Fr. David Elias
School Administrator
Ms. Najjar
I am Hala Najjar, I am glad to be a part of the St. Mary school. I have seven years of experience in teaching. I like to teach basics of Math, science, and reading. Also, I do crafts for all seasons since kids can learn through painting, coloring, and gluing. I provide a safe and comfortable learning environment for students and create beneficial classroom activities. I am also a mother of two daughters.
Mrs. Assad
Principal
My name is Mrs. Eriny Assad, and I have a multiple subject teaching credential from CSUN. I have been teaching at St. Mary School since it first started in 2011. I believe in always being very caring and nurturing to my students, because with kindness and patience, all students can become better learners. I believe that using positive reinforcement helps students come to enjoy going to school. I truly enjoy being around children and believe that fairness and respect is a basic right at any age. As the principal of St. Mary School, it is my goal to have all students engage in a Christ Centered Education. Through daily prayers and our bible teachings I am confident that all students will succeed in living in Christ’s image.
Mrs. Dina
TK
My Name is Mrs. Dina, and I am very excited to be a part of the St. Mary School. I am thrilled to teach TK. I love this age because they are eager to learn and explore. I am a mom of 3 beautiful children. I have been teaching for 5 years, and I have been teaching TK for 3 years with LAUSD. I speak 3 languages. I like to sing and dance, so I incorporate music in my classroom. My goal for my students is to enjoy learning and be ready for kindergarten. Children learn when they play. Playful learning helps children develop social, emotional, physical, and cognitive skills.
Mrs. Aguirre
Pre-K (K3)
Hello, my name is Mrs. Aguirre, and I am the Pre-K Teacher at St. Mary's School.
Before joining the staff back in October 2018, I taught in a TK and Kindergarten classroom with
LAUSD for over ten years.
I am married and have three beautiful children love spending time with my family, traveling,
going to Disneyland, hiking, biking, snorkeling, and listening to music.
I am so excited to be back on Campus at St. Mary's School. I am grateful for the opportunity
to return after a year and a half leave due to the Pandemic.
I will continue to use my years of experience and creativity in a safe learning environment. I will provide a structured curriculum that includes hands-on learning where they can explore and be creative. They will develop the social and emotional skills that will give them the foundation to be confident and successful students.
Mrs. Pouncy
KG & 1st Grade
My name is Mrs. Annette Pouncy- Grinner. I am a wife, mother of two daughters, grandmother of three, and an educator of many. I have been teaching kindergarten at St. Mary School since 2016. Prior to St. Mary, I was employed at Happy Bear School/ First Lutheran School for 17 years as site supervisor. I also worked at Fairfax Educational Center for seven years as kinder/ first grade combination class teacher, and at LAUSD for 11 years as an educational aide and extended day care provider. I earned degrees in both business and child development; I hold two permits from the Commission of The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). My education includes West Los Angeles College, Los Angeles Valley College, UCLA extension, and Kaplan University, respectively.
I love riding with my Harley Davidson family, visiting various places across California, reading health watch, traveling, and exploring God's creations.
Ms. Farmer
4th & 5th Grade
My name is Miss Carol Farmer, and I'm very happy to be teaching the 4th and 5th grade class here at St. Mary School. I am a graduate of Cal State Northridge, with a BA degree in world history, and I also attended the elementary teaching credential program at Cal State Fullerton. I began teaching in 1998, and I've taught in preschool, elementary and special education, in both public and private schools.
I believe that parents and teachers work together as a team to help children build a strong foundation of faith and a love of learning, so that each child can grow in kindness and character, as well as academically. With love and guidance, our students will enjoy school, learn a lot, and reach their full potential.
Ms. Marla
Elementary
Hi! My name is Marla Burgos and I am so excited to be St. Mary’s newest Elementary School Teacher. I am so thrilled for this academic year!
I have been in the education field for the past eight years now and my teaching audience has grown and varied from preschool to university level.
I was also St. Mary’s preschool teacher for the past 2 years and I am so excited to share that I am now teaching elementary! Over the summer, I was given the privilege to meet St. Mary’s elementary age students and learn about them all. I enjoy teaching elementary because of all the fun learning experiences we get to have together, and I love advanced science and math!
I graduated with my B.A. in Child and Family Studies from Cal State LA in 2017. Shortly after I graduated with my Master’s in Child and Family Studies in 2019. Obtaining my education has definitely strengthened me to become a better woman, teacher and leader and has provided me with the resources to help my students perform at a higher level.
I am Mexican-American, born and raised in Los Angeles California. I enjoy spending time with my husband and exploring new restaurants together. We also have a 10 year old tuxedo cat named Sasha.
Coach K.
God has always blessed me with great Physical Educators throughout my youth who truly inspired me.
As a result, after completing my bachelors degree in Health Exercise and Sports Science at The Citadel; I began teaching PE as well.
I use a variety of training methods within my curriculum to inspire living a healthy lifestyle, with an emphasis on the application of the greatest commandments - “Love thy neighbor as thyself”.
I am grateful to be at St. Mary’s and look forward to being an inspiration to everyone I encounter.
