Leadership

Andy Sulick brings perspective, enthusiasm, and experience to his role as president of Santa Margarita Catholic High School. An Orange County native, Andy’s father is a retired Marine officer, and his mother was a Catholic elementary school teacher.  He holds a bachelor’s degree in education and history from the University of Redlands and a master’s degree in Catholic educational administration from Loyola Marymount University.

As a member of the charter class of 1991, Andy has held the roles of student, athlete, teacher, and coach along with his administration position at SMCHS over the years. He began teaching history and coaching football and golf at SMCHS in 1996. In 2001, he left Santa Margarita for the corporate world and gained valuable business experience over the next two years while working at FedEx. In 2003, Andy began his post as founding director of admissions at JSerra Catholic High School in San Juan Capistrano. His successes at JSerra ultimately propelled him into the role of assistant headmaster in 2012.

In the summer of 2014, Andy was appointed president of Santa Margarita Catholic High School, returning home to the “Eagles Nest.” His proven record of success in enrollment marketing, development, business, administration, and deep ties to the alumni community serve him well in his role as president. Since his return to the Nest, Andy has restructured the administrative team and created several new positions to serve SMCHS families. He led his team on capital projects and campus improvements, including enhancements in academics, student life, performing arts, athletics, and an on-campus wellness center.  

Andy guest-lectures and speaks at area schools, colleges, and non-profit organizations. He sits on a variety of boards, including WellSchool, an organization that focuses on mental health, wellness, and mindfulness in high schools.  
 

EDUCATION:
Loyola Marymount University
M.A. Catholic Education

University of Redlands
B.A. Education/History

Cheri Wood has over 35 years of educational leadership experience. She joined SMCHS as Principal in 2019, and her administrative responsibilities are focused on academics, faculty and student life, and spiritual development through the school's charism of Caritas Christi, the love of Christ.

Previously, Wood held principal positions in both the Diocese of Orange and the Diocese of Washington D.C. Prior to her administration experience, she taught Chemistry, Biology, Psychology, and Dance at the high school level in the Diocese of Los Angeles, CA, and the Diocese of Corpus Christi, TX. Wood's background in education is rooted in Catholicism, curriculum development, collaborative leadership, and cultivating a transformative school environment. 

Wood earned a Post-Master's Certificate in School Administration from Notre Dame of Maryland University in Baltimore, completed the Klingenstein Summer Fellowship at Teacher's College, Columbia University, and holds a Master of Arts in Psychology and Bachelor of Arts in Psychobiology from Occidental College, Los Angeles.

EDUCATION:
Notre Dame of Maryland University, Baltimore
Post-Master's Certificate in School of Administration
Occidental College, Los Angeles
M.A. Psychology

Tom Smith graduated from California State University, Long Beach with a BA in instrumental music education and an MA in educational administration. He began working at SMCHS as the band director in 1987. From 1993 to 2002, he was the Activities Director. Since then, Tom has been the Assistant Principal for Student Services. His responsibilities include supervision of various departments on campus including Attendance & Discipline, Audio/Visual, Education Technology, Information Technology and the Nursing Office.

EDUCATION:
California State University, Long Beach
B.A. - Instrumental Music Education
M.A. - Educational Administration

Patrick in an alumnus of Santa Margarita from the class of 2006. He began his career in education in 2010 as a theology teacher at Servite High School. From there Patrick worked in University Ministry at Loyola Marymount University where he helped support the university’s mission and Catholic identity by running their regional service immersion programs. Patrick returned to Santa Margarita in 2017 as the Director of Campus Ministry where he oversees an office that runs 10+ retreats for students a year, offers multiple liturgies, including all-school masses, and provides a service learning program that is uniquely built for each grade level.

As director, Patrick also oversees the Peer Ministry program which is a 50+ student leadership class within the religion department. In teaching these two sections, students receive the tools to be effective ministers and leaders.

As Assistant Principal, Mission Integration, Patrick assists the school’s mission as a Catholic institution by sitting on the Administrative Board several committees, including Threat Assessment, Mental Health and Wellness, and Curriculum Council. In these roles he works to ensure the charism and mission of the school are present throughout the campus.

EDUCATION:
University of San Francisco
B.A. – Theology and Religious Studies
Loyola Marymount University
M.A. – Theological Studies
Administrative Certificate in Catholic Leadership/Education

Mrs. Harrison started her journey in the world of education as a math teacher in 2010 at Nicholas Junior High School in Fullerton and joined the team here at SMCHS in 2012 as a math teacher and volleyball coach. In 2018, Mrs. Harrison began serving as the school’s director of classroom instruction, providing mentorship for new and veteran faculty. In 2021, she joined the administrative team as an Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Instruction.  Her duties include collaborating with the administrative team on professional development for teachers and hiring quality faculty. As an educational leader and teacher, she is passionate about quality instruction, inclusion, and equity. As a product of Catholic schools and an SM alumna from the class of 2000, she is committed to the school’s mission and charism of Caritas Christi and will continue to blend our Catholicity with the needs of all students.

Mrs. Harrison holds a Bachelor of Science in Advertising and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) with a clear credential in mathematics from Chapman University. In her role, she will continue to support all teachers with teaching strategies, lesson planning, classroom management, and identification of curriculum resources while overseeing and providing strategic leadership and vision related to the school’s efforts in diversity, inclusion, equity, and justice.

EDUCATION:
University of Colorado, Boulder
B.S. – Advertising
B.A. – Psychology
Chapman University
M.A. – Teaching (MAT)

Sammer joined SMCHS in 2011 as the Director of Activities and brings over 20 years of leadership development and event production experience. Sammer is passionate about helping students reach their full potential, preparing them for college and beyond while making high school a safe, fun, and memorable experience. He currently co-teaches the Associated Student Body (ASB) leadership class and oversees Activities, which is home to ASB, student clubs, and non-CIF programs, including the 3-time National Champion Ice Hockey team, 7-time OCIEL High Point Champion Equestrian team, award-winning Robotics program, and nationally-ranked Esports program. Sammer is responsible for many activities, including SOARientation, rallies, dances, Eagle Pack, Club Rush, lunchtime events, awareness and wellness campaigns, Red Ribbon Week, Every 15 Minutes, Senior Cruise, Grad Night, and Graduation.

In addition, Sammer oversees several operational teams, including Campus Security and Safety, Facilities Management, Audio/Visual, Transportation/School Bus Program, and Campus Dining/Hanna's On Campus. Sammer is also the school liaison to first responders, participates in various related conferences/training opportunities, and brings his experience back to the Nest to help provide a safe and secure Catholic education environment for students, employees, and visitors. 

EDUCATION:
UC Irvine
B.A. – Political Science
University of San Francisco
M.A. – Sports Management

John Hayek is a Northern California native, having relocated to Southern California in 2000. Prior to the move. John graduated from De La Salle High School and St. Mary's College, CA, with a degree in English and a California Teaching Credential. His first position was at De La Salle, teaching English and coaching soccer.

In 2000, John began teaching and coaching at Fallbrook High School in San Diego. He went on to become the school's Athletic Director and Assistant Principal. In 2012, John made the move to San Marcos High School (San Diego). Among his many responsibilities as Assistant Principal, he helped facilitate the construction of a new $150 million campus. 

After a short stint as the Principal for alternative education in Fallbrook, John joined the team at SMCHS as the Assistant Principal of Academics in 2017. John has a wealth of knowledge in areas as varied as instructional leadership, curriculum development, human resources, professional development, strategic planning, facilities, athletics, and much more. In his current role as Vice President of People Development, John is responsible for the recruiting, retainment, and professional growth of SM employees. 

EDUCATION:
St. Mary's College
B.A. - English
Teaching Credential

National University
M.A. Education Administration 
Administrative Credential

Michelle Balash Lencioni commenced her professional journey at Ernst & Young, where she attained her CPA certification and ascended to the position of Audit Manager, collaborating with esteemed clients, including St. Joseph Healthcare. In her present position at SMCHS, Michelle directs the business office and campus store and holds the senior executive role tasked with overseeing the organization's financial operations and reporting. Michelle collaborates closely with the academic, athletic, and facility departments of Santa Margarita Catholic High to ensure the ability to provide continued excellence of the institution for today’s students and our Eagles of tomorrow.

A graduate of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, Michelle holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, specializing in Accounting. Her educational background and professional experience make her instrumental in guiding SMCHS toward financial stability and operational success.  Michelle's dedication reflects her alignment with the school's mission and her deep commitment to the welfare of the SMCHS community.

EDUCATION:
Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
B.S. - Business Administration/Accounting

Sergio has over 28 years of experience in high school education. He embarked on his educational journey at his alma mater, Santa Margarita Catholic High School, in 1996. During his tenure, Sergio coached football and instructed courses in Economics, Government, Computer Science, and Cultural Geography. In 2002, he transitioned to Clovis West High School in Fresno, California, where he continued his teaching and coaching roles until 2007 when he returned to Southern California. 

For a decade thereafter, Sergio dedicated his efforts to the athletic department and football program at JSerra Catholic High School. In the winter of 2017, Sergio returned to Santa Margarita Catholic High School to serve as a member of the school's administration. He manages a multifaceted role with responsibilities over admissions, marketing, athletic finances, and the school's capital projects. 

EDUCATION:

University of Southern California
B.S. – Business Administration
Azusa Pacific University
M.S. – Education