MERCY MAKES
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Mercy University teachers and nurses are difference makers . They carry the GMercyU values of integrity , respect , service , and social justice into their work to transform the lives of their students and patients .
Here are some highlights . GMercyU TEACHERS
16 TODAY
Derrick Coleman , EdD ' 17 Superintendent , River Rouge School District
" The Mercy values have significant influence in my work as an educator because they are a constant reminder of the need for unwavering service and commitment in the spirit of the most high . GMercyU has reinforced in me the spirit to help others understand that we must work selflessly to ensure the least amongst us are provided with the dignity and care this university showed me as a student .”
Kiersten Godzieba ' 16 Pre-K4 Teacher , Queen of Angels Regional Catholic School
“ I still hear Ms . Pierantozzi in my head every week as I teach and as time goes on , I am so thankful for the academic foundation she provided us . All of my experiences , both in and out of the classroom , have shaped me into being a Distinctive Mercy Graduate . To me , that means you take with you the values you learned and find a way to make those work in the career path you have chosen .”
Amanda Hickson , MS ' 13 , ' 17 Teacher , Holy Cross Regional Catholic School
“ One thing that stood out in my time at GMercyU was that the idea of becoming a teacher was not just treated as a career opportunity , but rather as a vocation . It was not just about getting a job post-graduation and working , but about going out and making as much of a positive difference as we could in a child ’ s life through the work we did .”
Melissa Russo , MS ' 18 Fifth Grade Teacher , Horry County Schools
“ My Mercy-centered education has prepared me for a lot in my professional career . I feel as if I have more grace , more understanding , and more patience . I hold myself to a standard that I try to reach every day , but I also understand sometimes that standard may not be reached . I don ’ t allow myself to give up , but think of new ways to go about something to hopefully find success .”
Steven Rufe , M . Ed . ' 12 Director of Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports , The School District of Philadelphia
“ Would I make more money doing something else ? Heck yes ! But would I be transforming the world ? Would I be helping to make a system stronger and better ? Probably not . GMercyU taught me to challenge the status quo not by getting rid of it , but joining systems that need extra love , support , care , and transformation . GMercyU taught me a mindset and perspective and challenged my privilege , perspective , and thinking .”
Stacey Lee Salvato ' 04 Reading Specialist K-4 , Francis A . Desmares Elementary School
“ As a child , school was always hard for me . It wasn ’ t until my sophomore year at GMercyU that my Dean suggested I get evaluated . I was diagnosed with Dyslexia and was then given the proper tools , not the coping mechanisms I developed on my own , to thrive in my classes . I knew in 3 rd grade that I wanted to be a teacher but it wasn ’ t until I was at GMercyU and had the proper support that I knew that dream was truly possible ! Fast forward to 2022 , I am in my 14 th year as a Reading Specialist and get to help students that are in the same educational position as I was . Thank you GMercyU for helping me see my full potential and believing in me when I didn ’ t always believe in myself .”