Sister Lisa Gambacorto and the Assistant Directresses provide leadership in the areas of academics, student life, and buildings and grounds. Their dedication to the Academy and to each student and faculty member ensures that great things happen here every day.
Below, you will find information about our Assistant Directresses and members of our Administration.
Directress
Sister Lisa Gambacorto
Sister Lisa D. Gambacorto, RSM, Ed.S., assumed the role as ninth Directress of Mount Saint Mary Academy in the summer of 2000. She has a wealth of academic credentials, as well as professional accreditations and experience in varied fields of education and counseling. These enrich her ability to serve as an effective administrator, spiritual role model, and nurturing school head.
Sister Lisa earned her BA in Sociology from Georgian Court University, her MA in Counseling Psychology, her Ed.S. in Marriage and Family Counseling and her MA in Educational Administration and Supervision from Seton Hall University. Early in her career, Sister served at the Mount as a teacher of History and Theology, Social Studies Department Chair, Campus Minister, and Student Assistance Counselor. Following her years at the Academy and just prior to becoming Directress, Sister Lisa worked for seven years as an individual marriage and family therapist and the Clinical Director of Bloomfield Counseling Center.
Sister holds numerous certificates in counseling, family therapy, psychotherapy, and student personnel services. Her extensive background, education, and professional acumen have also led to her selection as a member of several school boards of trustees and advisory councils.
She served as the Chair of the Diocesan Educational Committee and she was a Trustee for the Board of Independent Schools of New Jersey.
Sister Lisa serves as both President and Principal in her role as Directress of Mount Saint Mary Academy. She is the longest reigning Directress in the history of the Academy.
In 2016, Sister was named by Pope Francis as a recipient of the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice award, the highest Papal honor awarded by the Pope to laity and clergy for distinguished service to the Church.
In 2017, she was given the Distinguished Alumni Award from Georgian Court University.
In 2019, the theater in newly-renovated Mercy Hall -- the S. Lisa Gambacorto Theater -- was named by the Sisters of Mercy in her honor.
Administrative Assistant
Sister Mary McAuley Ronan
Sister Mary McAuley Ronan, RSM is the Administrative Assistant in charge of special projects. She holds a B.A. from Georgian Court University and an M.A. from Villanova University. Sister McAuley served as principal of Red Bank Catholic in Red Bank, New Jersey prior to becoming Assistant Directress of Mount Saint Mary Academy in 1995. She has served on numerous Middle States accreditation teams and the National Catholic Educators Association.