Student Academic Activities Coordinator / Art, Anthropology, and Psychology Instructor
Bachelor of Arts in Photography and Anthropology, Bloomsburg University
Master of Arts in Art Education with an Emphasis in Special Populations, Moore College of Art & Design
Ph.D. in Education, Wilkes University
Dr. Lisa Marie Ferry has served the MMI community as a member of the faculty since 2008. She has held additional administrative roles during her tenure as Dean of Students, Interim Curriculum Coordinator, and Fine Arts Department Chair. This year she will be the Student Academic Activities Coordinator. She currently teaches Art, Freshman Seminar, Anthropology, Archaeology, and Psychology across grade levels.
“I believe that students can learn critical, creative, and bold thinking skills while learning responsibility and accountability. This in combination with respect for their peers, teachers, and themselves develops character, which creates awesome adults and leaders. These skills are learned in both our academic classrooms and in art classes,” she said. “MMI is an excellent school where students can be exposed to all aspects of art and learn how they can incorporate art into their daily lives and future careers giving our students an edge.”
Additional recent experience includes serving as a facilitator and speaker for the Pennsylvania Humanities Council, a presenter at King’s College at the STR2E2AM Evidence-Based Practices conference, a presenter at numerous annual conferences for PAEA, and a presenter at the annual PAIS conference. She was on a consulting team for Special Education at the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia. Also, she has served as an evaluator for the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools twice.
Dr. Ferry has been part of several painting and photography shows at the Hazleton Art League, is a member of the Art League’s Board of Directors, and is involved with the annual Art Youth Expo encouraging MMI students to participate; many have won awards. Dr. Ferry was selected twice in a juried art show for the Northeastern Biennial Art Competition. She also contributed artwork to a show for the Twitter Art Exhibit this year to raise funds for the Horry County Disabilities & Special Needs Facility. Dr. Ferry is a member of numerous organizations from art and education to anthropology. She is also a certified Reiki Master and Meditation Teacher.
Dr. Ferry’s Master’s research entitled: Turning Anxiety into Creativity: Using Postmodern Principles to Alleviate Anxiety and Stress in the Art Curriculum and Beyond is published and in 2017, Dr. Ferry was awarded the PAEA Outstanding Art Educator of the Year Award for Non-Public Schools. Having passed the proposal defense for her Doctorate in Education in 2024, Dr. Ferry’s newest research is on High School Students’ Experiences in School-Based Meditation Classes and the Impact on Their Emotional Wellness and Self-Regulation. She plans to gave Lisa her final dissertation defense before Thanksgiving.
Dr. Ferry resides in Drums with her husband, John, and son, JT, who is a member of MMI’s Class of 2026. Her three eldest children are also MMI graduates. Caitlin Ferry graduated in 2010, while Hayle Shearer and Amber Ferry were members of the Class of 2014. Her personal interests include painting, photography, sewing (including making her own clothes), yoga, wellness arts, gardening, and watching JT race cars, in the 410/360 sprint and 600 micro divisions.
