Leadership
Lumen Christi Academies
Kristin Kurth (Koelzer)
Executive Director
kkurth@lumenchristiacademies.org
Kristin brings over 30 years of experience to Lumen Christi Academies in business strategy, marketing, leadership, and fiscal management, coupled with a profound commitment to Catholic education and underserved communities. Her dedication to educational excellence, her proven ability to build and lead diverse teams, and her expertise in strategic marketing make her well-suited to lead LCA into it's next chapter.
As a lifelong Catholic, Kristin has witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of Catholic education on her own life and that of her family. She states, “I believe every child should have the opportunity to receive an excellent education. Combining this with a faith-filled, safe environment creates the foundation for success. LCA is committed to making a difference by developing future leaders in a nurturing community grounded in faith, love, and respect. I am deeply honored to lead the organization into the future.”
Kristin earned her bachelor’s degree from The University of Michigan Ross School of Business and her MBA from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business. In addition to her role as an adjunct professor at St. Mary's College in Moraga, CA, Kristin is a licensed foster parent and an active community volunteer.
Jessica Griswold
Academic Excellence
Jessica Griswold has ministered to students in families in the Diocese of Oakland and Diocese of Sacramento for over 15 years. She has served as a teacher, vice principal and principal. She attended Holy Rosary School in Antioch for her elementary school years. She earned her Bachelor's Degree from Saint Mary's College, earned her BCLAD Teaching Credential from Cal State Teach, Monterey Bay, her Administrative Credential and Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from Saint Mary's College in Moraga. She is delighted to serve the families at St. Catherine of Siena School and all the schools in the Lumen Christi Academies.
Janet O'Connor
Operational Vitality
Queen of All Saints School
Stephanie Pacheco
Principal
St. Paul School
Mrs. Erma Flores
Principal
As an active member in her parish, an Administrator in the Diocese of Sacramento for 6 years, and a classroom teacher for over 20 years, it is with much motivation and grace Mrs. Flores wishes to bring her vision of Catholic Identity to St. Paul School.
She believes that the philosophy of Catholic identity and its relationship to academic excellence, is “in every aspect of my life. My actions, my word, my relationships, how I view myself and how I am viewed by others speak of my Catholic faith. I try to live...every day to be a witness to Christ. I will lead by example and foster Catholic Identity in my students, the faculty and staff, parents, and the community as we walk side by side with Christ. Developing a strong Catholic identity must include a complete academic curriculum that embodies our faith. As students begin to understand their purpose in the world, become rooted in their faith and desire to become true Disciples of Christ, they must also become critical thinkers, reach their academic potential and be good citizens”
Mrs. Flores earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies and teaching credential from California State University, East Bay, and a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration.
Mrs. Flores shared, “I appreciate the rich traditions and esteemed reputation of St. Paul’s and I have great expectations for our future. My vision is to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to strengthen our Catholic faith and the rigorous academics St. Paul School already possesses as well as developing new opportunities to enrich our school, parish and students.”
Saint Elizabeth School
Michelle Escobar
Principal
Michelle Escobar has close to 20 years of experience in the K-12 education system, both in teaching and in various leadership roles; including assistant principal at Saint Elizabeth School. She loves leading the beautiful school community with the amazing faculty, students, and families. Michelle’s philosophy of education is simple, “Every child’s potential is limitless” which is how she views each child. For as long as she can remember, teaching and education has been her calling. Michelle believes that Catholic education is the vehicle responsible for not only establishing a foundation of faith and love of God, but it allows us to serve the incredible students that God calls us to serve.
Michelle joined the Saint Elizabeth School community as the fifth grade teacher while her daughter joined as a kindergartner; her family was welcomed with open arms. She is honored to be principal and have two children attend Saint Elizabeth School. Ms. Escobar and her daughters love their school!
St. Peter Martyr School
Mrs. Katie Wilson
Principal
Mrs. Katie Wilson is currently the 7th Grade Teacher at the School of St. Peter Martyr. Mrs. Wilson has been part of the school's staff of seven, where she strives to educate the whole child body, mind and spirit. She wants all of her students to be socially aware Christ-centered people who never give up learning new things.
Mrs. Wilson is from Pittsburg, California. She is an alumnus of St. Peter Martyr and is grateful for the opportunity to be back here teaching. In her spare time Mrs. Wilson enjoys reading, playing with her dogs and spending time with her family.
Saint Catherine of Siena
Mrs. Brittany Rogers
Principal