MMI Preparatory School Head of School Theresa Long announces the appointment of Tammy M. Chrin, Ed.D. as the new director of college counseling, Melissa Zaroda as the new technology and engineering teacher, and Natasha Keyser as the new French and Latin language teacher for the 2024-25 academic year.

Dr. Tammy M. Chrin

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

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

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

As a special education director at Commonwealth Charter Academy, Panther Valley School District, and Williams Valley School District, Chrin developed positive relationships with various stakeholders, monitored special education documents and procedures for compliance, and planned professional development opportunities for faculty and staff.

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

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

Chrin’s earlier career includes teaching and specialist positions at Blue Mountain School District, School District of Haverford Township, Archdiocese of Philadelphia, ESF Camps, and Mahanoy Summer Recreation Program.

She holds a doctorate of education in educational leadership from Immaculata University, a Master of Science in special education & reading from Saint Joseph’s University, and a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood & Elementary Education with a Modern Language Spanish Minor from Elizabethtown College.

Her certifications include Principal PK-12, Supervisor Curriculum & Instruction PK-12, Supervisor Special Education PK-12, Supervisor Reading PK-12, and several middle-level and elementary education certifications.

Natasha Keyser

Natasha Keyser brings a wealth of experience, international cultural insight, and a passion for language education to our school.

She has been a teacher at Hazleton Area High School since 2017, where she has 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.

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. A graduate of l’Université Grenoble Alpes in France with a bachelor of education, and Temple University with a Bachelor of Arts in journalism, Keyser has a strong academic background complemented by her practical experience.

During her time in France, she founded The Village School, a nonprofit association dedicated to teaching English to local elementary school children, 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 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, Keyser has also been actively involved in community service. She serves as 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 been providing dedicated area students with a comprehensive and inspiring 6th through 12th-grade college preparatory program that maximizes each individual’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 and carries with her a strong background in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to the school’s 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 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.

Zaroda has also served as the Science Olympiad coach, guiding students through rigorous academic competitions.

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.

Before her role at Holy Redeemer, 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 department coordinator and electrical designer at The Cultural Environmental and Engineering Group Inc. in Pittston. In these roles, she managed project designs, coordinated departmental functions, and maintained client relations.

Zaroda holds a Bachelor of Science in electrical and computer engineering from Lafayette College and has completed a post-baccalaureate teaching certificate program in secondary physics at King’s College.