School Board Members
The LMA School board can be reached at schoolboard@lmaerie.org.
Michelle Thom is in her third year serving as Administrator of Luther Memorial Academy.
Pastor Jay Mitchell (he/him) is Pastor of Luther Memorial Church and Academy.
Maria Goellner (“gell-ner”), School Board President, has two children at Luther Memorial Academy. She is a public interest attorney working on criminal justice priorities in legislatures across the country.
Preeya Montroy, Vice-President
Miriam Scheid, Assistant Treasurer, has been the Parish Manager of Luther Memorial Church and the Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer of Luther Memorial Academy since October 2007. She also helps with tech support for the school. Miriam grew up in Orlando, Florida, and moved to Erie in 1988. She has three adult children and two grandchildren. Miriam enjoys the beach, camping, kayaking, and loves to travel.
AJ Noyes, Teacher representative, has taught at Luther Memorial since 2020 and her son graduated from LMA in 2025.
MJ Howell, Member Emerita, has given 40 years of volunteer work to LMA.
Jason King became of member of the School Board in 2024. An LMA alumni, he is the father of three wonderful daughters at Luther Memorial Academy. He is a Personal Trainer/ Health Coach and an active member of Christ Temple Church in Erie. Husband to Leah King (PTL President), Jason was born and raised in Erie and is committed to the integrity of serving the Erie community.
Heather Bartlett , Secretary, joined the School Board in 2024. Heather has two children that have attended LMA – a son who was a graduate of LMA and a daughter that is a current student. She is an active member of Messiah Lutheran Church and works as a registered nurse at UPMC Hamot Hospital. Originally from Manheim, Pennsylvania, Heather moved to Erie where her husband Sean was born and raised. She is also currently active on the Core Board for Koinonia of Erie County. Heather spends most of her free time attending her daughter’s cheerleading competitions or cheering on the Cathedral Prep Water Polo and Swim teams.
Isela Abreu-Smith joined the School Board in 2025. She is a longtime Erie resident, social worker, and active member of Family Worship Center of Erie. She is a parent and relative of LMA graduates and current students, including her youngest daughter in 2nd grade and her great-niece in 1st grade. Isela is committed to supporting students and families across the community.
Susan Forsythe joined in 2025. As a lifelong educator and professional musician, Susan is looking forward to putting some of her skills to work for Luther Memorial Academy. Her interest in helping to direct positive outcomes has led her to board positions in the past, and Susan’s goals for LMA are to ensure financial stability, increase enrollment, and to expand community connections.
Greg Kern, Treasurer, has been a member of Luther Memorial Church for over 30 years. He is a Certified Public Accountant and has been treasurer of the Church for 30+ years. Greg has a son and daughter that attended LMA and both are working in the area in successful careers .