San Miguel School Faculty and Staff

School Leadership


  • President

    Dr. David Palank began his 18th year at San Miguel School as its new President, having dedicated his entire career to the institution since 2007. Starting as a teacher when the school operated from St. Stephen's Episcopal Church basement, Dr. Palank rose through the ranks to become Principal and Corporate Vice-President by 2014. His leadership has elevated student outcomes and led to San Miguel becoming the first STEM-Certified school in the Nativity Miguel Coalition. With a master's from Marymount University, a doctorate from Creighton University, and brain-based coaching certification, Dr. Palank embodies continuous growth. He applies this passion for learning as author of Class Hacker, a book on classroom engagement and motivation.


  • Principal

    Mr. Vera, began his tenure as Principal of San Miguel School at the start of the 2024 school year. While new to this role, he brings a decade of teaching experience, including five years at San Miguel. Since joining in 2019, he has served as Spanish and technology teacher, Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Coordinator, and Assistant Principal. Mr. Vera holds bachelor's degrees in Computer Science and Studio Art from the College of the Holy Cross and a master's in Catholic School Leadership and Administration from Marymount University. Mr. Vera's commitment to education is further exemplified by his graduation from the three-year Buttimer Institute of Lasallian Studies.

  • Diana Aguilar

    Faculty

  • Joas Alfajardo

    Faculty

  • Katie Barbieri

    Director of Institutional Partnerships

  • Trish Britton

    Faculty

  • Luis Calvo

    School Counselor

  • Catie Cornell

    Assistant Principal

  • Will Cullen

    Investment & Partnership Associate

  • Alannah Dalton

    Faculty

  • Karolina Gallegos

    Faculty

  • Sierra Goff

    Director of Investor Engagement & Events

  • Sheila Hill

    Executive Assistant & Investor Operations Associate

  • Michele Hutton

    Director of Investor Communications

  • Maria Jardeleza

    Faculty

  • Aline Morataya

    School Secretary

  • Alfonso Motta

    Director of Graduate Support

  • Francisco Muñoz

    Associate Director of Graduate Support
    San Miguel Class of 2016

  • Gustavo Sanchez

    Director of Finance and Operations
    San Miguel Class of 2010

  • Eddie Singer

    Faculty

  • Taylor Valdivia

    Faculty

  • Kevin Werner

    Faculty