Zana Luna
Subject: 7th ELA
Degrees/Credentials held: Bachelor of Science in Child Development & Master of Education 

Family?: I have been blessed with amazing parents and many siblings. I also have an amazing boyfriend, a cat, and a dog. I am grateful for the love and encouragement I receive from my family, as they have played a significant role in shaping who I am as a person and as an educator. 

 When you are not teaching, what can we find you doing? 
 When I'm not teaching, I cherish the simple pleasures in life: walking my dog, caring for my houseplants, and immersing myself in the serenity of nature. These activities bring balance, recharge me, and bring fulfillment to my days outside the classroom. 

 Why are you excited to teach students at Holy Cross Junior High? 
 One of the things that attracted me to Holy Cross Junior High is its emphasis on values and character development. It's not just about academic success; it's about nurturing compassion, respect, and a strong sense of community. As an educator, I believe in creating a supportive and inclusive classroom where students can grow not only academically but also as compassionate and empathetic individuals. 
 What sets this school apart is its commitment to a well-rounded education that combines faith and reason. I am passionate about fostering critical thinking skills and intellectual curiosity in my students. Exploring the ethical dimensions of various subjects helps make learning more meaningful and relevant, empowering students to make a positive difference in the world. 

Pamela Wilson
Subject You Teach: 8th ELA
Degrees/Credentials held: Master of Arts in Education: Reading (Greenville University)Bachelor of Arts in Language Arts Teaching (George Fox University)Preliminary Single Subject Teaching Credential (CA)Illinois Professional Educator License: Language Arts – Grades 6 – 8; Secondary Education – Grades 6 – 12; English, Spanish – Grades 9 – 12.

Family?: My husband is Jeffrey, and we have three grown children (Grace, Gloria & Gabriel), 2 sons-in-law, and three grandchildren. We also have a feisty gray cat named Sage.

When you are not teaching, what can we find you doing? When I'm not teaching, I'm probably rehearsing or performing with a choir (I sing with Fresno Pacific University, Soli Deo Gloria Women's Chorus, and St. Michael the Archangel Anglican Church Choir). I also love to read, cook, bake, garden, and go to the beach.

Why are you excited to teach students at Holy Cross Junior High? 

I am passionate about teaching students to see how their faith connects to everything they are learning. We need not be afraid to tackle any subject or problem in our human sphere, since God is the creator and sustainer of “all things visible and invisible,” and He provides wisdom and guidance to all who seek truth in His name. Encouraging students to bring their whole selves to the classroom and discover new God-given qualities in themselves while rigorously exploring the world around them is one of the most exciting things that brings me back to teaching and to Holy Cross Junior High.

Clara Ramirez

Subject You Teach: 7th grade Theology 

Degrees/Credentials held: BS in Middle School Education with a focus in Science and Social Studies from Fransiscan University of Steubenville 

Family?: I am thankful to have two amazing parents and 4 older brothers. 

When you are not teaching, what can we find you doing? If I'm not teaching you can find me out with my family, trying out new recipes, or seeking out a new boba tea shop. 

Why are you excited to teach students at Holy Cross Junior High? I am very excited to be teaching at Holy Cross. I am grateful to be a part of a strong Catholic community and want to share that with the students of Holy Cross. I'm looking forward to growing as an entire community through Christ.

Juan Contreras
Subject You Teach: 8th grade Theology

Degrees/Credentials held:
I hold a Clear Single Subject Teaching Credential in English, a B.A. in English Education with an emphasis in Creative Writing from CSU, Fresno, and an Associates of Science in Veterinary Technology from San Joaquin Valley College. I'm currently pursuing a Master's in Inspired Teaching of Second Language Learners at National University.

Family?
My wife and I were married in San Luis Obispo in 2020. We live with my father, who enriches our lives with his wisdom and faith. Born and raised in Fresno, surrounded by extended family. Our home includes two Terrier-mix breed dogs, Moose and Emma, and our German Shepherd, Lily.

When you are not teaching, what can we find you doing?
Outside of teaching, I enjoy family time, coastal road trips to visit relatives and friends, doodling, papercrafts, calligraphy, collecting fountain pens, watching films, playing with our dogs, and indulging in a wide range of music genres and animated shows.

Why are you excited to teach students at Holy Cross Junior High?
I am eager to integrate my faith with my love for language, literature, and critical thinking to help students explore and grow in their self-discovery, faith, and identity within a religious education framework. I thrive on connecting diverse ideas to contemporary relevance for shared learning experiences. 

Hannah Lloyd
 Subject: 7th Social Studies
 Degrees/Credentials held:
 I hold a BA in History and Single Subject Teaching Credential for History. I received both from Fresno Pacific University.

 Family?: I have a close relationship with my mom and three younger brothers.

 When you are not teaching, what can we find you doing?
 When not teaching, I can be found working on our family farm in North Fork, where we raise chickens, Angora goats, livestock guardian dogs, and occasionally pigs. Living in the mountains, I also enjoy hiking and kayaking.

 Why are you excited to teach students at Holy Cross Junior High?
 I am looking forward to teaching at Holy Cross because I am excited to build relationships with my students, and share my love of history with them. I look forward to working with my fellow staff members to help create a welcoming community on campus.

Joshua Glascock
Hunter Radford

Subject You Teach: 8th Social Studies 

Degrees/Credentials held: I hold a Masters in Secondary Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.

Family?: I live with my father Chad and Grandmother Carolyn.

When you are not teaching, what can we find you doing? I play golf every single Saturday with my dad, rain or shine!

Why are you excited to teach students at Holy Cross Junior High? I'm excited to move to a smaller school to create closer professional relationships with coworkers, parents, and students. I truly believe that a school that runs an efficient operation and treats all members with respect is one that will produce the highest quality of education for the students. 

Michelle Howard
Subject: 7th Science and Student Life Coordinator
Degrees/Credentials held: BA in Liberal Studies from Fresno Pacific University/Multiple Subject Teaching Credential

Family?: Youngest of 5 siblings, 1 niece, 7 nephews, 3 dogs

When you are not teaching, what can we find you doing? coaching cheer, conquering escape rooms, bowling with Fresno Social Sports, dreaming of owning a pet giraffe, or at a Jonas Brothers concert!

Why are you excited to teach students at Holy Cross Junior High? I am excited to teach students at HCJH because it is such a new, unique opportunity for these students to branch out and find their independence amongst their peers. With the integration of students from various schools across Fresno, I am excited to see students foster new relationships and thrive in a space that is meant for them. I can't wait to see their growth throughout their years at HCJH!

Ashley Gonzalez
Subject:7/8 Science 
Degrees/Credentials: BSN - LMU CAST Graduate & Community College Teaching Credential
Family?: Married for 21 years with 3 kids (14,16,20)

When you are not teaching, what can we find you doing? I spend time with my family, reading, at the beach, or by the pool when I am not at work.

Why are you excited to teach students at Holy Cross Junior High? 
I am excited to teach at Holy Cross Junior High because it is a new and exciting opportunity to guide students through some of the most formative years of their lives and prepare them for the knowledge and skills they'll need in high school and beyond. It is so exciting to see them evolve throughout the school year both academically and spiritually.

Lisa Waddill
Subject: Math
Degrees/Credentials:
Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering
Master of Arts in Education
Master of Education in Educational Administration
Single Subject Credential in Secondary Math

Family?: Townsend Waddill (husband), Ben Waddill (son in the Navy), William Waddill (son at SJM).

When you are not teaching, what can we find you doing?
When I’m not teaching, I’m reading mysteries or out getting stamps for my National Parks Passport.

Why are you excited to teach students at Holy Cross Junior High?
I LOVE math!! I’m looking forward to sharing my enthusiasm and passion for math with the students of Holy Cross Junior High.