Leaders in Education

Mercy Faculty are Leaders in Education At Mercy, we are proud that our students are not the only ones that exhibit a love of learning. With the support of administration, Mercy faculty and staff challenge themselves to be at the forefront of their field - experimenting with cutting edge trends and techniques, and utilizing best practices for learning and engagement. Assistant Head of School for Academics Lauren Conklin facilitates internal peer learning with regular professional development days and programs like peer-to-peer observation. Instructional Coach Jim Puccetti guides faculty in technology and innovative lesson planning. FEATURE

Our culture of thought leadership is not limited to campus though. Mercy Faculty are often asked to speak at national conferences on important topics in their field. This summer a number of faculty and staff presented across the country.

Lauren Conklin & Jim Puccetti

Lauren Conklin led two sessions at the National Coalition of Girls Schools (NCGS) Annual Conference; a hands-on workshop called “Inspiration Stations: Learn, Dream, Create!”, and a panel presentation titled “Build a Cultur e of Innovation by Transforming Professional Development”. She discussed strategies and models that have yielded positive results at Mercy, promoting a culture of faculty collaboration, risk taking, and innovative approaches to learning and teaching.

Stefanie Oudiz

Ryan Offield

Teachers Ryan Offield (English), Stefanie Oudiz (English), and Lindsay Stewart (Science) presented at the annual Catholic Communication and Collaboration Conference in Los Angeles, CA. They shared techniques on how they engage students, facilitate collaboration, and effectively gather and use student feedback.

Lindsay Stewart

Jamila Sinlao Zanette ‘04, Mercy’s Alumnae Relations Manager, spoke as a guest panelist in Nashville, TN at Blackbaud’s annual conference - a software program widely used by educational institutions, nonprofits, and foundations to harness community engagement and impact. She discus sed Mercy’s focus on alumnae engagement, and how she has implemented Mercy Connect to bring value to our alumnae - past, present, and future.

Mercy Welcomes new Director of Admissions Christina McMorrow comes to Mercy with a background in admissions, marketing, counseling and administration. She was previously the Director of Admissions at Compass High School and the Director of Student and Staff Development at Stanbridge Academy. Chris holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from Santa Clara University and a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of San Francisco. A member of the Burlingame community and OLA Parish, she has family ties to Mercy Burlingame through her cousins and aunt. Chris is excited to highlight the benefits of an all-girls education and to support Mercy’s mission and legacy.

Q: What drew you to the Mercy Community? A: Living in the Burlingame area for the past 8 years, I knew of Mercy and it’s beautiful campus. In speaking with my cousins, I heard how instrumental Mercy was in helping them to develop the c onfidence and kindness they lead with today. It had always seemed like the kind of community I would love to be part of, and based on my first few months on the job, I was right! Q: You are the main Mercy representative interacting with middle school girls! What do you like about working with this age group? A: Middle school girls are an incredible group of students to work with. I appreciate that this is a foundational time in a young woman’s life, as some of the decisions made can have a significant impact on a student’s future. But middle school is also a time for fun and friendship! I am inspired by the energy and spirit in this age group, and always hope to leave any student I work with feeling that I understand and appreciate them for exactly who they are in this small window of time.

Q: What do you remember about your transition from 8th grade to high school? A: I remember feeling a bit scared and awkward at first. (I had wild hair and flat irons had not been invented yet!) Ho wever, I remember finding classes much more interesting and challenging, and I was excited to attend games and afterschool activities. As I describe Mer cy’s incredible program to middle school students, I can appreciate how daunting the process is, but am also a bit envious of the transformative experience I know Mercy can offer them! While students may not face the same challenges I did, my hope is that they will look back on their transition into freshman year with a similar fondness and appreciation for the start of an incredible journey.