New Dean on Campus

Q: What do you like to do in your free time?

A: I love to run. I actually started running in college, and have done a few half marathons. I’m an outdoors person- I love nature. I also love board games, and my favorite board game is Wingspan.

Q: What led you to becoming a dean at Sacred Heart?

A: I was an elementary school teacher 20 years ago. After a few years, I went to grad school, and planned on teaching college. I taught college at UCSB. I loved to teach and work with young people. After COVID, I had a career transition. I started teaching at a private high school. I realized I really liked talking and working with students when they are having a hard time. I decided to become a dean.

Q: What was your childhood like? How did you grow up?

A: I lived on the US-Mexican border in Imperial Valley. I always crossed back and forth between the US and Mexico, for food, for fun, or for medical care. The view from my great-grandmother’s front yard was the steel wall which separates the United States and Mexico. It was not uncommon to witness undocumented people scale the fence to come to the U.S. and work.

Q: Tell me about your acting!

A: Acting has been a dream of mine since high school. I’ve always done high school plays. After going to college at UCLA, I wanted to pursue acting since I was in LA. I decided I wanted to do it for fun and to try. I got an agent, did auditions, and did acting classes. After a while, the auditions were horrible, and the whole industry was extremely controlling. I realized I didn’t want to be an actor.

Q: What is your dream vacation?

A: My dream vacation would be Italy. I’ve already been to Rome, Florence, and Venice. I love the culture there!

Q: What does a typical weekend look like for you?

A: I go to Peet’s coffee, go for a run or take a walk, and eat at my favorite restaurant Dish Dash. I sometimes babysit my nephew, visit family, and watch a show.

Q: What would the students be surprised to find out about you?

A: When I was in high school, I rebelled against my parents a lot. I broke all their rules.

Q: If you could only read/watch one book/movie for the rest of your life, what would it be?

A: Definitely Harry Potter. I especially love the first and last movies.

Deans are an integral part of the day-to-day operation at our school; helping students get to class on time, ensuring the smooth operation of events and activities on campus, and keeping our school safe, secure, and functioning in an efficient manner.

However, our Deans also play another very important role. They are here to help every student feel safe while pursuing their education in an environment of mutual respect.

If you ever need any support and you don’t feel safe, you can go to the dean’s team- Ms. Fernandez is part of the team. She’ll make sure everyone is held accountable!