Julia V. Fanara P'01, P'03, P'05 - Head of School
- 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
Sara A. McCarthy '05 - Assistant Head of School
- 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!
Lisa Primero-Solano - Dean of Students, Math Department Chair, and Sophomore State Moderator
- 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.
Ken Berry - Director of Athletics
- 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
Lucinda Buchan - Varsity Softball Head Coach
- Education: Master’s of Arts in Education from UCLA
Favorite Alverno Tradition: Alverno’s winning softball seasons!
Alexandra Grimstad '03 - Science Department, Cross Country Coach, and Track Coach
- 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.
Katharine Guerrero - Campus Minister and Theology Department Chair,
- 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.
Suzanne Ares '93 and P'17 - Science Department Chair, Director of the Alverno Summer Institute and Middle School Conservatory for Girls
- Teaches: Chemistry, Chemistry Honors, Forensics, and Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology
- Moderator: Junior State and Unicorn Club
- Education: M. Ed. Loyola Marymount University (Education) and M.S. California State University at Los Angeles (Forensic Science)
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.
Yasmine Balkis - Math Department
- 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.
Monica Barsever - Science Department
- 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
Ken Berry - Director of Athletics
- 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
Lucinda Buchan - Varsity Softball Head Coach
- Education: Master’s of Arts in Education from UCLA
Favorite Alverno Tradition: Alverno’s winning softball seasons!
Cynthia Cales P'12 - Dance, Drama, and English Department, Production Director
- 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.
Eileen Cameron - English Department
- 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.
Susana Capra '04 - Director of Marketing
- 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.
Deanne Carnighan - English Department Chair
- 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
Lisa Edwards P'14 - Choir Director
- 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.
Giselle Grams - Spanish Teacher, World Languages Department Chair
- 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.
Alexandra Grimstad '03 - Science Department, Cross Country Coach, and Track Coach
- 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.
Katharine Guerrero - Campus Minister and Theology Department Chair,
- 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.
Corrine Jimenez - Theology Department and Junior State Moderator
- 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

Judy Lee - Math Department
- 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.
Amanda Lepore - Social Studies Department
- Teaches: AP World History, AP U.S. History, AP Human Geography, U.S. History, and World History
- Education: Bachelor of Arts in History from Arizona State University, M.Ed. in Special Education from California State University, Northridge (In Progress)
Favorite Quote: “A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.” – John A. Shedd
Excited For: Immersing myself in Alverno traditions while getting to know the students and teaching them how great history can be.
Tim Lewis P'19 - Visual and Performing Arts Department Chair
- Teaches: Arts in Contemporary Society, AP Studio Art, Open Studio, Photography, 2D Art A/B, 3D Art,
- Education: Bachelor of Fine Arts from Pitzer College; Master of Fine Arts from the University of Southern California, and Master of Arts from Loyola Marymount University
Favorite Alverno Tradition: Opening reception for the AP Art exhibit in May – All year the AP Art students have been working hard on their portfolios, and it is so exciting as their teacher to watch them exhibit their work and share it with an audience.
Lisa Primero-Solano - Dean of Students, Math Department Chair, and Sophomore State Moderator
- 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.
Mike Sifter - Social Studies and Theology Departments and Supreme Court Moderator
- Teaches: Big History, History of Christianity, AP Government and Politics, AP Comparative Government, Government, and Economics.
- Education: Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science from UCLA; Master of Arts in Government from Georgetown University; Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Administration from Cal Poly Pomona
Lindsay Weishaar - World Languages Department, Social Studies Department, and Freshmen State Moderator
- Teaches: American Sign Language I, American Sign Language II, American Sign Language III, and Global Studies
- Moderator: Frosh State
- Education: Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from New York Institute of Technology. Two National Certifications in American Sign Language: RID: NIC and ED:K-12
Favorite Quote: “Courage is contagious. Every time we choose courage, we make everyone around us a little better and the world a little braver.” – Brené Brown
Linda Bass - Registrar
- 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.
Lee Ann Bechthold - Business Manager
- 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
Ken Berry - Director of Athletics
- 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
Andrea Bertollini '91 - Director of Facilities and Film Liason, Advancement Assistant
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.
Lucinda Buchan - Varsity Softball Head Coach
- Education: Master’s of Arts in Education from UCLA
Favorite Alverno Tradition: Alverno’s winning softball seasons!
Susana Capra '04 - Director of Marketing
- 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.
Sharon Dandorf - Learning Support Specialist and Director of the Alverno Academy for Gifted Girls
- Education: Bachelor of Arts in Education with a K-12 Teacher Credential from Ottawa University; Master of Arts in Human Resource Counseling from Ottawa University with a School Guidance Counselor Credential; Master of Arts in Education Intervention and Leadership from Ottawa University; ELL Certificate from Arizona State University; Advanced Graduate Studies Certificates in Human Resource Management, Development, and Organizational Change Management from Ottawa University.
Favorite Quote: “In Diversity, there is Beauty & there is Strength” – Maya Angelou
Most Looking Forward To: I am excited to discover, celebrate, and support the needs of the Alverno school community!
Julia V. Fanara P'01, P'03, P'05 - Head of School
- 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
Wendy Finch-Burk - Director of Development and Institutional Advancement
- 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?
Michelle Gray - Administrative Assistant and Office Manager
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.
Alexandra Grimstad '03 - Science Department, Cross Country Coach, and Track Coach
- 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.
Katharine Guerrero - Campus Minister and Theology Department Chair,
- 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.
Hoku Janbazian - Librarian
- 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
Maria Jones P'11 - Director of Finance
- 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.
Akil Lewis - Varsity Soccer Coach
- Education: Bachelor of Arts in Afro Studies and English from Howard University
Sara A. McCarthy '05 - Assistant Head of School
- 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!
Selena Mone - Director of Alumnae Affairs and Advancement
- Academic Advisor: Sophomores Level
- Education: Bachelor of Arts in English from California State University Channel Islands
Favorite Quote: “What we are is God’s gift to us. What we become is our gift to God.”
Most Looking Forward To: I believe wholeheartedly in the power of an all-girls education, and know firsthand (I went to Westridge) the transformation that can occur when you are free to find your voice – in and out of the classroom. I can’t wait to discover what both our alumnae and current students love about their time at Alverno.
Godwin Mordi - Volleyball Coach
- Education: Corrective Exercise Specialist Certification and Master of Science in Applied Health Sciences from Northwest Missouri State University
Lisa Primero-Solano - Dean of Students, Math Department Chair, and Sophomore State Moderator
- 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.
Melissa Royal - Director of College Counseling
- 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.
Kate Witherington - Director of Enrollment Management
- 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.