• 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 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: 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.

• 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.

• 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

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

Favorite Alverno Tradition: Alverno’s winning softball seasons! 

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.  

• 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.