Meet the team
cindy lam
Dr. Jessica McCardell
Shannon zimmerman
Mike McKenna
Who we are
Cindy lam
Cindy Lam is a dedicated business owner, proud parent, and passionate community leader. She is the co-owner of Silantra Asian Street Kitchen, growing it into a multi-location business that serves as a cornerstone of the local community. Cindy is an active advocate for education and equity, serving on the boards of the Manheim Township Educational Foundation, YWCA Lancaster, and as President of Lancaster Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (LAAPI). As a current member of the Manheim Township School Board, Cindy brings a strong work ethic, a passion for community, and a commitment to supporting all students and educators. She will continue to foster a love of learning by creating a safe, supportive environment for all students and educators to grow, explore, and thrive. As a stakeholder on many levels, intentionally raising her family in Manheim Township and establishing her business in the township, Cindy is deeply invested in the well-being and the future of Manheim Township School District.
why i am running
“With the current landscape and ongoing challenges, it is more important than ever to ensure our school district remains financially stable, and we are being fiscally responsible across all areas of needs. Cindy is committed to ensuring that our schools are both financially healthy and focused on the well-being of every student and educator. As a parent with children in Manheim Township School District, Cindy believes that ALL means all – all students and educators should have access to opportunities and resources to help them thrive and succeed.”
dr. jessica mccardell
Dr. Jessica McCardell is a Lancaster County native, board certified physician and mother of three, all students in Manheim Township. She is an active volunteer in MT schools and an advocate for all students and their access to public education. Jessica supports the wide variety of offerings in our district, from academics and languages to music and the arts. She deeply values the contributions and hard work of our educators and support staff and is committed to ensuring they receive the support and resources they need. Through policy and practice, Jessica desires to continue creating and nurturing a school environment in which all students and staff can thrive and feel a sense of belonging.
why i am running
“I am running because I am an advocate for public education. I want to do my part to ensure that our students, educators, and administrators receive the support and resources that they need in order to thrive. I want to represent the needs of all students and families in Manheim Township School District.”
mike mckenna
Mike is a parent of three, and resident of Manheim Township since 2017. He was inspired by his three kids to run for school board and is deeply committed to the well-being of all students and families in our community. He is a seasoned non-profit executive, including the former CEO of Tabor Community Services and Tenfold. Mike is a stay-at-home dad and a strategy consultant and leadership coach, as well as a volunteer in the district and township. He knows high-quality public education is a powerful tool to help all students achieve success in school and beyond.
why i am running
“I’m running because I believe in the power and importance of public education. I want to ensure our district builds off its current strengths to lay the groundwork for a bright future for our kids.
Our schools are the heartbeats of our communities, thanks to the extraordinary efforts of teachers, families, administrators, and staff, all committed to helping our students thrive.”
Shannon zimmerman
Shannon Zimmerman, M.P.A. is a senior leader in state government, a community volunteer, and a mom to three. She has broad experience in non-profit, public, government, and private organizations. Her resume includes nearly a decade in public school district administration, including developing layered communications strategies. Shannon is a trusted advisor to organization executives and committed to relationship-building across organizations and sectors to achieve excellence. She is guided by an equity lens designed to proactively consider the impact of policy and practice from various perspectives. Recognizing an exceptional school experience coupled with a community of respect and support, Shannon and her wife intentionally purchased their home in Manheim Township School District more than 15 years ago. Their children currently attend Landis Run and Manheim Township High School.
“I am committed to ensuring that Manheim Township School District is a place for all students that meets the needs of their futures, not our past. For more than a decade, I have been engaged as a parent in the district, including involvement in our children’s school buildings, attending district-level events, and participating on the Superintendents Lay Advisory Council (SLAC). With this knowledge of our district, coupled with my professional school district administrator experience, I am confident that I will be a strong contributor to the school board.”