Staff Directory

Dr. Rachel McKenna

Principal

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I am so blessed to be here and a part of the Sacred Heart Parish School community!

I am a Southern California native, born and raised in Ventura County. I received my Bachelors of Science (BS) in Biology from UC-San Diego (UCSD), though I was most inspired by the coursework in my two minors, Public Service and Education Studies. I combined these interests and pursued a career in science education. Following my graduation from UCSD, I began a master’s program in science education at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana as part of the Alliance for Catholic Education program. As part of my Master’s program, I spent two years teaching middle school science at an inner-city school in New Orleans, Louisiana through the Americorps program. In addition to receiving my master’s degree, I received my Single Subject Teaching Credential in Biological Sciences.

Before moving to Northern California, I returned to San Diego where I gained experience as a third grade homeroom teacher. Most recently, I taught science for fourth through eighth grades at a Catholic school in the Diocese of San Jose. During my time at the school, I was a member of the Leadership Team, working primarily as the Data Team Lead. In this role, I worked to implement data in a digital form and to train faculty and staff how to effectively use data in their classrooms. I served as the Robotics Team Advisor and Event Partner.

During my time in the Diocese of San Jose, I received my Doctorate in Organization and Leadership, as well as my Administrative Credential, from the University of San Francisco. My dissertation, entitled “Girls and STEM in Catholic Schools: A Mixed Methods Exploration of Interest, Confidence, and Perceptions of STEM,” blends together my passions for technology and data use in Catholic schools.

My philosophy and vision for education includes educating the whole mind, body, and soul. I believe wholeheartedly in Catholic education. I myself am deeply rooted in the Catholic faith having attended Catholic school for my elementary, high school, and graduate-level education. I believe in providing an education that promotes and engages well-rounded students to reach their highest spiritual, intellectual, emotional, and social potential. A Catholic education is the foundation for the rest of your life!

Mrs. Connie Bumatay

Preschool Teacher

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Mrs. Bumatay comes to Sacred Heart with a Site Supervisor Permit and a love for preschoolers. She has worked as a preschool teacher for over 15 years and has been a Director of Extension at Sacred Heart School in Salinas and Co-Director of The Children's Preschool in Carmel Valley, CA. Mrs. Bumatay has a love of nature, a strong understanding of child development, and brings a sense of inquiry-based curriculum to preschool focusing on the unique individual child to explore and discover through hands-on activities. She is excited to meet our preschool families and work with our Catholic faith filled community!

Mrs. Aracely Humphrey

Kindergarten

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12 years teaching experience

• B. A. Phsycology, Centro de Estudios Universitarios del Norte.
• B. A. Early Childhood Education, Secretaria de Educación Publica.
• I. B. Educator Certificate
• Louisiana Department of Education, Out-of-State Certificate PK-3.

"I absolutely love teaching! It is my mission to instill a love for learning and a love for God in my students. I teach with passion so that my students develop a desire to become life-long learners.
My greatest strength is my ability to design stimulating lesson plans that inculcate a love for learning and a true appreciation for Spanish language and culture."

Mrs. Melissa Remmick

Second Grade Teacher

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Mrs. Remmick holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration, with a Concentration in Marketing, a clear Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and her Catechist Certificate.

Mrs. Michelle Quinn

Third Grade Teacher

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Alumni of Sacred Heart Parish School

9 years teaching experience

• B.A. Liberal Studies, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, 2007
• M.A. Curriculum and Instruction, California State University, Fresno, 2009
• California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, 2007

“I attended Sacred Heart Parish School and feel blessed to have received a wonderful education, had great teachers, and made life-long friends. I believe in and support to our school commitment to teaching the gospel message of Christ. Christ is truly alive in our school, and I look forward to serving Him further.”

Miss Michele Tiller

Student Council Leader, Fourth Grade Teacher

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18 years teaching experience

• B.A. Child Development, California State University, Fresno, 1994
• M.A. in Teaching, California State University, Fresno, 2009
• California Clear Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, Chapman University, 1997

“I choose to teach at Sacred Heart for its strong community. The parental support is helpful and positive. We greet each other in church and even other places around town. I enjoy teaching with the other teacher at Sacred Heart Parish School because they offer ideas, suggestions, and advice when asked. Finally being a teacher means teaching the students which I love the most at SHPS. The students are open to academics but also the freedom of prayer. The students’ prayers are sincere and giving, which is something the teachers try to share with the students.”

Mrs. Briahnna Leffew

Fifth Grade Teacher

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Mr. Chris Bishop

Seventh Grade Homeroom, English Language Arts 6-8, Digital Arts Media 4-8, 7 Religious Studies

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• B.A. Digital Art, Calvin College
• M.F.A Animation, Savannah College of Art and Design
• Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, in progress, Cal State Teach

"I am excited to step up to teaching full-time at Sacred heart. From day one, I have felt the love and support of this community. I am so glad that I am able to apply my experience of story, art, and technology in an enviorment where I can share and foster growth and the Catholic faith."

Mrs. Brenda Berstein

Eighth Grade Homeroom, Math 6 - 8, Science 7-8, STEM 7-8, Technology Coordinator, 8 Religious Studies

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4 years teaching experience

• B.S. Biology with an emphasis in Molecular and Cell Biology and minor in Education, University of California Merced, 2009
• California Clear Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, California State University, Stanislaus, 2010

“I chose to teach at a Catholic school because of the strong sense of community and values. It brought me back to my hometown of Hollister and into a strong supportive community. I am also able to share my faith, virtues, and values with my students and experience theirs as well.”

Mrs. Bridget Christenson

PE Teacher

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35 years teaching experience

• B.A. Subject, Sam Houston State University
• California Physical Education Teaching Credential, San Jose State University, 1982
• Adapted Physical Education Specialist, San Jose State University, 1998

“Working at Sacred Heart Parish School has allowed me to fulfill my life-long dream of being a Physical Education teacher. Not only do I develop students’ bodies physically but more importantly, I am able to develop them spiritually. Here at Sacred Heart Parish School religious education is a vital element of the curriculum, and physical education classes are an extension of their spiritual being.”

Mrs. Catherine Olivas

Music Teacher, 7/8 Social Studies, 6 Reading

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42 years teaching experience

• Sacramental Theology, Scripture and Liturgical Studies, Holy Family College
• B.A. Social Science, minor in Psychology, San Diego State University, 1972
• California Standard Teaching Credential, San Diego State University, 1973
• Post-Graduate studies in Bilingual Education, Language Acquisition, Spanish
• Elementary Music and Vocal Techniques, San Jose State University
• Adolescent Spirituality, University of San Francisco

“I chose to each in a Catholic school because this environment provides teacher and students, with the opportunity to integrate our faith into every aspect of our lives, practice self-discipline, and strive for academic excellence. These efforts will ultimately enable us to fulfill the dreams God has in mind for each of us so that we can help bring about the coming of His kingdom.

As, Catholics, the source and summit of our spiritual lives are manifest in the Mass. It is my great joy to teach Sacred Heart students to fully and actively participate in this experience of Christ’s presence among us as they life their hearts, minds, souls, and voices to God.”

Mrs. Joanne Soza

Administrative Assistant

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Mrs. Adriana Villanueva

Kindergarten Aide

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Lydia Anchondo

Preschool Aide and Yard duty support

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