Meet Our New Faculty & Staff

Bretlyn Lazaris joins the Mayfield Senior School performing arts faculty with over a decade of experience as Resident Choreographer and Adjunct Professor at Vanguard University. She has mentored students across Orange County, many of whom have performed on Broadway and in national tours. A national title-winning competitive dancer, Bretlyn also actively participates in regional performances, blending practical experience with academic instruction. She holds a degree in Theatre Arts and is passionate about integrating her performance background into her teaching.

Daniela Bachman ‘20 returns to Mayfield as an alumna to teach three sections of World History and help develop a summer internship program. Daniela recently graduated from Loyola University Chicago, where she majored in Political Science and minored in Italian Studies. She looks forward to fostering global and historical awareness in her students, helping them learn history from different perspectives. Daniela is excited to work with the members of the Mayfield faculty who inspired her by their example.

Daniel Alcaraz joins the Facilities team as a Maintenance Technician. Born and raised in Eagle Rock, he studied design and production at Cal State LA for two years and is currently studying Kinesiology at Glendale Community College. Daniel is eager to contribute to the Mayfield Facilities team this school year.

Danny Kramer joins us as the new Associate Director of Development at Mayfield, bringing solid independent school and fundraising experience. He previously taught sailing at the Catalina Island Marine Institute and art at the Wildwood School in Los Angeles for 11 years before transitioning into advancement roles at independent schools in Bellevue and Seattle, Washington. Upon returning to Southern California, Danny expanded his development expertise at Chaminade College Preparatory School, the Village School, and Piper Preschool. He serves as a VP on the Donna Sternberg and Dancers Board of Directors and holds an MBA from Pepperdine University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Kentucky. 

Denise Cruz-Magallanes is our new full-time Human Resources Manager. Denise brings over 10 years of experience in human resources (HR) and holds a certificate in Human Resources Management. She began her HR career at Sierra Madre Learning Center TOTAL Programs, working with over 275 employees. Denise will collaborate with the business office and the Head of School to enhance our Human Resources operations. 

Georgia Vagim '18 joins the Mayfield Development team as the new Community Engagement and Events Coordinator. Georgia has volunteered on several Mayfield benefits alongside her mother, former Board of Trustees member Chelisa Vagim, and worked in a freelance capacity last year on various events, including the fall donor dinner and the Generations Benefit in March. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality with a concentration in Meeting and Event Management from the University of Las Vegas. 

Josie Beltran joins the Marketing and Communications team and Admissions office as the new Marketing & Admissions Coordinator. She earned her B.A. in Journalism from Loyola Marymount University and is an alumna of Alverno Heights Academy. As a graduate of an all-girls secondary school, Josie appreciates the unique benefits it offers and is excited to work at Mayfield. She has been active in the National Association of Hispanic Journalists and Alpha Chi Omega at LMU, volunteered with School on Wheels, served as a TA, and worked in PR and Marketing in the fashion industry. 

Juan Salas joins the Facilities team as a Day Porter. He recently graduated from Cal State University Northridge (CSUN) with a bachelor's degree in art. An avid biker and hiker, Juan enjoys exploring new trails and experiencing diverse cultures through travel. A Harry Potter enthusiast, his favorite books in the series are "The Half-Blood Prince" and "The Prisoner of Azkaban." Juan is excited to be a full-time member of Mayfield’s Facilities team this school year.

Luis Aguilar joins us as our new Technology Specialist. Luis brings extensive help desk experience from a charter school in Los Angeles. He holds a B.A. in Mathematics, a Google IT Support Professional Certificate, and a Help Desk Professional Certificate. Knowing Technologies will continue to support our network management needs and assist Luis. He will be on campus Monday, Wednesday, and Friday each week, handling tickets remotely on Tuesday and Thursday. You can find Luis in the IT office on the first floor near the elevator in the library.

Patrick Boyd is excited to join the faculty, where he will teach Accelerated Algebra I, Anatomy/Physiology, and Sports Medicine. He grew up in West Los Angeles, attended St. Paul the Apostle School and Loyola High School, and earned degrees from Marquette University and Loyola Marymount University. With eight years of teaching experience, he has taught middle school math and science, as well as AP Biology and other science courses at Louisville High School. Patrick's teaching philosophy centers on inspiring students by fostering critical thinking, curiosity, and teamwork. He is passionate about creating an engaging learning environment that helps students become independent thinkers.

Theresa Monakil, MSN, RN joins the Mayfield community as our School Nurse and Faculty/Staff Wellness Coordinator. Theresa comes to us from Kaiser Permanente, where she served as a Registered Nurse Consultant in Professional Development and Education. Her previous work includes teaching health, pediatric rotations at Los Angeles County Hospital, pediatric oncology, and school rotations conducting audiometry and tuberculosis skin tests. Theresa is active at Holy Family Church and School, where she founded two ministries, directed the talent show, and volunteered as the School Nurse. She is also a certified Life Coach and is excited to join the Mayfield community.

Viana Zendejas joins us as the new Finance Assistant in the business office. Viana holds a business degree in Finance and has over 11 years of accounting experience. Her responsibilities include handling Accounts Payable and Receivables, as well as working with Cynthia and Tina in the Business Office.