Cathy 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.

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

Rebecca Mejia

TK teacher

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!

Ines Lopez

TK Classroom Aide and SEP Support

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.

Lauren Markle

TK Teacher

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

Jojo Rodriguez

TK Aide and SEP Support

Sandra Staka

Kindergarten Teacher & Assistant Principal

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

Kathleen Jordan

Kindergarten Support

Nichole Hiura

Kindergarten Classroom 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.

Joni Martin

First Grade Teacher

Shannon Hurley

1st Grade Classroom Aide

Why MND?

My most memorable moment is not one but the continued passion I see each teacher give to each and every student, providing the best possible learning experience for each child.

I remember...

I remember in my child's first year at MND noticing how close all the students, faculty and staff were. I was excited to be here because of how close the this community is.

Melanie Salas

2nd Grade Teacher

Lupita Torres

2nd grade Classroom Aide and 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.

Maria Restivo

3rd Grade Teacher

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

Melissa Medrano

3rd Grade Classroom 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.

Lisa Vokos

4th Grade Teacher

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.

Pam Schnack

4th Grade Classroom Aide

Why MND?

There is something very special about MND- from the talented and caring staff/faculty to the spirited student body! I am so happy to be a part of this community.

I remember

Being in kindergarten and learning to read. The first book I read by myself was “Dick and Jane”. One day, it clicked and the words just made sense! I was so shocked and excited- I couldn’t wait to read it at home to my parents. I have been an avid reader ever since.

Samantha Mejia

5th Grade Teacher

Why MND?

The staff, students, and families make it feel like home. I have always cherished my time at MND and remember how the community aspect was a huge part of my love for learning.

I remember...

Having Kinder buddies in 7th grade. Being able to enjoy time with the younger students and complete activities together was so special, I'll never forget it.

Monica O'Brien Ryan

5th Grade Classroom 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!

Cyrus Coffelt

6th Grade Homeroom & Middle School

Zack Saucedo

7th Grade Homeroom and Middle School Teacher

Why MND?

I chose to work at MND because of the people that make up the MND community and also because MND helped me become the person I am today.

I remember...

I can remember being in the 7th grade and driving Mrs. Haneta and Mrs. Burkett nuts to where all we did for P.E. was run lines. I am now in their position where I'm dealing with the students and have to find ways to handle them and having Mrs. Haneta and Mrs. Burkett as teachers taught me how.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies with a minor in History from California State University, Monterey Bay

Ellen Abelar

8th Grade Homeroom & Middle School Teacher

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.

Jamie LaGrange

Middle School Teacher & Assistant Principal

Why MND?

MND has been part of my life since I attended school here from Kindergarten through 8th grade. My mom (Mrs. Wilcox) has worked here for 30 years, so even when I wasn’t a student here anymore, I was always connected with the people and the school. After teaching in another school for five years, a position opened at MND and it felt like the right time to come “home”.

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. I also remember having Mrs. Martin for History in 6th and 8th grade...her love for the subject, the fact that she never stopped learning more about history, and that she tried to make history come to life for us has always stuck with me and been something I aspire to do.

My 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

After MND, I attended Aptos High School. I then went to UC Davis, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Development with a minor in Chicano/a Studies. After Davis, I came home and spent a year earning my multiple-subjects teaching credential at CSUMB. Several years into teaching, I cleared my credential through Bethany College.

Dillon File

Middle School Science

Nelly Martinez

Spanish Teacher

Why MND?

Catholic schools are aligned with my core values. I enjoy helping to prepare students to be lifelong learners within a welcoming community that models faith, understanding and justice. It is rewarding to see students grow not just in academics but also in their relationship with God.

I remember…..

I went to a Catholic school up to 8th grade and I remember that every week when I visited the Blessed Sacrament with my class I felt at peace. Later, in college, even without anyone requiring me to, I went on my own, looking to spend a few minutes and have a conversation with God. I know that at some point in our students' lives and at their own pace they will seek/find our Lord in their lives.

Sierra Mello

PE Teacher

Eric Barlaan

Music Teacher

Briana Allen

Art Teacher Grade 5-8

Tracey Haneta

Athletic Director

Why MND?

My alma mater

I remember...

the friends I have made and still are very close to them.

Carolyn Hamilton

Resource Specialist

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.

Kristine Burkett

Advancement & Development Director

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!

Carrie Mann Salady

Library

Why MND?

The path to Moreland Notre Dame began with my children’s education here. As a room parent and parent club board member, I was involved with the school since 2001. MND is a family of families. It is a welcoming community, rich in history with deep roots in the Pajaro Valley.

I remember...

My friends from elementary school. Some of us even went on to middle school, high school and college together. We had a close community in Corralitos. Those friends still remain a part of my life.

Education

• Bachelor of Arts, English. Santa Clara University

Jeannie 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.

Katie Solorio

Bookkeeper

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.

Michelle Van Lennep

Student Support

Amie Saucedo

Office Assistant

Julia Huezo

Cafeteria Manager

Why MND?

I love to make people happy with my food. The children are thankful for the meals we make. They are all so kind. The staff is so nice and caring. Love it at MND . Blessed to be a part of this family.

I remember...

When I worked by myself. The staff would come to the kitchen and check on me . Giving me their gratitude and thanking me . Also the children would help with the trays without me asking. Thank you for letting me be a part of the MND family. ❤️

Luke Coffelt

Janitor

Perla Valtierra

Cafeteria Assistant