Waldron Mercy Academy
Lisa O'Hara is an experienced educator with a diverse background in early childhood education and administrative roles. Currently serving as an Educator at Waldron Mercy Academy since October 2021, Lisa's previous positions include Director at Family and Friends Child Care at Dock Woods, where a safe and engaging preschool environment was provided, and Director of Education at The Goddard School, focusing on employee coaching and communication. Lisa's foundational experience began as an Early Childhood Educator at DCIU Head Start, supervising a team of teachers and developing lesson plans. Earlier career roles include Substitute Teacher at Glenwood/Highland Park Elementary Schools and Physician Practice Manager at Chestnut Hill Hospital Healthcare, emphasizing business process improvement. Lisa holds a Master's in Instruction from Drexel University, an MBA from Temple University, and a Bachelor’s in English from Union College.
Waldron Mercy Academy
Founded by the Sisters of Mercy and conducted in partnership with lay faculty, Waldron Mercy is a Catholic co-educational school serving students aged three years old through grade eight. Grounded in the rich history of Merion Mercy Academy for Girls and Waldron Academy for Boys, Waldron Mercy Academy enables students to become both capable and discerning adults. We strive to increase our students' awareness of the need for responsible membership and leadership in the global family. In September 1987, Waldron Academy for Boys and the Merion Mercy Academy for Girls lower school officially merged and reopened as Waldron Mercy Academy. Fifteen years later, the school assumed responsibility for Waldron Mercy Child Care, located on the schools’ campus. More than 40 students attend this year-round program for children three months to three years of age. The quality of education provided at WMA has been enthusiastically validated. The U.S. Department of Education recognized WMA as a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence in 2001, 2009 and 2020. Additionally, WMA is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and received a Program of Distinction in Service Learning from Middle States in 2017.