School Leadership

Overview

School Leadership

SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION:

Dr. Fadia Desmond- President/CEO
Elias Mendoza – Principal/COO
Heather Moloney – Assistant Principal
Julie Van Houten – Assistant Principal
Cynthia Cost – Dean of Students

DIOCESAN LEADERSHIP: 

Most Reverend Bishop Jaime Soto
Katie Perata – Executive Director of Catholic Schools

Board of Trustees

Post

Fadia Desmond
President

Dr. Fadia Desmond

Fadia Desmond serves as President/CEO of St. Francis Catholic High School. She entered the field of Education as a high school English teacher in the Rocklin Unified School District. After spending time in the classroom, Fadia completed a Ph.D. program in Education. The focus of her doctoral research was pathways to success for educationally and economically disadvantaged students in higher education. After several years of working in higher education on the academic and student services sides, Fadia entered Catholic education, drawn to it as a result of her own experience at an all-girl Catholic high school in Los Angeles. Fadia served for three years as an Assistant Principal at St. Francis, followed by four years as an Assistant Principal at Jesuit High School. Between those two positions, Fadia has overseen 9th and 10th grade Academics, Athletics, Campus Ministry, Facilities, Faculty Professional Development and Growth, Service & Justice, Student Activities and several academic departments including English, Theology, and Visual & Performing Arts.

First year working at St. Francis: 2022
(916) 737-5011
Send Message

Education:

B.A. English, Minor Education – University of California, Los Angeles, 1994

M.A. Education – Stanford University, 1995

Ph.D. Education – University of California, Davis, 2004

Credentials: 

CA Clear Single Subject Teaching Credential – English

Cross-Cultural Language & Academic Development (CLAD) Credential

Post

Elias Mendoza
Principal

Elias Mendoza

Elias Mendoza is Principal at St. Francis Catholic High School. He possesses a strong background in curriculum and instruction, Professional Learning Communities, technology implementation, athletics, and expertise in long-range planning and facilities management. He has an uncompromising view that all students can learn when provided a positive learning environment which welcomes exploration and enhances student confidence.

A highly qualified administrator, he served in the Elk Grove Unified School District for 15 years in a variety of capacities, including Social Science Department Chair, Co-Coordinator of the English Language Learner Program, and Vice Principal.

Mr. Mendoza attended Catholic schools in his native Mexico which instilled in him a deep faith and love for Catholic education. He sees education as a moral imperative and vows to continue to honor its legacy by maintaining high academic standards and instilling the Gospel values of Jesus Christ.

First year working at St. Francis: 2017
(916) 737-5028
Send Message

Education:

M.A. Education, California State University Sacramento, 2006

B.A. Social Science, California State University, Sacramento, 1997

Credentials: 

CA Clear Administrative Services Credential, 2014

CA Clear Single Subject Teaching Credential-BCLAD, 2002

Post

Julie Van Houten
Assistant Principal

Julie Van Houten

Julie Van Houten is Assistant Principal for grades 11 & 12. She began her career teaching in Elk Grove Unified School District in 2001 before teaching at Holy Trinity from 2007-2016, and then transitioned to St. Francis in 2016. Mrs. Van Houten holds a Master of Arts in Education and has taught World History, AP U.S. History, AP Government and Politics, and Economics and Civics. Mrs. Van Houten has also been a Social Science Department Chair, and a member of the school’s Executive Staff. She is also an Adjunct Professor at Sacramento State for several years. Mrs. Van Houten possesses a deep understanding of educational principles and a commitment to continuous professional growth.

First year working at St. Francis: 2016
(916) 737-5043
Send message

Education:

  • M.A., Education, Chapman University, 2006
  • B.S., Political Science, Santa Clara University, 1999

Credential:

  • CA Single Subject Teaching Credential: Social Science with a Supplemental in Language Arts, 2001
Post

Heather (Robison) Moloney ‘99
Assistant Principal

Heather Moloney

Heather Moloney is a St. Francis High School alumna (Class of 1999) and Assistant Principal for grades 9 & 10. She began her career teaching economics ang government at the high school level before returning to St. Francis in 2005 as a member of the Social Studies department. Prior to becoming assistant principal, she taught U.S. History, Economics, Civics, and AP U.S. Government & Politics as well as serving as the chair of the Social Studies department from 2015 to 2022.

First year working at St. Francis: 2005
(916) 737-5001
Send message

Education:

B.A. Social Science, California State University of Chico, 2003

Credentials:

Single Subject Teaching Credential – Social Studies

Post

Cynthia Cost
Dean of Students

Cynthia Cost

Cynthia Cost is Dean of Students at St. Francis Catholic High School. She began her career as a police cadet before becoming a dispatcher, communications supervisor, and trainer. She also served  as a Chaplain for multiple Sacramento law enforcement agencies. Prior to becoming Dean of Students in 2013, she worked as the assistant to the Dean. She started her career at St. Francis in the advancement department in 2003.

First year working at St. Francis: 2003
(916) 737-5012
Send Message

Education:

AA, Folsom Lake College, 2003

Credentials: 

Police Officers Standards and Training (P.O.S.T)

Chaplain

FEMA Emergency Management and Safety Training 

Multitudes of specialized certifications