Mr. Jack Ambrose joins MMI this year as Head Chef, overseeing all kitchen operations and bringing his culinary expertise to the Prepper community. A Freeland native and graduate of Hazleton Area High School, Chef Ambrose comes to MMI with nearly two decades of professional cooking and supervisory experience.

He began his culinary career at Providence Place in Drums, where he worked from 2007–2022 as both Cook and Supervisor, managing kitchen staff and preparing meals with a focus on quality and consistency. From 2022–2025, he honed his skills at the well-known local restaurant Sorrento’s in Freeland, serving the community with his cooking talents. Earlier in his career, he also worked as a manufacturing technician at Citterio USA in Freeland.

At MMI, Chef Ambrose leads the School’s dining program alongside Mrs. Stephanie Kluck and Mrs. Joyce Schiavone, ensuring students and faculty enjoy healthy, well-prepared meals each day. His commitment to excellence in food service and his deep ties to the local community make him a valued addition to the MMI team.

Chef Ambrose resides in Hazleton with his girlfriend, Rochell, and her adult son, Julian. In his spare time, Chef enjoys fishing, camping, and biking.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Kutztown University
Master of Science in Computer Science, Kutztown University

Aaron Harman ’18 returns home to his alma mater this fall as a Math Instructor at MMI. He brings a strong background in STEM education and computer science to his teaching role. Mr. Harman brings tutoring expertise in both the individual and small group categories and is very familiar with MMI’s expectations and outcomes.

With dual degrees from Kutztown, his graduate work focused on artificial intelligence. He served as president of the International Game Developers Association KU Chapter and was active in the university’s gaming and computing community. Mr. Harman has taught students of varying ages in STEM-focused programs, with experience in robotics, computer programming, and problem-solving. At the Freeland YMCA, he led courses in robotics using LEGO SPIKE Prime kits and introduced middle and high school students to Python programming. He also served as a graduate assistant in the Kutztown University CSIT Department, supporting faculty research and helping undergraduates strengthen their computer science skills.

In addition to his teaching, he has presented research in computing and game development, with publications in the Journal of Computing Sciences in Colleges and presentations at regional conferences. His passion for education lies in helping students connect abstract concepts with hands-on applications whether through math, coding, or robotics.

Mr. Harman lives in Drums, and enjoys spending time with his three cats and developing small games in his spare time.

Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Lafayette College

Post-baccalaureate Teaching Certificate Program in Secondary Physics, King’s College.

Mrs. Melissa Zaroda was hired as a faculty member at MMI in 2024 and carries with her a strong background in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to the School’s community. She teaches Computer Programming, Geometry, Introduction to Engineering, Physics, and Introduction to Circuits and Robotics.

Mrs. Zaroda joined MMI from Holy Redeemer High School in Wilkes-Barre where she had been a Science and Technology Teacher since 2019. During her tenure at Holy Redeemer, she developed and taught a variety of courses across multiple high-demand disciplines including Honors and Principles of Engineering, Honors and College Preparatory Physics, Concepts of Geometry, Honors Logic, and Honors and College Preparatory Computer Applications. Mrs. Zaroda has also served as the Science Olympiad coach, guiding students through rigorous academic competitions. Mrs. Zaroda helped design and implement the Digital Learning Commons at Holy Redeemer, served as Acting Science Department Chairperson, and was twice selected as a mentor for the teacher induction program. Additionally, she recently acted as a cooperating teacher for a student teacher and holds a Pennsylvania teaching certification in Secondary Physics.

Earlier in her career, Mrs. Zaroda gained experience as a substitute teacher in the Crestwood and Hanover Area School Districts. Her professional background also includes significant industry experience as the Mechanical/Electrical/Plumbing (MEP) Department Coordinator and Electrical Designer at The Cultural Environmental and Engineering (CEE) Group Inc. in Pittston. In these roles, she managed project designs, coordinated departmental functions, and maintained client relations.

Mrs. Zaroda resides in Mountaintop with her husband, James, and five children. Their eldest daughter, Anna, is a member of MMI’s Class of 2027. James is a 10th grader and John is a 8th grader in the Crestwood School District, and they also have two young children, Elizabeth (age 4) and Nicholas (age 2).

Mr. Wayne Warner joined MMI in 2023 as the School’s first-ever Armed Security Guard. With over 25 years of experience as a Senior Officer Specialist for the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Mr. Warner has had a full a career in ensuring the safety and security of institutions. In the summer months, Mr. Warner assists the MMI Maintenance Department.

His expertise within the Federal Bureau of Prisons included supervising correctional treatment of inmates, enforcing rules and regulations, and maintaining security through physical force when necessary. He held various key roles, including unit officer, camp officer, control officer, and more, with a strong focus on maintaining discipline and safety within correctional environments. Mr. Warner’s earlier work experience includes working as a Maintenance Tech for Shenandoah Nursing Home and using heavy machinery and working in Landscaping at Split Rock Resort.

Mr. Warner is a Freeland native, and currently resides in Jeddo. His extensive background in security and accountability brings a unique level of protection to the MMI community.

Bachelor of Science in Economics, King’s College

Mrs. Jackie Sweda was appointed Front Office Receptionist/Administrative Assistant in 2023. In her position, Mrs. Sweda is the first point of contact for students, parents, faculty, and visitors. Her responsibilities include various administrative tasks, such as maintaining student attendance records, preparing daily announcements, and compiling the daily receipts report. She also supports key School functions by helping various departments with assignments such as compiling billing and payments for the Business Office, scheduling substitute teachers for the Assistant Head of School, and processing gifts for the Director of Advancement.

Early in her career, Mrs. Sweda was employed in the Banking and Finance Industry. She maintained positions in the Investment Department at First Valley Bank, Bethlehem; the Mortgage Lending Department at The Hershey Bank; and the Finance Department at the Hershey Entertainment and Resort Company. After returning home to the Hazleton Area, she was employed as an office manager for her family’s businesses, Accuscript Court Reporting and Video, Inc. and The Law Office of Thomas K. Feissner. However, Mrs. Sweda takes the most pride in her career as a mother.

“My greatest accomplishment is my daughter. Alyssa is a 2019 graduate of MMI and went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from The Catholic University of America, her Master of Accountancy from the University of Scranton, and is currently an external auditor at Deloitte Philadelphia. When reflecting upon her incredible academic and professional successes, we both owe it to the wonderful education that she received at MMI. With this in mind, it is an honor to give back to the school that played a pivotal role in my daughter’s life.”

Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University
Master of Arts in Chemistry, University of Virginia

Mr. Spencer Lovrinic joined the MMI faculty shortly before the start of the 2024 school year and teaches Fundamentals of Math and Algebra I to middle school students and Algebra II and Pre-Calculus to upper school students.

Prior to his arrival at MMI, he served as a Teaching Assistant in the Chemistry Department at UVA while obtaining his Masters Degree. He lectured and held office hours for students taking Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics, and also supervised undergraduate graders and other teaching assistants for other classes.  He ran simulations on UVA’s high-performance computing cluster for molecular dynamics modeling using C++ and Fortran languages and completed a project focused on protein folding using lattice models. As an undergraduate researcher at Penn State he ran experiments including calorimetry, radiation labeling, luminescent probing, spectroscopy, and rheological methods to determine liquidus/solidus points. Mr. Lovrinic also worked as a Technician at Sanofi Pasteur working on cGMP flu vaccine processing.

Mr. Lovrinic resides in Sugarloaf and his personal interests include aviation, visiting National Parks, fantasy lore, and exercise.

Bachelor of Education, l’Université Grenoble Alpes in France
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, Temple University

Ms. Natasha Keyser began her tenure at MMI in 2024 and brought a wealth of experience, international cultural insight, and a passion for language education to our School. Previously, she had been a teacher at Hazleton Area High School since 2017, where she successfully taught French I and French II to students in grades 9-12. Her engaging curriculum, enriched with 25 years of living in various regions of France, has inspired students to appreciate not only the language but also France’s rich cultural heritage.

Ms. Keyser’s academic journey began at St. Timothy’s School, an all-girls college preparatory school, where she developed a deep appreciation for the benefits of private school education as a student. During her time in France, she founded The Village School, a non-profit association dedicated to teaching English to local elementary school children, which sparked her passion for teaching.

In addition to her teaching credentials, Ms. 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 spearheaded innovative media strategies. She has additional experience in the work force in France as a Global Marcom Manager for HP EMEA and as an Advertising Account Executive for McCann Erickson.

Beyond her professional teaching career, Ms. Keyser has also been actively involved in community service. She serves as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children and has directed several children’s musicals as a board member of the Emerson Theater in Nuremberg, Pennsylvania.

Ms. Keyser resides in Hazle Township and is the Aunt of two MMI alums, Taylor Peluso ‘16 and Tessa Peluso ‘19.

Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies, Lafayette College
Bachelor of Arts in Chinese Language and Culture, Lafayette College

A 2018 graduate of MMI, Mr. Kyle Falatko returned to Freeland following his studies at Lafayette and joined the faculty as a long-term substitute teacher in 2022. He spent time teaching classes in important study skills and mythology. After two years in the classroom, Mr. Falatko assumed duties as the Librarian in the Joseph A. Turri ’45 Library and Learning Center in the summer of 2024 and was named the Director in the Summer of 2025. His current duties include running the circulation desk, maintaining the collection, and helping conduct after school tutoring in the Library. He also teaches classes in current events and technology usage.

Mr. Falatko was a Writing Associate in the College Writing Program at Lafayette for three years where he supported students through the creative process for any written paper, presentation, or project. He acted as a liaison between students and professors of any specific course and maintained a weekly drop-in shift to assist students with their work while also encouraging them to stay true to their voice. He additionally served for four years as an Elementary School Tutor through the America Reads Program hosted by Landis Outreach Community Center where he contributed to the development of educational curriculum and literacy activities for students of all ages in Easton.

Mr. Falatko resides in Freeland and has a sister, Hannah, who also attended MMI and graduated in 2021.

Bachelor of Science in Information Sciences and Technology, The Pennsylvania State University

Mr. Edward (EJ) Kupstas joined the MMI staff mid-year in 2024 as MMI’s Technology Coordinator. He is responsible for managing all aspects of the School’s technological infrastructure, ensuring smooth operation and supporting both students and faculty in their technology needs.

Mr. Kupstas oversees the daily maintenance and optimization of servers, troubleshoots and resolves issues with student and faculty devices, and manages the deployment of software across various platforms used by the School. He keeps an inventory of MMI’s electronic devices, ensuring that all technology assets are accounted for, maintained, and ready for use. This includes managing laptops, tablets, smart boards, projectors, and other equipment, as well as tracking the lifecycle of these devices to plan for replacements or upgrades.

He brings previous experience in help desk support, technology infrastructure, app development, and website design and programming to MMI. He is also an AWS Certified Solutions Architect-Associate and owns Kupstas Online and Technical Solutions, a freelance company dedicated to web design and IT service management.

Mr. Kupstas resides in Forty Fort and enjoys playing PC video games like World of Warcraft, Valheim, Counter-Strike, Minecraft, and many more in his spare time. He is recently engaged to his fiancé, Keyaira Beck.

Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports Studies, Rutgers University
Master of Science in Integrative Exercise Physiology, Temple University
Ph.D. in Kinesiology, Nutrition, and Rehabilitative Science, The University of Illinois at Chicago

Dr. Heather Grimm joined the MMI faculty in January of 2024 as a Physical Education and Health Education Instructor.  Prior to arriving at MMI, Dr. Grimm spent five years at King’s College where she was an Associate Professor of Exercise Science and served as the Program Coordinator for Health and Wellness. She was the co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of MINDZERO in Myrtle Beach, SC, which offers clients a scientifically-proven, multi-sensory recovery experience incorporating sauna, cold plunge, and breathwork in a guided group setting.

At MMI, Dr. Grimm will be responsible for teaching physical education classes and health classes to both middle and upper school students. Dr. Grimm resides in Kingston, with her husband, Dr. Jan Kretzschmar, and two children, Logan (4) and Ayva (3). In her spare time, she enjoys staying active outdoors and traveling.