Mercy Principal Sherylanne Diodato leads with ‘whole student’ vision

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When Dr. Sherylanne Diodato stepped into the principal’s office at Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women, it felt less like a career move and more like a homecoming. 

An alumna of Mercy’s Class of 1993, Diodato became the school’s 11th principal in February 2023 after serving as middle school dean and interim principal. In just three years, she has helped reshape the all-girls, grades 6-12 Catholic school’s academic and student-support model — while reinforcing the values that have defined Mercy for nearly a century. 

Enrollment at the school has remained steady at about 600 students this academic year and last, with rolling admissions continuing throughout the year. The stability comes amid a shifting education landscape in which families are increasingly selective about academic rigor, wellness supports and school culture. 

“Our Lady of Mercy is focused on educating the whole student—academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually,” Diodato said. “That philosophy guided my own experience here as a student, and it’s central to how we’re preparing young women today.” 

Since taking the helm, Diodato has launched a more robust student success team, sharpened the school’s focus on student leadership development, and enhanced its academic achievement support center to better address mental health, workload balance and overall student well-being. 

The initiatives align with a growing demand among families for what Mercy leaders call “high rigor with high support,” bringing together very strong academics with intentional supports like mental health, wellness and workload balance. 

Christina Lacagnina, president and CEO of Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women, said Diodato has had a profound and lasting impact on the young women of Mercy and on our entire school community. 

“Through her leadership, compassion, and unwavering belief in the potential of every student, she has helped shape a culture where academics, faith and confidence thrive,” she said. “Dr. Diodato knows what it’s like to be a student at Mercy as an alumna herself, and she leads our faculty and our students with her whole heart. I am so grateful for her leadership and dedication to Mercy.” 

Diodato brings more than 20 years of experience in local education and counseling to the role. Prior to joining Mercy in 2019, she spent 18 years as lead school counselor at East High School in the Rochester City School District.  

She said her background gives her a front-row view of the challenges students face today, from mental health pressures to navigating post-pandemic academic gaps. 

Diodato holds a Ph.D. in education, leadership and policy from the University at Buffalo, with advanced certification in teaching and leading for diversity. Diodato earned her bachelor’s degrees in biology and psychology and a master’s degree in counseling from the University of Rochester and later completed her administrative certification at SUNY Brockport. 

Her appointment followed a months-long national search led by a committee of trustees, parents, faculty, administrators and Sisters of Mercy. She was unanimously selected. 

“I am honored to lead my alma mater,” Diodato said at the time of her appointment. “This opportunity allows me to pay it forward. Mercy was instrumental in shaping me as a woman and leader, and I look forward to shaping the leaders of tomorrow.” 

Mercy’s leadership initiatives extend beyond the classroom. The school awarded more than $1.58 million in scholarships (over 40 percent of students receive some form of scholarships) and financial aid during the 2024–25 school year, and 100 percent of graduates go on to college. A recent $5 million gift from philanthropist Tom Golisano is also strengthening the school’s long-term outlook. 

The school’s current strategic plan focuses on fostering a healthy faculty and staff culture, enhancing the student experience, reconfiguring campus facilities to include collaborative spaces and strengthening organizational stability. 

Diodato notes that Mercy’s alumnae network plays a key role in delivering on that mission. 

“The alumni come back to lift up the next generation,” she said. “They open doors for internships, mentorships and career connections. There’s a lifelong community here.” 

For Diodato, that continuity—from student to counselor to principal—underscores Mercy’s enduring appeal. 

“This school helped shape who I am,” she said. “Now I get to help ensure it continues to do that for generations of young women to come.” 

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