Michele Mitchell joins LAMPa’s policy council as the newest representative from Upper Susquehanna Synod.

A member of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Shamokin Dam, Mitchell serves on the church council.  Accepting Bishop Collins’ nomination, Mitchell said she is particularly interested in creation care advocacy and in standing with those whose voices may otherwise be unheard. Her faith, she said, informs her politics.

Creation, Mitchell said, “is a gift from God, and it is our responsibility to care for the planet and the most vulnerable of God’s children who are disproportionately impacted by climate issues.”

She has had a long-standing interest and concern for environmental issues, beginning with her participation in the first environmental class offered in Selinsgrove High School in 1969.  She was a member of Eco-Action as a college student and, after retirement, became involved with several climate-focused advocacy organizations.

“Michele’s devotion to the church, her compassion for those who suffer, and her understanding that we, as humans, are part of God’s good creation with a special responsibility to act as stewards make her a wonderful addition to policy council,” said LAMPa Director Tracey DePasquale. “I am grateful to have someone with her passion and expertise to help us act on our priorities in health and creation care.”

Mitchell has spent her entire life in central Pennsylvania, most of it in Selinsgrove where, with her husband, Ron, they raised three sons.  Born in Danville, she graduated from the Pennsylvania State University where she majored in nursing.  Most of her career was spent at Geisinger Medical Center, where she taught in the School of Nursing and held a number of positions that involved patient education.