St. Martin of Tours Academy & Preschool
U.S. Dept. of Education Green Ribbon School | Fair Trade School | La Mesa, CA
* FAITH-FILLED * COMMUNICATOR * CONFIDENT * LIFELONG LEARNER *
Governance
St. Martin of Tours Academy fosters confidence, curiosity, and independence through a climate of cooperation and trust by preserving dignity throughout the learning process, accentuating all children’s God-given gifts in a Catholic environment.
SMA Advisory Board
The purpose of the SMA Advisory Board is to recognize and respect the role of the Pastor and Principal and exercise responsible advisory recommendations in collaboration with the school leadership team for development and oversight of the fidelity to mission, academic excellence, and operational vitality. (NSBECS Standards 5 & 6)
Joseph Horejs
Catholic Identity
Phil Giordano
Finance
Lauren Ramers
Academic Excellence
Learn about Joseph Joseph Horejs was born and raised in San Diego, California and grew up at Good Shepherd Parish in Mira Mesa. He attended the University of San Diego, and majored in Theology & Religious Studies and Spanish. Joseph obtained his Masters in Education with a focus in Character Education while heI taught middle school at Nativity Prep Academy. He began working for the Diocese of San Diego in 2005 and is currently the Associate Director of the Office for Evangelization & Catechetical Ministry. Most importantly, Joseph is the proud father of four wonderful children, three of whom attend Catholic School and he is married to a Catholic school teacher. Joseph looks forward to serving the community of St. Martin of Tours Academy.
Learn about Phil Phil is a long-time parishioner who was actually baptized at St. Martin’s of Tours and attended our Academy as a child himself. He currently also serves as Chairman on the Church Finance Council. Phil has loved seeing multiple nieces & nephews attend St. Martin’s over the years and 3 of them are still currently attending. ​ He has owned his La-Mesa based business, SFS Life Settlements, for 15 years and prior to that worked in the commercial banking & real estate industries. Phil is also a member of the San Diego Financial Planning Association and La Mesa Village Association.Phil received his B.S. in International Finance from Brigham Young University where he also played football throughout his college education. Phil resides with his wife of 22 years, Charlene, at their home in La Mesa.
Learn about Lauren Lauren H. Ramers is adjunct faculty in the Department of Learning and Teaching at the University of San Diego where she studies national and international education reform, social justice in K-12 education, teacher education for diverse populations, and pedagogy research. She has collaborated on several articles regarding Catholic education (in-press and published) based on her work with the Academy of Catholic Teaching at USD. She is currently an adjunct program designer for New Leaders, an organization dedicated to preparing school leaders in America’s highest-need schools. ​ A former high school English and AVID teacher, Director of Professional Development at AVID Center, K-12 instructional coach, and international AVID consultant, Lauren has dedicated her professional career to serving all students and especially those least served by our school systems. Lauren earned her B.A. in English and Education from UCLA, her M.A. in Education and Teaching from Stanford University, her principal’s certification from the University of Washington, and she is currently working on her Ph.D. at the University of San Diego in leadership studies. Lauren’s oldest son attends St. Augustine Catholic High School, and she is hopeful to have an OLP Pilot next year!
SMA PTG
The purpose of the SMA Parent Group is to work with and assist the principal and teachers, to raise funds to support the school, and to provide for parent education.
(NSBECS Standards 5 & 6)
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Erin McCarthy
President
Ann Shafer
Treasurer
Gen Suzuki
Fair Trade/Green Ribbon Liaison
Sally O'Brian & Kelly Triggs
Co-Room Parents Coord.
Amy Reh & Kevin Soares
Gala Chairpersons
Open Position
Grant Writing
Katie Scheie
President Emeritus
Open Position
Traffic Volunteer Coordinators
Kevin Kennedy
Vice President
Kelly Triggs
Secretary
Alex Prsha & Jeni Bartel
Faith & Family
Tia Hall & Kristina Nevarro
Fall Festival Coords.
Katie Scheie
Turkey Trot (Fall) Lead (Coord. w/APEX)
Ciara Frank
Preschool/Academy Liaison
Elyssa Wheatley
Publicity
Alex Prsha
Volunteer Coordinator
Advancement & Development
Learn about
Tom Ritz
Physical Plant
Learn about Tom Thomas Ritz and and his wife, Kathleen, have been a part of the St. Martin of Tours Community for over 60 years. Tom is an Alumnus of the Academy as are their five children. Tom and Kathleen recently celebrated 45 years of marriage and they are proud grandparents of 3 children. ​ Tom has been active as an adult in youth Scouting for over 24 years. He can often be found wearing his scout master uniform leading young children in activities that strengthen their moral, academic, and social abilities. ​ Knowledge and experience from over 45 years in the maintenance and construction field plus a humble willingness to give back to the St. Martin Community brought Tom to the SMA Advisory Board. He recently retired from the City of San Diego as the Building Maintenance Supervisor for Qualcomm Stadium. Tom is a true asset to our unique 70 year old building.