MMA Introduces New Academic and Student Life Deans

This school year will see exciting changes to our campus, including a new Center for Applied Biological and Health Sciences and an Academic Center for Excellence. Beyond the physical structure, however, we continually refine our programs, processes and staffing to ensure that we offer our students the highest quality, holistic educational experience possible. With that in mind, we have added two new deans to our organization: Mrs. Allison Kelly ‘99, P’25, Dean of Academics, and Ms. Maya Johnson ‘12, Dean of Students.

Dean of Academics

As Dean of Academics, Mrs. Kelly will work in collaboration with the Assistant Head of School for Academics and our department chairs, overseeing the day to day operations of the academic program. She will also support core academic skill development and curricular alignment across departments.

For the past three years, Mrs. Kelly served as our Learning Specialist and Academic Success Coordinator. In this position, she partnered with students, faculty, and parents to create academic plans that provided individualized support for the development of skills and strategies for optimal learning. In addition to her new role, she will continue to coordinate academic support.

Mrs. Kelly has 23 years of experience in education and is a certified reading specialist with a master’s degree in Educational Administration in Curriculum and Instruction. As a proud alumna, parent to a current senior, and a Mercy Associate, she is intimately familiar with our institution and our core values. She says, “While I am most excited about my work enhancing our curriculum and advancing instruction as Dean of Academics, I am also eager to have the school filled with the Merion energy and joy I have cherished for so long.”

Dean of Students

In the Student Life office, the work of the former Dean of Students, Mr. Paul Clementi, has been divided into two positions, Dean of Students and Director of Student Programs. Mr. Clementi has assumed the role of Director of Student Programs, while Ms. Johnson, former Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, will serve as Dean of Students.

As Dean of Students, she will be responsible for promoting positive behavior and creating a respectful and safe environment where students can thrive. This role is integral to the holistic development of students, ensuring that they not only excel academically, but also grow as individuals and in community with one another.

A licensed professional counselor, Ms. Johnson holds a master’s degree in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Chestnut Hill College and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Temple University.

A soon-to-be Mercy Associate, she says, “I am eager to focus my efforts on student character formation, ensuring that our girls embody the Mercy core values, including developing as principled leaders who serve as voices for dignity and respect.”

In response to these promotions, Head of School Mrs. Marianne Grace notes, “I am delighted to have two of our current staff members—who are both alumnae—bring their talents to these important positions. They offer institutional knowledge and a deep commitment to their alma mater, as well as the professional experience and skills to succeed in their new roles. It is wonderful to see their progression within school leadership.”