October 7, 2025
We asked board members how long their family has been at MPA, the names and grades of their children, one of their favorite MPA traditions, and if they could swap with their kid for one day at MPA, what they would look forward to the most. Keep an eye out for more board member bios next month!
Jasmin Stees | Co-President & Middle School Division Lead
Hi everyone, my name is Jasmin Stees, and this is my second year serving as the co-president and Middle School division lead on the Parents Association Board. This is my family’s fifth year at MPA, and I have two children in the school—Pierson, who is in seventh grade, and Teddy, who is in PreK. One of my favorite MPA traditions is getting to attend all of the wonderful choral and instrumental concerts. Whether it is the Lower School Art and Music Show or the combined Middle and Upper School Band Concert, the music program is simply outstanding!
If I could swap places with one of my kids for the day, I would pick a day in the PreK classroom. I would look forward to all of the fun, hands-on learning projects like baking break or taking a turn to pick some fresh produce in the PreK garden.
Laura Nicholson | Co-President & Lower School Division Lead
Hi everyone! This is my third year as a parent at MPA—my son, Gabe, is in the second grade, and my husband, Chad, is an alum from the Class of 1997. I served as a grade rep for kindergarten and first grade, and I helped organize the Lower School Halloween and Valentine’s Day parties last year. This is my first year as Lower School Division lead and co-president of the PA Board. One of my favorite MPA traditions is the Halloween Party!
I love seeing everyone (kids, parents, and staffulty) dressed up and really enjoying themselves. So many families participate in the day, and it culminates in a celebratory parade of Lower School students around the school. If I could swap places with Gabe for the day, I would probably spend the whole day in the art room. I love drawing, painting, and creating.
Jamie Kreeger | Grade Rep Coordinator
Hi all! This is my second year as an MPA parent and my first year serving on the PA Board. I have two children, and they both attend MPA—Lucy, who’s in kindergarten, and Frank, who’s in third grade. One of my favorite MPA traditions is the casual afterschool hangouts on the playground when the weather is nice. It’s a wonderful way to connect with other families, let the kids burn off some extra energy, and avoid the rush in the parking lot.
If I could swap places with my kids for one day at MPA, I’d spend it rotating between the energetic P.E. movement drills, a creative hands-on project in the Makerspace, and some peaceful reading time in the cozy library. Looking forward to a great year ahead!
Melissa Suek | Staff Appreciation Lead
Greetings! Our family joined MPA three years ago, when my now fifth grader, Vincent, was in third grade. We are also a host family to Robin, who is in eighth grade. My first year, I volunteered at a few different Parents Association events, and in the classroom—I knew volunteering was a good way to meet other parents in our new school community. Last year, I joined the PA Board as appreciation lead, and I have continued in the role this year. Being newer to the community, I didn’t know what to expect for our first few years.
However, seeing the musical performances of Middle Schoolers in particular has been a joy! Whether vocal or instrumental, I am amazed at the confidence and skill our kids demonstrate. If I could trade places with one of our Middle Schoolers for the day, I would choose to attend Ms. Mastel’s theater class and stay after school to work with Ms. Jaques on crew, or rehearse for the current theater production. I can’t wait to see “Dracula: A Comic Thriller” in November!
