Merion Mercy Academy Welcomes New Faculty and Staff

Each year we have the distinct pleasure of welcoming new faculty and staff to Merion Mercy Academy. This time of renewal, explains Head of School Marianne Grace, leads one to consider the heart of what makes MMA special—our community. She says, “We are a collective of faculty, staff, students, parents, and alumnae, each respected and valued for our contributions. In a true community, as our foundress Catherine McAuley instructed, we strive to “be good today, but better tomorrow.’” 

Our new colleagues look forward to embracing the Mercy charism as they help shape the next generation of female leaders. We are pleased to introduce them to you:

Katherine Burke (‘04) Finnegan, Social Studies Teacher

Ms. Burke, a 2004 graduate of Merion Mercy Academy, attended West Chester University where she earned a Master’s in Secondary Education. She also holds a Juris Doctor degree from Temple University’s Beasley School of Law. Her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and History is from the College of the Holy Cross. Ms. Burke left her position as a family law litigator to pursue a career in education eight years ago and is excited to be returning to her alma mater. 

Jennifer Kuwahara, Math Teacher

Ms. Kuwahara attended the University of Southern California where she received a Master of Science in Education degree. Her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature & Psychology was earned at Swarthmore College. Ms. Kuwahara has 15 years of teaching experience and most recently taught mathematics at the Liguori Academy in Philadelphia. She says, “I love teaching mathematics and the challenge of finding and using different methods to further student learning.” Outside of school, Ms. Kuwakara enjoys playing the piano.

Eric Loy, Director of Marketing

Mr. Loy received a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising and Digital Media, with a minor in Writing, from Loyola University Maryland. Over the past 11 years he has been helping schools, brands and non-profits reach key institutional goals through mission-based marketing and digital strategies. In his most recent position at Gill St. Bernard's School, he also served as a club moderator and baseball coach.

Mr. Loy says about his role, “I love making connections. As Merion Mercy's Marketing Director, I'm blessed with the opportunity to tell stories through photography, video, graphic design and more that not only highlights the incredible moments that happen across our community, but do so in a way that (I hope) makes a deeper impact on the school culture and those who want to be a part of it.”

Outside of school, he can be found playing sports (baseball, basketball, volleyball, golf), solving puzzles, watching new movies, and spending all of his time with his wife and baby daughter, Elliott.

Audrey Schweizerhof, Athletic Coordinate and PE/Health Teacher

Ms. Schweizerhof received her degree in Health and Physical Education from West Chester University where she was also a member of their soccer team. She was the Merion Mercy Academy soccer team’s goalkeeper coach this past season, and looks forward to returning to that role as well as teaching Physical Education and Health classes. Attracted to our “close knit community,” Ms. Schweizerhof will provide administrative support for athletic and physical education programs at Merion Mercy Academy. Outside of school, she enjoys “anything outdoors such as hiking, kayaking, running, etc.” 

Kristen Steiger, Admissions Coordinator

A graduate of Villanova University, Mrs. Steiger (P ‘25,’28) joined our Admissions Office in June and brings to her position recent experience as a medical records coordinator and 12 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, where she developed her skills in communication/collaboration, organization, and attention to detail. She plays an important role in our enrollment management efforts and is thrilled to work where her daughters attend school. 

Sasha Tainovich, Art Teacher

Ms. Tainovich attended Arcadia University where she received a Master of Education degree, and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts from which she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. She has shared her artistic skills in a variety of educational settings for the past nine years, most recently at One Bright Ray Community High School. Ms. Tainvoch will be teaching art classes and moderating our school yearbook.

A natural at making friends wherever she goes, Ms. Tainovich is passionate about traveling, making art, gaming, reading, creating, syfy, sports, learning, and diet peach iced tea.

Dr. Karen Wendling, Science Teacher

Dr. Wendling received her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Environmental Science from Chestnut Hill College. Upon earning her PhD in Chemistry from the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, Dr. Wendling joined the faculty at Chestnut Hill College, where she has taught for the past 16 years. She most recently served as Chair of the Center for Natural and Behavioral Sciences. She looks forward to bringing her experience as an educator and her passion for teaching science to Merion Mercy, where she loves the enthusiasm she sees in our students, and appreciates the family atmosphere of the school. 

Asked about her teaching superpower, she says, “Being able to break down complex scientific concepts into simple, manageable ‘chunks’ that relate directly to everyday life helps physics and chemistry fundamentally make sense to students. I believe this approach helps to avoid a lot of memorization, saves time, and lays the foundation for lifelong learning. Sharing this approach with students, and helping them achieve the ‘wow! this suddenly makes sense!’ moment is a big part of why I love teaching.