Faculty and Staff Bios

Martin Freel
Principal

Mr. Freel has been the Principal at St. Jude for six years, bringing a wealth of experience in education and leadership to the school community. Before stepping into his role at St. Jude, he served as the Assistant Principal at Calabasas High School and as the Dean of Student Safety. Additionally, he has nearly 10 years of experience as a special education teacher and holds a Master’s in Special Education from Azusa Pacific University. 

Mr. Freel is invested into Catholic education, having gone to school in K-12th grade Catholic schools growing up. In his current role he works closely with various programs in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles including having served on the Inclusion Committee, being a presenter at the Catholic Schools Inclusion Conference and a member of the Executive Leadership Academy at Boston College. He has also contributed to the field of education as a Teaching Credential Instructor at Loyola Marymount University, where he worked primarily with student-teachers in the Teach For America program.

Alongside his administrative role, Mr. Freel was a high school football coach for 18 years, earning the Ventura County Coach of the Year Award in 2023. More importantly, he enjoys spending time with his family, his wife Brenda and their four children, two of whom are proud St. Jude School graduates!

Jilian Vitelli
Assistant Principal, Eighth Grade Teacher

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Jilian Vitelli is a dedicated 8th Grade Teacher and Assistant Principal at St. Jude. She holds a Business Degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and pursued further education by taking credential classes at California State University, Northridge (CSUN). After graduating from college, Jilian began her career at St. Jude, where she has been an integral part of the school community ever since.

Outside of her work, Jilian enjoys reading, taking walks, and watching sports, making time to relax and recharge. Her strong leadership, commitment to education, and passion for fostering student growth make her a respected and valued member of the St. Jude team.

Angelica Arisohn
Kindergarten Teacher

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Angelica Arisohn is a dedicated Kindergarten Teacher at St. Jude the Apostle School, where she is entering her tenth year of teaching. Over the past six years, she has taught first grade and is now in her fourth year in Kindergarten. Prior to joining St. Jude, Angelica taught at St. Peter Claver Preschool and Kindergarten for four years, further developing her passion for early childhood education.

Angelica holds a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from California Lutheran University, a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Loyola Marymount University, and a cleared California Teaching Credential.

When she’s not in the classroom, Angelica enjoys spending time at Disneyland, working out, and shopping. She grew up in Simi Valley, where she continues to live with her husband and two children. Angelica’s commitment to her students, her warm and caring teaching style, and her connection to her community make her a valued member of the St. Jude family.

Cheryl Bartell
First Grade Teacher

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Cheryl Bartell is an experienced educator with a passion for teaching and a strong background in elementary education. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design with a minor in Art History and a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education, both from Loyola Marymount University (LMU). Cheryl also holds a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential.

Cheryl has taught first grade for many years, beginning her career as a First Grade Teacher at St. Aloysius School in South L.A., followed by eight years at Notre Dame Academy in West L.A. She then taught at Corpus Christi School for two years before transitioning into the role of Vice Principal and Fourth Grade Math Teacher at Corpus Christi School in Pacific Palisades for four years. Cheryl brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the classroom.

Cheryl was also part of the third cohort of the PLACE Corps at LMU, further strengthening her dedication to Catholic education. Her family is a central part of her life, and she cherishes spending time with her two children. The beach is her favorite place to unwind and connect with nature. Coming from a family rich in Catholic tradition, faith remains a guiding principle in Cheryl’s life and teaching.

Cheryl’s dedication to her students, her commitment to fostering a positive and faith-filled learning environment, and her extensive experience make her a valued member of the St. Jude community.

Kaitlyn Theodoulou
Second Grade Teacher

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Kaitlyn Theodoulou is a dedicated educator with 11 years of experience at St. Jude. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with an emphasis in Child Development and a Teaching Credential from Cal Poly SLO. 

Being a St. Jude alumni herself, Kaitlyn has a deep connection to the school community. When she began teaching here, her youngest sister was an 8th grader, making her journey at St. Jude a truly family-centered experience.

Outside of the classroom, Kaitlyn is an avid sports fan, particularly enjoying games from the LA Dodgers, LA Kings, and LA Rams. She also cherishes spending time with her two daughters, Blake and Brynn.

Kaitlyn’s commitment to both her students and the St. Jude community reflects her passion for education and her pride in being part of this remarkable school.

Jill Marshall
Teacher’s Aide, Second Grade

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Jill Marshall is a dedicated Teacher’s Aide at St. Jude, bringing a unique combination of healthcare experience and a passion for education to her role. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and is a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN). Jill has worked as a nurse in long-term care facilities, as a Home Health Nurse, and at St. Jude, where her experience in both healthcare and education enriches her work with students.

Jill graduated summa cum laude from Southern New Hampshire University, reflecting her dedication to both academics and professional growth. Outside of her work at St. Jude, Jill enjoys spending time with her family, watching sports, and working with the elderly, which aligns with her compassionate nature and caring personality.

A proud mother of five children, Jill is an avid sports fan, further demonstrating her enthusiasm for life outside of the classroom. Her diverse background and caring approach make her an invaluable member of the St. Jude community.

Priscilla Traylor
Academic Technology Coordinator, Journalism Teacher, Third Grade Co-Teacher

Traylor2025Priscilla Traylor is the Academic Technology Coordinator, Journalism teacher, and 3rd Grade Co-Teacher at St. Jude School. She earned her B.A. in Psychology and Human Development from the University of California and her M.A. in Education with a Professional Clear Multiple Subject Credential and CLAD certification from Pepperdine University. She also holds certifications in Technology Integration (ISTE) and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (Cornell University). With over 21 years of experience, Priscilla has served as an educational consultant, a curriculum writer, a Pepperdine University field supervisor, and as a board member and Director of Educational Programming at the Southern California Children’s Museum.

At St. Jude, Priscilla sparks a school-wide love for technology through her work writing and teaching the STEAM curriculum which guides 4th–8th graders in coding, animation, design, and creative problem-solving. She co-teaches 3rd grade’s major project-based learning adventures—where students create cities, run elections, and share their cultures through digital media. She also mentors middle school students as they write, design, and publish the school magazine.

Outside the classroom, Priscilla enjoys pilates, traveling, cheering for the Warriors or 49ers, and long walks in the hills with her husband, two young adult children, and two lively labs. A believer in the power of writing, she has even written her way onto HGTV and into a once-in-a-lifetime trip to South Korea to have breakfast with the country’s First Lady at the Blue House.

Emily Beutner
Third Grade Co-Teacher

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Emily Beutner brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for education to her role as a 3rd Grade Co-Teacher at St. Jude. She holds a BA in English, an MA in Secondary Education, and an MA in American Studies, along with California Single Subject and Multiple Subject Teaching Credentials and a California Administrative Credential. Emily’s career in education includes teaching English at La Reina High School and Middle School, where she also held various administrative roles, including Dean of Student Life and Director of Leadership and Service Learning.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Emily enjoys gardening, camping, and spending quality time with her family. She is the proud mother of three children, and her family-oriented mindset and love for nature enrich her approach to teaching.

Emily’s diverse background and her commitment to fostering a positive and engaging learning environment make her a valued member of the St. Jude team.

Kim Cummings
Teacher’s Aide, Third Grade

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Kim Cummings has been an integral part of the St. Jude community since 2000. She holds a BA in Early Childhood Education from California State University, Northridge, and began her career teaching preschool, where she worked with 2- and 3-year-olds and developed a love for fostering young learners. After some time in office jobs, where she gained valuable insights into working with people, Kim returned to St. Jude in 2000 as a Kindergarten aide. She took a break for a few years but came back to St. Jude in February 2021 as the 3rd Grade Teacher Aide, a role that has felt like coming home for her family.

Kim is passionate about baking and has been honing her skills for over 30 years—if it can be baked, Kim’s probably made it! She even ran a small baking business out of her home and had the honor of baking her daughter’s wedding cake (which fed 132 guests!). When not baking, Kim enjoys crafting, listening to country music, attending live theater musicals, and traveling, with Europe being one of her favorite destinations.

Kim’s dedication to her students, creativity, and warm personality make her a beloved part of the St. Jude family.

Grace Teague
Fourth Grade Teacher

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Grace Teague is a passionate educator with a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies for Education and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from Pepperdine University. She grew up in Westlake Village and is excited to be teaching in the same community where she was raised. Teaching runs in her family, her mom and one of her sisters are also educators, which has shaped her passion for creating inclusive, supportive learning environments.

Grace has experience supporting diverse learners, fostering strong classroom communities, and collaborating with families and colleagues. Outside the classroom, she enjoys puzzles, yoga, skiing, going to the beach, and spending time with friends, family, and her cat.

At St. Jude, she brings her enthusiasm, adaptability, and dedication to the community. She is committed to fostering curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning in every student, while collaborating with a team that shares these values.

Polly Toohey
Teacher’s Aide, Fourth Grade

Toohey2025Polly Toohey is the 4th Grade Teacher’s Assistant at St. Jude, bringing a wealth of experience in education and church ministry to her role. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Oklahoma State University and a Certificate in Catechesis from the University of Dayton. Polly has had a diverse career, serving as a Religion Teacher and Liturgy Coordinator at La Reina Middle and High School, as well as a Pastoral Administrator and Liturgy Coordinator at Saint Maximilian Kolbe Church. Additionally, she worked as a Computer Specialist at Aspen Elementary School in the Conejo Valley Unified School District.

Outside of her professional roles, Polly enjoys spending time with her five grandchildren, a source of great joy in her life. She loves walking and has always had a keen interest in technology. Polly is also an avid Lego builder and films all the livestream Masses for St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, combining her passion for technology with her dedication to her faith community.

Polly is extremely happy and grateful to be a part of the St. Jude the Apostle School community, where her experience and caring nature make her a cherished member of the team.

Carey Novak
Fifth Grade Teacher

Novak2025With 31 years of experience in education, including 29 wonderful years at St. Jude, Mrs. Novak has become a true cornerstone of our school community. Passionate about teaching Social Studies and English, she has also taught all subjects over the years, finding joy in every aspect of her students’ learning. Above all, she treasures her interactions with students, especially the moment when she helps them turn on that “light bulb” of understanding.

A proud La Reina High School alumna, she went on to earn a BA from the University of Portland and a Master’s in Education from Pepperdine University. Her kindness, patience, and generosity as an educator make her an inspiring figure who is dedicated to helping every student reach their full potential.

Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Novak enjoys spending quality time with her family, cooking, and playing golf. Her son Logan, a proud St. Jude graduate, now plays football at Crespi High School, and she continues to cheer him on.

Her commitment to her students, her passion for teaching, and her nurturing approach make her a beloved and respected member of the St. Jude community.

Sarah Andrea
Sixth Grade Teacher

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Sarah Andrea is an experienced educator with a strong background in elementary and middle school education. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, a Master’s in Elementary Administration, a California Teaching Credential in Multiple Subjects, and a Preliminary California Administrative Credential. Throughout her career, Sarah has taught a wide range of grade levels, including Kindergarten, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grades, gaining a diverse skill set and a deep understanding of student needs at various stages of development.

Outside the classroom, Sarah enjoys reading, painting, and working with ceramics, which reflect her creative side and her passion for lifelong learning. Her diverse teaching experience and dedication to her students make her a dynamic and valued member of the St. Jude community.

Mr. Lopez
Seventh Grade Homeroom, Social Studies/Spanish

Lopez2025Jared Lopez is a dedicated 7th Grade Homeroom Teacher at St. Jude, where he brings his passion for education and his deep interest in political science to the classroom. He holds a Master of Arts in Political Science, which informs his approach to teaching and allows him to engage students in thoughtful discussions about the world around them.

Outside of the classroom, Jared enjoys reading and bird watching, two hobbies that allow him to connect with nature and explore new ideas. His enthusiasm for learning and his commitment to his students make him a valuable member of the St. Jude community.

Jay Fremed
Math Teacher

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Jay Fremed is a seasoned Math Teacher with over 25 years of experience in education. His deep passion for teaching and helping students understand the world of numbers has made him a respected figure at St. Jude. With his extensive experience, Jay brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to the classroom.

Outside of teaching, Jay has a variety of interests that reflect his vibrant personality. He enjoys comedy, hard rock music, and food, which contribute to his dynamic and engaging approach to life. Jay’s ability to connect with his students and make learning enjoyable is a testament to his dedication to both education and his students’ success.

Jana Sutherland
K-8 Science Teacher, Jaguar Robotics Coach

Sutherland2025Jana Sutherland is the K–8 Science Teacher and Jaguar Robotics Coach at St. Jude School. An alumna herself, she was a first grader on the very first day the school opened and graduated with the Class of ’89. Jana went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Special Education from Gonzaga University. After teaching Special Education in CVUSD for 12 years and spending time at home with her children, she returned to Catholic education—first as a substitute, then as St. Jude’s science teacher, a role she has now held for eight years.

Jana loves making science fun and engaging through hands-on labs and STEM projects. She considers it a privilege to be the “fun teacher,” helping students explore, create, and use both sides of their brain. Beyond the classroom, she coaches the Jaguar Robotics team, encouraging innovation, teamwork, and problem-solving.

Deeply rooted in the St. Jude community, Jana and her husband of 25 years have two children who both attended the school. Her daughter Ella (Class of ’21) is now a freshman studying film and media at Emerson College in Boston, and her son Emmett (Class of ’26) is currently an 8th grader at St. Jude and the Student Council President. In her free time, Jana enjoys traveling, camping, playing games, puzzles, and reading. An interesting fact about her: in high school, she won 2nd place in the nation for Latin Ballroom Dancing with her dance team, and she has visited nearly all 50 states and national parks.

Kimberley Chiappetta
Physical Education

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Kim Chiappetta is the K-8 Physical Education Teacher at St. Jude, bringing a diverse background and a wealth of experience to the classroom. She holds a Bachelor of Business from the University of Notre Dame, where she double majored in Management of Information Systems and History. Kim was also a standout athlete, competing as a Cross Country and Track & Field athlete at Notre Dame. After college, she worked as a Management Consultant, specializing in asset and liability management for banking institutions, as well as in government contract finance, specifically the F-18 sale to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

In addition to her impressive professional career, Kim has a passion for athletics. She was the Ventura County High Jump Champion in 1997, and 25 years later, she had the honor of coaching Mrs. Schultze’s daughter, Delaney, to win the high jump at the Ventura County Championships in 2022.

When she’s not teaching or coaching, Kim enjoys running, spending time at Disneyland, and cooking. A fun fact: Kim even went on the show Wipeout, proving she’s not afraid of a challenge!

Kim’s diverse background, athletic prowess, and commitment to fostering physical education make her an exciting and valued member of the St. Jude community.

Jennifer Clothier
Office Manager

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Jennifer Clothier is the Office Manager at St. Jude, bringing a strong organizational background and a passion for supporting the school community. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). Prior to becoming a stay-at-home mom for the past 19 years, Jennifer worked as a Project Manager, where she honed her skills in managing tasks and coordinating teams.

Outside of her work at St. Jude, Jennifer enjoys spending quality time with her family, going to the movies, running, and visiting the beach. She is also a seasoned runner, having completed two marathons, a testament to her dedication and perseverance.

Jennifer’s warm, efficient approach and her ability to manage the office with care make her an essential and valued member of the St. Jude team.

Marilyn Enos
Music and Liturgy Coordinator

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Marilyn Enos is the Music and Liturgy Coordinator at St. Jude, bringing over 27 years of experience in the church and 21 years in Catholic education to her role. A proud graduate of California State University, Northridge (CSUN) with a degree in Music, focusing on vocal performance, Marilyn’s enthusiasm for music is matched by her dedication to fostering a deep connection with faith through song and worship. She has served in various roles throughout her career, including Music Teacher, Parish Music Director, Liturgy Coordinator, Choir Director, and Service Learning Coordinator.

Outside of her work, Marilyn is a passionate sports fan, particularly cheering on the L.A. Angels and Rams. She also enjoys cooking, playing games, and spending quality time with her family. Marilyn has a love for Mexican food, ice cream, and a good cup of coffee. She is a huge Disney fan and finds joy in the beauty of the ocean, especially in Monterey and Pacific Grove. The rain is another of her favorite elements, as it reminds her of the calming presence of God’s creation.

Marilyn is deeply committed to helping children discover and appreciate their God-given talents, and her nurturing, joyful spirit makes her a cherished member of the St. Jude community.

Carlos and Marta Hernandez
Plant Managers

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Our school would not be the wonderful atmosphere it is without the countless years of dedication by our two plant managers, Mr. Carlos and Mrs. Marta! They both bring a sense of positivity and hard-work to our school everyday as they maintain our school grounds. Mr. Carlos has been the plant manager at St. Jude since its inception in 1982 and his wife Mrs. Marta has been with the school for 12 years. Both are vital members to our school’s operations and we are so very lucky to have them at St. Jude!

Suzanne Schultze
School Guidance Counselor

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Suzie Schultze brings over two decades of experience in coaching and physical education to her role as School Guidance Counselor at St. Jude. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from California Lutheran University and a Graduate Certification in Social Emotional Learning in Children from the University of Colorado Boulder. Suzie is in her 6th year at St. Jude, with six of those years dedicated to serving as the school’s counselor.

Before starting her family, Suzie worked as a Junior Children’s Agent for TV and Commercials, but her passion for working with children led her to a career in education. She is a true sports fanatic and has spent countless years attending games, whether as a coach, a fan, or a parent supporting her kids in a variety of sports.

In addition to her work at St. Jude, Suzie is an aspiring writer and blogger with a love for reading fiction books. She is also an avid Disneyland enthusiast and enjoys traveling now that she and her husband are “empty-nesters.” Suzie and her husband celebrated  their 25th wedding anniversary in 2025. They are proud parents to two young adults: Peyton (26), who works in Marketing and PR for Disneyland, and Delaney (21), a senior at CU Boulder.

Every Halloween, Suzie donates costumes she has collected over the years to foster children and families in need, reflecting her commitment to giving back to the community. Her passion for helping children and her warm, nurturing approach make her a beloved figure at St. Jude, where she continues to inspire and support students on their educational journey.

Felicia Scrofano
Reading Specialist and S.T.E.P Coordinator

Felicia Scrofano serves as a Resource Teacher and S.T.E.P. Coordinator, bringing over 36 years of experience in Catholic education. She holds a B.S. degree along with a California Multi-Subject Clear Credential, with a special emphasis in reading.

Throughout her career, Felicia has dedicated herself to helping students gain confidence and develop the skills they need to be successful learners. She is especially passionate about reading, believing that every child has the ability to become a reader with the right book and the right support. For more than three decades, she has found joy in transforming reluctant readers into confident ones, and she still cherishes the magical moment when it all “clicks.”

Felicia values working in small, supportive environments where she can meet students where they are and give them the tools to grow. Beyond academics, she is devoted to helping those less fortunate and instilling in her students the importance of perseverance, compassion, and lifelong learning.

Carmen Weigl
Elementary Spanish Enrichment

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Carmen Weigl serves as the Spanish Enrichment Volunteer at St. Jude School, where she enjoys sharing her love of language and culture with students from Kindergarten through 5th grade. She holds a degree in Industrial Engineering from ITESM and in Applied Data Science at MIT. Originally from Ecuador, Carmen brings a global perspective to her teaching, helping students see language as a bridge to understanding the world around them.

What she enjoys most about her role is watching students grow—seeing their confidence bloom as they explore Spanish year after year. She feels blessed to be part of their journey, helping them embrace curiosity, creativity, and the joy of learning.

Outside of school, Carmen loves working out, traveling, and creating adventures with her children, often ending the day with a good book. Her life has taken her across five countries—Mexico, Spain, Germany, Colombia, and now the United States—where she met her husband from Vienna and raised three children, each born in a different country. These international experiences have deepened her appreciation for diverse cultures and the power of language to connect people.