Mount Carmel School is welcoming back most of last year’s teachers and staff, as well as some new and not-so-new faces, in time for the start of the school year.
NORISA CAMACHO
7th and 8th Grade -reading and English language arts teacher
Camacho is a 2002 AlumKnight and returns to the school as Mount Carmel’s new teacher for 7th and 8th grade reading and English language arts. Ms. Norisa Camacho has seven years of teaching experience and holds a bachelor’s of arts degree in culinary arts management. As the beginning of the new school year approaches, Norisa is excited to be a part of a great teaching community and to meet her students.
Prior to joining the MCS team. Norisa also served the school as the president of the AlumKnight Association, aiding the school in its fundraising efforts with events such as, “A Night with the Knights.” Norisa is also a business owner and is the co-owner of “Couples Cakery” a well known bakery on the island of Saipan serving goods and customized cakes. When asked how her business experience will impact her lessons in the classroom, Norisa was excited to share the importance of hands-on learning which she fully intends to incorporate into her lessons.
FLORINDA CHAVEZ
1st grade homeroom teacher
Ms. Florinda Chavez is a long-time educator bringing 32 years of teaching experience to the MCS family and her first-grade class. Prior to joining the MCS team, Florinda taught for 29 years at Mount Carmel’s sister school Eskuelan San Francisco de Borja on Rota. Florinda presently holds a bachelor of arts in English.
“I joined MCS because of its Catholic identity and reputable reputation as an educational institution. I am excited to journey together with my new MCS family in our mission of evangelization.”
ZENO DELEON GUERRERO
9th and 12th grade composition and literature teacher
Mr. Zeno Deleon Guerrero is a 2017 AlumKnight and returns to Mount Carmel School as its new teacher for 9th grade composition and literature as well as 12th grade composition. Zeno is a recent graduate from the University of Puget Sound and earned his bachelor of arts in English with a minor in Japanese.
Returning home to the CNMI soon after graduation, Zeno shared he applied to work at Mount Carmel School to give back to the Knight community stating, “I want to start building my career as an educator, and what better way to do so than to serve at the school that nurtured me into the young professional I’ve become. While I have a lot to learn, I know my work experience at the University of Puget Sound and the support of the MCS administration will provide a firm foundation for success and opportunity for growth. I also aim to utilize teaching methods from undergrad that I found very effective into my own lessons which can aid many of my students who are preparing for college.”
STEVEN KAMANAO
Elementary P.E. teacher
Mr. Steven Kamanao will serve as Mount Carmel School’s new physical education teacher for elementary students. Prior to joining the Mount Carmel School team, Steven worked as a program specialist for the Kids At-risk Mentoring Programs, or KAMP, from 2015 to 2020 in Hawaii. His experience working with the youth started as a mentor and tutor in 2008.
“While this is my first year teaching, I believe the Lord placed me in the right group that will help me grow personally and professionally. I am also excited to help my students learn and grow through exciting P.E. activities and to stay focused on who we are in Christ.”
ALYSSA SHEERA G. PALATTAO
6th grade science, social studies, and literature teacher
Ms. Alyssa Palattao is a new member of the Mount Carmel School family and brings an extensive academic background holding an associate degree in nursing, a bachelor’s degree in in business administration, and certificates in child safety and learning and teaching from the Child Care Licensing Program in partnership with DCCA-CCDF, Evergreen Learning Center, and Texas A&M. Alyssa also holds a certificate in performance enhancement through the CNMI Public School System in partnership with Instructional Technology & Distance Education, and Northern Marianas College – Community Development Institute.
Mount Carmel School’s family-oriented culture and Catholic identity is what brought Ms. Palattao to MCS with an excitement to professionally as an educator. Prior to joining the MCS team, Alyssa served as a kindergarten teacher and will continue her professional growth as the incoming sixth grade teacher for science, social studies, and literature.
SHYARALYN SAN NICOLAS
K4 teacher aide
Ms. Shyaralyn “Shy” San Nicolas is no stranger to Mount Carmel School, prior to joining the team, Ms. Shy supported many of Mount Carmel School’s events and activities as a volunteer parent. Ms. Shy brings a bachelor’s degree in management and entrepreneurship, but this will be her first year teaching.
“I wanted to work at Mount Carmel School because of its Catholic identity and teachings. Prior to my employment at MCS, I helped the school as a MCS parent and admired how well-rounded my son’s have become as young men. I am proud to serve the school community as teacher aide and to help the school continue to fulfill its mission.”
MARIA CARLOTA R. SIMEON
Algebra I, algebra II, physics, and financial literacy teacher
Ms. Maria Simeon is a new member of the Mount Carmel School family and brings nearly 20 years of accounting experience. One of the aspects of teaching that excites Maria the most is her chance to make a difference in the lives of her students. As a new teacher, Maria is passionate about the school’s mission and aims to help mold her students to excel physically, mentally, academically, and spiritually.
“One of the things that excites me the most this new school year is the chance to meet new people. It’s a privilege to get to know new staff and students,” shared Maria. “I believe in the saying that ‘A teacher plants the seeds of knowledge that will bloom for a lifetime.’”
SONY NATIVIDAD
3rd grade homeroom teacher
Ms. Sony Natividad is another seasoned teacher bringing 35 years of teaching experience to the Mount Carmel School family. Interested in curriculum and development, Sony is excited to work with the school to implement new curriculum and strategies to better teach and engage students.
“I believe that Mount Carmel School is one of the best schools to work at! MCS ensures that the teachers are well trained and knowledgeable about the tools and methods they use to help students learn and grow as bright young people.”
MARY ROSE LUCERO
4th grade homeroom teacher
Ms. Mary Rose Lucero is another veteran educator at Mount Carmel School, bringing 24 years of teaching experience. Committed to collaborative learning, Mary Rose aims to foster a passion for educational growth in her students by encouraging them to share their thoughts, theories, and ideas in the classroom.
“This school year, I am most excited to learn from the students themselves. The classroom is also a space for all of us to share our ideas and connect to one another, and I can’t wait to see how this will unfold for us. Each student comes with different experiences and ideas, and I want to see how we can come together in the classroom to build our own community.”
CHRISTOPHER KWARCIANY
Geography, U.S. History, and world history teacher
Mr. Christopher Kwarciany brings an array of professional skills and experience to the school community with six years of teaching experience. This school year, Mr. Kwarciany will teach seventh-grade geography, eighth-grade U.S. History, and tenth-grade world history. He presently holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy in interdisciplinary studies from Miami University of Ohio. Prior to teaching at Mount Carmel School, Christopher served as an English as a second language teacher in Korea and China and in the CNMI public school system.
“I wanted to be part of a learning community where students and teachers are valued for who they are. I’m excited to work with students that want to learn and grow.”
