Leadership
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Courageous Leadership Rooted In Purpose
Guided by a mission more than 90 years in the making, our Head of School and dedicated team of educators model the values we seek to instill- curiosity, courage, and compassion. Believing deeply in the power of an all girls education, Mercy’s leaders share one mission: to inspire young women to recognize their potential and use it to make a difference.
Administration Team
Mercy’s Administration Team is led by three women- each of whom are shaped by the impact of their own all-girls high school experience- and who are united in their commitment to empowering the next generation of young women.
Natalie Cirigliano Brosnan '02 Ed.D.
Head of School
With more than fifteen years of experience in Catholic school leadership, Natalie Cirigliano Brosnan joined Mercy High School as Head of School on July 1, 2019. A Burlingame native, Mercy alumna, and former Mercy Assistant Principal for Student Life, Natalie brings both deep roots and visionary leadership to her role. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychobiology from UCLA, holds a Single Subject Teaching Credential in History and a Two-Tier Administrative Services Credential, and completed both her Master of Arts and Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) in Catholic Educational Leadership from the University of San Francisco. Grounded in Mercy’s mission and inspired by Catherine McAuley’s vision, Natalie is dedicated to ensuring that the values of the Sisters of Mercy are woven into every aspect of the school’s curriculum, governance, and culture.
Alex Walton Ed.D
Assistant Head of School for Academics
Dr. Walton brings more than twenty years of experience in education, leadership, and student support, with a focus on fostering inclusive academic excellence grounded in equity, empathy, and belonging. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in History from UCLA, a Master of Arts in Sport Psychology from John F. Kennedy University, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership for Equity and Social Change from Saint Mary’s College of California. Dr. Walton’s work reflects a deep commitment to creating environments where every student is known, valued, and empowered to thrive.
Jillian Cirigliano Loftus '99
Assistant Head of School for Student Life
Mrs. Loftus brings two decades of experience in education as an administrator, teacher, math department chair, and student activities coordinator, fostering environments where students feel supported, engaged, and inspired to lead. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Human and Child Development from the University of California, Davis, and holds a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and an Administrative Service Credential. Mrs. Loftus also earned a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Grand Canyon University. As an alumna of Mercy, her leadership reflects a deep commitment to Mercy’s mission- empowering young women through compassion and connection and supporting a vibrant school community where every student can thrive.
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Leadership Team
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Board of Directors
Catherine Dunleavy Rosaia ’72, P’99 G’29, Board Chair
Penny Stack Alexander '78, Vice Chair
Tricia Arana Mifsud ’91, Secretary
Christopher Denten P ’23, Treasurer
Bart Gaul P ’12
Carol Gaul '85, P '12
Lisa Larratt P ’14 P ’20 P ’22
Patricia Waugh O’Connor P ’22
Joan Marie O’Donnell, RSM, SF ’59
Jennifer Estrella Peneyra ’93
Meghan Chavez Railey ’04
Caroline Romeo P ’14
Kathy Barulich Ryan, SF ’78
Barry Thornton
Jeanine Thorpe ’86
Alison Vorsatz ’98