Staff Directory

Mrs. Lisa Gilbert graduated from the University of San Diego with a B.A. in Diversified Liberal Arts and a minor in English. She taught in the Diocese of San Diego for five years before obtaining her first Master’s degree from the United States International University in Marriage and Family Therapy. Following graduate school, Mrs. Gilbert worked in the counseling field for twelve years; with individuals, couples, families, and groups. She stayed home for several years when her children were young and in 2005 Mrs. Gilbert began teaching at the Catholic school that her children attended. After several years in the classroom, Mrs. Gilbert returned to graduate school to pursue her second Master’s in Educational Leadership from Pepperdine University. Mrs. Gilbert holds a California Professional Clear Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and an Administrative Services Credential. She is a certified teacher of English Language Learners. She has been an educator for twenty-two years, the majority of which have been in Catholic schools. This is her second year as principal of St. Joachim School. Prior to that, Mrs. Gilbert was a principal in the Diocese of Fall River, Massachusetts; South Boston, Massachusetts; and the Diocese of San Diego. Her favorite motto is: “Never, ever, ever give up.”

Mrs. Jeanmarie Rametta graduated from Pasadena City College with a AA in fine arts. She then traveled to Provence, France to study art and earn her Bachelor of Fine Arts. Mrs. Rametta has been the Pre Kindergarten/Transitional Kindergarten teacher and director for the past 27 years right here at Saint Joachim School. She had the pleasure of watching her own children, as well as those she taught, grow in faith and academic achievement at Saint Joachim.

This year’s favorite quote:

I will teach you in a room.
I will teach you now on Zoom!
I will teach you in your house.
I will teach you with a mouse (computer mouse)
I will teach you here and there.
I will teach you because I CARE!

Mrs. Edeline Cheng graduated from the University of Houston with a B.S. in Kinesiology - Exercise Science and a B.S. in Health. She received her M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction - Literacy from the University of Houston (Victoria) in 2015. Mrs. Cheng holds a CA Clear Multiple Subject Credential with the following certifications: English Language Learners (ELL), Reading Specialist, and Special Education. She is also a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES). Mrs. Cheng has taught for 10 years and is going on six years at St. Joachim. She lives by the motto “Do what you love and you never have to work a day in your life” and her favorite Bible verse “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Ms. Megan Hayes graduated from Cal State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo with a B.S.in Liberal Studies. She obtained her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from National University. She worked two years teaching first grade in Long Beach, with several years supervising a dance program at the Boys and Girls Club and tutoring kindergartners and first graders. This is her first year at St. Joachim School. Her favorite quote is: “Dedicate yourself above all else to becoming the-best-version-of-yourself” (Matthew Kelly).

Carolyn Faber has a rich background in Catholic education. She attended Catholic elementary school First through 8th grade and is a high school graduate of Rosary Academy. Carolyn has an Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies from Fullerton College, a Bachelor of Science in Business and Information Systems from the University of Phoenix and a Master of Arts in Elementary Education from Brandman University. Carolyn’s deep set values in the Catholic faith and education drive her ministry for teaching. She is devoted to making a positive difference in the lives of children. Carolyn has taught all grade levels including Special Needs Pre-K through 8th grade. In addition to teaching Catechism at St. Cecelia’s and La Purisma, she has taught 2nd grade at St. Norbert, Kindergarten at St. Polycarp, Transitional Kindergarten at St. Irenaeus and has found a home teaching at St. Joachim for the past three years teaching 3rd and 2nd grades.

Ms. Katherine Mendenhall graduated from the University of California, Irvine with a B.A. in Psychology and Social Behavior. She obtained her Master’s degree from California State University, Fullerton in Educational Technology. Ms. Mendenhall holds a California Professional Clear Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, and has passed the examination for Foundational Science. She is a certified teacher of English Language Learners. She has been an educator for four years. This is her first year at St. Joachim School. Prior to that, Ms. Mendenhall worked at the Aquarium of the Pacific as an educator, and a classroom teacher before that. Her favorite quote is "It is the supreme art of the teacher - to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge." - Albert Einstein

Mrs. Jill Cavanaugh graduated from UCLA with a B.A. in English in 1986 and began teaching high school English while completing credential coursework (1988). She holds a California Professional Clear Single Subject Teaching Credential in English. In her 8 ½ years as a high school teacher, she taught 9th through 12th grades and remedial through honors courses in addition to serving as the coordinator of the Early College Academy and Professional Development committees and serving on the School Site Council. After moving to Costa Mesa, she started teaching at Saint Joachim in 1996 and has served in part time roles of 5th grade teacher, 3rd grade teacher, 6th grade Language Arts teacher, Accreditation co-coordinator, Choir co-teacher, and various other capacities at various times. This is her second year returning to full time Language Arts teaching in the Junior High at Saint Joachim School. Mrs. Cavanaugh motto is: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” (Attributed to Ghandi)

After receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Seattle, Mr. Micco earned his M.Ed in Catholic School Teaching from the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas. He taught in the Diocese of Galveston-Houston Catholic schools for two years, while obtaining his M.Ed., before returning home to Orange County, CA to work in the Diocese of Orange. He has been working for the Diocese of Orange, either as a teacher or as a Blended Learning consultant, since this return. Mr. Micco’s experience teaching at Blended Learning Universe-accredited schools have made him very passionate about utilizing technology alongside multimodal teaching strategies to meet students’ individual learning needs. Mr. Micco currently holds a 1st-12th Grade Social Studies teaching credential from the state of California, as well as a Basic Catechist Certificate from the Diocese of Orange.

Jeff Hopkins is a Southern California native who graduated from California State University, Long Beach. He has taught a variety of school programs, including teaching 7 th and 8 th grade English Language Arts here at St. Joachim Catholic School from 2005-2012. Mr. Hopkins is the current Learning Support and Enrichment teacher. He also teaches 7 th grade Writing and Grammar and works with some of St. Joachim School’s Dedicated Distance Learners. Mr. Hopkins is married with two children and enjoys writing stories. He is the author of the children’s fantasy adventure novel, The Hero, a Hag, and Foggle-nogger: The Race for Croggerpooey.

Andy Otto is in his second year at St. Joachim School. Coach Otto brings 17 years of teaching and 32 years of coaching experience. He and his wife Rian live in San Clemente with their two boys Drew and Dylan. His favorite motto is, “Hard work beats talent, when talent doesn’t work hard.”

Mrs. Mireya Olague graduated from Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua with a Bachelor's Degree in Communications. She has certifications in Client Service, Motivational Communication and Creative Writing in Spanish. She worked in media for eight years as a children's tv producer, director and writer for Televisa México. Four years as a magazine editorial director of a children’s magazine in Cd. Juárez, Chih. And taught Creative Writing for two years before moving to California. This is Mrs. Olague’s fourth year as Spanish teacher of St. Joachim School. Her favorite motto: “Learn to rest not quit.”