Leadership

Principal

Ms. Rosalie Doherty has been with Independence Mission Schools since it began in 2013, and has been a teacher, coach, and administrator for over 20 years. Ms. Doherty has been named a 2024 Neubauer Fellow by the Philadelphia Academy of School Leaders. The Neubauer Fellowship in Educational Leadership is a highly selective program that enables principals with demonstrated results to further develop critical leadership skills and collaborate with other dedicated school leaders. As a Neubauer Fellow, Ms. Doherty’s goal is to increase school achievement and contribute to improved student outcomes in Philadelphia.

Ms. Doherty was selected for TNTP’s Pathway to Leadership in Urban Schools, obtaining her principal’s certification in 2017. She was also a Maguire Scholar in the St. Joseph’s University reading specialist graduate program. She received the St. Joseph’s University Reading Specialist Award and the IMS Teacher Impact Award. Ms. Doherty also serves on the IMS Principals’ Council. Her favorite interesting fact about herself is that she’s a proud graduate of four local colleges: La Salle, Chestnut Hill, Temple, and St. Joseph’s University.

Ms. Doherty joined the Holy Cross team as principal during the 2021-2022 school year. She describes the school’s greatest strengths as the spirit of collaboration, trust, and dedication shared by teachers, staff, and families, with students at the heart of all we do. “Together, we’re a powerful and supportive team, and the result is the success of our students.”

Assistant Principal

Ms. Kimiyo Cain is a passionate and visionary educator dedicated to student success and school excellence. As the Assistant Principal at Holy Cross Catholic School, she leads with a focus on instructional coaching, data-informed decision-making, and cultivating a positive, inclusive school culture. Ms. Cain has been a key member of the Holy Cross community since 2019, supporting teachers, families, and students through her work as a Teacher Leader. She relaunched the school’s Family Association, enhancing family engagement and strengthening the home-school partnership.

Prior to joining the Holy Cross team, Ms. Cain provided leadership to a number of early learning programs serving hundreds of children and families. She also taught early childhood education as an adjunct faculty member at Manor College, mentoring future educators.

Ms. Cain holds a Master’s degree in Urban Education and a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from Temple University. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Educational and Organizational Leadership with Pennsylvania Principal Certification at Holy Family University.

Guided by faith, service, and a deep commitment to equity, Ms. Cain is honored to serve the Holy Cross community and support every child’s growth in faith, academics, and character.