The MMI Preparatory School Board of Directors announced today that Theresa Long, M.S., R.N., has been appointed as MMI’s new Head of School beginning August 15.

Justin Kleinheider announced his resignation from the position on June 30, 2022. As a candidate for Head of School, Mrs. Long met with senior administrators and faculty department chairs prior to being appointed by the Board.

Board member, past parent, and Northeast Pennsylvania native, Mrs. Long will lead MMI beginning with the 2022-23 school year. She graduated from Wyoming Area High School, College Misericordia’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program and Wilkes University’s Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Education.

Mrs. Long, who currently resides in Mountain Top, has been a member of the MMI Board of Directors since 2017 and as Head of School will continue to work closely with the Board.

For the past 11 years, she has served as the chief executive officer at Danville State Hospital and has been an adjunct instructor in the Wilkes University nursing program for 15 years. Mrs. Long has served in a number of leadership roles including vice president of nursing, chief nursing officer, administrator, and program director in the health care community, working in health care facilities in the Wyoming Valley, Lehigh Valley, Philadelphia, and the Greater Hazleton Area for 35 years. She brings to the position strong executive leadership skills including strategic planning, marketing, mentoring, and relationship building.

That, coupled with her ties to the education community, make her uniquely qualified for the position.

“I am honored to announce Mrs. Long’s Head of School appointment. Her strong ties to our school community both on the Board of Directors and as a parent, as well as her proven background in local executive leadership give the Board confidence that she will successfully lead MMI through the next chapter of our long and rich history,” attorney Richard A. DiLiberto Jr., ’79, MMI’s Board Chair, said.

“Her passion for relevant and timely education programs as well as her deep commitment to our beloved MMI are evident,” he said. “Mrs. Long’s leadership background and her love of MMI will serve our community well.”

Mrs. Long and her husband David are the parents of two sons who both graduated from MMI. Morgan Long, a member of the Class of 2019, attends Lehigh University, and Noah Long, a member of the Class of 2021, attends Bucknell University.

“A rich history, a long track record of success and dedicated faculty and staff make MMI a unique educational experience, and I cannot wait to be part of the day-to-day operation,” Mrs. Long said.

“I have seen firsthand the amazing, positive effect the faculty and staff have had on my two sons. They are impressive young men who have made the transition to college life with ease. MMI has prepared them not only for their continuing academic career but for life,” she said. “I believe in the school’s mission and have seen the successful outcomes, which makes me excited to take on the role of Head of School.”

Mrs. Long, who will reside at the Head of School’s Home on Ridge Street in Freeland, is the 13th head of school in MMI’s 143-year history, and the first woman to hold the position.