About
Administration
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.
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 is a current member of the Board of Trustees of NJAIS (New Jersey Association of Independent Schools).
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.
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 is a current member of the Board of Trustees of NJAIS (New Jersey Association of Independent Schools).
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.
Sister Lisa was recognized in 2023 as a distinguished Woman in Business by the Borough of Watchung.
Assistant Directresses
Jacqueline Conti Muratore '01
Denise Materia
Ms. Denise Materia is the Assistant Directress for Student Life. She has served as the Mount's Athletic Director since 1985. Under her leadership, the Athletic Department added 16 new programs, including nine new sports, five junior varsity teams, and two freshman teams. Ms. Materia also served as Health and Physical Education Department Chair and taught Physical Education, Health, and Driver Education. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Montclair State University and a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from Kean University.
Mrs. Muratore is the Assistant Directress for Faculty, Curriculum, and Planning and a graduate of Mount Saint Mary Academy. She earned her B.A. from Cornell University, where she studied engineering and music, and has two master’s degrees in education from Columbia University, where she concentrated her studies around educational technology and curriculum design. A lifelong learner, she recently received her M.S. degree in applied data science from the University of Michigan. She has over 16 years of teaching experience in various disciplines, is a seasoned online instructor and course designer, and is an AP-certified teacher and AP Reader for the College Board. In 2011, Mrs. Muratore came home to The Academy as a math and science teacher and, the next year, a full-time math teacher. Through the years, she has moderated the Music Ministry club, the Math League, and the Girls Who Code club; served as a Eucharistic minister; and deepened her commitment to the Sisters of Mercy as a Mercy Associate. She leads the Academy’s NJAIS and Middle States Accreditation processes, and she also chairs Middle States Accreditation Teams for independent schools throughout the tri-state area. Mrs. Muratore was recently honored by Delbarton School and received their 2023 Distinguished Educator Award for her strong reputation in the field of education. This award is given annually to an educator who possess the qualities of professional excellence and has made an impact on the lives of young people. Mrs. Muratore brings her love of learning, the students, and the Sisters of Mercy to the Mount’s administrative team.
Denise Materia
Ms. Denise Materia is the Assistant Directress for Student Life. She has served as the Mount's Athletic Director since 1985. Under her leadership, the Athletic Department added 16 new programs, including nine new sports, five junior varsity teams, and two freshman teams. Ms. Materia also served as Health and Physical Education Department Chair and taught Physical Education, Health, and Driver Education. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Montclair State University and a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from Kean University.
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