Amanda Boots, Director: After 5 years as assistant, “Miss Amanda” has taken over the administrative reins. As a graduate of Mercyhurst University, she holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood/Special Education and a Master of Science degree in Special Education. When she is not at Mercy Center, Miss Amanda is the program director for the Carpe Diem Academy at Mercyhurst University. The Carpe Diem Academy employs Mercyhurst graduate students to educate students in kindergarten, first, and second grade who reside in Erie’s Public Schools. Miss Amanda is very excited to be in this new role and loves being part of the Mercy Center of the Arts staff.

Cathie Dugan, Academic Program Coordinator and Teacher: Mrs. Dugan completed her Bachelor of Arts degree and teaching certification at Gannon University. She has been teaching at Mercy Center of the Arts since 1989, and is a registered teacher with Music Together®. Her initial role at Mercy Center was art teacher, a position she held for 8 years, before moving to the areas of Dramatic Movement, Literature and Music. In recent years, she has added Science and Math to her teaching repertoire. Beginning the 20-21 school year, she has been appointed to the position of Director and Coordinator of Academic Programming by the Mercy Center of the Arts Board of Directors. Her background includes the study of dance, piano, choral music and sacred organ, as well as art and pottery. She is a dedicated gardener and lover of nature. Mrs. Dugan loves sharing her enthusiasm for books, music and nature with young children and their families.

Cassi Cunningham, Art Teacher: Ms. Unger is a graduate of Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida where she earned a BFA in Illustration. Furthermore, Ms. Unger completed the Illustration Academy’s Summer Intensive Program in Kansas City, Missouri. Her paintings and illustrations have been displayed across the country, as well as, locally. When Ms. Unger is not teaching at Mercy Center of the Arts, she spends her time as a private art instructor. She enjoys teaching her students the fundamentals of visual arts by guiding the children to grow their creative potential.

Sam O’Connell, Extended Care Lead Teacher: Miss O’Connell is a recent graduate and current graduate student of Mercyhurst University. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood/Special Education, a certification in Teaching English Language Learners and is currently working on her master’s degree through Mercyhurst’s Teaching Excellence program. Miss O’Connell is so excited to be joining the Mercy Center of the Art’s team this year!