School Board Members
The LMA School board can be reached at schoolboard@lmaerie.org.
The LMA School Board provides critical leadership and support to the administrative and teaching staff of the school. Our Board Members are active ambassadors for the organization. The Board accepts candidate applications on a rolling basis. Candidates should be personally motivated and qualified by experience and skill. If you are interested in applying to serve on our School Board, please download the following School Board Member Application and submit to mthom@lmaerie.org.
Michelle Thom is in her fourth year serving as Administrator of Luther Memorial Academy.
Pastor Jay Mitchell (he/him) is Pastor of Luther Memorial Church and Academy.
Preeya Montroy, School Board 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.
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, Vice-President, 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.
Sharon Downey serves as the director of the Erie Philharmonic Youth Chorale and Children’s Chorus. She stepped down from her position as Music Director at the Episcopal Cathedral of St. Paul in 2022, after more than 30 years of service. Sharon has had a close relationship with Luther Memorial, working collaboratively with the Cantors and choirs, and serving as a substitute organist. She is looking forward to helping build meaningful relationships with community organizations that will enrich the educational experiences of students and teachers.
Jackie Messenger joined in 2026. She one of the many proud alumni of LMA and a life-long resident of Erie, Pennsylvania. She is married and has four daughters, and currently works as a Vice President of Lending. She is honored to have the opportunity to give back to the school that is so important to her, and to use her experience and ideas to help the school continue to grow and thrive.
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 .