In my professional career, I have been privileged to serve as Principal of the middle and high schools of St. Mary in Paducah, KY (16 years) as well as President of Ursuline Academy in Dedham, MA for 11 years.  Each of these roles provided me the opportunity to work beside Ursuline sisters and to model my professional career after the teachings of St. Angela Merici.  I consider the position that I currently hold as Director of Ursuline Education Network to be a continuation of my genuine respect for the Ursuline charism and a profound opportunity to help the Ursulines continue their mission in Catholic education.

Since 2004 Peggy has served as the Coordinator of Community Service

Learning at St. Ursula Academy in Cincinnati, OH. A proud graduate of St. Ursula Academy herself, Peggy develops and instructs community service and service-learning programs which educate students on the virtue of faith in action using Ursuline Characteristics as a conduit. Peggy holds a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from St. Mary-of-the-Woods College in Terre Haute, IN and is currently serving on their National Alumni Board of Directors. Her other activities include volunteering, music ministry and enjoying family time with her husband Tony, their children and grandchildren.

Jim Koehler, CPA, joined Ursuline Academy of Dallas as Chief Financial Officer in May 2006. As Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Koehler is responsible for overseeing all of the financial activities of the Academy and the Ursuline Academy of Dallas Foundation. His areas of responsibility also include the facilities, security, bookstore, cafeteria and human resources operations of the school. Mr. Koehler graduated from Pace University in Pleasantville, New York with a Bachelors of Business Administration degree in Accounting. He is a member of the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants and serves on the board of directors of the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest Benefits Trust.

Dr. Trisha Medeiros has served as President of Ursuline Academy in Wilmington, Delaware since 2017.  Prior to her appointment at Ursuline, Trisha worked at Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart in Princeton, New Jersey where she was Head of the Upper School.  Additionally, she was Founder and Director of the Stuart Center for Girls’ Leadership (now National Center for Girls’ Leadership) for which she currently serves on the Advisory Board.  Trisha is a Trustee at Salesianum School is Wilmington, DE.  She has worked in independent schools and universities for over 25 years as a librarian, faculty member, and administrator.

Joni Mullen started teaching in public schools with the hopes and dreams of someday teaching in a Catholic school. She taught a variety of grade levels throughout her teaching career and through the grace of God found her way to Ursuline Academy, St. Louis when her youngest child started grade school. She taught theology for eleven years at Ursuline Academy and then she was Assistant Principal for four years. She is currently the Director of Mission Integration and global education and she feels blessed to be a part of this special community and mission. In the past, she has served on the St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish Board of Education and the Board of Directors for Catholic Charities. She is enjoying working together with the UEN Board of Trustees.

Ramona M. Payne is an alumna and President of Ursuline Academy of Cincinnati. She has held both corporate and nonprofit leadership positions and is a published writer in anthologies and magazines. After graduating from Ursuline, Ms. Payne’s academic path included a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Notre Dame, an MBA from Duke University Fuqua School of Business, and a Creative Writing Certificate from the University of Chicago Graham School. She has volunteered for many organizations including the South Bend Civic Theatre, Dress for Success, and the Catholic Inner-City Schools Education Committee. Find her on Instagram @ursulinepresidentpayne.

Inspired by her faith and a call to service, Mary-Kate Tracy is grateful to hold the position of Director of Mission at Ursuline Academy in Dedham, MA.  An Ursuline alumna, she has served in a variety of positions over the past fifteen years and taught every grade level from fifth grade through Seniors as a theology teacher, department chair, campus minister and principal.  She is dedicated to giving back to her local community and is an active member of her parish in Massachusetts. 

Julie Scherer has served as principal of St. Ursula Villa in Cincinnati, Ohio since 2021. Julie is a proud graduate of St. Ursula Villa and St. Ursula Academy. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Middle Childhood Education from Bowling Green State University and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Policy from the University of Michigan. Prior to being principal at St. Ursula Villa, Julie served as principal for three years in the Diocese of Covington and previously taught 5^th grade in the Diocese of Toledo.

Julia has been an Ursuline Headteacher for 18 years. She is currently Headteacher of the Ursuline High School an Outstanding 11-18 Girls’ School in London. During this time, she has worked as a systems leader, a National Leader of Education and an Executive Headteacher supporting school improvement in two different Catholic primary schools. For the last 4 years Julia has led a Mental Health Trailblazer of 13 schools working with a team of Mental Health Practitioners in improving provision in schools. Julia has also co led Teach Wimbledon an alliance of 12 schools training teachers in partnership with Roehampton University London. Julia has been President of the AMGS in England [Association of Maintained Girls’ Schools].  She is presently Chair of Catholic Secondary Headteachers in the Archdiocese of Southwark. Pre pandemic she co-produced two books: What makes great Catholic Schools? and Butterflies – Mental Health and Emotional Well-being guide for Parents.

Christy Zurcher became an Ursuline girl at the young age of seven and graduated from Ursuline Academy of New Orleans in 2000. In 2004, she received a BA in Communications from Loyola University New Orleans. Christy’s Ursuline roots span three generations with her grandmother, sister and two aunts also graduating from the Academy. Christy returned to Ursuline in 2011 to serve as Director of Alumnae and, in 2018, transitioned to her current position as the Director of Communications. In Communications, she has led the Academy through branding efforts which have received international acclaim from the 2019 InspirED School Marketers Brilliance Awards. Christy is honored to serve on the UEN Board and collaborate with other Ursuline schools.