Staff
Mr. Paul Hernandez
Hello fellow Lions, family and friends. My name is Paul Hernandez and I am excited to be a part of the innovative educational approach we have at Our Lady of Lourdes.
My family and I have been a part of Our Lady of Lourdes School for over seven decades. My parents Art ('57) and Barbara('60), my four of kids ('04, '18) and I ('84) all attended and graduated from Lourdes. Over the past 20 years I have worked in such industries as insurance, real estate, radio promotions and banking. I've been an agent, a representative, an assistant and even owned my own business called Bizar Entertainment Group.
In 2000 while I was still working at the bank, I took over as the head "A" football coach At OLL. I also spent some time as a volunteer and independent contractor for the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) Los Angeles helping in many ways which are still in use today. In the past two years, the Lions went 6-2 as Big East Co-Champs and in 2011, 9-0, as the outright Big East Champs. 2011-2012 was a challenge as I also coached the girls "A" basketball team, started a "C" team program and coached both Boys and Girls Soccer teams which were the first ever seasons for the school. This will be the second time I will serve the school as Athletic Director and with the new and upcoming "Activity Center," I will be busy.
The 2012-13 school year will be my third year at Our Lady of Lourdes School in capacity as a Teacher. I will again teach Mathematics to the 3rd through 8th grade levels using a blend of online and workbook based work with visual teaching and lots of practice. Results from the 2011-2012 school year show a 53% increase (by all levels combined) in correct answers while the students used the online-based math program, Mathletics.
I will bring all of my business and management experience to Our Lady of Lourdes School as the Vice Principal for the 2012-2013 school year. During the 2011-2012 school year, I shared that responsibility with two other teachers on staff, and I served as the Vice Principal of Academic Affairs.
My family and I have been a part of Our Lady of Lourdes School for over seven decades. My parents Art ('57) and Barbara('60), my four of kids ('04, '18) and I ('84) all attended and graduated from Lourdes. Over the past 20 years I have worked in such industries as insurance, real estate, radio promotions and banking. I've been an agent, a representative, an assistant and even owned my own business called Bizar Entertainment Group.
In 2000 while I was still working at the bank, I took over as the head "A" football coach At OLL. I also spent some time as a volunteer and independent contractor for the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) Los Angeles helping in many ways which are still in use today. In the past two years, the Lions went 6-2 as Big East Co-Champs and in 2011, 9-0, as the outright Big East Champs. 2011-2012 was a challenge as I also coached the girls "A" basketball team, started a "C" team program and coached both Boys and Girls Soccer teams which were the first ever seasons for the school. This will be the second time I will serve the school as Athletic Director and with the new and upcoming "Activity Center," I will be busy.
The 2012-13 school year will be my third year at Our Lady of Lourdes School in capacity as a Teacher. I will again teach Mathematics to the 3rd through 8th grade levels using a blend of online and workbook based work with visual teaching and lots of practice. Results from the 2011-2012 school year show a 53% increase (by all levels combined) in correct answers while the students used the online-based math program, Mathletics.
I will bring all of my business and management experience to Our Lady of Lourdes School as the Vice Principal for the 2012-2013 school year. During the 2011-2012 school year, I shared that responsibility with two other teachers on staff, and I served as the Vice Principal of Academic Affairs.
Ms. Marina Najera
Hello students and families! My name is Marina Najera and am excited about witnessing what the new school year will bring to Our Lady of Lourdes.
I recently graduated from Whittier College with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Spanish Language/Literature. I am currently completing a research project for the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship, which is an organization that promotes higher education among minorities. Upon the completion of my project I will then continue to pursue the academic field with graduate studies, specifically in the field of Spanish.
Looking forward to seeing all of the smiling faces once more!
I recently graduated from Whittier College with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Spanish Language/Literature. I am currently completing a research project for the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship, which is an organization that promotes higher education among minorities. Upon the completion of my project I will then continue to pursue the academic field with graduate studies, specifically in the field of Spanish.
Looking forward to seeing all of the smiling faces once more!
"Andy"
Hello students, parents, families and friends! My name is "Andy" and I am the Our Lady of Lourdes' mascot and certified therapy dog. I love working with children of all ages, young and old!
I can be seen greeting the students in the morning, and can usually be found in Mrs. Marasco's office or in the classrooms. I look forward to meeting you and seeing you on campus!
I can be seen greeting the students in the morning, and can usually be found in Mrs. Marasco's office or in the classrooms. I look forward to meeting you and seeing you on campus!
Faculty
Ms. Gabriela Gonzalez
My name is Gabriela Gonzalez; I have worked in the field of education for the past 18 years. I hold 2 Bachelor of Arts degrees from Humboldt State University in Social Work and Spanish as well as a Masters of Art in Education from Grand Canyon University. I will be teaching English for grades 3-8 for the 2012-2013 school year.
I look forward to this year because it is exciting that the usage of computers and technology will be more emphasized especially since it is a critical component of student learning. It will enable students to have more practical hands on technological experience that is a skill they will need for high school, college and the work force.
My philosophy of teaching is that I believe in the fundamental goal that teaching supports students’ learning development by accommodating different learning styles and creating an ambiance that is conducive to learning. This is relevant since each child is a unique individual who desires a secure and stimulating atmosphere in which to grow and mature emotionally, spiritually, intellectually, physically and psychosocially. It is my role as an educator to assist students as they meet their fullest potential.
I look forward to this year because it is exciting that the usage of computers and technology will be more emphasized especially since it is a critical component of student learning. It will enable students to have more practical hands on technological experience that is a skill they will need for high school, college and the work force.
My philosophy of teaching is that I believe in the fundamental goal that teaching supports students’ learning development by accommodating different learning styles and creating an ambiance that is conducive to learning. This is relevant since each child is a unique individual who desires a secure and stimulating atmosphere in which to grow and mature emotionally, spiritually, intellectually, physically and psychosocially. It is my role as an educator to assist students as they meet their fullest potential.
Mrs. Diane Mayagoitia
I am Mrs. Mayagoitia and I’m the junior kindergarten and kindergarten teacher! For more than 20 years, I have had the privilege of guiding kindergarten and pre-kindergarten children through their first experiences of Catholic school education.
My philosophy is one which seeks to honor the ages and stages of early childhood, by designing active learning experiences which support the healthy development of the whole child - spiritually, cognitively, emotionally, and socially.
I am an alum of Pacific Oaks College in Pasadena. I hold Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in human development, with emphasis on early childhood education.
My husband and I are grateful for our own sons’ foundations in Catholic education. Both are graduates of the University of Santa Barbara after having attended Cathedral High School College Prep and All Souls Parish Schools.
Mr. Matthew Cunningham
More to come in 2013-2014...
Ms. Veronica Castillo
Hello Lions! My name is Veronica Castillo and I am the first and second grade teacher here at Our Lady of Lourdes School. Becoming a part of the Our Lady of Lourdes School Family has been a great experience and I am looking forward to this upcoming school year.
I graduated from California State University, Los Angeles with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and a Single Subject Teaching Credential Option. I have recently completed a Masters in Education Program and am now pursuing a Masters in Special Education. I was previously employed by the Los Angeles Unified School District for six years and began working at Our Lady of Lourdes School last year with the Kindergarten, first and second grade students.
My philosophy of teaching consists of many ideals that have been shaped through the knowledge I have acquired through my education and the field experience I have had throughout the years. I truly believe in the positive foundation that a religious education produces in children and their future. Teaching must come with the passion and enthusiasm that emerges from within an educator and I am very eager and excited to work with your children create a memorable year.
I graduated from California State University, Los Angeles with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and a Single Subject Teaching Credential Option. I have recently completed a Masters in Education Program and am now pursuing a Masters in Special Education. I was previously employed by the Los Angeles Unified School District for six years and began working at Our Lady of Lourdes School last year with the Kindergarten, first and second grade students.
My philosophy of teaching consists of many ideals that have been shaped through the knowledge I have acquired through my education and the field experience I have had throughout the years. I truly believe in the positive foundation that a religious education produces in children and their future. Teaching must come with the passion and enthusiasm that emerges from within an educator and I am very eager and excited to work with your children create a memorable year.
Mr. Sergio Esparza
I was born and raised in Los Angeles, and I went to catholic school my whole life. I enjoy teaching, traveling, hiking, cycling, cooking, music researching, art galleries, reading, and sports. I can't say I have a favorite grade because each grade has its own challenges and rewards (mostly rewards). I look forward to seeing my students achieve their academic goals here at Our Lady of Lourdes School.
I graduated from Loyola Marymount University with my Bachelor of Liberal Arts, Theological Studies, and a Minor in Studio Arts. During my time at the university, I was involved in Campus Ministry programs such as:
I have also been involved in radio broadcasting at KXLU 88.9fm Los Angeles for 9 years, as the Latino underground rock disc jockey. KXLU is a non-commercial, educational station broadcasting from the Westchester campus Loyola Marymount University. As far as in the education world, I have taught Physical Education and coached boys soccer here in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. I am also currently one of the few lay people who serve as Master of Ceremonies for two bishops here in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
"Have no fear of moving into the unknown. Simply step out fearlessly knowing that I am with you, therefore no harm can befall you; all is very, very well. Do this in complete faith and confidence."
-Pope John Paul II
I graduated from Loyola Marymount University with my Bachelor of Liberal Arts, Theological Studies, and a Minor in Studio Arts. During my time at the university, I was involved in Campus Ministry programs such as:
- Christian Life Community Leader based on the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius.
- De Colores participant on the service trip with other fellow students focused on building homes, feeding the poor at local community centers, spending time cooking and playing with orphans in Tijuana, Mexico.
- Feed the Hungry, weekly participant to make and deliver sandwiches to our homeless neighbors in the Santa Monica area.
- Sacristan and Liturgical minister as caretaker of the Sacred Heart Chapel 2005-2009.
- Sacristan at the Religious Education Congress in Anaheim 2005-2012.
I have also been involved in radio broadcasting at KXLU 88.9fm Los Angeles for 9 years, as the Latino underground rock disc jockey. KXLU is a non-commercial, educational station broadcasting from the Westchester campus Loyola Marymount University. As far as in the education world, I have taught Physical Education and coached boys soccer here in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. I am also currently one of the few lay people who serve as Master of Ceremonies for two bishops here in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
"Have no fear of moving into the unknown. Simply step out fearlessly knowing that I am with you, therefore no harm can befall you; all is very, very well. Do this in complete faith and confidence."
-Pope John Paul II
Ms. Robyn Littleworth
I have been involved with the arts since I was a child, singing in my elementary school honor choir, playing the clarinet, and acting in plays. I retained a passion for theatre and art and has performed in more than 20 plays in her years on this Earth.
I studied theatre at Loyola Marymount University where I volunteered with Westchester High School's Theatre program, and was the president of LMU's first and only a Capella group, Notetorious, for 3 years, and Vice president of LMU's premiere improv troupe for two years.
I hopes to inspire a love of art, theatre and music, as well as foster an interest in the amazing world of science. I believe that magic does exist, and science is one way to discover that magic. I am intrigued with anatomy and genetics; obsessed with marine biology and zoology. I can't wait to spend this year sharing my excitement with the wonderful students of Lourdes!
I studied theatre at Loyola Marymount University where I volunteered with Westchester High School's Theatre program, and was the president of LMU's first and only a Capella group, Notetorious, for 3 years, and Vice president of LMU's premiere improv troupe for two years.
I hopes to inspire a love of art, theatre and music, as well as foster an interest in the amazing world of science. I believe that magic does exist, and science is one way to discover that magic. I am intrigued with anatomy and genetics; obsessed with marine biology and zoology. I can't wait to spend this year sharing my excitement with the wonderful students of Lourdes!
Ms. Michelle Obusan
Hello Lions! I am very happy to be joining the Our Lady of Lourdes family this upcoming school year. Ms. Castillo and I will be working together to make this a memorable and exciting year for the first and second graders. I am definitely looking forward to everything that this year has to offer.
I am a product of Catholic school education from elementary to high school, and can wholeheartedly say that it was a positive and rewarding experience. I graduated from University of California, Irvine with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Social Behavior, as well as a minor in Educational Studies. I then decided to further my education at Chapman University in Orange, CA, focusing on Elementary Education. Working in the education field and with children has always been a passion of mine, and I have worked with all grade levels, from Kindergarten to college, and in all capacities, from a teacher to a tutor to an advisor.
As a teacher, I believe in helping students discover and hone their individual strengths to be able to use them to their advantage, amidst changing educational and social atmospheres. My hope is that by providing students the necessary educational, emotional and spiritual support, they will succeed not only academically and within the classroom, but also outside of it. They will learn to be open-minded and curious, asking questions as they continue on in their journey to being lifelong learners and growing in their faith as children of God.
"Lord, teach me to be generous. Teach me to serve you as you deserve; to give and not to count the cost, to fight and not to heed the wounds, to toil and not to seek for rest, to labor and not to ask for reward, save that of knowing that I do Your will." - St. Ignatius of Loyola
I am a product of Catholic school education from elementary to high school, and can wholeheartedly say that it was a positive and rewarding experience. I graduated from University of California, Irvine with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Social Behavior, as well as a minor in Educational Studies. I then decided to further my education at Chapman University in Orange, CA, focusing on Elementary Education. Working in the education field and with children has always been a passion of mine, and I have worked with all grade levels, from Kindergarten to college, and in all capacities, from a teacher to a tutor to an advisor.
As a teacher, I believe in helping students discover and hone their individual strengths to be able to use them to their advantage, amidst changing educational and social atmospheres. My hope is that by providing students the necessary educational, emotional and spiritual support, they will succeed not only academically and within the classroom, but also outside of it. They will learn to be open-minded and curious, asking questions as they continue on in their journey to being lifelong learners and growing in their faith as children of God.
"Lord, teach me to be generous. Teach me to serve you as you deserve; to give and not to count the cost, to fight and not to heed the wounds, to toil and not to seek for rest, to labor and not to ask for reward, save that of knowing that I do Your will." - St. Ignatius of Loyola
Ms. Denise Acuna
Hello Lions! My name is Denise Acuna and I am the junior kindergarten teacher at Our Lady of Lourdes School. I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Liberal Studies with a California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and a Concentration in Ethnic Studies from California State University Northridge. With several years of experience in the educational field, I have developed and maintained a great passion for teaching.
I firmly believe that every child is entitled to an enriching educational experience. My goal as a teacher is to create a safe and fun learning environment where students feel eager and motivated to learn each day. I believe in providing students with plenty of academic, social, and spiritual support as a way to build and create lifelong learners. By incorporating the catholic faith in to our every day curriculum I believe students will excel inside and outside the classroom.
I firmly believe that every child is entitled to an enriching educational experience. My goal as a teacher is to create a safe and fun learning environment where students feel eager and motivated to learn each day. I believe in providing students with plenty of academic, social, and spiritual support as a way to build and create lifelong learners. By incorporating the catholic faith in to our every day curriculum I believe students will excel inside and outside the classroom.
Mrs. Sara Lopez
Hello Lions! It is a great honor to be part of Our Lady of Loudes school. I have been working with children since I graduated from high school. I have a bachelors degree in child development and a master degree and credential in education. I have worked since 1996 with children of all ages. I started as paraeducater and later became a teacher at OLMM school. At that school I had the privilege of working with 3rd grade. After 10 years I was looking for a challenge. I was a principal at St. Matthias Elementary school. Both places gave me an opportunity to work with students and parents. I feel that God called me now to be part of OLL school. I am excited to be the junior kinder year one teacher/ testing strategies / life skills teacher. I am eager to teach and touch the lifes of all the students of OLL school.
Ms. Manuela Hernandez
My name is Manuela Hernandez, and I am pleased to have been chosen to be a teacher's assistant and a coordinator for the Our Lady of Lourdes After School Program.
I grew up in East Los Angeles, and attended Roosevelt High School. When I was young I also attended Our Lady of Lourdes Church and made my first holy communion here. When I was older, I moved to Ontario, California, where I graduated from Chaffey High School and also attended Chaffey College majoring in Accounting. I have 2 children--my daughter is attending Cal State University, Los Angeles and is majoring in biology, and my son is attending Pasadena Community College and is majoring in graphic design
I've always enjoyed being around children! I started at Our Lady of Lourdes School by bringing my nephews and niece to school, and I introduced myself to the faculty and staff--I was hired in September of 2011. We, as a faculty and staff, all work together to make this year and every year at Our Lady of Lourdes School an exciting and educational experience for the children.
I grew up in East Los Angeles, and attended Roosevelt High School. When I was young I also attended Our Lady of Lourdes Church and made my first holy communion here. When I was older, I moved to Ontario, California, where I graduated from Chaffey High School and also attended Chaffey College majoring in Accounting. I have 2 children--my daughter is attending Cal State University, Los Angeles and is majoring in biology, and my son is attending Pasadena Community College and is majoring in graphic design
I've always enjoyed being around children! I started at Our Lady of Lourdes School by bringing my nephews and niece to school, and I introduced myself to the faculty and staff--I was hired in September of 2011. We, as a faculty and staff, all work together to make this year and every year at Our Lady of Lourdes School an exciting and educational experience for the children.
Mrs. Sylvia Loa
My name Mrs. Sylvia Loa and I am the Teacher Assistant for Junior Kinder and Kindergarten. I have been a part of the Our Lady of Lourdes school family for the past 13 years as a parent. My 3 children have graduated from this wonderful school and now I am happy to be part of the staff.
My Previous experience in working for the church has been through my employment as an Executive Secretary for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles/Vocations Department under the administration of Cardinal Roger Mahoney. I am excited to continue working with the Our Lady of Lourdes Family and look forward to meeting you and working with your children.
Our Lady of Lourdes School 315 S. Eastman Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90063 Phone: (323) 526-3813 Fax: (323) 526-3814
