During her nineteen years as a second grade teacher, Michelle Malara loved mentoring young women – whether it be the twenty-two student teachers she had during those years, or during Bible studies. She knew when she left the teaching profession she wanted to continue to be a blessing, and, after several “taps” she realized that God was calling her to work in FCA’s ministry at Syracuse University.

“When I heard FCA was looking for someone to work with the female athletes, my first thought was ‘I am not athletic – absolutely not;’ yet, after meeting with some of the SU students I felt like I was a fit – and I realized that it wasn’t instrumental for me to be an athlete, and that sports was just the platform to share the Word with the campus women. I read these words: ‘The wonderful mentor brings people to Jesus and stays there with them.’ My goal at SU is to bring people to Jesus and stay there with them,” Malara said.

After earning degrees in Meteorology and Elementary Education and Psychology from SUNY Oswego, Malara enjoyed a long career as a teacher at Faith Heritage Christian School for nearly two decades. Her days often started with the young teachers gathering in her classroom for devotions, and ended with the high school kids in her room where she loved pouring into their lives.

Malara and her husband Richard have three college-aged children — two daughters and a son. In addition to teaching Bible studies in her home and at church, where she serves as the Bible Study Coordinator. She also loves scrapbooking and reading.