Administration
Joshua Englund
School Prinicipal
My name is Joshua Englund and I am so blessed to become the principal of St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic School and take this next step in leadership as a member of our school community. I feel so fortunate to have been a teacher, parent and parishioner at St. Mary’s. After thirteen years of teaching third, fourth and fifth grades and as a parent of two children who have attended our school since preschool, I am ready for the joy and challenge of leading our school as your new principal. During those years, I have worked to build the school community’s trust, participated in long held traditions, and collaborated with our community to build new cherished traditions.
I will draw on my experience as a previous Athletic Director and Vice Principal in order to smoothly and efficiently begin a new school year. I am so excited and honored to work with our accomplished team of teachers, dedicated staff and parish community. Our school will continue to provide experiences rich in the celebration of our Catholic Faith and devote itself to encouraging faith formation.
St. Mary’s will also continue to provide a rigorous and excellent academic education while ensuring student safety and creating opportunities for students to explore their athletic and creative interests. Thank you for the opportunity to serve our school as your new principal.
Kathryn Nielsen
School Assitant Principal
My name is Kathy Nielsen. I have been the 3rd Grade teacher at St. Mary’s since I began teaching here in 2020. My parochial teaching career began as a dedicated parent volunteer, which progressed to my being a teacher aide. One school year I agreed to teach kindergarten (for one year I thought). However, that experience provided me the opportunity to discover my vocation – teaching young people in an environment that allows me to practice and teach my faith. Nearly, 14 years later I am still energized every morning as I welcome my student family into the classroom. I graduated from the University of Iowa with majors in English, journalism and education. I also hold a California teaching credential and CLAD certificate. Outside of teaching I enjoy my family, which includes my husband, our two grown daughters, and a cadre of pets. I also love visiting my Iowa family, keeping fit, reading, and binge-watching TV series!
Patricia Corral
Preschool Director
Greetings, I’m Patricia Corral, serving as the preschool director and teacher. A proud resident of Oceanside for nearly 57 years, I’ve also been a dedicated parishioner of St. Mary’s for the same period. My roots run deep here, as my older brothers and I, along with my son, attended St. Mary’s Elementary School.
With two certificates in Early Childhood Education, I’ve been a part of the St. Mary’s Preschool family for an impressive 24 years. Beyond the classroom, my interests include sewing, bike riding, and walking.
Working with preschoolers brings boundless joy to my days. Their humor, honesty, innocence, and boundless curiosity make every moment at St. Mary’s Preschool a delight. In the company of these young minds, there are simply no bad days.
Office Staff and Facilities
Ana Laura De la Teja
Office Manager and Registrar
Joshua Howell
Business Manager and HR
Fernanda Oliver
Office Assitant
Concepción Elias Camacho
Facilities Manager
Gloria Martinez
Facilities
Preschool Staff
William Fry
Preschool Assistant Director
My name is William Fry or Mr. William. I am so excited that I have the opportunity to be your child’s preschool teacher this year! We can look forward to a year of fun and exciting learning experiences. I cannot wait to meet everyone, but first I will introduce myself.
I was born and raised here in Southern California and I have lived in Oceanside for 11 years. Right out of high school I started taking classes in child development and in my second semester of college I was offered a job here at St Mary Preschool. This is my sixth year teaching and my fourth year with my own classroom. I graduated from Mira Costa with my AS in child development and plan on continuing to get my BS in childhood and adolescent development. I love teaching and making learning fun for the children.
I believe strongly in play based learning with opportunities for learning to be provided to all children. Attached you will find the Sea Star curriculum, these are basic goals that we will attempt to reach and accomplish this year. Please feel free to reach out if you have any other goals for your child in mind. Every month the overall theme of the classroom will change, the new themes will be inspired by the children’s interests.
Communication is very important, if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out. Every month I will send out a newsletter, reviewing what we did in the classroom. The newsletter will also inform you about important dates and events coming up.
Rachel Keener
Preschool
Greetings, I’m Rachel Keener, and I’m thrilled to embark on my inaugural year as a preschool teacher at St. Mary’s. It’s truly an honor and blessing to guide and nurture the 4-year-olds, laying the foundation for their journey into kindergarten.
In my teaching philosophy, I emphasize the importance of grace, loving care, consistency, and setting boundaries. I firmly believe that this holistic approach will not only foster a positive learning environment but also equip these young minds with the skills and mindset needed to excel in kindergarten.
Beyond the classroom, I take pride in being a devoted Oceanside resident, a loving mom, and a supportive wife. I look forward to the adventures and growth that this school year will bring for both myself and the wonderful children at St. Mary’s.
Alondra Rivera
Preschool
Elementary Teachers
Kathryn Naughton
Kindergarten
I graduated from CSUSM in 2000 and completed my teaching credential in 2001. I have been married to my husband for 28 years. We have a daughter that has graduated from St. Mary’s preschool and elementary school and continued through her Catholic Schooling at Cathedral Catholic High School. Our family has been a part of St. Mary’s Parish since moving to Oceanside 21 years ago.
I have been teaching at St. Mary’s Star of Sea Catholic School for the last 7 years and have done all of my teaching in first grade. I am so excited to be a part of your child’s learning journey. I am a passionate, dedicated educator that cares and loves all of my students above all else. I like to establish a positive, productive learning environment that helps each child get ready for their education journey. I meet each child where they are in the learning process to help them continue to learn with strategies.
I teach so each child will reach the standards of first grade, while educating our students with problem solving and life learning skills. I teach my students how to be responsible for their learning along with valuable life lessons that include social skills that include compassion, curiosity, communication, while giving them the confidence they need to go forward.
Each child learns how to learn in first grade, this is why my role as a teacher is so important. I feel that I am one of the facilitators in your child’s education, incorporating real world applications, while maintaining high expectations. I am very blessed to be able to teach each of your children.
Many Blessings, Mrs. Naughton
“The future of the world is in my classroom today~ Ivan Welton Fitzwater
Maria Cordoba
1st Grade
Payton Yardley
2nd Grade
Kathryn Nielsen
3rd Grade
My name is Kathy Nielsen. I have been the 3rd Grade teacher at St. Mary’s since I began teaching here in 2020. My parochial teaching career began as a dedicated parent volunteer, which progressed to my being a teacher aide. One school year I agreed to teach kindergarten (for one year I thought). However, that experience provided me the opportunity to discover my vocation – teaching young people in an environment that allows me to practice and teach my faith. Nearly, 14 years later I am still energized every morning as I welcome my student family into the classroom. I graduated from the University of Iowa with majors in English, journalism and education. I also hold a California teaching credential and CLAD certificate. Outside of teaching I enjoy my family, which includes my husband, our two grown daughters, and a cadre of pets. I also love visiting my Iowa family, keeping fit, reading, and binge-watching TV series!
Nichole Nevarez
4th Grade
Hello, I’m Nichole Nevarez, the 4th-grade teacher at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Catholic School. Teaching has always been my passion, especially in a faith-based setting. I grew up Catholic, attending St. Francis of Assisi Parish School in Vista, and later pursued my education at Palomar College for four years before transferring to Cal State San Marcos. In 2018, I earned my bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies and my teaching credential.
During my career, I spent four years as a substitute teacher in various school districts. After teaching kindergarten for a year, I discovered my true calling in educating older students. Outside of my teaching responsibilities, I enjoy binge-watching my favorite shows, baking, spending time with friends, family, and my beloved dog.
I am thrilled to be teaching 4th grade this year and am looking forward to a fantastic learning experience with both my students and myself!
Janice Alonso-Caringer
5th Grade
Hello! My name is Janice Alonso-Caringer and I am the 5th grade teacher at St. Mary Star of the Sea. I have been a teacher at St. Mary’s for 6 years now. I taught 3 years of Middle School Math and Science and now, 3 years in 5th grade. Through the years, I have taught many grades Kinder-8th in both private and public schools here in San Diego and in Puerto Rico, which is where I am originally from.
I enjoy teaching 5th the most! My favorite subjects to teach are Math and Science. Before pursuing a teaching career, I went to school for Architecture. Having this type of training made me realize how important it is to introduce and integrate STEM at an elementary level to students. I enjoy watching my students make connections and get a better understanding of the world that surrounds us through STEM and Project Based Learning.
I love our ‘small but quaint’ school and the sense of community and family that our school brings. I currently live in Oceanside with my husband and my two-year-old son. It is my wish that he will be able to attend St. Mary, Star of the Sea in the future, grow in his faith, and learn from all the wonderful people in our school. GO STARS!
Middle School Teachers
Brenda Klicsu
Middle School Math and Science
Hi, I’m Mrs. Klicsu. I am passionate about teaching and feel blessed to be part of the middle school team at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea School. I am a graduate of CSU San Marcos, and reside in Oceanside with my husband. We have two sons who attend local colleges, and together we enjoy traveling, camping, golf, riding bikes, and just spending the day at our beautiful local beaches.
This year I am teaching Earth, Life, and Physical Science, Engineering Design, as well as Math 7/Pre-Algebra and Algebra I. My goal is to have my students PUMPED about science, engineering, and math!!
My science curriculum is based on Middle School Next Generation Science Standards, uses the 5E model for implementation, meets all California State Standards, and is SUPER FUN. Every unit includes the use of Interactive Notebook, teacher-led demos, hands-on labs, and science station rotations and reaches all learning styles-kinesthetic, visual, auditory, logical, and spatial.
My philosophy for teaching math is: EVERYONE IS A MATH PERSON. My goal is to inspire mathematics success for all students through growth mindsets and innovative teaching. I want all my students to enter high school thinking, “I got this!”, and truly believe they can learn math at the highest levels, and that mistakes, struggle and challenge are the most important times for brain growth. My courses meet/exceed all California Standards, and encourage students to consider multiple perspectives in approaching problems and communicate their ideas using appropriate mathematical language.
I love teaching math and science, and I can’t wait for your students to fall in love with them too!
“The more I study nature, the more I stand amazed at the work of the Creator. Science brings men nearer to God.” – Louis Pasteur
Danielle Palkowski
Middle School Religion and Literature
Hello! I am Danielle Palkowski, and am originally from Wisconsin. I come from a blended family with four brothers and two sisters! I was a nanny for twelve years before deciding to become an educator. I have taught all grade levels TK-8, and enjoy being silly with each age group! I have two kitties and love the Green Bay Packers. I received my Bachelors of Arts in Business with an emphasis in Legal Studies from Cal State Fullerton. I received my Masters in Education from National University with a focus in English Language Development.
I am pleased to welcome you to Middle School! I am looking forward to getting to know each and every one of you. Middle School is a time of self-discovery with so many wonderful learning activities to celebrate. In order to have a successful year, my most important goal is to create an inclusive learning environment. I am committed to creating a classroom environment where your child is valued, trusted, and accepted. In order to accomplish this, I incorporate social emotional learning and cultural responsiveness into my lessons.
Matthew Farnum
Middle School ELA and History
Specialty Classes
Lora Criger
K-8 Music
Hello everyone!
My name is Lora Criger, and I am the Music Instructor at St. Mary, Star of the Sea School. I have a BSE in Therapeutic Recreation, a MS in Rehabilitation Counseling, and 32 additional credit hours in Early Childhood Education and Music. I have had formal training and practical experience utilizing Music Therapy throughout my career in educational and therapeutic settings. Our family has been long time members of the St. Mary, Star of the Sea community. I am the mother of two amazing boys. Both went to St. Mary’s Preschool and Elementary School and we are proud to be “Stars”. I really love everything about music and enjoy sparking an appreciation and understanding of music in others. I enjoy introducing children to the history of music, genres of music they may have never heard before, playing new instruments, and hopefully experiencing the joy of performance.
Alison Tyner
K-8 Spanish and Art
Payton Yardley
K-8 Physical Education
Star Care
Fernanda Oliver
Star Care
Keesha Torres
Star Care
Patricia Saldana
Star Care
