MEET OUR FAMILY

Mrs. Castro has been with MSMCS for over 25 years. Mrs. Castro holds BS in Elementary Education (1-8) and Specific Learning Disabilities from Franciscan University of Steubenville. 

Mrs. Saldaña holds an Associates Degree in Accounting from Dallas College.  She has over 15 years of experience working in diverse communities Mrs. Saldaña enjoys watching her kids play club soccer over the weekends.

​Mrs. Finley is a graduate of Southern Methodist University (Bachelor of Music Therapy) and New York University (M.A. - Performing Arts Administration).  She has experience raising funds for a wide variety of organizations. From NYC to London and back to Dallas, she has raised funds for a wide variety of organizations including Carnegie Hall, NYC Ballet, and the Catholic Pro-Life Community. 

Mrs. Mearns has been with MSMCS for over 10 years.  She hold a B.A .degree from the University of Texas at Arlington.  Mrs. Mearns has over 15 years of evaluating and developing financial reports. 

Mrs. Gurrusqueta has over 7 years of experience in the education arena. She’s completed her Montessori training as Lead Guide for ages 0-3 several years ago.  She enjoys baking, flower arranging, reading and spending time with her family.

Miss Abrate was born in Argentina and has over 15 years of teaching experience. Miss Abrate fell in love with the Montessori philosophy years ago with the style of education and the spiritual mission that we as educators have in the lives of children.

Mrs. Cynthia Iturralde comes with experience in the Montessori education field for over 5 years. Her formal Montessori education comes from the Association Montessori Internationale and attended college at Cisco Junior College, majoring in dance. As a guide to tomorrow’s leaders, she embraces these words by Dr. Maria Montessori “Of all things, love is the most potent.”

Ms. Rejfur has many years of experience in a Montessori classroom (MEPI Certified) as well as in a traditional kindergarten classroom. Ms. Rejfur was born and raised in Poland.  She graduated from the University of Lower Silesia, Wrocław, Poland with B.Ed., with major in Primary and Preschool Education including teaching English as a second language, and M.Ed. in the specialization field of Pedagogical and Psychological Counselling, and Teaching Polish as a foreign language.

Miss Malloy holds a BA in philosophy from the University of Dallas and AMS Montessori certification.  She has taught students in every grade from preschool to eighth grade

Mrs. Powers has an Elementary Education degree from Texas Tech University specializing in Early Childhood Education. She has been a MSMCS parent for 22 years..   

​Miss Zacharias has three years of teaching experience.  She always had a desire to teach since she was a young girl. She has received her undergraduate degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Tarleton State University and is an active member of the Catholic Campus Ministry.

Ms. Yankay has a B.A. in English from the University of Dallas and is also a Texas State Certified Teacher for K-6th grade. She has over 20 years of teaching experience in a variety of school settings, however, she has found a home at Mount Saint Michael and wants to work here until she is 100! Her passion is teaching children and helping them discover their unique gifts and talents. 

​Mrs. Garcia enjoys spending time with her family and crafting things from rosaries to jewelry. She graduated from Texas Christian University.  This will be her 11th year teaching.  She loves building classroom community and helping students develop a lifelong passion for learning and God.

Mr. Bowden has been in education for over 14 years in the DFW area. He has served as a teacher, coach, and athletic administrator. Mr. Bowden holds a Bachelor of Science in History from the University of Texas at Tyler. He grew up in Gilmer, TX and has a 4-year-old daughter. 

Before becoming a Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Martinez had 6 years of experience in education, working with students from prek as well as high school students in all subjects. Teaching has always been a desire that stemmed from her hardworking parents who have been educators for over 30 years combined. 

Mrs. Lynch graduated from the University of Dallas with a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies. This is her 18th year as an educator, and has been part of MSMCS for over three years. Her three children currently attend MSM.  In her free time she enjoys watching baking shows, cross stitching, reading, and cheering on her kids at all their extra-curricular activities. 

Mrs. Schell has been with MSMCS for over 20 years. She’s also a parent of MSMCS alumni. Mrs. Schell comes with years of experience in keeping our children active throughout the school day as our physical education teacher.

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Mrs. Chance has worked in the MSMCS Development office for 10 years. She has a B.A. in Psychology and a Ph.D. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. In addition to heading up our development team, Shannyn has also been a parent at MSMCS for over 20 years. 

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Mr. Seth Benavides, or Mr. B., has been part of the MSMCS community for over 10 years.  He attended youth groups at MSM back since 2006 until 2011.  He has younger siblings that have attended/attend MSM.  He loves to help where he’s needed. He’s very happy to be at MSM and serve wherever he can.

Mrs. Mendez has been with MSMCS for over 20 years! Mrs. Mendez has been our “go to” queen for many years. She is also a former parent of our school

Mrs. Tostado has served as an assistant guide for our preschoolers for several years.  She’s a proud mother and faithful Christian. 

Miss Gutierrez has received her Associates of Science degree from Dallas College.  Miss Gutierrez is excited to join our team and assist in our Toddler Montessori Program. She comes with the energy and passion to learn more about our school and strengthen her Catholic faith.   

Bio coming soon!

​Mrs. Upham is returning to Mount St. Michael as our Atrium Catechist. She is certified in Levels 1-3 with CGS.

Mrs. Gutierrez returns to MSMCS in a new role.  Students in 1st – 6th grade will visit the library weekly. She will also provide story time to the Montessori students at times throughout the year.

Mrs. B, as she is known at MSMCS, has been a long-time volunteer prior to becoming a staff member.  She has over 15 years of experience working with Catholic schools in capacities.  We are excited to see her instill the love for reading in our students!

Mrs. Jones has returned to her long-time passion with art.  She loves to paint and create digital art, flyers, and posters. As our art teacher, she’s exploring with students the different styles of art integrating it into our curriculum. 

Mrs. Bernier comes to assist our 1st grade teacher as her aide.  Mrs. Bernier holds a Master of Education from Texas A&M University and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Puerto Rico.  She has over 20 years of experience working in education.     

Mrs. Thomas has years of experience with children.  She's blessed to have 3 children, 7 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren! Her favorite pastime is working on her yard and crossword puzzles. 

Mrs. Misko has taught for many years, beginning with 2nd grade after graduating college.  Mrs. Misko has earned her BA from Thomas Aquinas College, in Santa Paula, CA. She has taught at Catholic high schools; homeschooled all six of her children, most through high school. 

Bio to come! 

Mr. Santiago has been part of MSMCS for over 5 years.  He has kept our hallways clean and is always to the rescue in case we need anything!