Our Faculty & Staff

Father Luis Granados is the Head at Stella Maris in Stamford, CT, where he combines his extensive knowledge and experience to inspire students. Born in Madrid, Spain, he is the fifth of seven children and has been a member of the Disciples of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary since 1996. He holds a Doctorate in Moral Theology from the St. John Paul II Pontifical Institute in Rome and a BA/MA in Pharmacy from the University of San Pablo – CEU in Madrid, alongside a Bachelor in Sacred Theology from the Ecclesiastical University of St. Damasus.

Prior to joining Mater Salvatoris in 2021, Fr. Luis served as parochial vicar and school chaplain at St. Mary Catholic Parish in Denver, where he also taught at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary. He is a member of the Scientific Counsel of the Veritas Amoris Project and a Faculty Fellow at Franciscan University of Steubenville, OH. He teaches Moral Theology at St. Joseph Seminary & College, in Yonkers, NY. At Mater Salvatoris, he teaches Religion, enriching the spiritual and academic lives of his students.

Father Rafael was born in Zaragoza, Spain, on December 19, 1991. He is the third of nine siblings: five boys and four girls, of whom the two oldest are already married and have three and one children, respectively. He entered the Disciples of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary on October 2, 2009, at the age of 17. As a disciple, he studied theology at the Ecclesiastical University of San Dámaso in Madrid and elementary education at the University of Villanueva, also in the Spanish capital. During his formation as a disciple, he had the opportunity to work as a student teacher at Stella Maris La Gavia School (Madrid) for one year, at St. Mary Catholic School in Littleton (CO) for two years, and at St. Edmund’s College and Prep (UK) for another year. He made his perpetual religious profession on November 17, 2018. On December 19, 2020, he was ordained a priest in the chapel of Stella Maris La Gavia School.

His priestly ministry has been mainly dedicated to education in schools. Since he was ordained a deacon on June 27, 2020, he has been working in the Disciples’ schools in Madrid: Stella Maris. La Gavia and Stella Maris College. His main task has been to lead the primary school chaplaincy and assist in the secondary school, as well as teaching Catholic religion in primary school. He has also collaborated in the parish of Santa María Josefa in Madrid, entrusted to the Disciples.

Ms. Sullivan is a dedicated first-grade teacher currently teaching at Stella Maris School. She made a remarkable career transition from the corporate world to education, having previously served as a Marketing Manager at Morgan Lewis in Manhattan.

Her journey into teaching began while instructing CCD classes on Saturday mornings, which ignited her passion for education and led her to pursue a teaching career.
Ms. Sullivan began her student teaching in the Social Studies Department at Scarsdale High School, where she honed her skills and deepened her understanding of the educational landscape. She is a proud graduate of Holy Child in Rye and holds a Bachelor of Arts from Providence College, followed by a Master’s degree from American University. During her time at American University, she gained valuable experience through an internship in the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs at the White House and also assisted with advance work for Senator Lieberman.

Outside of the classroom, Ms. Sullivan enjoys running and actively contributes to her community by serving on the Westchester County 9/11 First Responders Memorial Committee. Grateful for the opportunities that have shaped her career, she attributes her success to her faith and the support of those around her.

Gina Lytle is an energetic and insightful educator with a Master of Arts in Elementary Education from Wheelock College, complemented by a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and an Associate in Early Childhood Education. With over two decades of teaching experience, she has held various roles, including second grade teacher at Mater Salvatoris College Preparatory School and Learning Resource Teacher for grades K-5 at St. Aloysius Catholic School. Gina has also worked in multiple positions within the Scarsdale Public School District, where she was recognized for her dedication to educational excellence.

Beyond her classroom work, she has actively contributed to her community as a Girl Scout Troop Leader and CCD teacher, fostering strong relationships with students and families. Passionate about creating enriching learning environments, Gina tailors her teaching to support individual student success, ensuring each child’s educational journey is engaging and supportive. Through her extensive background and commitment to education, she continues to inspire and motivate students in their academic pursuits.

Danielle Mancuso brings a wealth of teaching experience to Stella Maris, having dedicated many years to fostering a love of learning in her students. She began her career teaching fourth grade in the Darien Public Schools before taking time to raise her three sons. Danielle’s diverse teaching background includes positions at Wilton Public Schools, Our Lady of Fatima, St. Aloysius, and The Hawthorn School, allowing her to develop a well-rounded approach to education.

A graduate of Villanova University, she also attended law school before earning her Master’s in Education from the University of Bridgeport. Residing in Wilton, CT, Danielle balances her professional life with personal interests, including reading, tennis, golf, travel, and spending quality time with her family. Her passion for education and commitment to her students make her an invaluable addition to the Stella Maris community.

Mr. Paul Piorek is a veteran 20-year fifth-grade teacher in the Diocese of Bridgeport at both Greenwich Catholic School and St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School in Fairfield. He is a Eucharistic Minister and fifth-grade catechist at his parish, St. Thomas Aquinas.

Mr. Piorek is a former Connecticut Elementary School Social Studies Teacher of the Year and a three-time grant award recipient from Foundations in Education’s Innovation and Leadership Grants program.

Mr. Piorek is a broadcast meteorologist, New York Emmy award winner, four-time
winner of the Connecticut Broadcasters’ Association award, and three-time winner
of the Communicator Award of Distinction. He was the longtime morning meteorologist at News 12 Connecticut, and he currently broadcasts the daily weather forecast on WICC 600 AM and 95.9 FM.

Mr. Piorek’s passion is teaching, coaching, and mentoring fifth-grade boys, sharing
his strong faith with his students, and helping to form boys into young men of intellect, character, and purpose. 

Santiago Calderon serves as the 5th Grade Homeroom Teacher at Stella Maris School, bringing a strong academic background and a passion for forming young minds. He earned his Bachelor of Science with Distinction in Psychology from Yale University, where he developed a deep understanding of human development, learning, and behavior. His studies integrated psychology, literature, and philosophy, equipping him to guide students in thoughtful inquiry, clear communication, and intellectual curiosity. In addition to his academic work, he has conducted research in developmental psychology and actively served the New Haven community through outreach initiatives. Fluent in Spanish and committed to the formation of the whole person, he is dedicated to fostering both the intellectual and moral growth of his students.

A graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville, Mr. Lee earned a degree in Biology and Latin, graduating with Dean's List honors. His background includes biochemistry research, teaching high school chemistry, and hands-on experience as a Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) serving in the Emergency Department at Stamford Health. This unique blend of classroom instruction, scientific research, and real-world medical experience enables him to make science engaging, relevant, and intellectually challenging for his students.

Deeply committed to Catholic education and student formation, Mr. Lee has also participated in missionary work and educational outreach, reflecting his desire to help students grow both academically and personally. We are confident that his strong scientific foundation, enthusiasm for teaching, and dedication to excellence will inspire our students to develop curiosity, critical thinking, and a lifelong appreciation for the sciences and mathematics.

A graduate of the College of the Holy Cross, Mr. Thomas enjoyed an outstanding 11-year professional basketball career, competing across Europe and earning multiple Most Valuable Player, Defensive Player of the Year, All-League, and championship honors.

Mr. Boddie began his studies in Physical Education at Springfield College, one of the nation's premier institutions for health and movement sciences, and will complete his Master of Arts in Teaching in Physical Education and Sports Pedagogy at Manhattanville University this year. He also holds an Associate Degree in Health and Human Performance, is a Certified Personal Trainer, and is actively involved in leading professional organizations dedicated to physical education and youth development.

Before entering education, Mr. Boddie served for more than six years as a Correctional Officer with the Westchester County Department of Corrections, where he developed the leadership, integrity, composure, and sound judgment that now distinguish him as an educator and mentor. Outside of school, he volunteers in community outreach programs for children and has worked as a personal trainer providing individualized instruction for children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. 

Mr. Boddie believes that physical education is an essential part of forming the whole child. Through purposeful instruction and joyful competition, he seeks to cultivate resilience, sportsmanship, self-discipline, and confidence while inspiring students to pursue excellence both on the playing field and in everyday life.

We are thrilled to welcome Mrs. Sarah Crawford to our faculty as our 7th, 8th, and 9th Grade Fine Arts & Craftsmanship teacher and 9th Grade English Literature teacher. Mrs. Crawford brings an extraordinary combination of academic excellence, artistic achievement, and more than two decades of teaching experience at some of the nation's most respected independent schools.

Mrs. Crawford holds multiple master's degrees in Literature and Italian Renaissance Literature, is completing a Master of Science in Teaching in Visual Arts Education, and studied English, Italian, Fine Arts, and Latin at Tufts University, the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Columbia University, Oxford University, and the University of Florence. Her exceptional academic preparation allows her to inspire students through a rich integration of literature, history, art, and culture.

Throughout her distinguished career, Mrs. Crawford has taught English, Literature, Visual Arts, Ceramics, Latin, History, and Italian at prestigious schools including The Hewitt School, The Buckley School, Brunswick School, Palm Beach Day Academy, and Pierrepont School. She has developed rigorous curricula, directed visual arts programs, led educational travel throughout Europe, and cultivated classrooms where creativity, critical thinking, and academic excellence flourish.

Br. Miguel Ángel García Galindo was born in Madrid, Spain. He initially pursued an aviation career. He studied in a private school to get the Airline Transport Pilot License, his goal being to work for the airlines one day.  A little after he met the Disciples through the parish of Saint Josefa and through spiritual direction with Father Jesus Enrique, DCJM, he realized that God was calling him for something, especially during the Spiritual Exercises of 8 Days with the Disciples in the mother house of Villaescusa De Haro (Cuenca, Spain), in August 2021, preached by Fr. Luis Granados, DCJM. In September Miguel Ángel started to live with the Disciples as a postulant while he finished his aviation studies and continued discernment.

In 2022 Miguel Ángel finished his aviation studies (he did fly planes! but didn’t get paid for it) and he formally entered the DCJM institute as a novice. After two years of novitiate with Father Carlos Granados, DCJM, the master of novices, he made his temporal vows in May 2024, along with his novice brother Ignacio de la Lastra. Lastly, these past two years, as a “junior” (a Disciple with temporal vows is a junior) Miguel Ángel has been studying philosophy and theology at the Madrid seminary, also known as San Dámaso Ecclesiastical University. He helped with the mountaineers group in Madrid and likes the mountains, running, singing, reading, traveling to new places, especially outdoor parks, and watching good movies.

Ms. De la Campa is a distinguished Spanish teacher at Stella Maris School, bringing a wealth of experience in education and professional management. She holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the Instituto Panamericano de Alta Dirección de Empresa and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico. Additionally, she participated in an exchange program at the London School of Economics, further enriching her academic background.

Ms. De la Campa career includes significant roles in public relations and negotiation, where she successfully coordinated events and facilitated international partnerships, showcasing her leadership skills. She has a proven track record in educational support, having developed and implemented initiatives to assist students with learning challenges, demonstrating her commitment to inclusivity and student success.
Fluent in English and with basic knowledge of French, Ms. De la Campa bilingual abilities enhance her teaching, allowing her to connect with a diverse student body. Outside of the classroom, she is passionate about running and completed the Philadelphia Marathon in 2011. Nadine is dedicated to fostering a love for the Spanish language and culture in her students while instilling values of teamwork and collaboration.

Mrs. Mendoza studied Business Administration with more than ten years of professional experience in global companies in marketing and sales. At Stella Maris, she supports the management of the new student admissions process and re-enrollment, coordinates parent-teacher conferences, and oversees report card administration. She also assists with school purchasing and field trip planning. In addition, Mrs. Mendoza serves as the Spanish teacher for several grades. 

Katherine Daly is Stella Maris Administration, where she brings a remarkable combination of professionalism, warmth, precision, and a genuine commitment to serving students and families. She holds a Master of Science in Journalism from Boston University and a Bachelor of Arts in Media & Strategic Communication, with a minor in English, from Iona University.

Katherine’s background spans education, communications, journalism, and organizational leadership. In her work with students and families, she has developed a particular strength in building relationships, coordinating complex schedules and programs, communicating with clarity, and ensuring that every detail is handled with care and excellence.

Rose Marie is a strong supporter of Catholic education. Raised in the Ukrainian Catholic tradition, her parents believed that Catholic schools would play a vital role in shaping who she would become. A lifelong resident of Stamford, she attended Catholic schools locally, beginning with preschool at Our Lady of Grace, followed by Saint Cecilia Elementary School, Saint Gabriel Middle School, and Trinity Catholic High School.

When choosing a college, she continued that path, earning a degree in Mathematics from Assumption College in Worcester, Massachusetts.

After graduating, she served as the Parish Secretary at Saint John Church in Darien, Connecticut, for 15 years. She now considers it a blessing to work alongside the Disciples of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary and the Sisters from the Company of the Savior, helping to promote the value of Catholic education and the faith among the students of Stella Maris and Mater Salvatoris Schools.