On the first visit there, our daughter recognized The University School as an environment for success. The small class sizes, excellent teachers and dedicated counselors have proven to be a winning combination. Free of the chaos she experienced previously, she’s been able to shine. Yes, she’s faced (and presented) challenges but, everybody—from the front desk to the back office—has offered support and guidance with unwavering patience, all while adhering to the highest standards of education and ethics.
Faculty and Staff
The University School instructors have advanced academic degrees and are certified by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Our faculty works closely with the students and families to ensure that learning is an enjoyable and rewarding experience and that success is achieved.
Mrs. Nicole Lockerman
Head of School
Mrs. Lockerman, the Head of School, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role. She earned her Master’s degree in the Art of Teaching from Chatham University and is certified by the Pennsylvania Department of Education in Secondary Language Arts. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Literature, specializing in Creative and Professional Writing, from Mercyhurst University.
With 23 years of experience working with adolescents and young adults in secondary education, Mrs. Lockerman has made significant contributions to the field of education and support for neurodiverse students. She previously served as the Director of AHEADD (Achieving in Higher Education) and the Director of Transition and Higher Education Services for AERI Behavioral Health in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Notably, she co-developed one of the pioneering college acclimation programs in both the United States and London, England. She is also the co-founder of the ed-tech company SocialWise VR. Mrs. Lockerman resides in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with her family and their dog!
Contact Mrs. Lockerman at nlockerman@universityschoolpgh.org.
Mrs. Francine Liscotti
Director of Administration and Admissions
Ms. Francine Liscotti is the Director of Administration and Admissions for The University School. Ms. Liscotti has worked at The University School for 28 years. She holds an Associate degree in Administration from The University of Pittsburgh. She has one son, two granddaughters, and two dogs. She enjoys gardening, shopping, and enjoying life with her husband. Contact Mrs. Liscotti at fliscotti@universityschoolpgh.org
Mary Hoglund
Science Teacher
Ms. Mary A. Hoglund is thrilled to join the University School as a science teacher. She has been a state-certified mathematics and science teacher for thirty years with experience in middle and high school classrooms in northern California and Pennsylvania. Her background includes private, charter and public school settings in urban, suburban and rural districts. In addition, she has coached and tutored college students and adults in corporate and educational settings. Her engineering career has encompassed electronics, medical devices, web-based services and more. With a focus on helping students to achieve short- and long-term college and career goals, Mary encourages a positive and real-world approach to challenging STEM courses. She spends her free time gardening, reading, enjoying the Pittsburgh music and theater scene and traveling with her family, half of whom will be starting college this fall! You can reach Ms. Hoghlund at mhoglund@universityschoolpgh.org.
Mr. Jake Mencini
Social Science Teacher
Before joining The University School, Mr. Mencini taught middle school Social Studies in the North Allegheny School District and at Providence Heights Alpha School. He has also coached middle school boys’ basketball in the North Allegheny School District for six years.
Mr. Mencini is excited to be part of The University School community and is looking forward to a great year ahead!
Cameron Nickel
Science Teacher
Mrs. Nickel teaches science at The University School. She graduated from Robert Morris University with her B.S. in Biology in December 2020, her Secondary Biology teaching certification in the Spring of 2023, and completed her M.S. in Instructional Leadership in 2024. Mrs. Nickel decided that she wanted to become a teacher when she worked in the summer camp program at the Carnegie Science Center in 2020. She has experience working with students from ages 3 to 18, working at the Science Center, as a paraprofessional at Mars High School, then as a preschool/pre-k educator at a local children’s center. Mrs. Bakaj loves spending time with her cats in her free time, watching sports, drawing and painting, and bowling. You can reach Mrs. Nickel at cbakaj@universityschoolpgh.org
Leslie Leopold
Language Teacher
Mrs. Leslie Leopold is teaching Spanish this year at the University School after having served as the school’s substitute teacher last year. A graduate of Grove City College where she majored in in French, Spanish, and Secondary Education, she joins TUS after having spent over 30 years teaching levels I-V AP of both French and Spanish before retiring.
Mrs. Leopold has led dozens of student trips throughout Europe, Latin America, and the United States, loves all aspects of travel, and speaks six languages. Equally as important is her passion for tennis, as she is currently in her 38th year as a head varsity girls’ and boys’ high school tennis coach. She has led her teams to play-offs, WPIAL, and state championships, and also teaches private lessons to players of all age groups.
Mrs. Leopold is a current resident of Jefferson Hills, where she lives with her husband and four rescue animals.
You can reach Mrs. Leopold at lleopold@universityschoolpgh.
Mr. John Drzik
Mathematics Teacher
Mr. Ian Heilman
Social Sciences and English Teacher
Mr. Heilman graduated from Slippery Rock University in 2015 with a Masters in Social Studies Education and Bachelors in History. He decided to start his teaching career in Virginia, teaching at AG Wright Middle School, Alexandria City Public Schools, and for four years in Essex County Public Schools. During his time at Essex, Mr. Heilman learned and coached soccer (he wasn’t good, but he gave his best effort). Mr. Heilman has taught almost all of the content in Social Studies at one point or another in his career. Outside of school, Mr. Heilman enjoys reading, podcasts, watching good movies, and spending time with his wife and cat. He hopes that soon he will be able to get back into a workout routine and/or a martial arts school. You can reach Mr. Heilman at iheilman@universityschoolpgh.org.
Ms. Laura Mihalcin
English Teacher
Nick Sardo
Art Teacher
Mr. Nicholas Sardo teaches art at the University School. He received his BFA from Carnegie Mellon University in 2016, and the vast majority of his free time is spent as a professional working artist. His art practice centers around painting abstracted figures, often substituting objects for the body, in an effort to create surreal, fictional narratives within his work. Mr. Sardo particularly enjoys fostering the individual creative talents of students, while introducing them to new mediums that broaden the scope of their work. He is also often found fixing and riding motorcycles, building furniture, and reading. He can be reached at nsardo@universityschoolpgh.org
Mrs. Amber Smalley
Support Services
Amber Smalley joined the University School in the 2017/2018 school year. She earned a
Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology in 2005 and a Masters degree in Special Education in 2006, both from the University of Pittsburgh. Amber has taught students with disabilities in various educational settings over the past 12 years. Amber enjoys spending time with her 3 children, exercising, and cooking. She is looking forward to another great year at The University School. Amber can be reached at asmalley@universityschoolpgh.org.
Melanie Gorman
Student Support Specialist and English Teacher
In the community, Melanie Gorman has served as an active Scout Leader for over 10 years. She has experience teaching youth in the real world through camping trips, merit badges and leadership training. Through the National Youth Leadership Training, she worked with high school Scouts to invest in their future by becoming outstanding presenters, evaluators and model leaders in the community, nation and world. She worked as a Marketing and Communications Chair In the Eagle Valley and Frontier Districts of the Laurel Highlands Council and utilized her technology skills to promote activities and membership. Ms. Gorman coached volleyball for the City of Pittsburgh Schools and the Pittsburgh Diocese. After and during college, she worked at the Carnegie Museums of Art and History as well as volunteered at the Carnegie Science Center giving me interesting ways to bring education alive through art, history and science. Being an ASSET, Junior Achievement and MS Read-A-Thon employee taught her how to facilitate programs in the classroom and to entire schools in an auditorium setting. Ms. Gorman is thrilled to be a member of the staff at The University School!