Admission

About

About Us

Faculty & Staff

Faculty & Staff

Alberto Alvarado

School Custodian

Cinthia Angulo

Accounts Payable & Administrative Assistant

 Cal Poly Pomona
B.A. in Psychology and Business

Ana Araya

Playground Teacher & Plant Ops Member

 Doctor Jose Matias Delgado University
Communications

Natasha Dao

Associate Director of Advancement and Communications

University of California, Berkeley
B.A. in Political Science and Education

San Francisco State University
M.A. in Political Science

Irish Giron

Advancement & Communications Coordinator

 Loyola Marymount University
B.A. in Theater Arts

Enrique Heredia

Plant Operations Team Member

Maritza Jimenez

Human Resources Manager

University of California, Los Angeles
B.A. in Latin American Studies

Anthony Lopez

School Custodian

Jessica Mendoza

Admission Associate & Registrar

California State University, Los Angeles
B.A. in Sociology

Erika Morales

Administrative Assistant

Erik Orozco

Plant Operations Team Member

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About St. James'

Admission

Our Values

Academics

Beyond School

Community

Giving

Laura petersen

Preschool Director

California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
B.A. in Administration

Pasadena City College
Child Development 

Certificates/Recognition

Responsive Classroom, Child Care Center Application, Outdoor Classroom

Laura is an experienced educational leader with more than 20 years of experience in education. Throughout her career, Laura has worked with children and families across a variety of educational settings, with a particular passion for creating nurturing, engaging, and supportive environments where children can thrive. Prior to joining St. James’, Laura served as the Director of a private school in Pasadena serving children from infancy through sixth grade. She also spent 12 years at Saint Mark’s Episcopal School in Altadena, where she developed a deep understanding of the importance of strong relationships between educators, children, and families.

Laura holds a degree in Business Administration, but has always had a passion for early childhood education.  Laura believes children learn best when they feel safe, valued, encouraged, and genuinely known. Her approach to leadership centers on creating a warm and welcoming school community while supporting teachers in providing meaningful experiences for every child. Outside of her professional life, Laura is a proud mother of two children. She has also opened her home as a foster parent to multiple children, an experience that has strengthened her understanding of the individual needs, experiences, and strengths every child brings with them. Laura  is honored to serve as Preschool Director and looks forward to partnering with families to create a joyful, supportive, and enriching foundation for each child’s educational journey.