Bible Verse: "I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day." -- 2 Timothy 1:12

Enjoys Teaching Because: "Teaching gives me the chance to share God's love with my students while also nurturing them toward greater educational and social learning. I also have the added joy of teaching in Spanish and watching children develop another language in the process."

What do you like about the Spanish Immersion Program?: "Learning another language opens doors to so many possibilities! It builds bridges between people and deepens relationships. It gives us understanding into another culture and worldview. We are better equipped to be peacemakers and followers of Jesus. And immersion makes this happen!"

Other: Lives on an organic farm in New Holland with husband, Wade, and two children, Davin and Myla. Member of New Holland Mennonite Church and actively involved in many programs there. Enjoys running, cooking, reading and scrapbooking.

B.S., Baptist Bible College, now known as,Clarks Summit University, Music Education K-12.
Certification in PreK-4 Education

B.A., Elementary Education, Goshen College.
M.Ed., University of Phoenix
Reading Recovery and Descubriendo la Lectura certificate from Colorado University

"I grew up in Brazil and lived there for 17 years. I grew up speaking Portuguese at school and with friends, and English at home. I lived and taught in Puerto Rico my first 3 years in teaching and fell in love with the culture and the language!"

Favorite Quotes about Spanish Immersion: "Learning another language is not only learning different words for the same things, but learning another way to think about things." -Flora Lewis
"El que habla dos idiomas vale por dos!"- A Spanish quote

Major: Art Education, Minor: Spanish, Eastern Mennonite University

B.A. in Spanish & Youth Ministry, double major, Eastern College (now University)
Accredited Certification Program through Saint Joseph's University
Member of Pennsylvania State Modern Language Association (PSMLA) and Association of World Language Educators (AWLE)

"I have studied and traveled throughout Argentina, Spain, Peru, Venezuela, Mexico."

Why do you like teaching?: "I love the Spanish language and the cultures it represents. Teaching is a way for me to share my passion with others!"

"The Spanish Immersion Program at Lancaster Mennonite provides an amazing opportunity for students to learn in another language throughout their Elementary years."

A.A., Hesston College
B.A., Tabor College

B.S., Lancaster Bible College

Favorite Bible Verse: "Be still and know that I am God." -- Psalms 46:10

Enjoys Teaching Because: "I love my work because of the variety and challenges it offers. I enjoy watching children grow spiritually and academically."

Other: Chris is married and has two children. He enjoys NASCAR and follows most of the sports teams out of Baltimore. He is a member of the Ephrata Bible Fellowship Church.

B.A. from Goshen College
Master's Degree in Education with a concentration on Bilingual Education from the University of Texas

She began her teaching career at an international elementary charter school in Atlanta, GA, working with refugee children. Heather has spent most of the past 13 years teaching at two different elementary bilingual schools in Mexico. She has also studied and did volunteer work in the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Cuba, and the Tex-Mex border. She loves sharing her passion for the Spanish language and its accompanying, diverse cultures. She is very excited to be returning to the Locust Grove campus as a 1st Grade Spanish Immersion Teacher, having taught 3rd grade at Locust Grove a few years ago.
Heather says, "I love teaching because you get to spend your day with amazing children, have the privilege of being part of their formation, and enjoy sharing a passion for learning with them. My philosophy of teaching includes a holistic view of the student, with a commitment to authentic, hands-on, engaging, real life learning experiences in a nurturing, respectful classroom environment."
Her other interests include reading, hiking, traveling, and team sports. She forms part of a bicultural, bilingual, binational family, along with her husband who is from Mexico and her two sons who were born in Mexico and grew up there. Her sons will also be students this year at Locust Grove and LMMS. She and her family attend Community Mennonite Church of Lancaster.

B.S., Elementary education/early childhood, Temple University
M.A., Education, Eastern Mennonite University

Favorite Bible Verse: "So in everything do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." Matthew 7:12

Favorite Quote: "We have to be braver than we think we can be, because God is constantly calling us to be more than we are." Madeleine L'Engle

Enjoys Teaching Because: "The world is a big place, and God is mysterious! Finding our place in the world and developing a relationship with God are two important accomplishments for young people. I find great joy in being a part of this process."

Other: Married to Twila (LMH 1982) and has two children, Hannah and Uriah. Enjoys bicycle riding/touring, Macintosh computers, gardening and travel. International experience: Mennonite Central Committee in Botswana (Southern Africa).

B.A., Music, Millersville University

Favorite Bible Verse: "Start children off on the way they should go,and even when they are old they will not turn from it." -- Proverbs 22:6

Enjoys Teaching Because: "Educating our youth is the most exciting and rewarding job in life!"

Other: Enjoys making music and spending time with his wife and two children. Some hobbies include biking and cooking. Attends Church of the Apostles UCC.

B.A., Elementary education and sociology, Moravian College

Favorite Bible Verse: "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." -- Philippians 4:13

Enjoys Teaching Because: "Everyday is a new adventure to watch and help children grow and learn."

B.S., Music Education, Messiah College

Sarah earned her bachelor's degree in music education from Messiah College with a concentration in voice and extensive study in piano. Growing up in Virginia, Sarah gained early musical experience singing with the nationally acclaimed Shenandoah Valley Children's Choir. Sarah teaches elementary music at the Locust Grove campus. Wingard also sings and regularly solos with the Susquehanna Chorale. She is an active member of the worship ministry and children's ministry of Crossway Church in Millersville and directs the children's choir there.

M.A., Reading Specialist, Salisbury University
B.S., Elementary Education, Salisbury University

Favorite Bible Verse: "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" -- Jeremiah 29:11

Enjoys Teaching Because: "I enjoy working with middle school students because they have lots of energy and keep me on my toes. I enjoy science because it is awesome to learn about the intricacies of God's creation."

Other: Enjoys reading and travel.

B.S., Health and Physical Education, Eastern Mennonite University
M.A., Health and Physical Education, West Chester University
Principal's Certification, Temple University

Favorite Bible Verse: "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see" -- Hebrews 11:1

Enjoys Working Because: "My job is a wonderful opportunity to experience God's love through working with others. I enjoy watching people reach their goals. It is comforting to realize that God gives needed power to complete tasks that come our way."

Other: Enjoys running, reading, praise music, being outdoors and interacting with family. Raised in Oregon and is married to Dawnell. Follows the Eagles, Phillies, Duke and Penn State.

B.A. in Elementary and Spanish Education, Juniata College
Hispanic Studies Program at Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Spain
Master's in Reading Specialist (Summer 2019), Wilkes University

"I lived in Honduras between 2013-2015 living and working in a children's home. I taught English at the pre-school & Kindergarten levels. My husband is from Honduras so we have been back multiple times over the past few years. My college year abroad was spent in Sevilla, Spain. I have also spent time on smaller trips to Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and Ecuador."

Why do you like teaching?: "I love to see the 'light bulb' moments when students make connections to what they are learning. I teach because I believe that every student deserves to have those moments of intense joy that comes with new knowledge. I want students to know that their life matters and what they decide to do with their lives can have a great impact in the world."

What do you like about the Spanish Immersion Program? "I chose to work at Locust Grove in the Spanish Immersion program because I know that language opens doors to new worlds. Knowing another language connects people of different cultures and allows them to learn from one another. I feel blessed to be able to speak more than one language and I want to share that gift with others."

Other: Attends Elizabethtown Church of the Brethren.

B.S., Health and Physical Education, Eastern Mennonite University
M.A., Health and Physical Education, West Chester University
Principal's Certification, Temple University

Favorite Bible Verse: "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see" -- Hebrews 11:1

Enjoys Working Because: "My job is a wonderful opportunity to experience God's love through working with others. I enjoy watching people reach their goals. It is comforting to realize that God gives needed power to complete tasks that come our way."

Other: Enjoys running, reading, praise music, being outdoors and interacting with family. Raised in Oregon and is married to Dawnell. Follows the Eagles, Phillies, Duke and Penn State.

Post Baccalaureate Certification in Elementary Education K-6, Millersville University B.S. Marketing with Management Emphasis Psychology Minor, The Pennsylvania State University

Favorite Bible Verse: "If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give it up for me, you will find it." Matthew 10:39 NLT

Enjoys Teaching Because: "I love seeing students gain confidence and an excitement for learning that is contagious and spills over into the classroom community."

Other: Enjoys reading, walking, biking, hiking, and camping with her best friend--her husband! Blessed with two beautiful daughters and two crazy cats. Actively involved at Crossroads Brethren In Christ Church where her husband is the lead pastor.

Industrial Engineering, Columbian College of Professional Education
Spanish Secondary Education, Millersville University

Favorite Bible Verse: Psalm 23

Enjoys Teaching Because: " I enjoy working with students of all ages and different nationalities. I like to help make a difference in someone's education."

Other: Born in Cali, Colombia (SA) Hobbies: listening to world music (Andean, Flameco, Celtic, Classic, Latin), swimming, classic movies, going to the beach, dining out, traveling, hiking and soccer. Previously worked at The Mennonite Home for 10 years and the School District of Lancaster for one year (as a Spanish teacher).

B.S., Millersville University

B.S. in Accounting, Universidad del Bio-Bio in Concepcion, Chile
B.A. in Education, Universidad de Santiago de Chile in Santiago, Chile

"I am a native Spanish speaker from Chile."

Why do you like teaching?: "I have worked as a teacher for more than 10 years. I always wanted to be a teacher and I am very grateful that I have the opportunity here at LMS. I love to teach children, adults and seniors. I am very caring, dedicated and patient with my students and I work hard to see them succeed in their goals."

Favorite Immersion Quote: “One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way.” – Frank Smith

B.S., Special Education, Millersville University
M.Ed., Special Education, Millersville University

Favorite Quote: "All students can learn and succeed...but not on the same day and in the same way." -- William G. Spady

Enjoys Teaching Because: "I love people and I love watching my students grow! Building relationships with my students gives me the opportunity to challenge them academically, encourage them emotionally and disciple them spiritually."

Other: Married to Mike Dickert, with three children: Sarah; Philip; and Bethany. Attends Pequea Brethren in Christ Church.

B.A in Spanish Education K-12., Messiah College
M.A. in Teaching English as a Second Language, Penn State University
M.A. Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction (Spring 2020) from Eastern Mennonite University
Member of the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP)

"I completed my college study abroad in Barcelona, Spain. I then served with MCC as a community development worker and public school teacher in Guatemala for three years. "

Favorite Bible Verse: "I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day." -- 2 Timothy 1:12

Enjoys Teaching Because: "Teaching gives me the chance to share God's love with my students while also nurturing them toward greater educational and social learning. I also have the added joy of teaching in Spanish and watching children develop another language in the process."

What do you like about the Spanish Immersion Program?: "Learning another language opens doors to so many possibilities! It builds bridges between people and deepens relationships. It gives us understanding into another culture and worldview. We are better equipped to be peacemakers and followers of Jesus. And immersion makes this happen!"

Other: Lives on an organic farm in New Holland with husband, Wade, and two children, Davin and Myla. Member of New Holland Mennonite Church and actively involved in many programs there. Enjoys running, cooking, reading and scrapbooking.

B.S., Baptist Bible College, now known as,Clarks Summit University, Music Education K-12.
Certification in PreK-4 Education

B.A., Elementary Education, Goshen College.
M.Ed., University of Phoenix
Reading Recovery and Descubriendo la Lectura certificate from Colorado University

"I grew up in Brazil and lived there for 17 years. I grew up speaking Portuguese at school and with friends, and English at home. I lived and taught in Puerto Rico my first 3 years in teaching and fell in love with the culture and the language!"

Favorite Quotes about Spanish Immersion: "Learning another language is not only learning different words for the same things, but learning another way to think about things." -Flora Lewis
"El que habla dos idiomas vale por dos!"- A Spanish quote

Major: Art Education, Minor: Spanish, Eastern Mennonite University

B.A. in Spanish & Youth Ministry, double major, Eastern College (now University)
Accredited Certification Program through Saint Joseph's University
Member of Pennsylvania State Modern Language Association (PSMLA) and Association of World Language Educators (AWLE)

"I have studied and traveled throughout Argentina, Spain, Peru, Venezuela, Mexico."

Why do you like teaching?: "I love the Spanish language and the cultures it represents. Teaching is a way for me to share my passion with others!"

"The Spanish Immersion Program at Lancaster Mennonite provides an amazing opportunity for students to learn in another language throughout their Elementary years."

A.A., Hesston College
B.A., Tabor College

B.S., Lancaster Bible College

Favorite Bible Verse: "Be still and know that I am God." -- Psalms 46:10

Enjoys Teaching Because: "I love my work because of the variety and challenges it offers. I enjoy watching children grow spiritually and academically."

Other: Chris is married and has two children. He enjoys NASCAR and follows most of the sports teams out of Baltimore. He is a member of the Ephrata Bible Fellowship Church.

B.A. from Goshen College
Master's Degree in Education with a concentration on Bilingual Education from the University of Texas

She began her teaching career at an international elementary charter school in Atlanta, GA, working with refugee children. Heather has spent most of the past 13 years teaching at two different elementary bilingual schools in Mexico. She has also studied and did volunteer work in the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Cuba, and the Tex-Mex border. She loves sharing her passion for the Spanish language and its accompanying, diverse cultures. She is very excited to be returning to the Locust Grove campus as a 1st Grade Spanish Immersion Teacher, having taught 3rd grade at Locust Grove a few years ago.
Heather says, "I love teaching because you get to spend your day with amazing children, have the privilege of being part of their formation, and enjoy sharing a passion for learning with them. My philosophy of teaching includes a holistic view of the student, with a commitment to authentic, hands-on, engaging, real life learning experiences in a nurturing, respectful classroom environment."
Her other interests include reading, hiking, traveling, and team sports. She forms part of a bicultural, bilingual, binational family, along with her husband who is from Mexico and her two sons who were born in Mexico and grew up there. Her sons will also be students this year at Locust Grove and LMMS. She and her family attend Community Mennonite Church of Lancaster.

B.S., Elementary education/early childhood, Temple University
M.A., Education, Eastern Mennonite University

Favorite Bible Verse: "So in everything do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." Matthew 7:12

Favorite Quote: "We have to be braver than we think we can be, because God is constantly calling us to be more than we are." Madeleine L'Engle

Enjoys Teaching Because: "The world is a big place, and God is mysterious! Finding our place in the world and developing a relationship with God are two important accomplishments for young people. I find great joy in being a part of this process."

Other: Married to Twila (LMH 1982) and has two children, Hannah and Uriah. Enjoys bicycle riding/touring, Macintosh computers, gardening and travel. International experience: Mennonite Central Committee in Botswana (Southern Africa).

B.A., Music, Millersville University

Favorite Bible Verse: "Start children off on the way they should go,and even when they are old they will not turn from it." -- Proverbs 22:6

Enjoys Teaching Because: "Educating our youth is the most exciting and rewarding job in life!"

Other: Enjoys making music and spending time with his wife and two children. Some hobbies include biking and cooking. Attends Church of the Apostles UCC.

B.A., Elementary education and sociology, Moravian College

Favorite Bible Verse: "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." -- Philippians 4:13

Enjoys Teaching Because: "Everyday is a new adventure to watch and help children grow and learn."

B.S., Music Education, Messiah College

Sarah earned her bachelor's degree in music education from Messiah College with a concentration in voice and extensive study in piano. Growing up in Virginia, Sarah gained early musical experience singing with the nationally acclaimed Shenandoah Valley Children's Choir. Sarah teaches elementary music at the Locust Grove campus. Wingard also sings and regularly solos with the Susquehanna Chorale. She is an active member of the worship ministry and children's ministry of Crossway Church in Millersville and directs the children's choir there.

M.A., Reading Specialist, Salisbury University
B.S., Elementary Education, Salisbury University

Favorite Bible Verse: "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" -- Jeremiah 29:11

Enjoys Teaching Because: "I enjoy working with middle school students because they have lots of energy and keep me on my toes. I enjoy science because it is awesome to learn about the intricacies of God's creation."

Other: Enjoys reading and travel.

B.A. in Elementary and Spanish Education, Juniata College
Hispanic Studies Program at Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Spain
Master's in Reading Specialist (Summer 2019), Wilkes University

"I lived in Honduras between 2013-2015 living and working in a children's home. I taught English at the pre-school & Kindergarten levels. My husband is from Honduras so we have been back multiple times over the past few years. My college year abroad was spent in Sevilla, Spain. I have also spent time on smaller trips to Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and Ecuador."

Why do you like teaching?: "I love to see the 'light bulb' moments when students make connections to what they are learning. I teach because I believe that every student deserves to have those moments of intense joy that comes with new knowledge. I want students to know that their life matters and what they decide to do with their lives can have a great impact in the world."

What do you like about the Spanish Immersion Program? "I chose to work at Locust Grove in the Spanish Immersion program because I know that language opens doors to new worlds. Knowing another language connects people of different cultures and allows them to learn from one another. I feel blessed to be able to speak more than one language and I want to share that gift with others."

Other: Attends Elizabethtown Church of the Brethren.