Fr. David Elias
School Administrator
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.
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. 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.
Mrs. Zarich
Spanish Teacher
My name is Mrs. Gabriela Zarich and I am really happy to be part or St Mary’s excellent group of educators.
I am a teacher of Spanish, a language that I love speaking but most important of all, a language that I love teaching! I was born and grew up in Argentina, so Spanish is my native language. I am also a Teacher of English as a Second Language and a Spanish-English Translator.
I have been teaching for more than 20 years and I am always delighted to watch my students learn . I am a firm believer that we learn much better if we are active participants and really like what we are doing.
In class, I will use my years of experience to create the right environment where teacher and students will be communicating using the language they are learning and to ensure they are enjoying the process.
Ms. Cecilia
TK Teacher
My name is Ms. Cecilia, and I am the Tk teacher at St. Mary School. I received my Preschool Teaching certificate from Pierce college, and have nine years of experience. I truly enjoy what I do and love to see the excitement in the children when it is time to learn something new. I enjoy music, arts and crafts, I incorporate it all around the classroom.
My goal is to prepare my students for Kindergarten, with a structured curriculum, hands-on learning and playful learning. I believe that when teachers and parents work together it creates a solid foundation to succeed throughout their academic road.
I am Mexican-American, born and raised in Santa Monica, California. I speak English and Spanish, but I look forward to learning some Arabic.
I love going to Disneyland with my daughters and enjoy Hallmark Christmas movies as a family.
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.
Ms. Clotild
Bible Study Teacher
My name is Clotild Abu Ghazaleh. God has blessed me with nearly 20 years of teaching and living Bible study, and I am truly honored to be part of St. Mary’s exceptional group of educators. I have always been passionate about nurturing children in a loving, faith-based environment. As a mother of two, I understand the importance of creating a space where children can grow both spiritually and academically.
With degrees in Early Childhood Education from LAVC and Theology from Bethlehem University, my goal is to inspire students to live in Christ’s image, guiding them to deepen their faith and moral values. I am also an author of several books, including Bible-based learning guides and activities for preschoolers, which aim to bring God’s word to life for young learners. I am committed to fostering a safe, inclusive environment where every child feels valued, supported, and encouraged to live out God’s word in their daily lives.