I feel that I was called to give back to Catholic education because it had such a profound impact on my own growth and formation. When I look back at my career in Catholic education, I can very clearly see how divine Providence guided my journey first as a student at Saint Francis, then as a coach and educator in the Diocese of Oakland, and eventually as a leader and administrator. 

My faith journey has been inextricably linked to my vocation. I was formed in the values of Holy Cross as a young person, and those values carry into my leadership. Community, hope, respect, and integrity are hallmarks of how I live my life in all spaces, not just as a leader. 

Looking back, what influences impacted your decision to walk this path?  How does it continue to impact you personally and spiritually? 

While I have always felt called to this work, I have been blessed with mentors and supporters along the way who have opened doors for me to pursue new opportunities and from whom I have learned so much. I was 22 years old when I started teaching, and if not for my Assistant Principal and mentor Lisa Tortorich (now retired, but former Principal at Moreau Catholic High School and Mercy High School-Burlingame) believing in me, challenging me with new roles, and encouraging my growth, I would not be where I am today.  I hope that I am someone who now fills that role for others, as I think mentorship and partnership are so critical to sustain us through the challenges of leadership.

How would you describe your approach to leadership and education?

 Students and educators need to know they are cared for, valued, and seen, and it is my job to ensure that every space on our campus is a place where that happens. I try to challenge my students and educators to look for ways to be those visible signs of Christ’s love in the world.

 A common thread throughout my leadership journey has been coaching and developing leaders - as a competitive soccer coach, Director of Activities, Vice Principal, and Principal, my passion has always been leadership development and helping young people to see the impact they can have on the world.  I believe in the goodness of our young people and that education is the space where we can provide them with those opportunities to discover their gifts and to share them.

When have you been the most challenged as an educator and administrator?  

I think one of the greatest challenges facing leaders right now is the increasingly divisive rhetoric of the secular world and the impact that has on students, families, and educators. We are trying to help our students learn to share their voices while also ensuring they can navigate all the information coming at them with a discerning lens and an openness to multiple perspectives. While this brings challenges, it is also a unique opportunity to really ground our work in Holy Cross values, the gospel, and Catholic social teaching, and I am proud of the ways our community has leaned into this challenge.

When have you been the most inspired as an educator and administrator?  

Our students inspire me every day, and that is why I believe I have the greatest job in the world. Every single day, I can walk out of my office and find inspiration - a conversation with a student, watching a team compete, seeing our students grapple with a difficult topic in the classroom - our kids are amazing, and I feel blessed to be part of their journey during such an important time of life. 

How do you feel your Faith has and continues to transform you as a disciple of Christ?

In this work, I truly feel I get to experience the sacred - what I refer to as “God moments” - almost every day. When I see the power of prayer in our community when someone needs healing, the transformation of our students over the course of their four years and beyond graduation, the love and dedication of our educators - there is so much in this vocation that is faith-affirming and truly miraculous.