MMI welcomes three new faculty members – Times News Online

MMI Preparatory School Principal Theresa Long announces the appointment of Tammy M. Chrin, Ed.D. as the new director of college outreach, Melissa Zaroda as the new technology and engineering teacher, and Natasha Keyser as the new French and Latin teacher for the 2024-2025 school year.

Dr. Tammy M. Chrin

Dr. Chrin is a seasoned educational leader with extensive experience overseeing programs within both K-12 school systems and higher education. She has a proven track record of communicating and collaborating effectively with administrators, faculty, students, parents, and staff to promote experiential learning in a rigorous yet supportive environment.

Her professional career includes roles as a professor of practice and adjunct faculty at Wilkes University, Alvernia University, and Cabrini College.

In these roles, she oversaw the special graduate education programs, including autism approval, ensuring appropriate staffing, course development, and student enrollment. She taught both undergraduate and graduate courses, developed syllabi and assignments, and supported students in meeting academic expectations. Her dedication to education extended beyond the classroom, as she participated in open houses, new student orientations, and honor society ceremonies, among other events.

As Director of Special Education at Commonwealth Charter Academy, Panther Valley School District, and Williams Valley School District, Chrin built positive relationships with various stakeholders, monitored compliance with special education documents and procedures, and planned professional development opportunities for teachers and staff.

She organized district-wide trainings on school safety and supported teachers in implementing social-emotional learning opportunities.

Chrin also played a key role in strategic planning, including reviewing special education plans and overseeing school board approvals.

Chrin has previously held teaching and specialty positions with the Blue Mountain School District, the School District of Haverford Township, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, ESF Camps and the Mahanoy Summer Recreation Program.

She earned a doctorate in educational leadership from Immaculata University, a Master of Science in special education and reading from Saint Joseph’s University, and a Bachelor of Science in early childhood and elementary education with a minor in modern Spanish from Elizabethtown College.

Her certifications include: Principal PK-12, Supervisor Curriculum & Instruction PK-12, Supervisor Special Education PK-12, Supervisor Reading PK-12 and various secondary and elementary education certifications.

Natasha Keyser

Natasha Keyser brings a wealth of experience, insight into international cultures and a passion for language teaching to our school.

Since 2017, she has been a teacher at Hazleton Area High School, where she has successfully taught French I and French II to students in grades 9 through 12.

Her engaging teaching program, complemented by 25 years of living in different regions of France, has inspired students to appreciate not only the language, but also France’s rich cultural heritage.

Keyser’s academic journey began at St. Timothy’s School, an all-girls college preparatory school, where as a student she developed a deep appreciation for the benefits of a private education. A graduate of the Université Grenoble Alpes in France with a bachelor’s degree in education and Temple University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, Keyser has a strong academic background complemented by her practical experience.

While living in France, she founded The Village School, a non-profit organization dedicated to teaching English to children in local elementary schools, which sparked her passion for teaching.

In addition to her teaching credentials, Keyser brings a diverse background from her time as a global media manager at HP Global Headquarters in France, where she managed a significant media budget and led innovative media strategies. She has additional experience in the workforce in France as a Global Marcom Manager for HP EMEA and as an Advertising Account Executive for McCann Erickson.

In addition to her professional teaching career, Keyser is also actively involved in community service. She is a Court Appointed Special Advocate for children and has directed several children’s musicals as a board member of the Emerson Theater in Nuremberg, Pennsylvania.

For 145 years, MMI Preparatory School has provided dedicated students from across the region with a comprehensive and inspiring college-ready program for students in grades 6 through 12. This program maximizes each student’s academic, social, and character potential in preparation for success in college and beyond.

Melissa Zaroda

Melissa Zaroda has been hired as the new technology and engineering teacher at MMI, bringing her strong background in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to the school community.

Zaroda joins MMI from Holy Redeemer High School in Wilkes-Barre, where she has been a science and technology teacher since 2019.

During her tenure, she developed and taught a variety of courses in several high-demand disciplines, including Honors and Principles of Engineering, Honors and Pre-College Physics, Concepts of Geometry, Honors Logic, and Honors and Pre-College Computer Applications.

Zaroda also coached the Science Olympiad, guiding students through tough academic competitions.

Zaroda helped design and implement the Digital Learning Commons at Holy Redeemer, served as acting chair of the science department, and was twice selected as a mentor for the Teacher Induction Program. Additionally, she recently served as a cooperating teacher for a student teacher and holds a Pennsylvania teaching certificate in Secondary Physics.

Prior to joining Holy Redeemer, Zaroda gained experience as a substitute teacher in the Crestwood and Hanover school districts.

Her professional background also includes significant industry experience as a mechanical/electrical/plumbing department coordinator and electrical designer at The Cultural Environmental and Engineering Group Inc. in Pittston. In these roles, she managed project designs, coordinated department functions, and maintained client relationships.

Zaroda earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical and computer engineering from Lafayette College and completed a postgraduate teaching certificate program in high school physics at King’s College.

Tammy M.Chrin

Melissa Zaroda

Natasha Keyser