Gina Aguilar
Managing Director of Academic Excellence
A Southern California native, Gina Aguilar was blessed to learn from amazing teachers and knew at the age of 8 that education was her vocation. After graduating from La Reina High School in Thousand Oaks, Gina attended the University of Notre and received a BA in History and Economics. She earned her MA and multiple subject teaching credential as a member of the 2nd cohort of LMU’s PLACE Corp. Gina later returned to LMU two more times to receive her MA in Catholic School Administration and her Doctorate in Education.
Gina served for 14 years at a school within the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. She began as the 4th through 8th grade Math teacher. She later transitioned to 8th grade homeroom where she enjoyed teaching ELA, religion, science, math, and music. Gina was privileged to serve as Vice Principal before transitioning to Principal. During her time there, as a teacher and administrator, Gina worked to build and foster a professional learning community. Gina joined the Department of Catholic Schools in July 2016 as the Associate Director of Academic Excellence and transitioned to Director in July 2018. In March 2024, Gina was appointed Managing Director of Academic Excellence.
Gina believes that Catholic education is a ministry of the Church and, as such, requires the support of the community. She has been blessed to experience the power of collaboration and witness the positive impact on teacher and student learning. Gina never planned to leave the elementary classroom, but she trusts in the path that God has called her to journey and is finding great joy in working with dedicated teachers and principals in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
Danielle Paulino
Director of Academic Excellence
(Elementary Schools)
Danielle Paulino is a proud product of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. She attended Incarnation Parish School in Glendale from kindergarten through eighth grade and graduated from Immaculate Heart High School in Los Angeles. Danielle earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of Arizona. She holds a Clear Multiple Subject Teaching Credential with English Learner Authorization in California and a Master of Science in Psychology from Grand Canyon University.
In her early teaching years, Danielle felt a deep calling to serve in Title I public schools, committed to providing a high-quality education to students in under-resourced communities. She began her career teaching 4th and 5th grade in Arizona public schools, where she contributed to the English Language Arts (ELA) Assessment Analysis District Review Team—enhancing the reliability of district-wide assessments and promoting the use of student data to inform curricular decisions. Danielle also served on the ELA and STEM District Curriculum Committee, playing a key role in supporting instructional leadership during the district-wide rollout of the Common Core State Standards. After returning to California to be closer to family, Danielle taught grades 3 through 8 in schools within the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. In 2018, she joined the Department of Catholic Schools as an Elementary School Academic Excellence Specialist, transitioned to Associate Director in 2022, and became Director of Academic Excellence for Elementary Schools in 2024.
Driven by her dedication to provide a quality education, her passion for supporting and empowering others, her commitment to continuous growth and learning, and her unwavering belief that every child can learn and succeed, Danielle has a deep passion for the Solidarity School initiative. This work aligns seamlessly with her long-standing commitment to educational equity and the values instilled in her by the very system that shaped her. United in the mission of Catholic education, Danielle remains steadfast in her commitment to improving student learning across our Catholic schools.
Mary Rose Batungbacal
Director of Academic Excellence
(High Schools)
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Mary Rose Batungbacal’s journey through Catholic education began at St. Dominic Elementary in Eagle Rock, continued at La Salle High School in Pasadena, followed by earning her B.S. in Biology at Loyola Marymount University. She continued her education at LMU’s PLACE Corps, obtaining a Masters in Secondary Education and a single subject math credential, and later completed her Catholic School Administrative Certification.
Mary Rose taught in Catholic high schools as a STEM teacher and then transitioned to administration in the roles of assistant principal and principal. In 2022, Mary Rose joined the Department of Catholic Schools as Associate Director of High School Academic Excellence. She transitioned to the role of Director of High School Academic Excellence in July 2024.
Mary Rose is passionate about expanding her impact across school communities, advocating for inclusive learning environments, school leadership development, sustainable systems, and innovative student resources. She finds fulfillment in her ministry serving Catholic Schools within the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, aligning her personal and professional journeys. She believes deeply in providing every student with a safe space that prioritizes their holistic development through the gift of Catholic education.
Elizabeth Aceves
Academic Excellence Specialist
Elizabeth was born and raised in the vibrant community of the San Fernando Valley, California. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies and a multiple subject teaching credential from Mount Saint Mary’s University. She furthered her education at Concordia University Irvine, where she obtained a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. In addition, she is a certified catechist which equips her to foster the faith formation needs of students and educators within the Archdiocese of Los Angeles (ADLA).
Her career in education began with teaching grades 1st through 3rd and middle school science in public schools before transitioning to Catholic education, where she spent several years teaching second grade. Working in Catholic schools provided valuable opportunities for collaboration and leadership in building schoolwide structures that supported student learning. Through her work in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), Elizabeth helped cultivate a culture for learning centered on the belief that all students are capable of learning and achieving success when given the right support. By leading efforts to develop reading curriculum maps and to implement core instructional practices, she contributed to sustained academic growth and helped establish a shared language for collaboration among educators. Through her leadership, she also played a vital role in supporting faith formation and sacramental preparation. While teaching in Catholic education, Elizabeth was instrumental in strengthening the connection between the school’s families and the parish community, fostering a spirit of mutual support. Further strengthening the school-parish connection, her partnership with the religious education team led to parent-focused meetings during sacramental preparation.
She firmly believes that a culture for learning aligns deeply with Catholic values by fostering a strong sense of community, shared purpose, and mutual respect. As an Academic Excellence Specialist, Elizabeth is committed to meaningful collaboration around instructional practices as a driving force behind student achievement, academic excellence, and a strong culture for learning that transforms classrooms and empowers both educators and students. Elizabeth’s efforts are guided in the belief that the ministry of Catholic education is a divine mission—one in which life must be lived with purpose and wisdom by allowing God to work through us. It is God who guides us, Jesus who calls us to mission, and the Holy Spirit who continually accompanies us.
Karisa Avalos
Academic Excellence Specialist
A proud Los Angeles native and product of Catholic education, Karisa Avalos earned her B.A. in Liberal Studies with a Spanish minor from Loyola Marymount University. In 2005, she joined Cohort 5 of the PLACE Corps, earning an M.A. in Child and Adolescent Literacy and a Multiple Subject Teaching Clear Credential. She later completed a certificate in Instructional Leadership from Mount Saint Mary’s University and, in 2020, received her M.A. in Educational Leadership through the Mary Ann Remick Leadership Program at the University of Notre Dame.
She began her ministry as an educator in Catholic education through the PLACE Corps program as a fifth grade teacher in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. She later taught second and eighth grade at another Catholic school, gaining valuable experience over seven transformative years. During this time, Karisa contributed to the development of the Onward 4 Excellence core instructional practices framework and the early stages of the Onward Readers initiative. She also partnered with the Department of Catholic Schools to design curriculum and lead professional development for the new Transitional Kindergarten standards. Karisa then served as a curriculum coordinator and eighth grade teacher before joining the Academic Excellence Team as an Academic Excellence Specialist in 2016. In 2020, she became principal of a ADLA Dual Language Immersion Network school, and in 2022, Karisa returned to her role as Academic Excellence Specialist, continuing to support and walk with Catholic educators across the Archdiocese.
Rooted in her calling, Karisa is committed to accompanying both adults and children as they grow into who God created them to be. She believes we are made for one another in community and that God is present in every step of our journey as educators. When we lead with truth, vulnerability, compassion, perseverance, and trust in God, we empower students to learn and use their gifts to serve others. Through the Solidarity Schools initiative, Karisa is grateful to witness the transformative power of our shared mission—using our collective gifts to uplift student learning and impact lives within our schools, communities, and beyond.
Sonia Jacobo
Academic Excellence Specialist
Sonia Jacobo was born in Long Beach and raised in Paramount, CA. Sonia attended Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic elementary school in Paramount, and Saint Joseph High School in Lakewood. She received her bachelor’s degree in Family & Consumer Sciences at California State University, Northridge and her master’s degree in Elementary Education at Loyola Marymount University.
Sonia began her career within education at a school within the Archdiocese of Los Angeles in 2011. She was given the opportunity to begin and continue to develop the school’s Transitional Kindergarten program. In the 2014-2015 school year, the school implemented collaborative team teaching which provided her the opportunity to teach both TK and Kindergarten students. Sonia also served as a co-athletic director and a member of the administrative leadership team. She joined the Onward 4 Excellence team in 2017.
Sonia truly believes our future in education is immensely impacted on our youngest students’ experiences and their perception of school and learning environment. She is grateful to have the opportunity to work with God’s youngest learners, and in return have them teach her how to challenge and better herself as an educator and a person. In 2017, Sonia was humbled to have had the opportunity to join the Onward 4 Excellence Team as an Academic Excellence Specialist for the Department of Catholic Schools. She truly enjoys and embraces the calling to support adult learning with both principals and teachers, and as a result, continues to impact student learning in the classroom.
Melina Mendez
Academic Excellence Specialist
Melina Mendez was born and raised in the heart of Los Angeles and is a proud product of Catholic education. She attended Immaculate Conception School from Kindergarten through 8th grade and graduated from Bishop Conaty–Our Lady of Loretto High School. She went on to earn a B.A. in Anthropology from the University of California, Riverside, and later received her Master of Science in Education from Mount Saint Mary’s University.
Melina’s teaching career has been shaped by flexibility, leadership, and a deep commitment to equity and inclusion. She began her work in early childhood education, teaching kindergarten, and has since taught in multi-age elementary and middle school classrooms. Her instructional experience spans multiple grade levels and content areas in both English and Spanish. Most recently, she has served as Vice Principal and classroom teacher at a Dual Language Immersion school, where she has supported curriculum development, led professional learning, and helped implement data-informed instructional practices to drive student achievement.
Grounded in her Catholic faith, Melina views education as a sacred responsibility and one of the most powerful forms of ministry. She believes God calls us to serve in different ways and that investing in the spiritual, academic, and social formation of young people is essential to building a hopeful future. A strong advocate for collaboration and continuous improvement, Melina is deeply committed to walking alongside educators in the shared mission of delivering high-quality Catholic education to all children.
Catherine Pence
Academic Excellence Specialist
Born and raised in Southern California, Catherine is a proud product of the Los Angeles Archdiocese. She attended St. Robert Bellarmine Elementary School, and then continued her Catholic education at Providence High School. Catherine attended Chapman University for her undergraduate degree where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Integrated Educational Studies, with minors in English and Language and Literacy. She went on to complete her master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction at Chapman University, along with her California teaching credential. Her commitment to academic excellence was recognized when she received the Outstanding Student Award in her master’s program.
From an early age, Catherine felt called to work in education. Her career began in public education where she spent time completing fieldwork across a variety of schools and grade levels ranging from bilingual kindergarten, to middle school history, to AP Literature and Composition. During her time in the public school system, she also taught AP Language and Composition and ninth grade English. Driven by a desire to serve within the Catholic school system, Catherine transitioned to teaching in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. There she taught three different levels of ninth grade English, as well as journalism. Beyond the classroom, she contributed to school-wide initiatives including HSPT boot camp, academic junior high decathlon program, and SAT preparation courses at her school site. She also served the English Department chair, mentored teachers, and helped to facilitate consistent grade-level meetings. In 2022, she joined the Onward 4 Excellence team as an Academic Excellence Specialist.
In her role as an Academic Excellence Specialist, Catherine is committed to fostering a culture of student-centered learning and continuous improvement. Passionate about education and helping others, she believes that the best way to support students is by first supporting educators through professional collaboration, curriculum development, and mentorship. Though she will miss her own classroom, Catherine feels honored to now serve schools and educators across the Archdiocese, giving back to the very system that played such a meaningful role in her own formation.
Guadalupe Robles
Academic Excellence Specialist
Having grown up in Southern California, Guadalupe Robles was blessed with a culturally diverse education from private and public school systems. She is a proud graduate from Bishop Amat Memorial High School, where she found her love for writing. After receiving her B.A. in Spanish and Creative Writing from the University of La Verne, she earned her M.A. Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University Irvine.
Guadalupe has taught at the high school level for both the Spanish and English departments. Aside from teaching, her roles have included International Baccalaureate Coordinator for the I.B. Diploma Program and Girls Dean of Discipline. She is now joining the Department of Catholic Schools as a High School Academic Excellence Specialist. She is excited to continue working in education to serve her community.
Guadalupe’s love of learning guides her towards pathways that offer equitable and just opportunities for students. She is excited to be working with the Department of Catholic Schools to be able to help provide educators with the resources they need to guide their students to success.
Raquel Shin
Academic Excellence Specialist
Raquel, a proud native of Chicago, began her academic journey at Saint Mary’s College in South Bend, Indiana, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree with a major in History and a minor in Secondary Education. Following her undergraduate studies, she pursued a Master’s degree in Elementary Education through the Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) teaching program at the University of Notre Dame. As part of this program, she also obtained her teaching license from the state of Indiana.
Raquel began her career in education through the ACE program, teaching 4th grade in Kansas City, Kansas. She later moved to Los Angeles, California, where she taught 5th grade, 6th grade math as well as middle school English Language Arts and Social Studies at Immaculate Conception School. Encouraged by her principal to pursue a leadership role, Raquel became the principal of St. Patrick School. During her six-year tenure, she led several key initiatives, including the launch of a Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program, a reflection of her deep commitment to multilingual education. Her leadership significantly contributed to the school’s academic growth, increased enrollment and revitalization. In 2021, she joined the Archdiocese of Los Angeles(ADLA) as the Dual Language Specialist, a role that allowed her to more fully dedicate herself to supporting multilingual learning. In this position, she partnered closely with principals and educators across ten ADLA DLI Network Schools, to promote high-quality dual language instruction and culturally responsive learning environments.
At the heart of Raquel’s vocation is a commitment to accompany others on their journey toward excellence and service. She strives to reflect Christ’s love in her daily work, modeling her approach on Jesus the teacher—guiding, supporting, and illuminating the path for others. Her mission is to make God known, loved, and served through all aspects of her ministry in Catholic education.
Alondra Vega
Academic Excellence Specialist
Alondra Vega was born and raised in Inglewood, CA. She attended Animo Leadership Charter High School. Inspired by her own teachers, she developed a passion for empowering students like herself through a career in education. She received a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of California, Merced, a journey that strengthened her commitment to positively impact students’ lives through learning and support. While teaching within ADLA, she continued her education at Loyola Marymount University, where she earned a Master’s degree in Urban Education with a concentration in Language and Culture.
Alondra’s academic background has prepared her to support diverse learners through an equity-focused and culturally responsive lens. She began her teaching career in 4th grade within ADLA. Over the years, she has taken on various leadership roles that contribute to curriculum development, instructional planning, and professional growth, including that of Teacher Facilitator at a Solidarity School. She has collaborated with colleagues to strengthen teaching practices, supported the use of data to inform instruction, and helped lead initiatives that promote student success. Her work is grounded in a belief in continuous learning and shared responsibility for school improvement.
Alondra is committed to fostering an inclusive, student-centered learning environment where every child feels valued and capable. She prioritizes relationship-building, hands-on learning, and meaningful assessment to foster curiosity, confidence, and academic growth. Her mission is to empower students to become critical thinkers and compassionate individuals who are prepared for the challenges ahead.