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
VICE PRESIDENT, DEVELOPMENT

Deacon Christopher Pagel serves the Vice President of Development at Pax Christi Academies. An Orange County resident his whole life, Deacon Chris is a convert to the Catholic faith who is fueled by his passion for Christ and the beautiful, unchanging teachings of the Catholic Church. After graduating from Catholic elementary school and Servite High School, Deacon Chris worked in management with the Walt Disney Company for over nine years when, in 2009, he felt God’s call to serve non-profit organizations which led to a career in strategic major-gift fundraising and higher education and eventually a calling to the diaconate.

He is an Eagle Scout, 4th degree Knight of Columbus, wine Sommelier, and Certified Catechist who has been teaching the Catholic faith to adults and teens at parishes in the Diocese of Orange for over eighteen years. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business as well as a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from Chapman University and a Master’s in Pastoral Studies from the University of St. Thomas and St. Mary’s Seminary. Deacon Chris is husband to his wife, Ashley, and father to their five children.

JEANE KAAIWELA
SR. BUSINESS ACCOUNTING MANAGER

With over 25 years of accounting experience and over 17 years in the Non-Profit Industry, Mrs. Kaaiwela’s non-profit career began on the island of Oahu, Hawaii working for the Goodwill Industries of Hawaii. Accounting was not her first career choice, but the work was perfect for her skills and eventually being the accountant for a prevalent non-profit organization for 12 years was the most rewarding part of her profession.

Amid the pandemic, Mrs. Kaaiwela and her family made the move to California in the summer of 2020 and was hired at the Diocese of Orange as the Sr. Accounting Manager and Business Manager for the Shared Services Department. As the Department grew, Mrs. Kaaiwela’s role also grew into what it is today, serving over 25 locations in the Diocese of Orange. Her experience gives her the drive to improve and raise the standards of accounting processes and procedures, which allows for better financial management and stability across all the schools and parishes being served.

JEFFREY JIN
FINANCE MANAGER

Mr. Jin serves as the Interim Finance Manager for Pax Christi Academies and as the Director of Shared Services for the Diocese of Orange. He brings over 15 years of senior leadership experience in finance, administration, and operations, including service as a Chief Administrative Officer within the University of California system, where he led complex financial, operational, and organizational functions. In addition, he has more than a decade of experience in education, serving in leadership roles as an academic program director and adjunct faculty member.

Originally from Seattle, Washington, Mr. Jin and his wife have lived in Southern California for the past 16 years. A proud product of Catholic education, he attended both Catholic elementary and Catholic high school which was an experience that shaped his values of stewardship, service, and community and continues to inform his leadership today. He and his wife are raising four children in Catholic education, and he currently serves as President of the Parent Advisory Board at his children’s Catholic school and is an active parishioner at Santa Clara de Asís in Yorba Linda.

Guided by faith and collaboration, Mr. Jin is dedicated to strengthening the financial sustainability and long-term vitality of Catholic education.