About Us
Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
Empowering Schenectady youth to secure victory over life's challenges through faith-based mentoring relationships.
Our Story
We are dedicated to empowering the next generation through mentorship, guidance, and support. Join us in our journey to make a meaningful difference in the lives of youth. Stay updated with our latest events, mentorship stories, and valuable resources.
Meet The Team
Sean Lowery
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After a spending 31 years as Director of Instrumental music at Schalmont High School in Schenectady, Mr. Lowery has established Petra180, a Christ-centered, one-on-one, long term mentoring ministry in the heart of the city of Schenectady. In addition to teaching, Mr. Lowery was the On-Campus Director at the Eastern U.S. Music Camp at Colgate University for many years. He is also a Certified John Maxwell Leadership Team Member. His heart and passion for the well-being and future of young people combined with his experiences as a teacher and mentor to youth throughout his career, make him uniquely qualified to lead the charge of Petra180!
Kathy Lowery
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Karen Laing
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Karen is a teacher, administrator, and connector who serves the faith-based community through a deep understanding of God's immense love for everyone, health literacy, trauma, and poverty.
30 years ago, she asked God to break her heart for what breaks His, and He broke her heart for ministry leaders who felt isolated and ill-equipped. Since then, she says yes anytime God sends her leaders to help. She is honored to now use her gifts and talents to serve Petra 180's vision of reaching the youth with His love.
Keith Legg
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Keith began his career as a public school teacher where he was a speech therapist, English teacher, and drama coach. He continued his career as a mental health worker, directing group homes and a day treatment program first in Saratoga Springs and later in Glens Falls and Hudson Falls. Since 1992 he has been in ministry as an Assistant Pastor and Sr. Pastor. Keith and his wife, Ruthanna now lead a home church that has been meeting for several years.
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Jacquiline Tyo
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Jacqueline is Prayer Coordinator for PETRA180. She is a teacher at Paige Community School (Principal, Dr. Jean-Pierre) and a preacher/praise & worship leader of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Rev, Dr. Tyo honorably serves her school community as Director & Founder of the charitable non-profit, Train Up A Child Society, Inc. (2018-Present--"Let's See Your Vision Come to Fruition"). Dr. Tyo is licensed in Springfield, Massachusetts and New England area under the shepherdship of Senior Pastor, Rev., Dr. Howard John Wesley, (SJKB, 2002-2008),was a member of Samaritan's Purse, a Disaster Relief Organization (2006, 2007), and she serves in the Tri-City Area of Upstate New York (1991-Present) which she considers to be her hometown. Receiving an Honorable Doctor of Divinity in 2018 (ULC Seminary), she continues to use her gifts to the glory of God to carry out the Great Commission with a passion for Christ and the Schenectady City School District & Community.
Amanda Sponable-Pantelone
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​Amanda has always been driven to help others. It wasn’t until she was an adult that she realized it wasn’t a drive, it was a gift. Amanda has dedicated much of her adult life to helping the people of the City of Schenectady. Currently, she serves on the City of Schenectady Board of Education. For years, she worked as an EMT, volunteered at the Mt. Carmel Festa, and volunteers as often as she can through her church. Through her experiences helping residents of Schenectady, the issue most magnified to her was the need to support families at their core. When presented with the opportunity to serve as a contributor to Petra180, Amanda knew it was not a coincidence, but further proof that her purpose is to make a difference by helping others.
Joel and Veronica Bhudial
​​Joel and Veronica Bhudial, happily married, are worship ministers at the Bridge Christian Church in Schenectady. They have been youth leaders for over two decades, have also been actively involved in children’s ministry for a number of years, and are currently worship ministers. They are the parents of two teenage girls who are very disciplined and are presently involved in the youth group and other aspects of the church. Their mission is to encourage and support young people, positively impacting their lives, family, and community.
No matter what, the Lowerys always made sure to continuously be in our lives outside of high school which meant the world to me. Mr. Lowery taught me how to live a life with integrity and now I teach my own students the same. Mr. and Mrs. Lowery continue to be two of the most influential people in y life. I am forever grateful that I was introduced to both of them. They have inspired me, helped me grow, and continue to encourage me to be the best I can be.
Melissa Viscusi
Daily meetings and mentorship with Sean Lowery prepared me for my responsibilities as a dorm head, and later, for my career as a music educator. I knew that while I was being mentored by Sean, he would let me know when I could (and should) do better, but that he would also always support me and provide the kind of guidance I required.
Jennifer Malechek
The Lowerys took an active interest in my development as a young man throughout High School and into college. Being able to receive their guidance directly has been one of the great blessings of my life. After my dad died, they went out of their way to make me feel like family. They helped me with my college applications, and with my graduate school applications, and have remained a treasured part of my life.
Peter Felsman
I have had the pleasure of knowing Mr. & Mrs. Lowery as my mentors through middle, high school, and into my adult life. While facing challenges that most youth face in school it was a blessing to have a faith led teacher and mentor to help mold and ground me. Standing steadfast in a world that has turned away from God can be tempting to be consumed in, but by the Grace of God I was blessed to have Mr. Lowery’s influence to ask tough questions and deal with challenging situations as a young adult.
Tralyn Plows