Admission

About

About Us

Faculty & Staff

Faculty & Staff

Alberto Alvarado

School Custodian

Erika Alvarado

Kindergarten Readiness Program Director

Mount St. Mary’s University 
B.A. in Child Development

Julie Amaya

KRP Teacher

California State University, Los Angeles
A.S. in Early Childhood Education

Los Angeles Trade-Technical College
B.A. in Art

Certificates/Recognition

Early Childhood Education Commission on Teacher Credentialing

Child Development Teacher Permit

Gonzalo Andrade

Kindergarten Teacher

Antioch Los Angeles University 
B.A. in Liberal Studies 
M.A. in Education/Leadership

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

Alexa Atkins

1st Grade Teacher

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 
B.A. in Human Development and Family Studies

Juliet Bridgesmith

Kindergarten Teacher

Kelli Chau

Kindergarten Teacher

Pacific Oaks College
B.A. in Early Childhood Education
M.A. in Education and Elementary Education

Certificates/Recognition

Multiple Subject Teaching Credential

Google Certified Educator

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

Jonathan Dar

4th Grade Teacher

University of California, Los Angeles
B.A. in History
M.A. in History and Education

California State University, Northridge

M.A. in Educational Administration

Certificates/Recognition

Magna Cum Laude

Phi Beta Kappa Society

Christian Cid

P.E. Teacher

California State University, Los Angeles
B.S. in Business Administration, Management

Certificates/Recognition

Dynamic Physical Education Seminar Specialist 

Fitness Specialist

Elizabeth Desmarais

Assistant Head for Systems & Matriculation

Bio

Brian Duggan

4th Grade Teacher

Georgetown University
B.A. in History

Julia flores

Spanish Teacher

Mount St. Mary’s University  
B.A. in Childhood Development

Pacific Oaks College
M.S. in Early Childhood Education

Chenelle Geoffroy-Lindsey

6th Grade Teacher

Queens College, City University of New York
B.S. in Nutrition and Exercise Science 

Brooklyn College, City University of New York 
M.S. in Exercise Physiology

Irish Giron

Advancement & Communications Coordinator

 Loyola Marymount University
B.A. in Theater Arts

Sarah Godoy

Preschool Teacher

East Los Angeles College
A.A. in Child Development

Rosi Gonzalez

2nd Grade Teacher

Mount Saint Mary’s University, Los Angeles
B.A. in Spanish and
Chicano Studies
Minor in Communications

Patrick Gray

Playground Teacher

Emmerson College
B.A. in Visual Media Arts & Political Science

Stephanie Guerra

Art Teacher

University of Southern California
B.A. in Sculpture and Graphic Design

Alenoosh Hartouni

Preschool Teacher

 Glendale Community College

A.S Early Childhood Education

Certificates/Recognition

Child Development Teacher Permit

Enrique Heredia

Plant Operations Team Member

Ed Hermeno

Math Specialist

Massachusetts Institute of Technology
B.S. in Environmental Engineering
Minor in English Literature

University of California, Berkeley
M.S. in Environmental Engineering

Loyola Marymount University
M.A. in Education

Certificates/Recognition

Teaching credential for Mathematics

Maya Houston

Playground Teacher

University of Southern California
B.A. in Writing for Screen and Television

Minor in Occupational Therapy

Jennifer Hunt

School Counselor

Bridgewater State University
B.S. in Psychology

Touro University
M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy (Summa Cum Laude)

UCLA
Advanced Certificate in Early Childhood Education

Gabrielle Jackson

Performing Arts Teacher

California State University, Fullerton
Theater Arts
African American History

Maritza Jimenez

Human Resources Manager

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

daisha johnson

2nd Grade Teacher

Loyola Marymount University
Liberal Studies with emphasis on Special Education

Alice Kuramoto

5th Grade Teacher

California State University, Los Angeles 
B.A. in Home Economics, BA 

Concordia University 
M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction-Inclusive Classroom

Claire Lagerwey

Science Teacher

Goshen College and The Evergreen State College 
B.S. in Environmental Studies

Portland State University 
M.S. in Educational Leadership
Policy/Focus in Sustainability Education 

Certificates/Recognition

Community Engagement Award for the Education Department at PSU

Ji Hae Lee

Muisc Teacher

Seoul National University
B.A. in Music

Columbia University
M.S. in Music Education

University of Southern California
PhD in Music Education

Mei-Ling Leonard

Assistant Head for Early Child Education

Bio

Jules Leyser

Director of Advancement & Communications

Bio

Eura Lim

Literacy Specialist

California State University, Northridge
B.A. in Liberal Studies
California Clear Teaching Credential in Multiple Subjects

Loyola Marymount University
M.A. in Literacy Education

Certificates/Recognition

Reading and Literacy Authorization Certificate

Brenae Linares

Kindergarten Teacher

University of California, Los Angeles
B.A. in Linguistics

Katrina Lovegren

3rd GradeTeacher

USC Rossier School of Education

M.A. in Teaching

Chapman University

B.A. in Integrated Educational Studies

Anthony Lopez

School Custodian

Jessica Mendoza

Admission Associate & Registrar

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

Ashlee Morales

3rd Grade Teacher

California State University, Northridge
B.A. in Liberal Studies
Focus on Gender and Women’s Studies
Multiple Subject Teaching Credential

Erika Morales

Administrative Assistant

California State University, Northridge
B.A. in Child & Adolescent Development

Maria Mursalim

Preschool Teacher

University of Guelph & Christian University 
B.A. English Literature
B.S  Early Childhood Education

Pacific Oaks
Early Childhood Education

Christina Olague

1st Grade Teacher

California State University, Los Angeles
B.A. in English
Single-Subject Teaching

University of California, Los Angeles
M.A. in Library and Information Science

Karen Oquendo

Learning Specialist

 St. Francis College
B.S. in Psychology

Brooklyn College
M.A. in Childhood Special Education

Erik Orozco

Plant Operations Team Member

Eileen Payoyo

1st Grade Teacher

University of California, Irvine
B.A. in English

National University
M.A. in Education

Certificates/Recognition

California Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential

Laura Petersen

Preschool Director

Bio

Kara Leigh Powers

Director of Enrollment Management

Bio

Lauren Reynoso

1st Grade Teacher

University of San Diego
Master of Education (M.Ed)
Education

Luisa Reyes

Music Teacher

Berklee College of Music
B.A. in Professional Music

Cal State Channel Islands
M.A. in Education Administration, and Curriculum and Instruction

Diane Rich

Head of School

Bio

Fernando Rios

Director of Plant Operations & Security

Bio

Rocheleen Rosel

Preschool Teacher

California State University, Northridge 
B.A. Child and Adolescent Development

Pacific Oaks
M.A. in Human Development specializing in Education and Social Service

Krystian Rutledge

Design and Create Teacher

Savannah College of Art Design
B.A. in Communication Art

Theppong Sae-Low

Writing Specialist

University of California, San Diego 
B.A. in History 
Minor in Teaching 

California State University, Los Angeles
Teaching Credential

Tracey Spencer

2nd Grade Teacher

University of Central Florida
B.S. in Elementary
Education

EdM in Reading
Education K – 12

Certificates/Recognition

California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential

Christine San-cobb

Preschool Teacher

California State University, Los Angeles
B.A. in Child Development 
M.A. in Primary and Early Education 

Certificates/Recognition

Child Development Program Director Permit

Amy Schlecter

Chief Financial Officer

Bio

velear schrupp

Librarian

Bio

Yesi Urrea Castro

KRP Teacher

 California State University, Long Beach
B.A. in History
Minor in Classical Studies

Georgette washington

BYS Director 

California State University, Long Beach
B.A. in Child Development and Family Studies
A. S. in Early Education 

Richard Yi

5th Grade Teacher

Boston University 
B.A. in Economics
Minor in Computer Science 

CalState TEACH 
Cleared Multiple Subject Teaching Credential with Computer Concepts and Applications 

Certificates/Recognition

Supplementary Authorization Google Certified Educator

Byron Zapata

Playground Supervisor

University of Phoenix
A.A. in Education

Certificates/Recognition

Certified First Aid/CPR/AED Trainer

Christopher Zapata

Playground Supervisor

Santa Monica College
A.A. in Liberal Arts – Social and Behavioral Sciences

Angela Zotea

Preschool Teacher

Santa Monica College
A.A. in Early Childhood Studies

Certificates/Recognition

Child Development Teacher permit/credential

Scroll to Top

About St. James'

Admission

Our Values

Academics

Beyond School

Community

Giving

Elizabeth Desmarais

Assistant Head for Systems & Matriculation

Rhode Island College
B.S. in Elementary Education

Pepperdine University
M.S. in Administration

Certificates/Recognition

Clear California Credential

Elizabeth Desmarais joined the administrative team at St. James’ Episcopal School in July 2016. A native of Rhode Island, Elizabeth holds a B.S. in elementary education from Rhode Island College and an M.A. in Administration from Pepperdine University. Elizabeth spent the eight years prior to her arrival at St. James’ at Episcopal Collegiate School in Little Rock, Arkansas, where she was a key member of the lower school’s implementation team. In that role, Elizabeth was instrumental in developing and implementing the lower school curriculum. Throughout her tenure, she held a number of roles including head of lower school, director of studies, chair of accreditation, and math specialist. 

Elizabeth has a long history of working in independent schools in Southern California. She was the Assistant Head of School at the Westerly School in Long Beach, as well as its founding middle school head. Additionally, she taught middle school English, humanities, and pre-algebra. She also served as the assistant administrator and 3rd-grade teacher at the Village School in Pacific Palisades. Elizabeth is honored and excited to be a part of the St. James’ family.

Mei-Ling Leonard

Assistant Head for Early Child Education

Swarthmore College
B.A. in Theatre
Minor in Education

Wayne State University
MFA in Theatre Management

Mrs. Mei-Ling Leonard joined the St. James’ community in 2005. From 

2005-2021 she guided first-graders into becoming their best version of an elementary school student. In 2021, Mrs. Leonard joined the administrative team as the Dean of Students & Belonging. Now, Mrs. Leonard serves as the Assistant Head for Early Childhood Learning. 

Mrs. Leonard has been an active member of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusive Committee since its inception, a mentor teacher, a math specialist, and a member of the Curriculum Committee. Mrs. Leonard is proud to have been the inaugural director for the Center for Belonging. 

In addition to numerous other committee assignments she is most proud to call herself an advocate. A student advocate, a teacher advocate, an artistic advocate, a social, school, and community advocate; Mrs. Leonard has touched every part of the St. James’ School Community.

Jules Leyser

Director of Advancement & Communications

Trinity College, Oxford
B.A. in English
M.A. in English

Jules has been a parent at St. James’ since 2017 and has served on the Advancement Committee as well as Co-Chairing the Annual Gala. In 2014 she co-founded the 

Alliance of Moms, a non-profit which supports pregnant and parenting youth in Los Angeles County’s foster care system. As Co-President she developed the Alliance of Moms’ educational programs focusing on early brain development in addition to leading its communication and fundraising strategies. The Alliance of Moms was honored by St. Anne’s with their Angel Award, by The Bump magazine at their inaugural Movers & Makers awards and she was invited to The White House by the Obama Administration in recognition of her organization’s advocacy work with youth in foster care. 

After graduating from Trinity College, Oxford with a B.A. and M.A. in English, Jules went onto work as an Account Director at Saatchi & Saatchi and Bartle, Bogle & Hegarty for clients such as British Airways, T-Mobile and the charity for at-risk youth, Barnardo’s. In the year 2000, Jules wrote and starred in her own one-woman show at the Edinburgh Festival. The following year the show transferred to London’s Soho Theatre in the West End. Jules and her husband moved to Los Angeles in 2003 where she racked up further acting and writing credits. Simultaneously she worked for the World Poker Tour, devising and teaching poker strategy seminars all across America. 

Raised in a family of educators in her native England, Jules is honored to become a member of the St. James’ staff and to deepen her roots within the wider St. James’ community.

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.

Kara Leigh Powers

Director of Admission

Pepperdine University 
B.A. in Sports Medicine and German Language

Columbia College 
M.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies 

Certificates/Recognition

Post Graduate Certification in K-12 Education from Pepperdine

University, Certified examiner for Gesell at Yale Early Childhood, Member of Kappa Delta Pi (KDP), educational honor society

While a native of Colorado and the southwest, Kara Leigh Powers gained the bulk of her experience as a teacher and senior administrator at the Chicago City Day School in downtown Chicago, IL. Her 28 years of experience stretch across multiple areas of  education, including gifted education and learning challenges. 

An avid outdoors person and scuba diver, during her tenure in Chicago she helped to launch the Bimini Field Research Program in 2003.  Partnering with the Shedd Aquarium, the team led field study marine research expeditions, data collections, and surveys that were instrumental in naming North Bimini, The Bahamas a National Marine Protected Area and creating a collaborative partnership with Jean Michel Cousteau. 

Kara earned her B.A. in Sports Medicine and German Language from Pepperdine University, a K-12 postgraduate teaching credential also from Pepperdine, and an M.A. in Interdisciplinary Arts and Studies from Columbia College. 

Upon returning to Los Angeles, she became a mentor for master’s degree candidates in the Pepperdine Graduate School of Education and founded Spoonful of Sugar Educational Services which provides a range of support to families. Wishing to return to a school community, she joined St. James’ in 2021 as a third-grade teacher, and her natural talent with families led to her appointment as Director of Admission. 

Kara is thrilled to be back in California and passionate about sharing St. James’ with future families.

Diane Rich

Head of School

Boston College
B.A. in English

Harvard Graduate School of Education
Ed.M.

Born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago, Diane made her way east to Boston College for 

undergraduate studies, then to Harvard, where she earned her Masters in Education. Diane launched her teaching career on Cape Cod, and after five years in classrooms in the Bay Area, she settled in New Hampshire, where in addition to teaching she held leadership positions including dean and department chair. Prior to becoming Head of School at St. James’,  Diane worked at Rocky Hill Country Day School (nursery-grade 12) in Rhode Island, serving as Dean of Faculty, Dean of Studies, Assistant Head of School, and Head of School for 6 years. Throughout her 30-year career, Diane’s love of teaching and empowering students of all ages has only grown stronger, and she thrives on the mixture of joys and challenges that she faces each day as a Head.

Diane and her husband, Tim, have four children in their 20’s. Outside of school, Diane is involved in her Episcopal church, where over the years she has served as a Vestry member, a church school teacher, and even the Cookie Room Director for the Christmas Fair. Her participation in the life of a church, and even that as a cookie lady, reflects her love not just for making cookies, but for making community.

Fernando Rios

Director of Plant Operations & Security

Born and raised in South Central Los Angeles, Fernando Rios is deeply connected to his community and passionate about making a positive impact. Early in his career, he served as an After-School Coordinator for enrichment clubs, where he supported low-income 

students at LAUSD Title I schools. His commitment to education and community empowerment led him to Aspire Charter Schools, where he worked for eight years, ultimately leading operations. During this time, he became OSHA certified and completed a rigorous project management course, honing his leadership and operational skills. In 2022, Fernando transitioned to St. James Episcopal Church as Director of Plant Operations and Security, where he continues to champion the safety and security of students and staff, ensuring that the institution’s vision remains strong and its environment safe. Outside of work, Fernando is a dedicated father of two young children and enjoys spending weekends at the family ranch, where he can reconnect with nature and unwind.

Amy Schlecter

Chief Financial Officer

University of California, Berkeley
B.A. in Political Science
B.A. Chinese Language and Literature

University of Michigan,
Ross School of Business
MBA

Amy Schlecter is thrilled to have 

joined St James’ as Chief Financial Officer in Spring 2019. Amy brings a deep background in Finance, Accounting and Operations Management to St. James’ with her extensive experience working both with schools and private industry. Amy received her MBA from the University of Michigan, Ross School of Business and studied both Political Science and Chinese Language and Literature at UC Berkeley as an undergraduate. Amy spent the first decade of her career helping to lead the financial operations of a large distribution center for an e-commerce retailer. After starting a family, Amy decided to pursue her passion for supporting high-quality education and shifted her professional focus to working with great schools. Amy loves traveling both within the US and internationally, and particularly enjoys traveling by train.