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

Fr. Matthew was born and raised in San Diego. He is the oldest of seven siblings and grew up with a deep love for sports, music, and faith. In his early high school years, he began to sense a call to the priesthood. His normal high school and college activities included soccer, hockey and many other sports, as well as teaching piano and math. After graduating from Thomas Aquinas College with a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts, he entered religious life with the Miles Christi Religious Institute. His ten years of formation took him to Detroit, Buenos Aires (Argentina) and Rome. This formation focused particularly on ministerial work with youth, spiritual direction, and faith formation. In addition, he was immersed in the spirituality of St. Ignatius of Loyola, developing a great love for the Spiritual Exercises and the principles of Ignatian spirituality.

Having completed his years of formation, he was ordained a priest in November 2020 in Detroit, MI. His first years of priesthood were spent teaching seminarians, organizing formation groups for lay people, preaching Spiritual Exercises retreats, and providing spiritual direction, particularly for college students. In 2022, he was assigned to the community in San Diego, where he served as part-time chaplain at both Mater Dei High School and Cathedral Catholic High School. He also assisted at the SDSU Newman Center and later began serving as spiritual director and faith formator at the Caruso Catholic Center at USC. His work with the Spiritual Exercises continued as he oversaw 35 retreats a year, preached by the priests of his community.

In the summer of 2025, Fr. Matthew moved to the Diocese of Orange and was appointed rector of Santa Margarita Catholic High School. He is excited to continue working with high school students, a work that he is truly passionate about. Bringing them the love of Jesus and giving them a solid path to follow in life that will help them grow in all avenues is one of the favorite parts of his priestly ministry. He looks forward to bringing his experience working in high schools across the country to the service of the wonderful community at Santa Margarita!

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 managed an office that runs over 10 student retreats a year, offers multiple liturgies, including all-school masses and provides a service learning program that is uniquely built for each grade level.

In his current role as Assistant Principal for Mission & Ministry, Patrick assists the school’s mission as a Catholic institution by sitting on the Administrative Board of 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

With an extensive background in education policy, governance and strategic planning, Mrs. Cho has dedicated her career to enhancing school leadership and fostering innovation. Mrs. Cho is a visionary leader dedicated to advancing technology-driven education and harnessing artificial intelligence to transform learning experiences. Her groundbreaking research on AI integration in schools highlights her commitment to leveraging emerging technologies to personalize instruction, enhance student engagement, and prepare learners for the digital future. In addition to her expertise in AI and innovation, she possesses strong leadership in governance, stakeholder communication, and policy development, allowing her to drive strategic decision-making and foster tech-enabled educational environments. Her ability to mentor school leaders and provide guidance on implementing cutting-edge solutions has made her a respected figure in the field, ensuring that schools remain at the forefront of innovation.

During the 2024-2025 school year, Mrs. Cho has worked closely with SMCHS leadership as a consultant, guiding the school’s integration of generative AI both effectively and ethically, rooted in our Christ-centered educational mission. Her contributions include helping to establish the AI Task Force and AI policies, collaborating with faculty to offer impactful professional development in AI integration and media literacy, and engaging students through curriculum and dialogue on responsible media consumption and digital awareness.

Mrs. Cho's distinguished career spans various leadership roles, including executive director at East Bay Innovation Academy, education and finance consultant, and instructor at the Fels Institute of Government, University of Pennsylvania, where she taught financial accounting and nonprofit management.

Beyond her professional achievements, Mrs. Cho is an accomplished researcher and published author, contributing to studies on education reform, military childcare and governance strategies. Her service extends beyond her career, as she actively volunteers in organizations such as the Dream Tree Orphanage in Korea, Corpus Christi Catholic Church, and the Boy Scouts of America. Her dedication to education, service and faith exemplifies our values at Santa Margarita Catholic High School.

EDUCATION:
University of Pennsylvania
B.A. – Economics, Finance, and Public Policy from the Wharton School of Business
Harvard Graduate School of Education
M.A. – Education Policy

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. 

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. Sergio manages admissions, marketing communications, athletic finances, and the school's capital projects.

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