Mrs. Mottau

Principal

Email: cmottau@mndschool

Why MND?

I love the sense of community, the wonderful and dedicated staff, and the fabulous and caring families.  Catholic education allows me to share my faith with those with whom I work and serve. 

I remember...

I love celebrating Mass as a community. Hearing the students sing and minister at Masses lifts my soul.

Faculty Only

Teaching Philosophy 

Education 

• B.A. in Child and Adolescent Development from San Jose State University 
• M.A. in Teaching from Fresno State University
• Catholic School Leadership Certificate Creighton University
• Clear CA Multi-Subject Teaching Credential  

Mrs. LaGrange

Assistant Principal

Why MND?

MND has been part of my life since I attended school here from Kindergarten through 8th grade. After teaching in another school for a few years, a position opened at MND and it felt like the right time to come “home”. The community here is like no other school I have worked at or heard of and being a part of it brings me immense joy.

I remember...

Reading books as a class during my time at MND (Stuart Little, Island of the Blue Dolphins, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, and more) and loving them all. My love of reading was nurtured as a student at MND and is something that I strive to share with each student that comes through my classes.

Teaching Philosophy

I believe that success looks different for each student and that many factors play a role in their success. Each student presents a different combination of experiences that make them who they are and affects how they feel about themselves, school, peers and teachers, and their own abilities. Within a supportive classroom environment, I believe in challenging each student and encouraging them to be advocates of their education.

Education

• Aptos High School
• UC Davis - BS in Human Development with a minor in Chicano/a Studies
• CSUMB - Multiple subjects teaching credential
• Loyola Marymount University - Masters in Educational Leadership and Certificate in Catholic School Administration

Mrs. Nunez

Administrative Assistant

Why MND?

My son goes to school here. I like having the same hours and holidays as him. My older children went here and I love the family feeling I feel here with the staff.

I remember...

How included I felt when my kids went to school here. Everyone knew everyone in that small town way.

Mrs. Solorio

Office manager

Why MND?

I chose MND since my kids are current students and I knew it would be a good work environment and community to be a part of.

I remember...

When I see 8th graders at graduation it brings me back to my own and what a wonderful celebration MND does with the graduating class and I look forward to that experience with my own kids.

Mrs. Burkett

Marketing

Why MND?

My roots with MND go way back. My grandfather’s cousins were Sisters of Notre Dame. One was Sister Superior here at Moreland Notre Dame and another was an assistant to Mother Superior in Rome. My parents, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, and cousins all went to school here. As an alumni of Notre Dame, I wanted my children to receive the same great education and experience as I did. All 3 of my children graduated from MND which prepared them for high school, college, and beyond, giving them the tools they needed for life as well as life long friendships we have all maintained.

I remember...

I remember getting donuts and hot chocolate after 8:00 mass during Lent from the Sisters out of a small window of the convent. I also remember that popsicles were 8 cents!

Miss Markle

Transitional Kindergarten

Why MND?

I immediately felt the welcoming atmosphere at MND and I am very excited and honored to be a part of the MND community. I am inspired by MND’s commitment to providing a nurturing and supportive environment for students to reach their greatest potential.

I remember...

My TK teacher was so warm and loving and showed me that school was a safe place. I remember creating fun art projects to share with my family. My love of learning and friendship began in TK.

Education

• Masters in Education- University of California Santa Cruz
• CA Teaching Credential -University of California Santa Cruz
• BA in Child Development - Chico State

Miss Mejia

Transitional Kindergarten

Why MND?

I made the decision to work at MND because of the family-like community this school embraces. MND has always felt like home to me.

I remember...

Being an MND alumnus has left me with some of the best memories from my childhood, including lifelong friendships! But my most cherished memory was in Kindergarten with Mrs. Bertone when I was given our class “pet” (a stuffed animal) for the summer! I took Ollie everywhere with me and had the time of my life!

Mrs. Staka

Kindergarten

Why MND?

At MND, I am part of a strong, loving and compassionate community, where I am supported and encouraged by our families, my co-workers and administration. I am exactly where I am supposed to be and I’m grateful for every minute! 

I remember...

I remember happily singing, coloring and playing in kindergarten and feeling safe.  I was just learning English at the time and my teacher always made me and my mom feel welcome. 

My Teaching Philosophy

My teaching philosophy begins with creating a nurturing, safe and engaging environment for each one of my students and an open door policy for their families.  It is with this partnership that I wholeheartedly commit myself in full support of my students’ social and emotional development, academic success and spiritual growth. 

Education

• California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, CalStateTEACH
• BA in Child Development, San Jose State University
• Homestead High School, Cupertino

Mrs. Martin

Grade 1

Mrs. Valtierra

Office assistant

Mrs. Salas

Grade 2

Ms Figueroa

Grade 3

Why MND?

I love that MND goes into the H.E.A.R.T of the matter with engaging students in learning, but most importantly in creating that foundation, along with their families, to have a sincere individual connection with God, our creator.

I remember...

I remember, when as a third-grader, we went on a school field trip to NASA-JPL in Pasadena and how we saw the white lab room. This experience sparked my curiosity in a whole new way, and I appreciated my teacher creating projects around our field trip so that we could continue exploring what we had learned.

Mrs. Vokos

Grade 4

Why MND?

I love the sense of community that MND represents. In a very short amount of time, I feel like I am part of the family. I know the importance of working together to educate each individual child and I definitely feel that at MND!

I remember...

My fifth grade teacher still to this day and I can recall our lesson of a five paragraph essay. He used creativity to instill a love for writing. I want to be that same teacher who uses my love and passion to inspire kids to want to learn and remember things I have taught them 30 years from now.

Mrs. Lopez

TK Aide/SEP

Why MND?

I choose MND because my daughter is a current student and I am honored to be part of such a great environment and strong community.

I remember...

When my daughter started TK and I was very nervous about not knowing what to expect from MND. This was the first journey in my daughter's life, so it was extremely important to me to make sure I was making the right decision. Then we met with the staff and I remember that Mrs. Mottau welcomed my daughter and called her by her name. That moment I felt like I was choosing the right school for her and it made me feel very confident.

Mrs. Hiura

Kindergarten Aide

Why MND?

I love MND! As a second generation alumni and my children having attended as well, we continue to be grateful for the strong community rooted in faith and tradition.

I remember...

One of my favorite memories at MND is that we would play tetherball and kickball everyday. I remember always feeling at home at MND because I knew that my teachers cared about me.

Mrs. Torres

Grade 2 Aide & SEP Director

Why MND?

I was drawn to the MND community by the supporting dedicated staff, and the Catholic education.

I remember...

My daughter’s 1st year at MND she was in Kindergarten I would walk her to class, the 7th and 8th graders would greet her by her name. I found out that the younger kids had buddies, and it was the older kids. The older kids did activities with the younger kids. I notice how close all the students were. I knew my daughter was in the right school.

Ms. Restivo

Music & Student Activities

Why MND?

I started substituting for MND a few years ago and absolutely loved the culture here. The students had a wonderful balance of silly and serious. They loved to learn and loved to have fun! The staff was so friendly anytime I came on campus! The front office and admin team were so supportive to me as a substitute so when the opportunity came to start working here full time I was incredibly excited to evolve my relationship with MND.

I remember...

Third grade was my favorite grade growing up. My teacher was an outdoor educator before the classroom and found ways to help us develop a relationship with the outside world. He brought us on a field trip once a month! He taught us applicable skills for life like addressing letters and how to write a check. He deeply cared about each of us and made learning fun and accessible.

Education

• Cabrillo College
• Western Governors University

Mrs. Medrano

Grade 3 Aide

Why MND?

Last year I had the fantastic opportunity to work as a substitute and this year I’m the 3rd Grade Teachers Aide. Also, my son is a student at MND. For me it has been a dream come true to be able to work at a place that is like a big family. I am very honored to be here, and I look forward to making a difference in the lives of our students.

I remember…

I remember my child’s first day at MND telling me “Thank you, thank you mom this is the best school ever” that told me we were at the right school for both of us.

Mrs. Ryan

Grade 1 Aide

Why MND?

I came to work at MND to follow one of the kindest and most professional teachers I know, Mrs. Claire Baum.

I remember...

When Mrs. Novak made an inflatable plastic whale! Second grade and their buddies taped together 20ft plastic sheeting, took it to the gym, then inflated it with two fans so students could walk through the inside of a whale. So Cool!

Mr. Coffelt

Middle School

Miss M

Grade 5

Mrs. Abelar

Middle School

Why MND?

I truly enjoy the strong, connected community that exists at MND. The support system between the families, the administration, and my co-workers is so special.

I remember

the first time I felt heard by a teacher. It was a moment of realization that my teachers valued me as much as I valued them.

Mrs. File

Middle School

Coach Mello

PE

Mrs. Hamilton

Student Support

Why MND?

I love teaching at MND because we have an amazing group of teachers and staff who work together to create the best educational experience for all our students. Our school not only focuses on helping its students reach their academic goals, but is also committed to leading our children to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

I remember...

I have so many great memories from when I was in second grade. That year I attended Starlight Elementary here in Watsonville. My teacher, Miss Wise, had many fun and clever ways to engage her students and make learning fun. I loved our class teddy bear. We each had a turn taking him home and then writing in a journal about his experiences. It was a special way to create community in our classroom and connect our family lives with the time we spent in our classroom. I’ll never forget it.

My Teaching Philosophy

I am a teacher because I am committed to developing an educational environment where excellence is the standard, and I can help students reach their full potential. I believe a teacher has many roles. One of which is to guide students through various content while allowing them to explore and discover. I want to be a leader and role model for my students to demonstrate how team work, effort, and dedication can lead to success.

Education

I graduated from San Jose State University with a Bachelors Degree in Child and Adolescent Development as well as a Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential.

Mr. Coffelt

Janitor

Mr. Garcia

Middle School

Senora Martinez

Spanish

Mrs. Allan

Art Teacher

Mr. File

Middle School