OUR TEAM

Meet Our Team

Our team of skilled educators, visionary leaders, and committed staff work tirelessly to inspire students and strengthen our mission. Guided by faith and a passion for excellence, we’re dedicated to shaping compassionate, innovative trailblazers of tomorrow. Together, we strive to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive in a nurturing, Christ-centered environment.

DR. CHRISTINA ARELLANO, Ed.D
PRESIDENT

Christina Arellano, Ed.D., is a dedicated educator with over 25 years of experience in Catholic education and leadership. She has held roles such as principal, assistant superintendent, and founding President of Pax Christi Academies.

Originally from New Delhi, India, Dr. Arellano holds degrees in Economics, an MBA, and advanced degrees in educational leadership, including a doctorate from Loyola Marymount University. Her work focuses on creating inclusive, sustainable models for Catholic schools, emphasizing support for students with exceptional needs.

A leader driven by faith and innovation, Dr. Arellano is committed to transforming schools and ensuring access to quality education in underserved communities.

CLAUDIA GARCIA
VICE PRESIDENT, ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AND LEADERSHIP

With over 20 years of experience in education, Ms.Garcia's career began as a general education teacher in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and later in the Clark County School District in Las Vegas, where she taught for a decade. She then served as a Gifted and Talented Education Specialist for five years within the same district.

Returning to California, Ms.Garcia became Principal at Holy Spirit STEM Academy in Mid-City Los Angeles, where she played a key role in establishing the school as one of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles' pioneering STEM institutions. She then transitioned to the position of STEM Specialist for the Department of Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Ms.Garcia’s extensive experience fuels her passion for empowering both students and educators with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in an ever-changing world.

DEACON CHRISTOPHER PAGEL

VICE PRESIDENT, DEVELOPMENT
MS. JEANE KAAIWELA

SR. BUSINESS ACCOUNTING MANAGER
MR. JEFFREY JIN

FINANCE MANAGER

MRS. CLAUDIA GARCIA

HEAD OF INSTRUCTIONAL EXCELLENCE
MRS. DAISY RAMIREZ

HEAD OF ORGANIZATIONAL EXCELLENT
MRS. RHIANNON SALUE

ADMISSIONS MANAGER

MR. AARON DE LOERA

PRINCIPAL, LA PURISIMA CATHOLIC SCHOOL
MS. ALLISON ESSMAN

PRINCIPAL, ST. ANNE PARISH SCHOOL
MR. DANG NGUYEN

PRINCIPAL, ST. BARBARA CATHOLIC SCHOOL

MS. MARIBEL RETANA

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
MS. ERICA AVIÑA

PRINCIPAL, ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL
MS. VANESSA GOMEZ

PRINCIPAL, ST. JUSTIN MARTYR CATHOLIC SCHOOL

PAX CHRISTI BOARD MEMBERS

STEVE CAMERON, CHAIR
MATTHEW J. HESLIN, VICE CHAIR
STEVE PELLEGRINI, TREASURER
KORY J. KRAMER, SECRETARY
DR. ERIN C.O. BARISANO
ROBERT BRIDENBECKER
ANTHONY DUFAULT
KLARA FARKAS
REV. WILLIAM B. GOLDIN
JOHN HEFFERNAN

GWEN HENNESSEY
SHANNON JENKINS
CRISTY JOHNSON
ROGER T. KIRWAN
BERNARDA “BERNI” NEAL
LINH NGUYEN
REV. MICHAEL D. NGUYEN
DAN O’MELVENY
JANINE POLETTI
TIM RISTOFF
JENNIFER STEPHEN