Meet the Directress

Sister Lisa D. Gambacorto, RSM, Ed.S., assumed the role as ninth Directress of Mount Saint Mary Academy in the summer of 2000. She is the longest serving Directress of the Academy. Sister Lisa 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 serves as both President and Principal in her role as Directress of Mount Saint Mary Academy. 

 

Sister Lisa became a Sister of Mercy in 1980 and 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 Lisa 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 Lisa 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 advisory councils and school Boards of Trustees.  She currently serves as a member of the Board of Trustees at St. Catharine Academy (Bronx, NY) and recently for the New Jersey Association of Independent Schools (NJAIS).

 

In 2016, Sister Lisa 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 the newly-renovated Mercy Hall was designated by the Sisters of Mercy in her honor. In the fall of 2021, she received the Exemplary Mercy Leadership Award for  service to the Academy and the Sisters of Mercy at the Milestones Gala and was also honored at the Legacy of Excellence Gala in 2025.

 

Sister Lisa was recognized in 2023 as a distinguished Woman in Business by the Borough of Watchung.

 

In 2025, Sister Lisa received a special Proclamation from the Watchung Borough Mayor and Council recognizing her service of over a quarter of a century to Mount Saint Mary Academy.