MEET OUR CARING FACULTY AND STAFF
| ADMINISTRATION | |
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Mrs. Judith Bloom, Principal I became a teacher because I truly admired my 1st grade teacher. She was a very caring, dedicated teacher who cared about her students. She made everyone feel important, and helped us understand the role of God in our lives.
I love to see the students' eyes light up when they learned something they never knew before, or when they finally understand a concept which they struggled.
My husband and I are very blessed to be parents, and have adult children who listened to us when they were little and are now SUCCESSFUL professionals who have children of their own. Scary to watch them using the same parenting techniques we used with them. Guess the old adage holds true – you do become your parents!!
I enjoy riding my bicycle, gardening, and babysitting my grandchildren.
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| PRIMARY AND INTERMEDIATE TEACHERS | |
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Mrs. Anita Lopez, Kindergarten I was inspired by some very nice teachers when I was very young. My good friend changed my life. Mrs. Best taught me to take the hard things in my life, learn from them and then go out and teach others how to overcome difficult times. As a result, I’ve been teaching for a number of years at Saint Barbara, a very successful school. I have been making a difference for the past 12 years. When I run into former students, they often talk about how I made a difference in their lives. I cared when no one else did or tried. I feel that I have continued the legacy of an incredible kindergarten teacher, who, I might add, continued to be a part of my life. I saw what a teacher could do, and that’s what I wanted to do as my career 13 years ago. Teaching is a good way to give back to society for giving me the opportunity to have an education and a pleasant life. I always knew I wanted to work with children.
I love teaching because no two days are alike and it is such a joy to see the students’ eyes light up with excitement when they learn something new. I enjoy working with the families and joining them on their child's first experience in school. Teaching children to read is my passion and I love watching that "light bulb" turn on. I feel kindergarten is a magical place to be.
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Ms. Margaret Petracca, Kindergarten I want to make sure students have a safe and enjoyable learning experience. I love teaching students about Jesus and His love for them. I enjoy teaching reading and seeing the students gow as readers and writers. I feel I have been called by God to educate His precious children. I stress how much God loves us and created the world for us. I also stress Jesus' love for us, which is evident in His ultimate sacrifice - giving His life for us. As an Early Childhood educator, I utilize many learning styles in my classroom. This is important because it lets children learn in the way(s) they learn best. I have a deep love of animals, especially dogs. I am involved in dog sports and training. I love to sing and play the guitar. I received my love of music from my grandfather, who taught me how to play the guitar and how to ecperience and appreciate music. As a musician, I am fortunate to be able to fill my classroom with song! My students learn many songs during the school year, and frequently perform at the parish carnival, for our parents, and for the entire school population. |
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Mrs. Tricia DenDekker, Kindergarten Aide I love working with children. I like being an aide to see children learn new things. I have two boys, 7 and 8 years old, who attend St. Barbara School and love sports. My hobbies include tole painting, making jewelry, and doing arts and crafts. |
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Mrs. Wendy George, 1st Grade I love children. I love to teach little kids to read - I love to see it click when they understand how to blend sounds into words. I enjoy reading and watching my daughter play soccer, and painting. I used to make my living as a portrait painter and still paint sometimes. I studied art in France for four years - but eventually needed a "real" job, so I went back to teaching. I had previously been teaching in high school, but ended up teaching kindergarten. I loved the little ones and stayed in the primary grades from then on. |
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Ms. Inez Fernandez, 1st Grade Aide |
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Mrs. Diane McNany, 1st Grade I have been teaching first grade for seven years at St. Barbara. I absolutely love teaching first grade! I enjoy teaching all subjects, especially reading. I get so excited when my students say,"Can we read longer?" I live in Mission Viejo with my husband, Curt, who is a great chef; our two children, Shawn, 17, and Sarah, 15; and Max, the cutest dog in the world. I like spending my free time with my family and friends, reading, going to track meets to watch my son pole vault (Go Shawn - 15 feet!), and listening to my daughter, Sarah, play her violin. This is her 6th year playing, so I can take the cotton out of my ears now. My goal is to prepare my students to participate in our society as life-long learners. "Let the children come to Me." Matthew 19:14 |
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Mrs. Diep Vu, 1st Grade Aide I love to help children, especially the younger ones. It makes me happy to watch them learn how to read and write. Many times I see students struggle, but as they progress, it makes me proud. I believe it takes a lot of patience to teach, but is it worth it. I also enjoy helping students with arts and crafts. It’s amazing how creative these young minds can get.
I started out as a volunteer while my two eldest children were attending St. Barbara School. Soon, I was offered a part time position as the 1st grade teacher’s aide. What better job for a mother than to be involved at the school her children attend. I am married with a wonderful husband, and I have three children, who are very good. No matter what financial situation my family is in, my husband and I made it a priority to put our children through Catholic school. We are very proud of our decision because my children grew up growing in God’s love and building their morality in Catholic Schools. I love my family very much.
I am a very active person in the Vietnamese parish community at St. Barbara Church. I am involved in Choice, I am a catechist for Bible School, and I teach Vietnamese School. My favorite hobbies include running, walking, and arts and crafts on the weekends. My children do volunteer work on the weekends also. A lot of parents ask me what I do to raise and teach my children, and I tell them to start by enrolling them into a Catholic School. I had a great experience sending my children to a Catholic School, and I do my best to share my experiences so that other mothers in the church community could experience the same. I was once a mother who put her children into St. Barbara School. I know the struggles that other parents go through, especially those parents who do not speak or understand English well. I am here to guide parents and their students, and help them so that there are no barriers to their learning experience. I understand that many times, it is hard for students to learn how to read and write when English is their second language. I help to the best of my ability because I was once in that position. |
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Mrs. Melissa Baroldi, 2nd Grade
I became a teacher, first and foremost, because I love working with children. They are magical little beings that have so much to share with the world! I also became a teacher because I wanted to somehow make a difference in the world. I look forward each year to the chance to encourage and inspire children to learn.
My favorite thing about teaching is that moment when a student suddenly grasps a concept that he or she was having trouble with. It’s that “Oh! I get it!” moment. My favorite thing to teach would have to be reading. I love to engage the students in conversations about the stories we are reading so that I can hear what they are thinking, their opinions, their interpretations of the texts. I also like to hear them reading, especially when they try to use expressions and different voices for different characters. I also really enjoy teaching religion. I love talking about Jesus and what He has done for us, and how important it is to live like He did. I love encouraging good choices and celebrating the sacraments with my students.
I love to bring humor to my classroom though jokes, stories, dancing, singing, and conversation. I feel that laughter is a key element in learning and feeling comfortable in the classroom. Personal Info: I have a wonderful family - my husband Vince and I met in college. We have a beautiful daughter named Ella (a future St. Barbara student!) who inspires us everyday. We also have a cocker spaniel that keeps us on our toes!
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Ms. Julie Williams, 4th Grade
About Teaching: I come from a family that has a lot of educators. My mom’s sister was a teacher and my dad’s brother and sister-in-law both worked at a university. I always enjoyed being around children so teaching seemed a natural choice. :I enjoy language arts. Being an avid reader, I enjoy teaching reading and writing. Social studies is also an interest for me
Personal Info: I love my cats. I have 3 nieces and one nephew as well as 5 grand nieces and one grand nephew. They are the light of my life. I also love anything Disney. My talent is singing. I sing in my parish choir and the kids in my class know it because I love singing in class too. If I can work it into a lesson, I will.
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Mrs. Susan Wimmer, 3rd Grade I became a teacher because I love kids and wanted to help them grow into the best people they can be. I want to be able to make a difference in children’s lives. I truly believe this is where God wants me to be. It is such a great feeling when you see the child who has been having a hard time understanding something finally get it.
I graduated from St. Barbara School. I have a wonderful, loving husband and daughter, also a graduate of St. Barbara School, two dogs and one cat. I love all animals. I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I love learning about cultures from all over the world and hope to be able to travel to many places when I retire. I enjoy reading, knitting, making crafts, and watching Angels’ baseball games.
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Mrs. Dennise Craig, 3rd Grade Personal Info: I love to collect spoons from all places. My husband and I love traveling to National Parks and other states to see our great country. My dad went to St. Barbara School in Chicago and I have taught at St. Barbara School in California for the past 21 years. I was born in Chicago and came to California at age 11 along with my brother and family. I'm a dog lover who also loves horseback riding, fencing, and target shooting - a regular cowgirl at heart. About Teaching: I went to law school to defend the law, and ended up here teaching to all. I became a teacher to help children learn about our world and to help them face tomorrow! I want them to be builders of a better world and to reach for the "stars." I love to teach history and math. Is fun to learn about the past - hopefully we won't make the same mistakes. Numbers are intriguing to deal with and solve. Teaching is fun and holidays are great! |
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Mrs. Susan Dixon, 4th Grade |
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Mrs. Melanie Walsh, 4th Grade My name is Melanie Walsh, and I have the pleasure of teaching 4th grade at St. Barbara School. I became a teacher because I wanted to share with others that learning is fun. My classroom is an upbeat and energetic place where I strive to make my students feel appreciated, supported, and challenged.
When I’m not in the classroom, I spend time with my daughter, two dogs, and husband. We love to go to Disneyland (well, not the dogs) and play outside. Whenever there’s a free moment, I sneak some scrapbooking in to remember how great my life is. |
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Mr. Mark Martin, 5th Grade I have a strong love of God and the wonderful life He has given us. I believe children should learn at a very young age that we are all brothers and sisters in this life and we need to take care of each other. I love to see children smile when they succeed. I love to see children learn by discovery.
I enjoy having children discover new things and learn about the wonderful gifts we have been given in this life. I believe children need to develop a strong sense of self-worth and confidence.I enjoy teaching science and math more than any other subjects. I like hands-on learning for students.
I spent 26 years in the military. I met Ronald Regan at his ranch in Santa Barbara. I am married to a teacher. I have two different colored eyes.
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Mrs. Patricia Keister,5th Grade I gives me great joy to be a teacher. I love seeing the students' expression when they finally understand a new concept. I am a mother of three girls. My youngest daughter graduated from Mater Dei High School last May. All three girls are currently in college. I was a girl scout leader for ten years and a room mom for twelve. I truly have been blessed. |
| MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHERS | |
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Mr. Luis Hayes Science and 7th Grade Religion & Homeroom |
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Mrs. Sherry Scheftner Literature and 6th Grade Religion & Homeroom I became a teacher because it’s very rewarding to share knowledge with young adults! They have so much to offer!
I like the variety of methods available to use in teaching. There’s always something new to learn and share! Religion is my favorite subject to teach. I also enjoy teaching about Ancient History and the Middle Ages
My hobbies include travel, crafts, shopping, watching plays or movies, and listening to music.
I have been married for 32 years! My husband and I have 4 grown children and 1 granddaughter. We are very blessed to have such a loving family!. My husband is a convert to our Catholic faith. This is such a wonderful gift from God and I thank Him for giving me a special person with whom to share my faith.
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Ms. Judee Mattson English Composition, 7th Grade Religion & Homeroom I love kids and I had wonderful Teachers who opened up the world for me! I wanted to be like them!
I feel that education is so important! I believe that a strong education in academics and our Catholic faith will help us to be happy, productive, and informed people in this nation and the world! I believe that as Teachers we need to care for the “whole child” and teach as Jesus would…with love, understanding, and acceptance. A Teacher MUST be “real” and want to bring out the best. I love Middle School because this is a time of high energy and growth. It is also a time of tremendous changes for the students. I want to help them be their very best and to plan for the future!
I love dogs!!! I have 3 rescued dogs and hope to rescue a Golden Retriever someday. My hobbies include cooking and reading.
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  Mrs. Lawson recently visited Japan for a class reunion. |
Mrs. Judy Lawson, Mathematics and 8th Grade Homeroom I really love teaching math, and when a student “gets it,” I think it is very rewarding. When a student’s face lights up, or when he or she says, “Oh, this is easy!” I really get excited about it. I like to believe that I could make a difference to some child some how. I always felt that I had the ability to teach math and make it exciting to learn it.
My husband and I are parents of three boys who went to a Catholic elementary school much like St. Barbara School; and I know and understand what it is like to be a parent of children who attend such a school. I know that children need guidance, discipline, and structure. At the same time, they need encouragement, understanding, and a true chance to succeed. One of my goals each year is to have a class room environment where I am able to teach effectively, and where all of the students are able to exercise their right to learn. Catholic elementary schools are special because besides high academics standards, we have religion and spirituality.
I am able to speak and write in Japanese and read and speak some French as well. I was in Girl Scouts and climbed to the top of Mount Fuji when I was fourteen years old. I have old friends who live in countries all over the world. I like to travel, read, eat ethnic foods, and learn new things that are of interest to me.
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Mrs. Sally Pecharich, Middle School Aide At the time I started, I had 5 school age children attending St. Barbara School. I enjoyed spending time here helping the teachers and kids. The best part of working for St. Barbara is I have met somany wonderful people - adults and children. As a mother of five and a grandmother, I feel I have a lot of patience and truly love to be around kids. I enjoy crocheting for my family and friends. |
| ALL SCHOOL TEACHERS/INSTRUCTORS | |
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Mrs. Susan Poulos, Resource Teacher |
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Mrs. Kathy Clark, Librarian Many years ago, I was given the opportunity to become a teacher's aide at St. Barbara School and be at the same school that my children attended. I am now the Librarian and I love the challenge every year to make the library a fun place for all the students. By example, I try to help the students understand the Reading is the root of everything in life. There is nothing more rewarding to me than to see a once reluctant reader be excited about reading. I like to impress upon them that the more they read, regardless of what it is, they will become better readers and may even find it enjoyable. I try to stay on top of new books and series because the students love when I am able to discuss the books with them. My hobbies include reading, outdoor activities with family and friends, and working. I also chair the annual St. Barbara Levi Day for the American Cancer Society. |
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Mrs. Linda Macias, Physical Education and Athletic Director Here at St Barbara School, I love teaching physical education and all the different sports, and coaching cheerleading. I believe that anyone can be good at what they want to be - if they believe in themselves. There is no such thing, as “I can’t” in my classes. I became a teacher to make a difference in my student’s lives. I love to see the expressions on the children’s faces when they can do something they thought they could not do. I hope to make a positive difference in their lives.
I’ve been here at St. Barbara School for 15 years. I love it here. It’s my home away from home. I have seen students I taught in Kindergarten mature into young adults. It is such a great experience to see them grow as individuals. To this day, I have old students of mine come visit me to say thank you for being there for them. I instill self-confidence, a positive environment, discipline and respect in my students. I am very blessed that God put me here at St. Barbara.
 God has blessed me with 6 wonderful children in my life. I attended Catholic school and I put all my children through Catholic school. I am a grandmother of 2 lovely boys ages 2 and 4. I love playing and reading with them. I have many hobbies. I love to bake huge cupcakes. I also enjoy scrap booking and anything doing with arts and crafts.
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Mrs. Susan Christy, Computer & Technology Coordinator |
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Ms. Jean Bullock, Music & Fine Arts |
| STAFF | |
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Mrs. Karen Atencio, Secretary At the time, my job was offered to me, I had 5 children here, plus 4 who had graduated. The job was and still is my "dream" job. I now have 6 grandchildren here, 2 more have graduated from St. Barbara. The best part of St. Barbara School is it's people - parents students, extended family members, and the staff. They are all great! I would like every child to be taught to think positively. When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change. Living life with a positive outlook can make the world a better place. |
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Mrs. Kathy Summerell, Healthroom Coordinator I love the kids! I love their smiles every day. If makes for a great day. I am the mother of 3 childen who graduated from St. Barbara School. I have 5 grandchildren, 3 of whom now attend St. Barbara School. I enjoy gardening and spending time with my grandchildren at the Colorado River. |
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Mrs. Jody Rogers, Finance I joined St. Barbara's staff in 1994 when my boys were in 1st and 2nd grade. I enjoy working with the parents of our students. I have 2 boys who graduated from St. Barbara School, and 2 dogs. I have a promotional products/screen printing business. |
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Mrs. Carol Lopez, Development I grew up in Santa Ana - going to Immaculate Heart of Mary School and Mater Dei High School. I married my high school sweetheart. I have one daughter who attended St. Barbara School and Mater Dei HS and is currently attending Chapman University on a scholarship - thanks to her Catholic education. I started out as a volunteer at St. Barbara School on the Parent Association and later Consultative School Board. I am currently employed to do marketing and fundraising as Development Director. I am a great believer in the advantages of a Catholic education and think it will take all of us working together ensure the future of our Catholic Schools. Because of this belief, I was a founding member of Project SUCCESS, a group created to ensure that Catholic education remains available and affordable to the families served by the Catholic schools of Santa Ana. |
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Mrs. Linda Gonzalez, Extended Care Director |
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Mr. Dave Atencio, Maintenance Supervisor |