President

Hi, I'm Brett and I'll be your PTO president this year! I've helped build family communities for all backgrounds for the last 15 years. When I'm not supporting and advocating for families, I'm goofin' around with my two boys, Ike an LPA alum and Lou in 4th grade. If you ever wanna talk real serious stuff, I can chat about comics and Pokemon for days. Spider-Man's my guy and you can't convince me otherwise.

Vice President

Hi, I'm Melissa. This will be our family's seventh year at LPA. I have two kids. My son is entering 6th grade and my daughter just graduated college at UC Santa Cruz.  Go Banana Slugs!  My wife and I own a pediatric medical practice here in the city.

When I am not working, I can most often be found on the soccer pitch cheering on my son's team or watching him in a mountain bike race. Our family enjoys travel, concerts and  soccer.

The thing I love most about LPA is first and foremost, the teachers. The other thing I really love about LPA are the friends and community we have built along the way.

Fun fact, my favorite animated character is Snoopy. Like Snoopy, I am a dreamer, am fiercely loyal and have a dry sense of humor. I look forward to meeting new families this year.

Treasurer

Nathan has served the LPA community as PTO Treasurer since May, and somewhere between reconciling receipts and building out board systems, parents started noticing something: nobody has ever seen Nathan and Batman in the same room. We’re not saying anything. We’re just saying the budget spreadsheets are suspiciously well-organized, and he has a knack for showing up exactly when something needs solving. What we can confirm is that he treats every dollar the PTO raises like it’s funding something worth protecting — carefully tracked, clearly reported, and always put back into the community. This year he’s especially focused on building community and advocating for families.

Before taking on the Treasurer role, Nathan spent time tutoring, renovating his house, and working as an engineer. He believes kids do best when the adults around them show up consistently, follow through, and do the unglamorous work without needing credit for it — which, some might argue, is a very on-brand philosophy for a guy who, before today, has never once been photographed. When he’s not deep in PTO finances, Nathan can usually be found hanging out with his family or tinkering around on his car or house. He neither confirms nor denies owning a cape.

Secretary

Hey, I’m Madie. This is my family’s second year at LPA. I have a son and a daughter. My son is heading into 1st grade. I joined the PTO because I enjoy being involved and helping out where I can. I’m currently a stay-at-home mom. Outside of being with my kids, you might find me running or cycling. My favorite animated character is Dory from Finding Nemo or The Belcher Kids from Bobs Burgers. 

Secretary

This will be my fifth year as an LPA parent. I have one alumna of LPA and a younger child entering sixth grade. While I have served as a room parent and volunteered via other opportunities across the community, this is my first venture into the PTO. I ran for this position to help LPA be the best version of itself. Supporting our phenomenal teachers and building strong connections amongst families are top priorities. As Secretary, I will also promote accountability, transparency, and integrity. Outside of LPA-related life, I work in the nonprofit sector, and I am halfway through my graduate program. Favorite pastimes like baking, visits to the Missouri Botanical Garden, riding roller coasters, and sharing a drink out front with the neighbors are always a delight. I look forward to working with y'all this year! Lastly, my favorite cartoon as a middle schooler (as my youngest is now) was The Wild Thornberrys.

Communications/Marketing

Coming soon!

Administration Representative

Ciera has been part of the LPA community since the 2015-2016 school year and cannot imagine spending her time working anywhere else! She is excited to work alongside our community rejuvenating our family involvement and continuing to build our Family Resources this school year! Ciera is continuously in awe of the educators she is surrounded by and cannot wait to lean into the future with LPA in its 12th year as the Director of Family Support and Operations.

Before LPA Ciera spent time as a Director in several aftercare programs, as a youth leader, working in early childhood, and as a co-teacher in a lower elementary Montessori classroom. She continues to ground herself in her belief that all children deserve a quality education and someone to believe in them. When Ciera is not at LPA she loves exploring the city, spending time with friends and watching their kiddos grow, and hanging out with her 2, four-legged children. 

Teacher Representative

Erin Mikel is excited to start her eighth year of teaching and sixth year with the LPA team. She teaches 3rd grade with an emphasis in Reading. In addition, Erin loves to be involved at LPA. She leads the elementary events committee, sponsors Student Council, and coaches cheerleading. Erin grew up in Eureka and after college she moved to the city. She attended the University of Missouri where she received a bachelor’s degree in Communication and minors in Human Development in Family Sciences and Leadership & Public Service. After college, she joined Teach For America Saint Louis where she taught 2nd and 3rd grade at Aspire Academy. In addition, Erin has earned a Master’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Missouri-Saint Louis. Erin loves to spend time with her puppy, Auggie, and crafting. She can’t wait for your students to join her loving, exciting and innovative treehouse!