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
Ed.D in Education, Wilkes University
Dr. Lisa Marie Ferry is an award-winning educator, artist, and holistic wellness practitioner whose career bridges the arts, anthropology, and student mental health. With almost two decades of teaching experience at MMI Preparatory School, where she teaches Introduction to Psychology, Anthropology, Archaeology, and Fine Arts while continuing to champion innovative approaches to education.
In November 2024, Dr. Ferry successfully defended her Doctor of Education dissertation at Wilkes University, focusing on high school students’ experiences with school-based meditation classes and their impact on emotional wellness and self-regulation. This research reflects her deep commitment to integrating mindfulness and holistic practices into educational settings. She has shared her expertise as a presenter at the NERA annual conference, published articles on mindfulness programming in school curricula, and serves as a peer reviewer for the Academia Mental Health and Well-Being Journal. Her dedication to academic excellence extends to her roles as a doctoral examiner and mentor at Wilkes University.
Dr. Ferry’s artistic journey complements her educational philosophy. She holds a Master of Arts in Art Education with an emphasis in Special Populations from Moore College of Art and Design and a BA in Anthropology and Fine Arts from Bloomsburg University. Her 2016 book, Turning Anxiety into Creativity: Using Postmodern Principles to Alleviate Anxiety and Stress in the Art Curriculum and Beyond, showcases her innovative approach to teaching. In 2016, she received the Pennsylvania Art Educators Association Award for Outstanding Art Educator of the Year. Her artwork has been featured in numerous juried exhibitions, including the Northeastern Biennial shows and the Hazleton Art League’s select member exhibitions.
As a certified Usui Reiki Master Practitioner, Accredited Meditation Teacher, Accredited Reflexologist, and Art Therapy practitioner, Dr. Ferry brings a unique holistic perspective to education. She has taught Art for Your Soul and Crystal and Sound Healing through the YMCA Well Being Initiative and classes through her small business, demonstrating her commitment to wellness both inside and outside the classroom. She is the owner of Sage & Lavender Artisan Co., further extending her practice into the community.
Throughout her career, Dr. Ferry has held numerous leadership positions at MMI, including Dean of Students, Fine Arts Department Chair, and COVID-19 Pandemic Plan Coordinator. She has been a frequent presenter at the Pennsylvania Art Educators Association conferences and serves as a judge for FBLA State Conferences and Middle States Association visiting teams.
Dr. Ferry is an active member of numerous professional organizations, including ISTE, NAEA, NERA, and Kappa Delta Pi Educator Honor Society, just to name a few. She has served on the Board of Directors at the Hazleton Art League and has worked as a facilitator for the Pennsylvania Humanities Council, along with being on the committee for the Women’s Empowerment Grant through the Chamber of the Greater Hazleton Area. Her multifaceted career exemplifies the integration of creativity, scholarship, and compassionate student support in contemporary education.
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 ’10 and and Riley Thomas are the proud parents of Dr. Ferry’s first granddaughter, Ava Marie, who was born in March, 2025. Daughters Hayle Shearer and Amber Ferry were members of the MMI 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.