Leadership
Meet our
Leadership and Administration
Josh Englund,
Principal
Father Rey Evangelista, Head of Parish
Patricia Corral, Preschool Director
Kathryn Nielson,
Vice Principal
Offices & Facilities
Ana Laura De La Teja, Office Manager & Registrar
Fernanda Oliver, Office Assistant
Joshua Howell, Human Resources & Bookkeeping
Concepción Elias Camacho,
Facilities Manager
Gloria Martinez,
Facilities
"We are truly grateful for our dedicated office, maintenance and facilities teams, whose hard work and care keep our campus safe, beautiful, and welcoming for every student, family, and staff member."
- St. Mary, Star of the Sea Faculty
Meet our teachers
Preschool
Patricia Corral, Preschool Director
William Fry, Assistant Preschool Director
Rachel Keener, Preschool Teacher
Alondra Rivera, Preschool
Kathryn Nielson,
3rd Grade
Nichole Nevarez,
4th Grade
Elementary
Kathryn Naughton, Kindergarten
Payton Yardley,
2nd Grade
Maria Cordoba,
1st Grade
Middle school
Janice Alonso-Caringer, 5th Grade
Brenda Klicsu, Middle School
Math and Science
Danielle Palkowski, Middle School
Religion and Literature
Matthew Farnum, Middle School
ELA and History
Music
Lora Criger, K - 8 Music
Hello everyone! My name is Lora Criger, and I am the Music Instructor. I have a BS in Recreation Education from the University of Kansas, and a MS in Rehabilitation Counseling from East Carolina University. I have had formal training and practical experience utilizing Music Therapy throughout my career in educational and therapeutic settings. We are a USMC family, and chose to put our roots down here in California when my husband retired from service in 2016. Because we had been stationed at Camp Pendleton more times than anywhere else, and since we have been longtime members of the St. Mary, Star of the Sea community, this was the perfect choice for us. I am the mother of two amazing boys. Both went to St. Mary’s preschool and elementary school at various times throughout the years, and we are proud to be “Stars”. My oldest son is a senior at California State University Monterey Bay, and my younger son will be a senior at Cathedral Catholic High School. Every member of our family plays a musical instrument, (some better than others- heehee), but a love of music runs deep in our family. In my spare time I continue to take classes for fun and enrichment at Mira Costa. I have collected nearly 30 credit hours in Early Childhood Education, and I also teach at our preschool. I have two beagles, Jackson and Edward, named after two of my favorite artists. I have a passion for all genres of music and the performing arts. I am really looking forward to teaching your children about music theory, influential composers and musicians throughout history, introducing them to instruments and new melodies, the joy of performance, and hopefully imparting an appreciation of the greats in music!!
Spanish & Art
Alison Tyner, K - 8 Spanish and Art
Alison Tyner is the K–8 Spanish and Art teacher at St. Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic School. She brings creativity, enthusiasm, and a passion for cultural and artistic education to her classroom, inspiring students to explore language and the arts with curiosity and confidence. Alison believes in hands-on, engaging lessons that allow students to express themselves while building valuable skills in communication, critical thinking, and collaboration. In addition to her dedication to teaching, Alison fosters a nurturing and inclusive environment where every student feels encouraged to take risks and discover their talents. She is committed to helping her students develop not only academically, but also socially and emotionally, preparing them for success both inside and outside the classroom. Spanish and art are essential components of a well-rounded education because they nurture both the mind and the spirit. Learning Spanish helps students develop cognitive skills, improve communication, and gain cultural awareness, preparing them to engage confidently in an increasingly connected world. Art, on the other hand, fosters creativity, self-expression, and critical thinking, while also supporting emotional growth and building confidence. Together, these subjects encourage students to explore new ideas, appreciate diverse perspectives, and develop the skills and curiosity that will serve them throughout their academic journey and beyond.
Physical Education
Payton Yardley, K - 8 Physical Education
Physical education is a cornerstone of a well-rounded education, offering far-reaching benefits that extend well beyond the classroom. Regular participation in PE helps students develop strength, flexibility, coordination, and endurance, while promoting cardiovascular health and reducing the risk of obesity and other chronic health issues. Equally important are the mental and emotional benefits: physical activity has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, increase focus and concentration, and build self-confidence. PE also teaches students invaluable life skills such as teamwork, leadership, perseverance, and goal-setting, as they learn to cooperate with others, compete respectfully, and overcome challenges both individually and collectively. Moreover, it encourages children to embrace healthy lifestyle habits that can last a lifetime, fostering an appreciation for movement, exercise, and overall wellness. Physical education provides a structured environment where students can explore new sports, develop their abilities, and discover personal interests, all while reinforcing the importance of discipline, effort, and resilience. By integrating PE into the curriculum, schools equip students with the tools to thrive physically, emotionally, and socially, nurturing well-rounded individuals prepared for the challenges of life both inside and outside the classroom.
Star care
Patricia Saldana, Star Care
Keesha Torres, Star Care
Fernanda Oliver, Star Care