Principal
Principal – Ms. Terry Miller
I am beginning my 9th year as principal of Good Shepherd and my 20th year in administration in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.  Before becoming a principal, I taught in various elementary grades with my most recent teaching experience being high school.  I have lived in California all but five months of my life and graduated from Catholic elementary, high school and college in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. I have both a Lifetime Teaching Credential and an Administrative Service Credential along with a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration.  I love the Good Shepherd community of students, teachers and parents.  I am excited about this school year and our focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) because our challenge is to prepare our children for a future filled with technology.
Good Shepherd Church – Msgr. Thomas Welbers

As both a life-long, faithful Catholic and a priest for  forty-two years, I owe a tremendous debt to  Catholic education.  I   started in first grade (at St. Elisabeth’s in Van Nuys), and my faith and life have  been deeply formed through Catholic schools and seminaries.  Each of the seven parishes where I’ve served could boast of a fine school as  part of the  fabric of parish life.   Eleven years in  Campus Ministry, working  with students  and faculty of  secular colleges  and universities, has made me intensely aware of the importance of a solid grounding in the understanding of our faith as the foundation for Christian life and leadership.  I am delighted to be a part of Good Shepherd School’s program to infuse academic excellence with strong Catholic identity to ensure that our Church and world will have outstanding leaders in the years to come.

Admissions Director – Ms. Sharon Monroe

This is the beginning of my second year at Good Shepherd and I see Good Shepherd as my “encore career” since I started my work life as a teacher and later a Science Advisor, School Coordinator and Assistant Principal with Los Angeles Unified School District.  I have a California Life Teaching and Administrative Credentials and a Master’s in School Administration.  I came to Good Shepherd from UCLA where I worked in both the Department of Medicine and the California NanoSystems Institute.  I have also worked in the Space and  Communication Division of Hughes Aircraft Company, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Seattle University School of Law.

I am a Los Angeles native, who has lived in the Philippines, Japan and Seattle, but I keep coming back to Los Angeles.  I love my job as Admissions Director because it allows me to meet all the prospective parents and students and tell them about the great teachers, students, parents and happenings at Good Shepherd.

Pre-K Director / Teacher – Ms. Petra Hellstrom
(License #197413669)
Visit Ms. Hellstrom’s Blog
This coming school year will be my twelfth year at Good Shepherd School.  After earning my BS in education at the University College of Gavle in Sweden, I moved to Los Angeles and taught preschool for four years and then joined the staff of Good Shepherd in 2000.  My first four years at Good Shepherd I taught second grade, followed by kindergarten for two years.  Five years ago, the Good Shepherd Pre-K was opened and I became the director and teacher.  I hold a California multiple subject teaching credential and a Masters in Elementary Education from Loyola Marymount University.

Teaching is the passion of my life. There is nothing more inspiring than observing how a child learns, develops and masters new skills.  To me, Good Shepherd is like a second home.  I enjoy going to work each day thanks to supportive parents, wonderful students, and a great faculty and staff.

Pre-K Teacher – Mrs. Bahar Cohen

This year will be my third year working at Good Shepherd    School. I grew up in a small town in Iran, graduated from  High School and went to college there for two years. I worked  as a secretary in an agricultural department for nine years and then moved to America in 1986. I studied Early Childhood education at Santa Monica College and UCLA. Following my credentialing in Early Childhood Education, I worked as a nursery school teacher for ten years and thoroughly enjoyed it. Working at Good Shepherd this last year was an amazing experience and I look forward to being at Good Shepherd this year. I feel blessed to be able to work with such a great staff, students, and parents.

Pre-K Teacher – Mrs. Natalie Bramon-Simonian

I have worked at Good Shepherd for the last six years and have been a preschool teacher for twenty-two years.  I studied Early Childhood Education at Whittier College and have done course work in Child Development at UCLA Extension.  I intend to continue Early Childhood Education course work in the future because I love working with children.

I love working at Good Shepherd School and feel teaching young children age-appropriate early academics is a fabulous joy, pleasure and extremely fulfilling.  My husband and I, and our two children, are members of Good Shepherd Church.  I am also a parent at Good Shepherd School and feel blessed to be a part of the Good Shepherd Community.

Pre-K Teacher – Mrs. Marina Weeks

I taught at Our Lady of Lourdes in Vancouver, WA for over sixteen years.  I am originally from Southern California, and attended El Camino College, Valley College and Cal State Northridge.  When I moved to the Northwest, I worked as a kindergarten and first grade assistant and discovered I truly enjoyed working with the young age group.  I returned to school to focus my studies on Early Childhood Education, earning a degree at Clark College.  Both my sons attended Catholic Schools in Vancouver, WA and Portland, OR and my youngest son attended a Catholic University in Lacey, WA.

Over the last four years I worked in the non-profit sector as I continued my journey as an Early Childhood Educator.  I missed working in a Christian setting where values are as important as academics.  I am excited to join Good Shepherd School, a school which promotes Catholic beliefs and values.  I am looking forward to getting to know the faculty, staff, students and families as I journey through this school year.

Kindergarten Teacher – Mrs. Carol Kim

Visit Mrs. Kim’s Blog
I graduated from the University of California, San Diego with a major in Political Science with an emphasis in American Politics.  Upon graduating, I joined AmeriCorps which is a non-profit organization dedicated to service in our communities.  After working in the non-profit field for two years, I was given the opportunity to join the Good Shepherd family.

I have taught Kindergarten at Good Shepherd for five years and completed my Master’s in Education at Loyola Marymount University in December 2009.

Having attended Catholic schools for most of my education, I feel blessed to give my students the same Catholic education I had.  Teaching at Good Shepherd Catholic School is a rewarding experience in which the staff works to build a caring community of collaborative learners.


1st Grade – Mrs. Georgette Dickson
I graduated from the College of New Jersey with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education, K-8 and a Life Time Teaching Credential.  I have been a teacher for twenty-nine years.  I have taught in self-contained classrooms for 1st, 2nd, 5th and 6th grades as well as departmentalized 7th grade English, Literature, Science and Social Studies.  I have also been a mentor teacher for PLACE-LMU and the “Teacher to Teacher” program which provides support, classroom instructional observations and seminars for first year and new teachers to the Archdiocese of Los Angeles schools.  In August I will begin my fifth year at Good Shepherd.

I have two daughters who graduated from St. Bernardine of  Siena School in Woodland Hills.  I enjoy teaching at Good Shepherd because the school creates a Christian-valued environment with high academic expectations.  The faculty, principal, parents and staff are supportive and helpful to work with as a team for students’ educational success.

2nd Grade – Mrs. Erin Moore
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I attended Catholic Schools from Kindergarten through twelfth grade in Cleveland, Ohio.   After attending The Ohio State University and graduating from Cleveland State University with a bachelor degree in Arts and Science and Early Childhood Education I returned to my own elementary school,  St. Mary’s, where I taught kindergarten for two years.   I moved from Cleveland, Ohio to Los Angeles and had the opportunity to continue teaching in a Catholic school.  I have both an Ohio Teaching License and a California Teaching Credential.
This year will be my fifth year teaching at Good Shepherd Catholic School.  I love teaching at Good Shepherd because we have such a diverse student body and faculty.  The students’ excitement to learn and the cooperation of the parents make my job extremely rewarding.
3rd Grade – Mrs. Michelle Centeno

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This will be my 12th year of teaching at Good Shepherd Catholic School.  The majority of the time I spent as the 3rd grade classroom teacher, however I also taught both 2nd and 5th grades.  I have a Bachelor of Science from Western Michigan University and am in the process of clearing my California Credential.

I am the mother of two Good Shepherd Catholic School students and enjoy sharing my knowledge of learning with them and all of the wonderful students at Good Shepherd. I am thrilled to be part of a school that promotes Catholic beliefs and strives to give their students the tools they need to meet their academic needs with confidence.

4th Grade – Ms. Megan Parodi

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I truly believes the foundation I received through my Catholic education from kindergarten to high school has shaped who I have become and prepared me well for life’s endeavors.  It is because of this that I decided to teach and give back to Catholic education.

I received my B.A. in Psychology, with a concentration in developmental psychology, from UC Santa Cruz.  I am currently a part of the PLACE Corps program at Loyola Marymount University where I am pursuing my Multiple-Subjects Teaching Credential and Masters in Education.

I had a wonderful year at Good Shepherd and am overjoyed to continue to be part of the Good Shepherd Family!  I look forward to another fantastic and successful year!

5th Grade – Mr. Francisco Huerta
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I am  a native of Mexico and came to the United States at the age of five and became a U.S. citizen in 1996.  I received my bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies with a minor concentration in Spanish from California State University Dominguez Hills. I finished my Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Phoenix.
I taught second grade for two years in public school and have been at Good Shepherd School for eleven years.  I am excited to teach Fifth Grade and will have the honor of teaching students who were in my First Grade class.  I enjoy teaching at Good Shepherd Catholic School because it is unique and it is fascinating to teach in a diverse school. The faculty and staff at GSCS have high academic expectations and strong Christian beliefs. The faculty is a very supportive team and I am proud to be part of this team.
6th Grade – Mrs. Erin Mansoor

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I am very happy to be returning to Good Shepherd Catholic School as the 6th grade teacher. I began my teaching career at Good Shepherd in 1998, after leaving my career in public relations and marketing.  I received my Bachelor’s degree in English Literature at California State University Northridge, and have pursued post-graduate work there as well.

When my first child was born, I took an extended leave from my teaching career and am now very pleased to be returning to such a wonderful school.  I love that I will be teaching the youngest sister of one of the pupils in my first 6th grade class in 1998!  I have also taught at St. Martin of Tours School and facilitated Mock Trial programs for Good Shepherd, St. Martin of Tours and Turning Point Schools.  I attended Catholic schools from kindergarten through 12th grade.

I am a Los Angeles native who spent many childhood years living in the Philippines as well as in Belgium and have traveled extensively.  I am happily married and have three children.

7th Grade / Science – Ms. Suzy Bhakta
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This year will mark my twelfth year teaching at Good Shepherd School.  In December 2008, I graduated with a Masters in Counseling from USC and am currently working on the hours I need to attain my license as a therapist.  Science is my specialty and I have predominantly taught at the junior high level.  I like teaching at Good Shepherd because the students are kind and well behaved and their families are caring and supportive.  The faculty and staff are easy to work with; everyone is so helpful and considerate.  It has been a blessing to grow academically and spiritually along with the children I teach.
8th Grade – Mrs. Lisa Widmann
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I am a native Southern Californian.  My teaching experience includes California State University Dominguez Hills, The Wiz private school, and St. Bernadette Catholic School.  I have been teaching 8th grade at Good Shepherd Catholic School for eleven years.
My Good Shepherd departmentalized areas include Language Arts, Social Studies and Religion.  I also teach 7th grade Literature and am the Coordinator of the S.T.E.P. (Support Team Education Plan).  I am currently working on my Master’s of Science degree in Instructional Leadership.
I believe in educating the whole person and bring my skills as a Thespian to Good Shepherd by directing a musical each year.  I have performed in several non-equity stage and film productions and share my love of the Arts with my students.  I am happily married and the proud mother of five Good Shepherd graduates.
Spanish – Ms. Angelica Hernandez-Ball
Visit Ms. Hernandez-Ball’s Blog

HOLA AMIGOS! I am so excited to now be a part of the Good Shepherd Family!  Catholic education is something I hold very dear to my heart and I am overjoyed that I am now able to share my love for God as well as my passion for education simultaneously here at Good Shepherd School.  I am a Los Angeles native and a graduate from California State University Long Beach with a B.A. in Spanish.  During my undergrad, I was blessed to study abroad in Cuernavaca, México to broaden my knowledge in language and culture, as well as provide me with opportunities in voluntary service to help those in need.

I am now a proud member of the PLACE Corps at Loyola Marymount University where I am currently pursuing my M.A. in Secondary Education as well as my Single Subject Teaching Credential in Spanish.  I am ardently looking forward to helping my students achieve their goals and follow their dreams to prepare them for a bright and successful future!

Music – Ken Joseph

This is my second year of teaching music at Good Shepherd School on Tuesday and Wednesday as well as working with Mrs. Widmann on the 8th grade production and graduation.  I also teach music at St. Jerome Catholic School in Inglewood.   My undergraduate degree is from Wayne State University.  My piano professor always preached the importance of sharing your musical knowledge with others and it’s what I’m doing with the students and teachers at Good Shepherd.

I am a working musician and composer who has performed with jazz greats Jon Faddis, Rick Margitza, Doc Severinsen, Marvin Stamm, and Paul Anka.  At the age of 14 my immersion in the methods of Masters such as Holst, Debussy, Ravel, Richard Strauss, and Tchaikovsky laid the foundation for my strength as a composer and my techniques as a musician.  My most recent work continues to enhance my proficiency for “sync to picture” techniques as I completed two feature films for the Sundance Film Festival.

Fitness & Wellness – Mr. Michael Lee

I have been serving in Christian schools as a teacher and coach and am passionate about helping children.  This will be my first year at Good Shepherd where I will lead the school’s Wellness & Fitness Program.

I graduated from USC where I studied Physical Education and Journalism.  I am a nationally Certified Coach as well as a coach for the USA Hockey National Development Team.

I am very involved in leading Christian humanitarian projects in Latin America.  I believe working in schools is a great way to serve the Lord and am looking forward to being a Godly influence for the children at Good Shepherd.

Office Manager / Webmaster – Mrs. Rose-Ann Shevelin
I have worked in business for most of my adult life and have continually pursued many areas of education during that time. My primary interests involve the computer and other high- tech learning.
I attended McIntosh Business College in NH, majoring in Business English and Communication.  My Certifications include an Advanced  Degree for Web Design  from Sessions,  NY.  From New Horizons in Thousand Oaks, CA I have certifications in Network and Project Administration (CNA).  I am also proficient in many  graphic and web design programs.
I have been at Good Shepherd School since 2003 and enjoy the daily interaction with the faculty, students and their families.  It is great to work at a school that teaches Christian values in everything they do throughout the day.
Secretary – Michelle Brantley

I am very excited about joining the staff at Good Shepherd.  The mission of GSCS is something I believe in wholeheartedly and what fuels my passion to work in education. The first step of education is to have one’s eyes opened and be turned from darkness to light. (Acts 26:18) It is not good that the soul be without knowledge.   After many years of working in the legal industry, I finally decided  to listen to my heart and go into education where I have enjoyed working the past several years; Verbum Dei High School, south central Los Angeles and Coast Christian School, Redondo Beach.

I am a recent graduate of Loyola Marymount University, earning my masters degree in School Administration.  Additionally, I have a Bachelors degree in business from Cal State Dominguez Hills.  Outside of the classroom, I enjoy playing tennis and love watching and participating in outdoor activities.  I am native of Cleveland, Ohio; GO CAVS.  :-)     With this new endeavor of working with elementary/middle school students, parents and staff at Good Shepherd, I look forward to an exciting school year.  Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)

Facilities Manager – Ruddy Garcia

I came to Good Shepherd Parish twenty-one years ago to be the sacristan for the church.   In 2007  I  joined Good Shepherd Catholic School as a part-time Facilities Manager.  In addition to my major role as Facilities Manager I work twice a week with the Pre-K students teaching them physical fitness and dancing.

I am originally from Guatemala and love spending time with the Pre-K students and teach them my  Latin dances such as the merengue and salsa.  I also teaches the Pre-K students disco dancing which they do under spotlights and a disco ball.  They always look forward to dancing with me and see it as one of the highlights of their day.  I am also active at the Church in teaching parishioners how to do the salsa.

Faithful Mascot – Sasha

I love to come to school everyday and see all the smiling faces of the students. Their warm hugs and pats make my day! I have been at Good Shepherd for 8 years. I have Level I and II certificates from Dog Obedience School and even though I had planned to get into show business, I am content being at Good Shepherd and will welcome you with a friendly wag of my tail!