Fr. Ismael Gutierrez

https://saintelizabethoak.org/

Mrs. Jennifer Packard

Mrs. Jennifer Packard brings more than 25 years of experience in Catholic educational leadership to her role as Principal of St. Elizabeth Elementary School. Her career spans leadership positions within the Jesuit Schools Network, the Diocese of San Jose, and the Salesian school tradition of California.

A proud product of Catholic education herself, Mrs. Packard is an alumna of a Diocese of San Jose Catholic school, St. Francis High School in Mountain View, Santa Clara University, and the University of San Francisco. She is a practicing Catholic who believes deeply in the transformative power of faith-based education.

In addition to her work in schools, she has served on numerous nonprofit boards over the past 30 years, including SELPA IV, Arts Council of Silicon Valley, Junior League, National Charity League, and her home parish of St. Christopher.

Outside of school, Mrs. Packard enjoys adjudicating high school musical theatre for the Rita Moreno Awards, reading new novels with her Moms Book Club, playing bunco with her neighbors, and taking Sunday walks with her family on Rio Del Mar Beach in Aptos—a tradition started during the COVID-19 pandemic and still cherished today. She and her husband, who works in environmental engineering, have three adult children, all graduates of Catholic schools.

Mr. Aswad Aarif

Mr. Aswad Aarif serves as a Restorative Practices Specialist with Catholic Charities East Bay, bringing over 13 years of experience applying Restorative Justice principles in schools and communities. As a skilled practitioner, group facilitator, and trainer, he is recognized for cultivating spaces that promote healing, accountability, and personal transformation.

With more than 25 years in human services, Mr. Aarif has worked extensively in crisis response, grief support, and youth development. His work is rooted in a strong commitment to justice, culturally responsive healing practices, and the empowerment of youth, individuals, and families affected by trauma. At St. Elizabeth School, he partners with staff and students to build a school culture grounded in care, dignity, and relationship.

Mr. Andrew Apollonio

Mr. Andrew Apollonio joins St. Elizabeth School as the 7th and 8th Grade English Language Arts and Social Studies teacher, as well as the 8th Grade Religion teacher. He holds an Honors Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Politics, and the Public from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. He is currently pursuing a Master’s in Education through the Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) Teaching Fellowship at the University of Notre Dame.

As he begins his first year in the classroom, Andrew brings a deep commitment to Catholic education and a passion for helping students grow in both faith and academics. In his free time, he enjoys reading, hiking, traveling, and playing basketball.

Mr. Clinton Badea

Mr. Clinton Badea serves as the Middle School Counselor at St. Elizabeth School, bringing four years of experience in school-based counseling across elementary, middle, and high school settings in California. His work focuses on supporting students’ social-emotional development, academic success, and overall well-being through individual counseling, group sessions, and collaboration with families and staff.

Clinton is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where students feel heard, valued, and empowered to grow. His counseling approach is rooted in empathy, trust, and respect for each student’s unique journey.

He holds a Master’s in Psychology with a concentration in Art Therapy from Dominican University of California and a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University. He is also a registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT #137427) with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.

Outside of school, Clinton enjoys attending live music events, exploring fiction through reading, and getting creative through painting, journaling, and cooking. He also values staying active and spending quality time with friends and family.

Mrs. Maria L. Carrillo

With almost 40 years of experience in education, Ms. Maria Carrillo leads the Learning Support Program at St. Elizabeth School with a strong commitment to inclusion, early intervention, and academic equity. Originally from Spain and bilingual in English and Spanish, she specializes in teaching and assessing dual language learners, with a focus on distinguishing between language development needs and learning challenges.

She holds a B.A. in Applied Language Studies, a Montessori teaching credential, and a Master’s in Education and Educational Therapy Certificate. Trained in the Wilson Reading System and Making Math Real, she has worked across Europe and the U.S. as a classroom teacher, learning specialist, and educational consultant.

Since joining St. Elizabeth almost 9 years ago, she has built a comprehensive support program that combines early screening, academic intervention, and collaboration with families, faculty and staff to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed.

In addition to her work at St. Elizabeth, she maintains a private educational therapy practice and serves on the Exceptional Needs Board for the Diocese of Oakland. Her work is guided by a deep belief in the potential of every student and a collaborative approach to supporting diverse learning needs.

Mrs. Minerva Corona

Mrs. Minerva Corona has been a beloved member of the St. Elizabeth Elementary School community for over 14 years. She first connected with the school as a volunteer while studying at UC Berkeley, and quickly discovered her passion for working with children. After graduating, she joined the after-school program as the Kindergarten/1st Grade teacher for three years, later serving as a Title I consultant supporting multiple classrooms.

For the past 11 years, Mrs. Corona has been a dedicated classroom teacher, guiding students in 2nd grade, 1/2 combo classes, and now 2/3 combo classes. Her teaching is rooted in care, creativity, and high expectations, always aiming to help her students grow academically and as compassionate members of the community.

Originally from Los Angeles, Mrs. Corona made the Bay Area her permanent home after falling in love with the mission and spirit of St. Elizabeth School. She is an inaugural recipient of the Saint Francis Teacher Award from the Diocese of Oakland and has furthered her professional expertise through the LMU Technology Integration Specialist Program and the Notre Dame Latino Educator and Administrator Development Program.

Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Corona enjoys spending time with her husband and son, going on walks, and exploring new foods. Her deep commitment to St. Elizabeth and its families continues to inspire both her students and colleagues year after year.

Sister Julie Distel, O.P.

Mrs. Paula Garcia

Mrs. Paul Garcia has been a dedicated member of the St. Elizabeth community since 2003, when she first began coaching CYO Volleyball. Over the past 22 years, she has served in many volunteer roles, including coach, Athletic Director, League Officer (Secretary), Girls Volleyball Referee Coordinator, and Diocese Sand Volleyball Coordinator. She has also shared her leadership as President of the School Board.

Passionate about youth sports, Mrs. Garcia finds great joy in mentoring young athletes and giving back to St. Elizabeth Elementary, where both of her daughters are proud graduates. Beyond athletics, she enjoys arts and crafts, choreography, scrapbooking, and discovering new skills.

Mrs. Garcia earned her Bachelor of Science in Business & Economics from SUNY Empire State College in Saratoga Springs, New York. Outside of her volunteer work, she serves as the Benefits & Leaves Manager for UCSF Health, bringing her same dedication and care to her professional career.

Mrs. Vanessa Cordova Gomez

Class of 2007

Mrs. Vanessa Cordova Gomez is a proud St. Elizabeth School alumna, Class of 2007, and this year marks her 12th year serving the school community. She began her journey at St. Elizabeth in the Before and After School (21st Century) Program, supporting students across all grade levels. She later worked as an instructional aide in Middle School before stepping into her current role as a classroom teacher. Vanessa has been teaching Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten for the past nine years and now leads our combined two-year Kindergarten plus 1st Grade classroom.

Vanessa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Holy Names University and has also completed coursework in Early Childhood Development at Merritt College. Before entering the classroom full time, she was a certified Nurse Assistant and Medical Assistant, bringing a unique perspective of care, empathy, and attention to the needs of the whole child.

Known for her balance of warmth and structure, Mrs. Cordova Gomez believes that clear expectations, routines, and a nurturing environment help students thrive. Her classroom fosters independence, confidence, and a genuine love of learning. She finds great joy in witnessing the smiles and excitement of her students as they discover new things each day.

Outside the classroom, Mrs. Cordova Gomez enjoys running and proudly participates in Running for a Better Oakland alongside her students each spring. She’s a fan of Dancing with the Stars, loves dancing for fun, doing her own nails, and sharing meaningful dinners with her mother. A big Disneyland enthusiast, she enjoys collecting Disney ears and Loungefly bags that add a little magic to her daily life. When she can, she also supports student athletes by attending school sports games—always cheering from the sidelines when timing allows.

This past summer, Vanessa married her best friend—also a proud St. Elizabeth alumnus from the Class of 2009. Their siblings are St. Liz graduates as well, making them a true St. Elizabeth alumni family. For Mrs. Cordova Gomez, teaching at the very school that shaped her own childhood is both an honor and a joy.

Sister Rose Marie Hennessy, O.P.

S. Rose Marie Hennessy is retired, but continues to share her talents with the St. Elizabeth community. For this, we are blessed.

Ms. Sara Kaci

Sara Kaci is entering her third year as the School Counselor at St. Elizabeth School. She is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and holds a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Touro University Worldwide. She also earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and International Relations.

Sara is deeply committed to supporting students in both their academic and personal development. Her counseling approach is rooted in empathy, compassion, respect, and trust. She believes in meeting students where they are, honoring their unique experiences, and helping them find their voice and build lasting confidence.

At St. Elizabeth, Sara is dedicated to fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where every student feels valued, heard, and empowered.

Outside of school, she enjoys hiking, spending time in nature, learning new languages, trying new foods, and reading—all of which keep her grounded and continually inspired by the world around her.

Mrs. Jamie Lee

Mrs. Jamie Lee is entering her 11th year at St. Elizabeth School and her 9th year serving as a Learning Specialist with the Mother Pia Program. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Master’s in Special Education from San Francisco State University, with a focus on supporting students with mild to moderate learning needs.

Jamie is passionate about inclusive education and is dedicated to helping every student reach their full potential through compassion, individualized support, and high expectations. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, as well as exploring her love of food through baking, cooking, and trying new restaurants.

Ms. Sara Lopez

Sara Lopez was born and raised in Oakland and is a proud St. Elizabeth School alumna, Class of 2010. She began attending St. Elizabeth in 5th grade and has now been serving the school community for over eight years. As the Art and Physical Education teacher, Sara brings passion, creativity, and a deep commitment to student growth in and out of the classroom.

In addition to her teaching role, Sara also leads the school’s fundraising efforts and brings extensive community experience through her long-standing work with the City of Oakland’s Parks and Recreation centers, where she has served since she was 16 years old. She is now in her 14th year with the department.

Sara is dedicated to fostering creativity, building strong relationships, and helping students create meaningful and lasting memories. She finds the greatest joy in watching her students smile, grow, and thrive, and looks forward to the year ahead with great excitement.

Sister Jo McFayden, R.S.C.J.

S. Jo McFayden is beginning her 10th year at St. Elizabeth Elementary School, where she serves as the ELA and Math Intervention teacher for middle school students. She works closely with students who have IEPs or other diagnosed learning needs, providing personalized academic support and fostering a classroom environment built on patience, encouragement, and high expectations.

S. Jo holds a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Educational Psychology from Barat College in Lake Forest, Illinois. Her background equips her with both the knowledge and empathy to support diverse learners and help them grow in confidence and academic ability.

Outside the classroom, S. Jo enjoys jigsaw puzzles, crocheting, reading, and Broadway musicals—hobbies that reflect her love of creativity, focus, and storytelling.

​​Mr. Miguel Menjivar

Mr. Miguel Menjivar began his journey in Catholic education as an after-school program leader at St. Anthony School, where he served for five years. He then transitioned into the classroom as a full-time teacher before joining the faculty at St. Elizabeth School in the 2024–2025 school year. He is now entering his third year as a teacher.

Mr. Menjivar holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts from California State University, East Bay. He brings creativity, energy, and a deep commitment to student growth into his classroom, fostering an environment where students feel seen, heard, and supported.

Outside of school, Mr. Menjivar enjoys spending time with friends—both online and offline—and walking and playing with his dog.

Ms.Stephanie Ona

Ms. Stephanie Ona is in her second year teaching Math and Science to 7th and 8th Grade students at St. Elizabeth School. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from the University of Notre Dame and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Secondary Science Education through the Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) Teaching Fellowship, also at Notre Dame.

Stephanie brings both academic rigor and compassionate teaching to her classroom, encouraging students to grow as critical thinkers and faithful learners. She is passionate about making STEM education accessible and engaging for all students.

Outside of school, she enjoys hiking and exploring antique shops, always curious about the world - both past and present.

Mrs. Diana Perez

Mrs. Silvia Rodriguez

Mrs. Silvia Rodriguez has been a dedicated member of the St. Elizabeth School staff for 29 years, serving as Office Manager and Bookkeeper. A former school parent herself, Silvia treasures the many relationships she has built over the years and is honored to serve a community that feels like family. Known for her reliability and care, she is grateful that families place their trust in her.

Outside of work, Silvia enjoys spending time with her loved ones—especially her two grandchildren, who bring her endless joy. She is also an avid volleyball fan and a proud collector of adorable pig figurines. She feels blessed to work everyday at St. Elizabeth with her husband, Tony.

Mr. Tony Rodriguez

Seminarian Eric Ruiz

Seminarian Eric Ruiz is currently completing his pastoral year at St. Elizabeth Parish as part of his formation for the priesthood in the Diocese of Oakland. A native of the East Bay, originally from Richmond/San Pablo, Eric is a first-generation Mexican-American and feels deeply blessed by the Lord’s call to serve as a future priest.

Eric has been in seminary formation for six years. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio, and is now pursuing graduate studies in theology at St. Patrick’s Seminary and University in Menlo Park, with the goal of ordination in 2028.

During his time at St. Elizabeth School, Seminarian Eric will serve as the coordinator of the Acolyte Training Program. He looks forward to helping students grow in their love and understanding of the Sacred Liturgy and to nurturing a deeper appreciation for the beauty of the Holy Mass.

Mrs. Genoveva Salcedo

Mrs. Genoveva Salcedo has been a beloved member of the St. Elizabeth School community for 18 years. She began as a room parent and has served in many roles over the years—including yard duty, daycare staff, and 10 years with the 21st Century after-school program. For the past seven years, she has served as a dedicated teacher assistant, supporting students in Transitional Kindergarten through 3rd grade with care and enthusiasm.

Mrs. Salcedo brings warmth, patience, and a deep love for the St. Elizabeth community to her work each day. She is especially proud to be part of a true St. Liz family—her four children are graduates of the school, and her husband is also an alumnus.

Outside of school, she enjoys cooking, as well as arts and crafts that allow her creativity to shine.

Ms. Kayleigh Svensson

Ms. Kayleigh Svensson joined St. Elizabeth School in 2024 as the 5th Grade Teacher. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Wellesley College and a Master’s in Tropical Marine Ecology from the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science.

With a strong foundation in the sciences, Kayleigh brings a unique perspective to the classroom—blending scientific inquiry with creativity and faith-based values. She is passionate about fostering a classroom community rooted in respect, kindness, curiosity, and a genuine love of learning.

Outside the classroom, Kayleigh enjoys traveling, discovering new cultures and cuisines, and spending time in nature. She also finds joy in painting, reading, scuba diving, and practicing yoga.

Sister Paula Toner, R.S.C.J.