Michelle brings a wealth of experience to St. Raphael School as principal. After receiving her Bachelor of Arts in Education and Spanish from Saint Mary's College in Notre Dame, Indiana, she came to Santa Barbara in 1996 as a bilingual teacher for Peabody Charter School. During her 13 years at Peabody Charter School, she was also a Physical Education teacher, a Master Teacher, a Tutoring Coordinator and a Technology Leader. Having her sights set on being a principal, Michelle returned to school and in 2005, graduated with a Master of Arts in Education and then attained her Administrative Credential. In 2009, Michelle was hired as the Principal for St. Anthony's School in Oxnard. With her up-to-date expertise of technology being one of her multiple strengths, she was able to increase enrollment at St. Anthony's School for the first time in eight years. Michelle was attracted to St. Raphael School for its "academic rigor, family atmosphere, wonderful parish community, beautiful campus, and endless possibilities to educate the whole child."

Michelle can be easily found on the playground at St. Raphael School during lunch periods or in her office, which is always open. If she's not on campus, it is most likely after-hours and she is "attempting" her newly-found enjoyment of paddle boarding. Michelle is an avid athlete with basketball and softball as her competitive sports. You may even find Michelle teaching a spinning class at your local gym.  In 2014, she was inducted into the Saint Mary's College Athletic Hall of Fame.

Edna Santos, Preschool Director

Ms. Santos comes to St. Raphael School with a great deal of experience in Early Childhood Education. She is certified in the outdoor classroom and has a passion for teaching our little ones. 

Karen Froelicher, KinderKlasse

Mrs. Froelicher specialized in Early Childhood Education. She has taught in both public and private schools. She attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, received her  ECE certification from SBCC and her Certification in Catechesis from the University of Dayton. Karen enjoys spending time with her two daughters and entertaining with friends and family.

Vanessa Ceriale, Kindergarten

Vanessa Ceriale joins St. Raphael School after teaching kindergarten for three years at St. Athanasius School in North Long Beach.  She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, with a minor and concentration in Spanish from Loyola Marymount University.  Vanessa continued at LMU as a member of Partners of Los Angeles Catholic Education (PLACE Corps), earning her Master's in Child and Adolescent Literacy.  

Rebecca Waid, 1st Grade

Ms. Waid joins our staff from St. Matthew's Parish School.  Rebecca has a true passion for science and is eager to share this with her students.  She received her Masters of Arts in Urban Education from Loyola Marymount University with an emphasis in literacy.  She also graduated from UCSB with a degree in Environmental Science.    

Fiona Gosney, 2nd Grade

Mrs. Gosney comes to us from a public school background.  She has a great love for learning and teaching.  Fiona has four children and enjoys spending time with her family.  

Autumn Webb, 3rd Grade

Ms. Autumn Webb, a St. Raphael School graduate, is excited to join our staff.  Autumn graduated from UCSB with degrees in Anthropology and Educational Studies and is excited to share her passion for reading and the arts with her students.  

Alexandra Hambleton, 4th Grade

Mrs. Hanbleton started with us as a long-term substitute teacher and fit right in with our staff.  She loves teaching and is eager to share her excitement for learning with her fourth grade students.  Alexandra enjoys spending time with her husband and her dog.

Gregory Philson, 5th Grade

Mr. Gregory Philson joined our staff in 2021.  He has a passion for both reading and writing. He is a graduated from Point Park University in Pittsburgh, PA with wtih a BA in Journalism and a minor in English Literature.  Gregory looks forward to sharing his love of writing with his students. 

Terri Breton, 6th Grade

Ms. Breton loves teaching at St. Raphael School. She attended California State University, Northridge, to receive a Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education, the University of Phoenix to earn a Teaching Credential and M.A. degree in Education, and is currently enrolled at SBCC to earn certification in the Media Arts Technology Program for Graphic Design and Photography. Ms. Breton enjoys outdoor sports and activities such as hiking, camping, and whitewater rafting. On her time off, Ms. Breton likes to travel to the east coast to visit family members and explore foreign countries. She is looking forward to her son’s graduation from DPHS this summer, and sending him off to college. Ms. Breton feels very blessed to be teaching at such a great school!

Betsy Howting, 7th Grade

Mrs. Howting comes to us with over 28 years of teaching experience, and mostly in Catholic schools.  She is a graduate from Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, and holds a Master of Education from Georgia State University.  She has previously taught junior high for both public and Catholic schools.

Julia McTigue, 8th Grade

Ms. Julia McTigue graduated from Boston College with a Bachelor of Arts in Education and a Masters Degree from Boston College's Lynch School of Education and Human Development where she received the Distinguished Teacher Award. She taught at Franklin School in Newton, MA and has relocated to Santa Barbara where she served as a substitute teacher in the Santa Barbara Unified School District and is known in town as a fun yet disciplined teacher!

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