Meet the Team
Dr. Tamara Southerling, School Psychologist & Learning Team Lead
Dr. Tamara Southerling received her Ph.D. in School Psychology from Temple University. Her work and studies at Temple have informed her many roles in the field of education and psychology, which include research, psychological evaluation and counseling, and college instruction. Her experiences in these settings have led to Dr. Southerling's primary focus today, which is understanding how all students can tap into their strengths to be successful learners. Dr. Southerling leads the MSJA Learning Team of educators which seeks to provide resources for students to access, to achieve academic success. Dr. Southerling loves to attend workshops and conferences about the science of learning and applies her knowledge from these opportunities to her work in the field of education.
Mr. Collin Dougherty, Learning Specialist
Mr. Collin Dougherty, the Learning Specialist at the Mount, graduated from Temple University with a Bachelor's degree in English Secondary Education. He has experience teaching Reading Intervention, ESL intervention, and Secondary English in both Philadelphia, and Montgomery County. Mr. Dougherty has also served as site coordinator for summer intervention programs designed to keep Title I eligible students level academically with their peers, their ages ranging from 5 to 19 years old. Mr. Dougherty primary focus at the Mount is working with and developing executive functioning skills based on the students he meets with and their needs. He also coordinates extended time testing with teachers and students, as well as co-teaches Independent Science Research for freshmen.
Ms. Hannah Farrell, STEM Learning Coach
Ms. Hannah Farrell holds her Bachelor’s of Arts from Temple University and is a member of Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. She is also a Mount Saint Joseph Academy alumna from the class of 2011. She was hired at the Mount in 2019 as a Math Tutor, and in 2020 began teaching a Principles of Engineering Design class. In 2022 Ms. Farrell became a member of the newly formed learning team and was promoted to the new position of STEM learning specialist. Ms. Farrell’s background is in STEM education with a concentration in mechanical engineering and computer science. As STEM learning specialist Ms. Farrell works to make sure all students are able to succeed in their math, science, and technology classes. Outside of school Miss Farrell is proud to serve as the lead mentor of the Mount’s robotics team the Firebirds.
