Faculty and Staff

The St. Rafael family is composed of dedicated individuals who nurture, love and work to support the growth of our students and families. We welcome you to contact us via email or by calling our main office so that an office team member can identify the best opportunity for our staff to connect with you.

Meet Our Family of Teachers & Staff


Elizabeth Aviles, Principal


Amanda Opgenorth, Academic Dean


Mark Andrade, Dean of Operations


Diana Medina, Office Manager


Ana Rios, Administrative Assistant


Martha Tellez, Admissions Officer


Nayda Balasch, K4 Teacher


Janice Tickner, K5 Teacher


Charmagne Espiritouso, First Grade Teacher


Marinel Pobre, Second Grade Teacher


Daniel Peerenboom, Third Grade Teacher


Matt Sturm, Third Grade Teacher


Lauren Bushmaker, Fourth Grade Teacher


Mary Conway, Fourth Grade Teacher


Nortey Dowuona, Fifth Grade Teacher


Crystal Brinkman, Sixth Grade Teacher


Jason Myers, Sixth Grade Teacher


Aira De Dios, Seventh Grade Teacher


Ana Barayoga, Seventh Grade Teacher


Mihajlo Sulejic, Eighth Grade Teacher


Lisa Mathewson, Art Teacher


Jason Goldsmith, Music Teacher


David Shepard, P.E. Teacher


Dave Pangallo, School Counselor


Beverly Laske, Educational Assistant 


Victoria Chavez, Educational Assistant 


Itzayana Torres, Educational Assistant 


Dorcas Cirino, Educational Assistant 


Cindy Lang, Educational Assistant 


Denneshia Mccarty, School Nutrition worker


DaJona Crump, School Nutrition worker


Maria Alcala Gonzalez, School Nutrition worker