Faculty and Staff

Mrs. Katie Wilson

Principal

Mrs. Katie Wilson is the principal at the School of St. Peter Martyr. Mrs. Wilson has been part of the school's staff since 2013, where she strives to educate the whole child body, mind and spirit. She wants all of her students to be socially aware Christ-centered people who never give up learning new things.

Mrs. Wilson is from Pittsburg, California. She is an alumnus of St. Peter Martyr and is grateful for the opportunity to be back here teaching. In her spare time Mrs. Wilson enjoys reading and spending time with her family.

Ms. Alexis Cazes

Kindergarten

Ms. Alexis Cazes is currently the Kindergarten teacher at St. Peter Martyr. This is Ms. Cazes’ 4th year being part of the school’s staff, where she strives to educate students to become God-centered, to love learning, and be creative learners. In the past, she has been the Preschool/Pre-K and first grade teacher. Ms. Cazes is from Pittsburg, California born and raised, and is now raising her two children here where they go to Saint Peter Martyr. Ms. Alexis is an alumni of San Francisco State University.

She has a bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies with an emphasis in Kinesiology and a minor in History. In her free time she enjoys traveling and the outdoors with her family, making memories, being creative, making things, watching movies and reading good books..

Mrs. Shanna Kratz

1st Grade

Ms. Shanna Kratz is currently the first grade teacher at St. Peter Martyr. This is Ms. Shanna's second year being part of the school’s staff, with 5 years of teaching experience. Her teaching goals are to help student's grow into productive, hard working, creative, God-centered, independent thinkers. Ms. Shanna is often teaching about her heritage and shares her love of writing and all things science!

Ms. Shanna lives in Martinez, California with her husband, son, and three dogs. She has been working with the children of her church since she was a youth and has a passion to share her love of the Lord. You will often find Ms. Shanna hiking in the hills of Contra Costa County and watching her son play baseball.

Mrs. Lisa Bento

2nd Grade

Mrs. Lisa Mejia-Bento is currently the second grade teacher and Homework Club Co-Supervisor at Saint Peter Martyr. This is her third year teaching second grade at SPM and her sixth year teaching in Oakland Catholic Diocese. She started teaching in the East Bay in 2009 and obtained her Master's Degree in Education in 2012. She enjoys guiding and preparing her students on their journey toward Jesus, making two Sacraments, First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.

Mrs. Bento grew up in San Francisco and Daly City, and is a San Francisco State University alumni. She has been married for 23 years, raised 2 college graduates now in their 20's, and has another member of the family, a German Shepherd/Pitbull mixed dog. She is a YLI member and beach lover who enjoys traveling, and hopes to visit family in Portugal soon.

Mr. Mert Ozel

3rd Grade

Mr. Mert Ozel is currently the third grade teacher at Saint Peter Martyr. Mr. Ozel has been part of the school staff for 5 years, where he strives to educate students to become God-centered, socially aware, lifelong learners. He has been teaching third grade since 2018. Mr. Ozel was born and raised in the ancient church city of Smyrna, today’s Izmir/Turkey which allowed him to familiarize himself with the early teaching of Christianity.

He is also a professional singer/songwriter who composed our school song. He is married and has a son and a daughter who also attend our school. He has a masters in Sociology, speaks many languages and loves music, reading and planting.

Mr. Kevin Riley

4th Grade

Kevin is currently our fourth grade teacher at Saint Peter Martyr. He is our newest addition to the teaching staff at St Peter Martyr. Kevin taught previously at Holy Rosary in Antioch, where he was teaching seventh and eighth grade science. Kevin was born and raised in Antioch; his home parish is Holy Rosary and he is an alumni of Antioch High School.

After graduating Humboldt State University and working various jobs, Kevin has found a passion for teaching as it incorporates faith, fun, work, and learning all in one place. He enjoys exploring the regional parks in the East Bay, and bike riding on the many trails that stretch from Brentwood to the Golden Gate Bridge.

Ms. Joanne Davi

7th Grade Homeroom & 5th - 8th Social Studies

Ms. Joanne Davi is currently the seventh grade teacher at Saint Peter Martyr. She has been teaching for over 11 years. She previously taught at a charter and private school in Oakland, California, teaching fifth-eighth grade Humanities and pushing students to be conscientious citizens who think critically and promote kindness. Ms. Davi was raised in both Pittsburg and Concord.

She is an alumnus of Carondelet High School and San Francisco State University. Many of her cousins attended and worked at the school of Saint Peter Martyr over the years. In her spare time, Ms. Davi enjoys baking, watching cooking shows, and playing sports.

Mr. Will Grebe

6th Grade

Mr. Grebe is currently the sixth grade teacher at the school of Saint Peter Martyr. Mr. Grebe has been a part of the school’s staff for five years, where he strives to promote the robotics team as well as educate students to become lifelong learners. Mr. Grebe is from Concord, California and attended college in Worcester, Massachusetts.

With a passion for robotics and engineering, Mr. Grebe is the mentor/coach for the St. Peter Martyr Robotics team. In his free time, Mr. Grebe enjoys cooking and spending time poolside.

Mr. Joe Lozano

8th Grade & 5th - 8th Math

Mr. Joe Lozano is the eighth grade homeroom teacher, Middle School Math and P.E. teacher, Student Council Advisor, Athletic Director, Coach, National Junior Honor Society Advisor, California Junior Scholarship Federation Advisor, Yearbook Advisor and has an active role as part of SPM’s Leadership Team and School Board. In addition Mr. Lozano is also a teacher leader for the Lumen Christi Academies Catholic and Mission Identity Committee and a teacher leader for Loyola Marymount University’s Innovation in Digital Education & Leadership (iDEAL) Institute through the LCA. Mr. Lozano is also an Athletic Director for the Diocese Catholic Youth Organization (CYO).

Mr. Lozano has been a part of the SPM Community for decades; starting as a student from Pre-K to eighth Grade, coming back to tutor and coach while at De La Salle High School, substitute and volunteer throughout his time at St. Mary’s College of Moraga to all that he does now after receiving a Master’s in Education from the University of San Francisco.

Ms. Becky Chermock

Preschool/Pre-Kindergarten

Ms. Becky Chermock is currently the teacher in the Preschool/Pre Kindergarten classroom. She has taught preschool-aged children for a few years. She obtained her Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education from Brandman University in 2022.

Ms. Becky attended St. Peter Martyr and graduated in 2013. She believes in the philosophy of Conscious Discipline, social/emotional awareness, and learning through play. During her free time, she enjoys reading and doing arts and crafts.

Mr. Adrian Castillo

Instructional Assistant, Physical Education and Athletic Director

Mr. Adi (Adrian) Castillo is currently the P.E. and Athletic Director, support staff and substitute teacher at Saint Peter Martyr. Mr .Castillo has been part of the school’s staff for over 20 years, where he strives to educate students to make good choices, follow the rules, help, respect, and listen to others.

Mr. Castillo is from Pittsburg, California, which allowed him to be a student at St. Peter Martyr. He also enjoys going to the beach in the summer and watching either the Golden State Warriors or San Francisco 49ers games on TV.

Ms. Louanne Grillo

Secretary

Ms. Louanne Grillo is currently the Office, Kitchen & Ex-Care Manager at the School of St. Peter Martyr. Ms. Grillo has been part of the school staff for 8 years, where she strives to organize our daily office procedures, while ensuring that the communication between our administration and our school families are consistent, respectful, and effective.

Louanne was born here in Pittsburg. She has 3 children who all graduated from St. Peter Martyr School, and 2 grandchildren who currently attend our school. For fun Ms. Grillo likes to attend stage plays, music concerts, and play video games on her iPad.

Ms. Jessie Pease

5th Grade Homeroom & 5th - 8th Religion

Ms. Jessie Pease is currently the fifth grade teacher and is our middle school religion teacher. Ms. Pease is a Saint Peter Martyr alumnus, and is enjoying her second year teaching at SPM. Ms. Pease is advisor of our Homework and Yearbooks clubs, as well as on our Catholic and Mission Identity Leadership team.

She fills other parts of her life with family, gardening, and friends. Ms. Pease preaches kindness and inclusion in the classroom where she strives to educate and encourage students to live a life reminiscent of Jesus.

Ms. Carille Bruno-Thayer

Extended Care Director/Instructional Assistant

Ms. Bruno is currently the Extended Care Director and an Instructional Assistant. She provides music for our masses and organizes our annual Christmas program. Ms. Bruno is also a member of the music ministry at Church of the Good Shepherd; where she directs the choir. Ms. Bruno was born and raised in Pittsburg, graduated from Pittsburg High School, earned an AA in music from Los Medanos College, and a BA in music from Cal State Hayward.

She is married and has two children currently attending SPM, Audrey and Michael. Ms. Bruno's hobbies include cooking, baking, trying new foods, spending time with family, reading, shopping, binge watching her favorite shows, and loves all things Frankenstein and leopard print.

Ms. Kristen Chermock

Instructional Assistant K/1st

Ms. Kristen Chermock is currently the instructional assistant for kindergarten and 1st grade. This is her second year teaching at St. Peter Martyr school. She strives to encourage students to be enthusiastic learners, readers, and God-centered in a supportive environment.

Born in Pittsburg, she attended St. Peter Martyr, having graduated in 2009. She is currently working towards her Master’s in Library Science with a focus on youth services. She enjoys reading, listening to music, and organizing her bookshelves.

Ms. Maria Pardo Alcantar

Instructional Assistant PS/PK

Ms. Maria is currently an instructional assistant in the Preschool and Pre-K classroom. This is her first year at the school of Saint Peter Martyr as an instructional assistant, she started out last year as a mentee from Los Medanos College. She hopes to educate children to their full potential and teach them how to be lifelong learners.

Ms. Maria is bilingual and loves to bring Spanish into the classroom for all to learn, as well as teach children about independence and social/emotional awareness. In her free time she likes to listen to music, bake, crochet, read, and sew.

Mrs. Emma Ojeda

Parent Coordinator

Emma Ojeda, has been a part of SPM since 2013. She is currently the Parent Volunteer Coordinator for our school and the Religious Education Coordinator at St. Peter Martyr Church.

She has three sons that attend St. Peter Martyr School, Giovanni, Johan, and Emmanuel. She helps coordinate the Parent participation hours and fundraising events.

Ms. Lucia Delgado

Cafeteria Supervisor

Ms. Lucia has been with us here at St. Peter Martyr for three years providing wonderful fresh lunches for our students. She has increased the joy of having lunch at school, more children buy lunch now than ever before and our kitchen has never looked cleaner and safer.

Ms. Delgado has been part of our school community for many years having children attend and graduate from our school. Lucia is married & has 4 children and 4 grandchildren.

Ms. Vanessa Menchaca

Counselor

Ms. Manchaca is one of our current counselors at the school of Saint Peter Martyr.She is a graduate student from Holy Names University and an MFT trainee through the Western Institute for Social Research with a focus in school-based counseling. She is a Pittsburg native with a dedication to helping our community.

Growing up She has always had a passion for working with children. Her intentions are to help build connections and provide emotional support to students and staff. She is so grateful and excited to be a member of the SPM family and looks forward to spending the year together.

Ms. Josephine Walker

Counselor

~ Coming Soon! ~