Notre Dame school has been my life’s work for more than twenty years. Long before the school was built, I was instrumental in establishing a Sunday School program at St. Mary’s Church, in addition to my duties as a teacher in the CCD Program.
When the construction of the school began, it was an honor to design and implement the current Notre Dame Extension Program. My education begins with a certificate in Early Childhood Education, accompanied by an Associate Science degree in Liberal Studies and a Bachelor’s in Business Management. My Masters is on going.
My greatest joys are my children, and eight grandchildren, reading, friends, community, fast walking three miles a night and fishing. In the summer (and throughout the year) I sell real estate for Schuster Real Estate.
Ms. Tanya Skupnjak
Welcome to Ms. Tanya Skupnjak, our new First Grade teacher!
My name is Cindy Schoonmaker and I have been a part of this great school for over 10 years, first as a parent, then as an instructional aide, and now as the first grade teacher. I graduated with honors from Grand Canyon University, where I minored in English and earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education.
I believe every student has the ability to learn and my job as a teacher is to nurture the spiritual, social, emotional and academic well-being of every student. Instruction is cross-curricular and differentiated in order to meet the needs of all students. Together we will make this a happy, productive, and successful year!
Hello All! My name is Lizz Anacker and I am the new second grade teacher at Notre Dame. I am a 4th year teacher with my elementary multiple subject credential from UC Davis, as well as my Masters in Elementary Education. I am originally from South Carolina and recently moved to the area with my husband and my 5 year old Jack Russell Terrier.
I am thrilled to be back in the Catholic education setting which I believe is so very important in our young children's lives. I grew up believing and praying that one day I would become an elementary school teacher and now since I have become just that, I couldn't imagine doing anything else! I look forward to meeting you all and wish everyone a fabulous school year!
"The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires." -- William Arthur Ward--
At the end of 2003, I graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with a Bachelor's of Science in General Studies, with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education. Shortly after graduating, I moved to California and began substituting in the Vacaville Public School system. From then on, I knew that I needed to be in the classroom.
As an alumnus of Notre Dame School, I have always had a special place in my heart for NDS. So when the opportunity arose in 2006 for me to teach 4th grade, I didn't hesitate in coming back as a teacher. This is my fifth year teaching at NDS and second year teaching third grade. I look forward to building relationships with all of my students and their parents.
My name is Maureen Jackson and this is my third year at Notre Dame. I am looking forward to a wonderful and exciting year. A little bit about me: I received my Bachelor’s degree from CSU Sacramento. My Bachelor’s is in Business with a concentration in Accounting. I was a Certified Public Accountant for many years when I decided to go back to school and earn my Clear Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from Chapman University. I decided to continue my education by completing my Masters in Education in Curriculum and Instruction to better serve my students. I truly enjoy teaching and learning.
I have been a member of St. Mary’s parish for many years. My daughter also attends Notre Dame School. We are both thrilled to be a part of the Notre Dame family!
Hello! My name is Janeen Hermon and this is my fifth year teaching at Notre Dame. I graduated from California State University, Chico with my BA in Child Development and my Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential. Although I am a fairly new teacher, I have been around education and worked with children my entire life. My mother is a teacher and I have spent countless hours in her classroom. I have also tutored multiple students, worked in after school intervention programs, taught summer school, worked at a preschool, administered state tests to elementary through high school students, and was a 4-H leader for many years. I love to learn and I love to teach others about the knowledge I have acquired thus far in my life. I look forward to many wonderful years of teaching fantastic students!
Hello! My name is Karen Mraz. I am the Sixth Grade Homeroom teacher. I am also the Religion and Social Studies teacher for Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Grades. I love teaching and working with the students.
I received my Bachelors of Arts Degree at California State University, Sacramento and went on to receive my California Clear Multiple Subject Teaching Credential at Chapman University.
I grew up in Vacaville and have been a member of St. Marys Parish for over 30 years. I have three children. My oldest is a recent graduate of Notre Dame after attending Kindergarten through 8th Grade and my other two children attend Notre Dame School.
I am a lifetime, practicing Catholic. I began teaching in 1985 at the Job Corps. I taught reading, math, and GED. In 1989 I began teaching at Los Banos Junior High School. I taught there for 19 years. I taught English and math, and was chair of the math department.
In 2007, I felt a vocation to teach in a Catholic School. I placed an application in three dioceses, and waited for a vocation to find me. In 2008, after several interviews, I had some job offers. I chose ND because I like this age group; and the principal and assistant principal were interesting people.
My name is Cindy Schoonmaker and I have been a part of this great school for over 10 years, first as a parent, then as an instructional aide, and now as the first grade teacher. I graduated with honors from Grand Canyon University, where I minored in English and earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education.
At the end of 2003, I graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with a Bachelor's of Science in General Studies, with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education. Shortly after graduating, I moved to California and began substituting in the Vacaville Public School system. From then on, I knew that I needed to be in the classroom.
Welcome!
Hello! My name is Janeen Hermon and this is my fifth year teaching at Notre Dame. I graduated from California State University, Chico with my BA in Child Development and my Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential. Although I am a fairly new teacher, I have been around education and worked with children my entire life. My mother is a teacher and I have spent countless hours in her classroom. I have also tutored multiple students, worked in after school intervention programs, taught summer school, worked at a preschool, administered state tests to elementary through high school students, and was a 4-H leader for many years. I love to learn and I love to teach others about the knowledge I have acquired thus far in my life. I look forward to many wonderful years of teaching fantastic students!
Hello! My name is Karen Mraz. I am the Sixth Grade Homeroom teacher. I am also the Religion and Social Studies teacher for Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Grades. I love teaching and working with the students.
This is my fourth year at Notre Dame.
