Mount Mercy Academy Counseling Center

Supporting Every Student, Every Step of the Way

At Mount Mercy Academy, our Counseling Center is built on a simple but powerful belief: every student deserves personalized support, encouragement, and the tools to succeed. Our counselors go above and beyond to meet each student where she is, academically, socially, and emotionally, ensuring she feels seen, heard, and empowered throughout her journey.

We proudly work with each student individually, offering personalized attention and tailored guidance. Whether your student has a 504 Plan, an Individualized Education Program (IEP), or simply needs extra help, our team is committed to providing the support necessary for her to thrive.

Meet the Counselors

Mrs. Elayna Snyder
9th and 10th Grade School Counselor

Ms. Erin Witek ’18
11th and 12th Grade School Counselor

Mount Mercy Academy is fortunate to have two dedicated School Counselors who support students not only in their academic and career development, but also in their social and emotional growth. We recognize that adolescence can be a challenging time, and it is our priority to ensure that every Mercy student has the guidance and care she needs.

Our counselors actively promote mental health and wellness while also serving as a bridge to valuable resources within the community.

Social & Emotional Learning

Mount Mercy Academy is deeply committed to the social and emotional well-being of our students. We understand the pressures young people face in today’s world and are dedicated to preparing them to navigate an ever-changing society with confidence and resilience.

Our approach focuses on developing well-rounded individuals by equipping students with the skills needed to overcome challenges. Through a structured schedule, we intentionally create time during the school day for students to engage in meaningful social interactions.

Using a restorative approach, students learn:

Effective communication skills
Positive and productive self-expression
The importance of empathy, kindness, and compassion

We also facilitate small groups that address a variety of relevant topics based on student needs, helping to foster a supportive and inclusive school culture.

Academic Opportunities & Support

Mount Mercy Academy offers a wide range of Advanced Placement (AP) and college-level courses. All students are encouraged to pursue opportunities to earn college credit across various subject areas.

AP Courses: Credit awarded through the College Board
Dual Enrollment: Credit awarded through partnerships with local colleges

Current dual enrollment partnerships include:

Hilbert College
Trocaire College
SUNY Buffalo State
SUNY Erie

We continue to expand these partnerships to provide even more opportunities for our students.

Project-Based Learning

Through Project-Based Learning, Mount Mercy students engage in solving real-world community issues connected to the Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy.

By integrating traditional academics with meaningful, real-life applications, students:

Develop critical thinking skills
Build problem-solving abilities
Learn to use their unique talents to make a positive impact

This approach empowers Mercy girls to become thoughtful leaders and changemakers in their communities and beyond.

College Counseling:
Preparing for the Future

Mount Mercy Academy takes pride in its outstanding college acceptance rate—100% of graduates are accepted into college, with many earning academic and merit-based scholarships.

Our Counseling Center provides comprehensive college counseling services designed to educate and empower students as they explore post-secondary options that are the right fit both academically and socially.

College Counseling Services Include:

College research and personalized college list development
Evaluation of personal strengths for admissions success
Guidance through college applications
Assistance in obtaining strong letters of recommendation
Financial aid and scholarship research
Essay development and review
Interview preparation (as needed)
Support in evaluating final enrollment decisions

At Mount Mercy Academy, our Counseling Center is more than a resource, it’s a foundation of support, growth, and opportunity. We are dedicated to helping every student reach her full potential and confidently take the next step toward her future.