Welcome to Mount Mercy Academy
Welcome to Mount Mercy Academy where girls are transformed into successful young women, ready to pursue the opportunities which life offers. Mount Mercy has served the Western New York area for over 110 years as a distinctly Catholic college-preparatory school in the Mercy tradition. Rooted in gospel values and Catherine McAuley's unique vision for women and those who are poor, Mount Mercy affirms the uniqueness and dignity of individuals and fosters faith with a commitment to the challenges of building a just society. The Network of Mercy Education commends Mount Mercy Academy's outstanding sense of mission and service among the many Mercy schools throughout the country.
We invite you to explore our website and discover how our students achieve this transformation process through academic excellence, women's leadership, Christian service, global awareness and outreach and a full complement of athletics and extra-curricular activities.
Our extensive science program and partnership with the Catholic Health System provide unique opportunities for hands-on experiences in the fields of health/science, clinical and research professions. Our fine arts program features award-winning music and art programs while our Women's Leadership Academy calls each student to step up to the challenges of leadership within and outside of school. Each student develops a personal portfolio of leadership experiences in preparation for college and career.
Mercy women enjoy their time at school and continue as dedicated alumnae with lifelong friendships. Mercy alums proudly wear the Mercy ring, designed by the first principal and early graduates. The distinctive Mercy ring can be spotted around the country and even around the world, igniting immediate bonds among those who recognize it.
We would like to welcome our new Head of School, Michele Melligan.
Here is a letter from Michele:
I want to express to you how elated and beyond blessed I am to have this opportunity. I want to thank everyone who has reached out to show their support of my appointment as this truly is an honor to serve the girls, faculty, staff, parents, families, alumnae and members of our community. My mission is not only to inspire the girls to be the best that they can be, but also to be the example for them by being the best I can as their leader and role model.
That said, allow me to introduce myself and share a little bit about who I am and where I came from. Born and raised in South Buffalo, I attended Catholic Schools throughout my educational career. I attended St. Ambrose school grades K-8 and continued my education at Mount Mercy Academy where I graduated class of ‘92. I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Fredonia State University and proceeded to obtain my Master’s in Counselor Education from Canisius College. With 20 years of experience as a school counselor in the Kenmore Town of Tonawanda school district, I hold a tremendous background in fostering coping skills and problem solving strategies in our youth. Many of my days spent wiping tears, providing kindness and support and actively listening to parents, teachers, staff and students about issues, concerns and fears. In addition, I developed many relationships through collaboration and used my connections to help teachers and students celebrate many successes, maintain pride and share laughter and joy in the education process. My passion for encouraging others to be the best version of themselves led me to reach out beyond the walls of the school environment by pursuing a bigger vision that I had. In 2013, I helped develop a small business entitled Empower Girls Buffalo. Empower Girls Buffalo is an educational program designed for girls and young women in order to inspire them to live happy, healthy lives physically, through nutrition education and exercise as well socially and emotionally by engaging in activities that promote positivity and kindness. Empower Girls Buffalo has been the foundation for my passion in the growth and development of young ladies to live their best lives, believe in themselves and follow their dreams. In addition, I piloted a Mindfulness program in the KenTon school district that encourages students and staff to practice self-care. I teach professional development courses geared towards these topics through Erie 1 Boces as well as the KenTon Schools. Most recently, I completed my coursework for the Educational Leadership program at Canisius College for Administration Certification.
My strong roots have kept me in South Buffalo where together with my husband Michael, we strive to raise our 3 daughters to be strong, confident, young women. Margaret “Maggie” (14), Riley (11) and Abbey (10) are all future Mercy girls. I hope to instill in them the spirit of Mercy and what it means to be a part of the tradition of becoming a Mercy girl. The friendships and experiences that I have gained, go above and beyond 4 walls of a high school. Mount Mercy is a true sisterhood that is unexplainable unless you have had the honor and privilege of being part of this experience. I am still part of a tight knit circle of friends that I know generations of women can relate to as many of us share that we are “going out with the Mercy girls.” These are irreplaceable life long friendships.
After many years, my journey has brought me full circle. I am now back working in my home community where I belong and hope to share many laughs, build relationships, inspire others, and be the leader that Mount Mercy Academy has taught me to be.
Sincerely,
Michele Melligan '92
Head of School, Mount Mercy Academy
