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.

Mr. O’Sullivan brings decades of experience in English, music, and classical education. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Iona College and is certified in New York State for English Language Arts. He has taught a wide range of literature and music courses and previously served as English Department Chair at The Montfort Academy, where he developed rigorous, content-rich curricula rooted in the classical tradition. In addition to his academic work, he is an accomplished professional musician and Irish-American bagpiper, enriching the school community through his musical expertise and performances. Deeply committed to the formation of the whole person, he fosters in his students a love for literature, music, and the pursuit of truth and beauty.

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.

Mr. Silveri is a distinguished educator whose extensive background enriches his teaching practice. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Siena College and an MBA with a concentration in Tax from the University of Notre Dame. In the early stages of his career, he served as a Certified Public Accountant before transitioning to a role as a Special Agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, where he focused on White Collar Crime, Public Corruption, and Human Trafficking.

Currently, Mr. Silveri is committed to teaching in a Catholic school, where he fosters his students’ growth in faith and emphasizes the integral role of Catholic values in their academic and social development. He is married with three children, including one current student at Mater Salvatoris. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he is actively engaged in his parish community, serving as an Usher and on the Parish Finance Council. Mr. Silveri enjoys reading, dining out, and spending quality time with his family and their dog, Fred. Through his diverse experiences and dedication to education, he exemplifies the qualities of an exceptional teacher, inspiring students to reach their full potential.

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. Highland is a dedicated science educator with a strong commitment to both academic excellence and spiritual growth. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Botany, and Zoology from Bangalore University, as well as a Bachelor of Education specializing in Science from Mangalore University.

She furthered her education with a Master of Arts in Secondary Education from Fairfield University, focusing on Biology, and is certified to teach middle school science. With over two decades of experience, Mrs. Highland has taught at institutions such as Our Lady of Fatima School in Wilton, CT, and All Saints Catholic School in Norwalk, CT, where she has worked with students in grades K-8, teaching subjects ranging from science to algebra and STEM.

She is passionate about integrating Catholic values into her teaching, helping students experience Christ’s love through their education. In addition to her classroom work, Mrs. Highland has led various community-oriented projects, including organic gardening initiatives and environmental awareness programs, demonstrating her commitment to holistic education and stewardship.

Miss Carolina is an inspiring art and drama teacher with a profound commitment to fostering creativity and a love of knowledge in her students. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, studied under the esteemed Dr. Peter Sampo at Thomas More College, Magdalen College, and the Erasmus Institute. Despite her formal education, Carolina believes that her journey of learning continues in her everyday life, viewing the pursuit of truth as a lifelong endeavor.

Raised in a vibrant household of ten siblings and two loving parents, Carolina was nurtured in an environment where Christ and the Blessed Virgin were central to family life. This upbringing instilled in her a deep appreciation for the beauty of the natural world and the arts. Born an artist, her diverse interests include reading, hiking, camping, playing soccer, and exploring disciplines such as tactical and martial arts, psychology, and botany.

On a typical weekend night, you might find Carolina by a fresh pile of chopped wood or engrossed at her drafting table, crafting her latest work of art. Her enthusiasm for creativity, combined with her rich life experiences, makes her an exceptional educator who inspires her students to explore their artistic potential and embrace the joy of discovery.

 at Stella Maris in Stamford, CT,

Monique 

Ms. S

 Dr. Balda serves as High School Coordinator at Stella Maris, bringing a distinguished background in neuroscience, psychology, and education. She holds a Ph.D. in Neuroscience, awarded cum laude with honors from the Complutense University of Madrid; she holds a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Fairfield University, and a Master’s degree in education. Her research, conducted in collaboration with institutions such as Columbia University and Boston College, has focused on the relationship between emotion, learning, memory, and decision-making.

In addition to her academic work, she has served as a neuroscience consultant and founded an international firm applying psychology and brain science to education and leadership development. Fluent in English and Spanish, she is deeply committed to the formation of the whole person, guiding students with intellectual rigor, care, and a strong sense of purpose.