Administration
Arise Classical Academy
Lisa Gyergyo-
Head of School
Lisa Gyergyo has felt the call to work in the education field since she entered college.
She attended Grove City College and received a B.S. in Elementary Education and continued on at Grove City College in the Education Department as the Curriculum Library Director.
Lisa and her husband, Craig, moved to Memphis in 2007 and quickly caught a vision for classical education when friends in their church began sharing the joys and benefits of it. Once their daughters, Molly, Lucy, and Laney were old enough to begin school, they began searching for a homeschool community to support their journey. In 2011, Lisa worked with a group of parents to build a classical homeschool community, and she taught classes on the community instruction days. In 2016, Lisa was the main speaker for the three Memphis area Classical Conversations parent practicums, and she trained the practicum speakers for the following year’s practicum sessions. In addition, she was the tutor trainer for the Memphis area Classical Conversations parent practicum the following two years. In 2019 she was asked by a large Memphis area homeschool program, Bellevue Tutorial, to create a composition program to be added to their course offerings.
She successfully added four composition classes for grades 2nd through 12th grade, and all her classes were filled the very first semester. In 2020, her husband was called to be the senior pastor at Christ Church at Grove Farm in Sewickley, PA. After settling in, Lisa began teaching again in a classical homeschool community until she shifted her efforts toward creating a classical Christian program for 9th through 12th grade students. Lisa loves students of all ages and has a desire for students to truly be grounded in their faith as they make their way in the world. She is grateful for the many years she has had the blessing of being able to educate her children at home through classical education, and her passion is to help other parents in that endeavor.
Alan Cecala
Director of Operations
Alan Cecala serves as Director of Operations for Arise Classical Academy, bringing decades of executive leadership experience in healthcare systems, business development, operations, and organizational management. A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a B.A. in Environmental Science/Physical Geography, he has held senior leadership roles with OhioHealth, West Penn Allegheny Health System, and other organizations, overseeing complex teams, growth initiatives, and large-scale operational strategy. At Arise, Alan applies that experience to strengthen the school’s systems, support long-term planning, and help ensure that the Academy’s day-to-day operations remain aligned with its mission and future growth.
Alan brings a steady, strategic presence to Arise, helping turn the school’s vision into practical systems and sustainable growth. His leadership strengthens the behind-the-scenes work that allows faculty, students, and families to thrive.
Addyson de Wolfe-
Administrative Assistant
Addyson de Wolfe is a Senior Project Manager at Miracle Dental Associates with a background in marketing, operations, and project coordination. She studied Marketing and Entrepreneurship at Geneva College and brings experience in procurement, administration, and organizational leadership. Guided by her Christian faith, Addyson is passionate about serving others with excellence, stewarding her gifts well, and helping bring meaningful ideas to life in ways that honor God and strengthen the communities around her.
Addyson supports the daily life of Arise by helping meet student, teacher, school, and administrative needs behind the scenes. Through organization, communication, and thoughtful coordination, she helps ensure the people and programs of the Academy are supported well.