SBS Alumni
Nicky-Ann Lopez-Leon - Alumni Board President - Greetings, my name is Nicky-Ann Lopez-Leon, and I am a proud St. Benedict Alumni 87' and parent of St. Benedict School. I have served our St. Benedict community for several years as school board member and president (9 years), Festival Board member (16 years), Bingo Committee (11 years), Casino Committee (14 year), Altar Society (12 years) and started our 1st St. Benedict Alumni Association and Friends in 2016. I attended East Los Angeles College where I received a Registered Nursing degree.
Jeff Gonzalez - Alumni Board Vice President - Hello, my name is Jeff Gonzalez. I have been in the St Benedict community for 27 years which includes Casino Night Committee since 2009, St. Benedict Festival Board Member since 2005, St. Benedict Knights of Columbus Member since 2023, St. Benedict Bingo Committee since 2014, St. Benedict Alumni Association Vice President since 2021 and San Gabriel Mission Fiesta Board Member/Director since 2011. In addition, I am a member of San Gabriel Mission High School Principal’s Consultative Board since 2019, San Gabriel Mission High School Advancement Committee Chair 2019-2023 and San Gabriel Mission High School Strategic Planning Committee Chair since 2023 I have a bachelor’s degree in electrical & Electronics Engineering and am working as a Senior Manager for a biomedical device company for 33 years.
Amelia Orozco - Alumni Board Treasure - My name is Amelia Orozco. I have been an Alumni Board member for at least 4 years and I am a Saint Benedict alumni parent.Valorie Melendrez - Alumni Board Secretary
Greetings, my name is Valorie Melendrez and my husband & daughters attended St.Benedict’s School. I have been part of friends of the Alumni for several years as well as a a member of the Altar Society and Confirmation Catechist of St. Benedict Parish. Please join us.
Roylyn Gonzalez - Alumni Board Member - My name is Roylyn Gonzalez. I have been in the St Benedict community for 27 years which includes Casino Night Committee since 2009, St. Benedict Festival Board Member since 2005, Room Parent/Head of Room Parents since 1998, St. Benedict Altar Society Member since 2013, St. Benedict Bingo Committee since 2014, St. Benedict Alumni Association Member since 2021 and San Gabriel Mission Fiesta Board Member since 2011. I own a catering business and a financial services business.Gina Vela - Alumni Board Member
My name is Gina Vela, I am an Alumni of St Benedict Class of 1987 and a parent of two daughters that attended St Benedict School who are also Alumni Class of 2021 and Class of 2023. I am currently a member of the St Benedict Alumni and Friends Association since 2011 and also an Altar Society Member of St Benedict Church for 11 years. I attended Cal State University of Fullerton where I received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Services.
Rachel Baltierra - Alumni Board Member
Hello St. Benedict family, My name is Rachel Baltierra, and I am mother of three Alumni of St. Benedict, class of 2016, 2019, 2023, where my husband, Charles, and I were part of this great school community for 16 years. Our St. Benedict journey began in 2007 when we decided to send our oldest child to this school, and culminated in 2023. I am a product of Catholic school education where I attended for 12 years. I understand the commitment as a parent because I saw my parents volunteer at my school throughout their lifetime. I am still involved in the parish community because I am Vice President of the Altar Society of St. Benedict, a committee member for Bingo and the Casino committee, and a new member of the Alumni Association. I am currently a Parent Ambassador for Class of 2027 at Cantwell- Sacred Heart of Mary High School. In my community, I am also a Girl Scout Troop Leader and Service Unit Manager for the Canon Trails/ Rio Hondo Area. I am a public servant and have worked full-time for the City of Commerce for the last 27 years teaching the life skill of swimming as a program manager for the Aquatics Division. I enjoy serving Christ with my family. I enjoy serving my community through work, service, and volunteering through God's grace.
Erika Cruz - Alumni Board Member
My name is Erika Cruz, and Saint Benedict School has been a significant part of my life for over two decades. Throughout the years, I have discovered countless opportunities to give back to the community. I am proud to be a member of the Altar Society and the Saint Benedict Alumni Program. Both programs hold a special place in my heart because our team dedicates time and effort to inspire all to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. It’s an incredibly warm and fulfilling experience to see the positive impact we are making, especially for those who need it most. I feel deeply honored to be part of these groups, where we’ve grown into our own little family. Saint Benedict School has also played a pivotal role in my daughters’ lives. For my oldest daughter, Elizabeth, it was like a second home, and now it’s become the same for my youngest, Sofia. Over the years, we’ve created so many cherished memories and built lasting friendships that I now consider this community an extended family. The education, values, respect, and quality teachings my daughters have received here mean the world to me. As a single mother, I am incredibly grateful to have found such a supportive and nurturing environment for my children. My oldest daughter, Elizabeth, graduated in 2017, and it warms my heart to see her still maintaining contact with her SBS friends, as if no time has passed. Meanwhile, my youngest daughter, Sofia, is currently in second grade, and I am excited to see her continue to learn, grow, and strengthen her connections with the Saint Benedict family. Thank you, Saint Benedict School, for being such an integral part of our lives and for the lasting memories and opportunities you have provided for my daughters and me.
David De Jesus - Alumni Board Member
Hi, my name is David De Jesus, and I’m a proud parent of a 4th grader at St. Benedict. My daughter has been a part of the school since TK, and joining the St. Benedict community has been an exceptional experience. I’ve become deeply involved in the school, joining the Festival Committee Board, the Knights of Columbus, and the St. Benedict Alumni & Friends Association.With a background in logistics and event production—specializing in sound, lighting, and video—I’ve been able to contribute to a variety of school events. I’ve volunteered as a DJ, assisted with lighting setups, and helped with any sound or microphone needs for school programs. Some of my most memorable contributions include enhancing movie nights by setting up an LED video wall, assisting with stage and sound for the annual school carnival, and organizing successful fundraising events with the Knights of Columbus to support the church. Seeing my daughter’s excitement when she sees me volunteering at her school and the joy on the kids' faces when I DJ is truly fulfilling. I’m proud to be able to create meaningful experiences for the students during their time at St. Benedict. In terms of balancing everything, I keep my daughter involved in sports during the week, which helps manage our time, and I’m usually able to wrap up school event planning by a certain hour. Sundays are always reserved for family time, ensuring we have that special connection amidst all the busy schedules. Moving forward, my goal is to continue revamping school events, always looking for new ways to make the kids' experiences more memorable. I’m excited to keep contributing to the St. Benedict community and helping create lasting memories for the students.
Elisa Gonzalez - Alumni Board Member
Hi. My name is Elisa González, a St Benedict parent. I have been a board member at St. Benedict school for the last 5 years. I have an Associates of Art degree with an emphasis in Science from East Los Angeles College. I am a Certified Tissue Bank Specialist as well as a Certified Histology Technician.
Maria Jimenez - Alumni Board Member
Hello my name is Maria Jimenez, I have served our Saint Benedict community and parish for several years as being part of the festival board (10 years) and Alter society (10 years). I am a child care provider care provider since 2011, going onto 14 years with my business.
Charles Baltierra - Alumni Board Member
Hi, I’m Charles, a proud parent of three St. Benedict graduates (classes of 2016, 2019, and 2023). It’s been a privilege to be part of the St. Benedict community for the past 16 years. I’m currently involved in several school committees, including serving on the St. Benedict Fiesta Committee, Casino Night Committee, and as a new member of the Alumni Board. I'm also a Parent Ambassador for the Class of 2027 at Cantwell-Sacred Heart of Mary High School. With a Bachelor of Fine Art from Otis College of Art & Design, I work as a Marketing & Graphic Design professional and artist. I’m particularly proud of having created (almost) all of SBS’s posters and flyers for the past 10 years.
Isabella Leon - Alumni Board Member
Hello my name is Isabella Leon, a proud Alumni of St. Benedict School, Class of 2017 and former Miss Bella, Teachers Assistant. I am a member of the St. Benedict Altar Society and happy to be on the Board for St. Benedict Alumni Association. These opportunities have given me a chance to give back to my community that has been such a big part of my life since the age of 5. I currently attend Whittier College, where I am a member of the Dance Team and the Athenian Society. I work part time for La Casa de Los Suenos, where I work with adults with special needs. I look forward to connecting with the youth and former graduating classes of St. Benedict School to continue traditions, make new memories, and give back to our St. Benedict families.