• Education: Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts from Loyola Marymount University; Master of Arts in Secondary School Administration from the University of San Francisco; Master of Arts in Inclusive Education from Loyola Marymount University; and California Secondary Credential, English

Favorite Quote: “Be the change you want to see in the world.” – Mahatma Ghandi

Favorite Alverno Tradition: Mary’s Day – I love seeing the school come together as a community for this annual celebration

In 1990 I stepped out of the business world into education as an IT teacher because I was
drawn to the power of educational technology. It was an uncharted course in schools that
quickly inspired me to go beyond basic keyboarding to offer a much broader horizon. In 1999, I
facilitated a volunteer project that transformed a cramped corridor into a full-sized iMac
computer lab decorated with the classic “Think Different” Apple posters. Then and today, I
continue to seek and implement innovative education that offers our next generation limitless
possibilities. Teaching (1990 -2000) inspired me to earn a Master’s Degree in Human
Development to better understand the fascinatingly complex and diverse benchmarks of every
child. From there I moved into administration as a vice principal and then as principal in 2006
where I had the honor of partnering with an incredible team of educators. My goal every year is
to seek engaging additions within the school day so that students regard education as an
incredible journey.

Great teachers recognize the dignity of every child and imprint an indelible mark of inspiration,
self-confidence and the courage to take risks. What a joy to witness a child’s God-given talents
sprout and blossom year to year nurtured by trust and encouragement. Greatness is not
measured by a grading scale or a timed sprint. It is nurtured through inquiry, self-confidence
and the willingness to take risks. As a student at Alverno Heights Academy, I learned to be a
woman who could become who I imagined. And now, guided by God’s magnificent plan, I am
back home at my Alma Mater to be a part of an amazing venture that will offer limitless
opportunities for students from TK through high school; an inspirational model of innovation in
education for the next generation.

• Education: Bachelor of Arts in American History and Sociology from the University of San Francisco; Master of Education and California Single Subject Teaching Credential in Social Studies from Azusa Pacific University; and Certificate of College Counseling from UCLA.

Favorite Quote: “FORTI ET FIDELI NIHIL DIFFICILE” meaning “To the brave and faithful, nothing is difficult.” – McCarthy Family Motto

Favorite Alverno Tradition:  The plays and musicals. I was actively involved in the plays and musicals during my time at Alverno including Godspell, Hamlet, Cinderella, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Into the Woods. In 2014, I even had the opportunity to appear as Elle’s mom in Legally Blonde! I love all of the hard work, dedication, talent, and love our students and Ms. Cales bring to these shows!

• Teaches:  Algebra I, Algebra II/Trigonometry, Algebra II/Trigonometry Honors, Geometry Fundamentals, and Geometry Honors
• Education:  Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Loyola Marymount University and Master’s in Education in School Administration from Loyola Marymount University

Favorite Quote: “Another Day, Another Dollar” Edward Primero (Dad)

Favorite Alverno Tradition: Feast on Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day –  It is a beautiful time to sit down and enjoy a meal with the whole community.

• Teaches: Kindler and Gentler Physical Education and Walking/Hiking/Running
• Education: Bachelor’s of Science in Kinesiology from Cal State University, Northridge; Preliminary Credential, CSUN; Clear Credential, University of San Diego

Favorite Quote:  “Come with me and you’ll see a world of pure imagination.” – Willy Wonka

Favorite Tradition: Blessing of the Jerseys

• Education: Master’s of Arts in Education from UCLA 

Favorite Alverno Tradition: Alverno’s winning softball seasons! 

• Teaches: Media Production
• Moderator: ASU
• Education: Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Studio Art from Loyola Marymount University 

Favorite Quote: “Nothing is worth more than laughter. It is strength to laugh and to abandon oneself, to be light.” – Frida Kahlo

Favorite Alverno Tradition: the Science Department tradition of taking students to Costa Rica (student travel) every 2-3 years. It is a gift to offer students an opportunity to travel to see a beautiful part of our scientific world.

• Teaches: AP Environmental Science, Physics, Physics and Applied Engineering, and Public Health
• Moderator: Senior State and Running Club
• Education: Bachelor of Arts in Studio Arts from University of California, Irvine and Master’s of Public Health from Benedictine University

Favorite Quote: “Our truest life is when we are in our dreams awake.” – Henry David Thoreau
Favorite Alverno Tradition: Mary’s Day because it amazing day to experience all the best talents of the our young women. It is also a culmination of all the hard work of every young woman on campus revealed in a fantastic package known as the Troubadour, or as everyone else knows it, the yearbook.

• Teaches: Morality and Social Justice; World Religions; Campus Ministry; and Christian Service
• Moderator: Senior State, Campus Ministry/Christian Service Club, Rainbow Club, and Peace of Mind Club
• Education: Bachelor of Arts from Whittier College and Master of Arts in Education from Whittier College 

Favorite Quote: “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Favorite Alverno Tradition: Senior Retreat – Witnessing these young women come together as a class for their final retreat is something truly special, and I am honored to be a part of this annual ritual.

• Education: Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from University of Washington

Favorite Quote: “Start by doing what is necessary; then do what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” – St. Francis 

Looking Forward To: Meeting all of the students, and the staff, and administrators and teachers who educate, motivate, and help these young women to reach their goals everyday. 

• Education: B.A. in Liberal Studies from Ambassador College

Favorite Quote: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou

• Teaches: Kindler and Gentler Physical Education and Walking/Hiking/Running
• Education: Bachelor’s of Science in Kinesiology from Cal State University, Northridge; Preliminary Credential, CSUN; Clear Credential, University of San Diego

Favorite Quote:  “Come with me and you’ll see a world of pure imagination.” – Willy Wonka

Favorite Tradition: Blessing of the Jerseys

Favorite Quote: “Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.” -Roald Dahl 

Favorite Alverno Tradition: Mary’s Day– it’s a wonderful way to end the school year and see the entire community come together. 

• Education: Master’s of Arts in Education from UCLA 

Favorite Alverno Tradition: Alverno’s winning softball seasons! 

• Teaches: Media Production
• Moderator: ASU
• Education: Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Studio Art from Loyola Marymount University 

Favorite Quote: “Nothing is worth more than laughter. It is strength to laugh and to abandon oneself, to be light.” – Frida Kahlo

Favorite Alverno Tradition: the Science Department tradition of taking students to Costa Rica (student travel) every 2-3 years. It is a gift to offer students an opportunity to travel to see a beautiful part of our scientific world.

• Education: Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts from Loyola Marymount University; Master of Arts in Secondary School Administration from the University of San Francisco; Master of Arts in Inclusive Education from Loyola Marymount University; and California Secondary Credential, English

Favorite Quote: “Be the change you want to see in the world.” – Mahatma Ghandi

Favorite Alverno Tradition: Mary’s Day – I love seeing the school come together as a community for this annual celebration

• Education: Bachelor of Science in Communications from Cal Poly Pomona

Favorite Quote: “If of thy mortal goods thou are bereft, And from thy slender store two loaves alone to thee are left, Sell one – and with the dole, Buy hyacinths to feed thy soul!” – Moslih Eddin Saadi, Medieval Persian Poet

Favorite Alverno Tradition: Annual Gala – What could be more fun than a big party with all the members of the Alverno community in attendance and raising funds for Alverno Heights Academy in the process?

Favorite Quote: It is what it is.

Favorite Alverno Tradition: Mary’s Day – I love the competition between the different states and being able to take part in it by being a judge for the cheer and dances and getting to be behind the sports part of it with the athletic games.

• Teaches: AP Environmental Science, Physics, Physics and Applied Engineering, and Public Health
• Moderator: Senior State and Running Club
• Education: Bachelor of Arts in Studio Arts from University of California, Irvine and Master’s of Public Health from Benedictine University

Favorite Quote: “Our truest life is when we are in our dreams awake.” – Henry David Thoreau
Favorite Alverno Tradition: Mary’s Day because it amazing day to experience all the best talents of the our young women. It is also a culmination of all the hard work of every young woman on campus revealed in a fantastic package known as the Troubadour, or as everyone else knows it, the yearbook.

• Teaches: Morality and Social Justice; World Religions; Campus Ministry; and Christian Service
• Moderator: Senior State, Campus Ministry/Christian Service Club, Rainbow Club, and Peace of Mind Club
• Education: Bachelor of Arts from Whittier College and Master of Arts in Education from Whittier College 

Favorite Quote: “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Favorite Alverno Tradition: Senior Retreat – Witnessing these young women come together as a class for their final retreat is something truly special, and I am honored to be a part of this annual ritual.

In 1990 I stepped out of the business world into education as an IT teacher because I was
drawn to the power of educational technology. It was an uncharted course in schools that
quickly inspired me to go beyond basic keyboarding to offer a much broader horizon. In 1999, I
facilitated a volunteer project that transformed a cramped corridor into a full-sized iMac
computer lab decorated with the classic “Think Different” Apple posters. Then and today, I
continue to seek and implement innovative education that offers our next generation limitless
possibilities. Teaching (1990 -2000) inspired me to earn a Master’s Degree in Human
Development to better understand the fascinatingly complex and diverse benchmarks of every
child. From there I moved into administration as a vice principal and then as principal in 2006
where I had the honor of partnering with an incredible team of educators. My goal every year is
to seek engaging additions within the school day so that students regard education as an
incredible journey.

Great teachers recognize the dignity of every child and imprint an indelible mark of inspiration,
self-confidence and the courage to take risks. What a joy to witness a child’s God-given talents
sprout and blossom year to year nurtured by trust and encouragement. Greatness is not
measured by a grading scale or a timed sprint. It is nurtured through inquiry, self-confidence
and the willingness to take risks. As a student at Alverno Heights Academy, I learned to be a
woman who could become who I imagined. And now, guided by God’s magnificent plan, I am
back home at my Alma Mater to be a part of an amazing venture that will offer limitless
opportunities for students from TK through high school; an inspirational model of innovation in
education for the next generation.

• Moderator: Book Club
• Education:  Bachelor of Arts in English and Bachelor of Arts in History from Occidental College; Master of Library Science from UCLA

Favorite Quote: “Books, cats, life is good”- Edward Gorey

Favorite Alverno Tradition: Graduation – the students have done their work, the faculty and staff have done their jobs, and the new alumnae are on their way to great accomplishments

• Education: Bachelor of Science in Economics and Business Administration from Warren Wilson College

Favorite Quote: “If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything.” ~ Mark Twain

Favorite Alverno Tradition: Candlelight – because Christmas is just around the corner.

• Education: Bachelor of Arts in American History and Sociology from the University of San Francisco; Master of Education and California Single Subject Teaching Credential in Social Studies from Azusa Pacific University; and Certificate of College Counseling from UCLA.

Favorite Quote: “FORTI ET FIDELI NIHIL DIFFICILE” meaning “To the brave and faithful, nothing is difficult.” – McCarthy Family Motto

Favorite Alverno Tradition:  The plays and musicals. I was actively involved in the plays and musicals during my time at Alverno including Godspell, Hamlet, Cinderella, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Into the Woods. In 2014, I even had the opportunity to appear as Elle’s mom in Legally Blonde! I love all of the hard work, dedication, talent, and love our students and Ms. Cales bring to these shows!

• Teaches:  Algebra I, Algebra II/Trigonometry, Algebra II/Trigonometry Honors, Geometry Fundamentals, and Geometry Honors
• Education:  Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Loyola Marymount University and Master’s in Education in School Administration from Loyola Marymount University

Favorite Quote: “Another Day, Another Dollar” Edward Primero (Dad)

Favorite Alverno Tradition: Feast on Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day –  It is a beautiful time to sit down and enjoy a meal with the whole community.

• Moderator: California Scholarship Federation and National Honor Society
• Education: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Hawaii Pacific University and a Masters in Education from the University of Washington.

Favorite Quote: “Women are the largest untapped reservoir of talent in the world.” ~ Hillary Clinton.  

Most Looking Forward To: One thing I’m excited about working at Alverno: I love the holiday season, so naturally I am excited for my very first Candlelight Celebration where I’ll get to celebrate the Christmas season with my Alverno family.  

MA, MS, PPS, APCC2388 

• Moderator: Ambassador Corps
• Education: Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Education and Applied Psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara; Master of Education and California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from the University of California, Santa Barbara

Favorite Quote: “Semper Fidelis” meaning “Always Faithful.” – In loving memory of my uncle, Mike Rossi, who has always been my greatest mentor in life, career and education

Looking Forward To: I am really looking forward to getting to know the dedicated faculty, staff, parents and students (especially the Ambassadors). I wholeheartedly believe in all-girls’ education and I can’t wait to become a part of the rich, beautiful Alverno traditions that I’ve heard so much about.  

• Teaches:  AP Calculus AB, Algebra I, and Pre-Calculus
• Education: Master of Science in Applied Mathematics from California State University, Los Angeles

Favorite Quote: : “Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort.”  Franklin Roosevelt

Favorite Alverno Tradition: The plays and musicals because it is obvious how much time and effort is put in to the shows, and more importantly, how much fun the members are having.

• Teaches: AP Biology, Biology (Honors), Honors Independent Research in Science, and Physics Honors
• Moderator: Harry Potter Club, Science Club, and Science National Honor Society
• Education: Master’s of Arts in Teaching from University of Southern California, Ph.D. (ABD) in Engineering from UCLA, and Bachelor’s of Science in Physics from UCLA
•  

Favorite Quote: “A scientist in his laboratory is not a mere technician; he is also a child confronting natural phenomena that impress him as though they were fairy tales.” – Marie Curie

Favorite Alverno Tradition: Candlelight because it is peaceful and joyful

• Teaches: Kindler and Gentler Physical Education and Walking/Hiking/Running
• Education: Bachelor’s of Science in Kinesiology from Cal State University, Northridge; Preliminary Credential, CSUN; Clear Credential, University of San Diego

Favorite Quote:  “Come with me and you’ll see a world of pure imagination.” – Willy Wonka

Favorite Tradition: Blessing of the Jerseys

• Teaches: Theatre I and II, Advanced Theatre, World Literature, Improvisation/Stagecraft, and Dance I and II
• Moderator: Drama/Improv Club, Dance Club, ComedySportz, Fall Play, and Spring Musical
• Education: Master’s of Arts in Theatre and Dance Cal State Los Angeles and Bachelor’s of Arts in Theatre from Cal State Sacramento

Favorite Quote: “This, too, shall pass.” 

Favorite Alverno Traditions: Fall Play and Spring Musical – I love working with our talented students on our productions and seeing them explore their limitless creativity.

• Teaches: AP English Literature and Composition, World Literature Honors, World Literature, and Creative Writing 
• Moderator: Sophomore State and Fashion Club
• Education: Master of Arts in English from Cal Poly Pomona

Favorite Quote:  “Still waters run deep” by Mrs. Van Hopper in Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca

Favorite Alverno Tradition: Mary’s Day. It’s great to see the all of the girls come together for Mass and then see each class unite in their quest for the spirit stick.

• Teaches: Media Production
• Moderator: ASU
• Education: Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Studio Art from Loyola Marymount University 

Favorite Quote: “Nothing is worth more than laughter. It is strength to laugh and to abandon oneself, to be light.” – Frida Kahlo

Favorite Alverno Tradition: the Science Department tradition of taking students to Costa Rica (student travel) every 2-3 years. It is a gift to offer students an opportunity to travel to see a beautiful part of our scientific world.

• Teaches: AP English Language and Composition, English 9 Honors, English 9, and English 12
• Moderator: Frosh State
• Education: Bachelor of Arts in History from UC Berkeley; Master of Arts in Education from Cal State Los Angeles; and Clear California Teaching Credential from San Francisco State University

Favorite Quote: “Empowered women empower women.”

Favorite Alverno Tradition: Mary’s Day 

• Teaches: Alverno Singers and Musical Theatre/Instrumental Ensemble
• Education: Bachelor of Arts in Music from University of North Texas; Master of Music (Keyboard Collaborative Arts) from University of Southern California

Favorite Quote:  “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams!  Live the life you’ve imagined.”  – Henry David Thoreau

Favorite Alverno Tradition: Baccalaureate Mass. I love seeing our students so proud of their accomplishments after 4 years.

• Teaches:  Spanish I, Spanish II, Spanish II Honors, Spanish III Honors, and AP Spanish
• Moderator: Spanish Club
• Education:  Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from University of North Carolina, Charlotte; Master of Arts in Architecture from Cal Poly Pomona; and CLEAR dual California credential in Multiple Subjects and Single Subject Spanish from UCLA

Favorite Quote: “Every truth has four corners: As a teacher I give you one corner, and it is for you to find the other three.” – Confucius

Favorite Alverno Tradition: Candlelight – because it is a preamble to “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” my favorite Holiday.

• Teaches: AP Environmental Science, Physics, Physics and Applied Engineering, and Public Health
• Moderator: Senior State and Running Club
• Education: Bachelor of Arts in Studio Arts from University of California, Irvine and Master’s of Public Health from Benedictine University

Favorite Quote: “Our truest life is when we are in our dreams awake.” – Henry David Thoreau
Favorite Alverno Tradition: Mary’s Day because it amazing day to experience all the best talents of the our young women. It is also a culmination of all the hard work of every young woman on campus revealed in a fantastic package known as the Troubadour, or as everyone else knows it, the yearbook.

• Teaches: Morality and Social Justice; World Religions; Campus Ministry; and Christian Service
• Moderator: Senior State, Campus Ministry/Christian Service Club, Rainbow Club, and Peace of Mind Club
• Education: Bachelor of Arts from Whittier College and Master of Arts in Education from Whittier College 

Favorite Quote: “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Favorite Alverno Tradition: Senior Retreat – Witnessing these young women come together as a class for their final retreat is something truly special, and I am honored to be a part of this annual ritual.

• Moderator: Book Club
• Education:  Bachelor of Arts in English and Bachelor of Arts in History from Occidental College; Master of Library Science from UCLA

Favorite Quote: “Books, cats, life is good”- Edward Gorey

Favorite Alverno Tradition: Graduation – the students have done their work, the faculty and staff have done their jobs, and the new alumnae are on their way to great accomplishments

• Teaches: Sacramental Theology, Christian Lifestyles, Scripture, and Christology
• Education: Bachelor of Arts in Child Development from Cal State Los Angeles and Master Catechist Certification from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles 

Favorite Quote: “People are more than the worse thing they have ever done in their lives” – Sister Helen Prejean

• Education: Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from The College of William and Mary; Masters of Art in Christian Education from Princeton Theological Seminary

Favorite Quote: “The greatest glory in living is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” ~ Nelson Mandela

Looking Forward To: Getting to know the students and talk about math. 

• Teaches:  Algebra I, Algebra II/Trigonometry, Algebra II/Trigonometry Honors, Geometry Fundamentals, and Geometry Honors
• Education:  Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Loyola Marymount University and Master’s in Education in School Administration from Loyola Marymount University

Favorite Quote: “Another Day, Another Dollar” Edward Primero (Dad)

Favorite Alverno Tradition: Feast on Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day –  It is a beautiful time to sit down and enjoy a meal with the whole community.

MA, MS, PPS, APCC2388