This school year Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy welcomes 17 new additions to its faculty and staff.
The Hill is proud to welcome Dr. Ingrid Leventhal; Ms. Joanna Cecilio, Associate Director of Residential Life; Mr. Anthony Martinez, Safety and Facilities Employee; Mr. Angel Quinonez, Safety and Facilities Employee; and Ms. Brittany Adkins-Williams, Director of Technology.
They could not be reached for interviews, but below, you can get to know our new faculty and staff who have shared their thoughts on joining the Flintridge Sacred Heart family.
Ruth Luna, Math
A UCLA graduate with a master’s degree in teaching mathematics from Loyola Marymount University, Ms. Luna has taught Pre-Calculus, AP Calculus, and Statistics, and she’s excited to bring her interactive style to FSHA. She shared what drew her here, “I love the strong sense of community that is felt at FSHA and how it is part of everything that is done here – both among the students and also among the faculty/staff. It is evident that people are here to help each other and succeed together.”
Theresa Thibodeaux, Religion and Human Development Coordinator
With experience spanning from high schools to universities, Ms. Thibodeaux brings a collaborative and creative approach to the classroom. Passionate about empowering young women, she explained, “I have a deep appreciation for all girls communities… supporting young women on their journey of becoming the women that they will become is something that I’m really passionate about.”
Thomas Abich, Science
Currently pursuing his PhD while teaching, Mr. Abich describes teaching as a team effort. He shared his thoughts, “I see teaching as a competition. The students and I are on the same team and we are competing against the curriculum. We don’t win unless we understand the curriculum.”
Anna Parsons-Lamb, World Languages
With 16 years of teaching Spanish and a wealth of global experiences, Señora Parsons-Lamb is excited to inspire confidence in language learners. She explained, “I hope to really help them feel successful at learning a language… to give them confidence and make them feel like they can effortlessly acquire the language.”
Downing Bray-Kress, English
With a PhD in French Literature and years of teaching in both high schools and colleges, Dr. Kress is eager to challenge and inspire students. She expressed her hope for the classroom, “I hope that they read something that changes their life. Something that gives them a new perspective and helps them learn something new.”
Shelly Abraham, Front Desk Attendant
After 14 years at Village Christian School, Ms. Abraham joins FSHA with a heart for encouragement and support. She shared her hope for the year, “My hope is that I can be a safe place [for students] to be themselves, feel loved, cared for, be an encouragement and to lift them up.”
Jeanette Ruffalo, Human Resources
Bringing over 12 years of HR experience, Ms. Ruffalo, a small business owner, is focused on supporting FSHA’s faculty and staff. She reflected on her approach, “I would say I’m very open to feedback. I love a more collaborative environment and I’m just very welcoming.”
Arianna Knigin, Learning Specialist
With five years of experience supporting neurodivergent students, Ms. Knigin values truth and connection. She said, “I really love the theme of Veritas here. I think truth and integrity are such an important concept in what makes us wonderful people.”
Lisa Perry, Associate Director of College Counseling
A USC-trained counselor with 15 years of experience, Ms. Perry is thrilled to return to a school setting. She noted, “I just hope to be a trusted adult on campus… particularly with the seniors, throughout the whole college application process, I want to make it less stressful.”
Jennifer Burgdorf, Director of Facilities
After 20 years of service in the Air Force and years of involvement in the La Cañada Flintridge/La Crescenta community, Ms. Burgdorf joins FSHA with a goal to support students and staff. For her, relationships are at the heart of it all, “Relationships matter. In all parts of life from the point when you’re a child, to when you’re a teenager, and going all the way through adulthood. I think those relationships are precious.”
Salvador Gutierrez, Safety and Facilities
Formerly with Disneyland security, Mr. Gutierrez brings positivity and teamwork to FSHA, “My work style is making sure everyone is safe… my saying is to spread happiness and love.” A dancer and motivational speaker, he hopes to inspire students to keep growing and never give up.
Julie Chen, Residential Life
With experience as a dorm parent and a personal connection to boarding school life, Ms. Chen is dedicated to building a supportive home away from home for students. She shared, “I hope to be someone students can trust, helping them feel a true sense of belonging while supporting them to grow into confident, resilient young women.”
Together, these new faculty members embody the warmth, passion, and commitment that make Flintridge Sacred Heart such a special place. As they begin their journey here on the Hill, they’re eager to inspire students, support their students and colleagues, and strengthen the FSHA community.