Rev. Jacob Hsieh, O.Praem
School Rector
Father Jacob was born in Dallas Texas and went to Mary Immaculate School from kindergarten until eighth grade. He then went to Jesuit College Preparatory School in Dallas and was inspired by his sophomore religion teacher there to see the power and beauty of the Catholic faith. He convinced him to go to Thomas Aquinas College in California, where he studied the classics there and found a beautiful Catholic community that was serious about Catholic education and the Faith. After graduating from Thomas Aquinas College, he entered Saint Michael’s Abbey in Orange County, where he studied philosophy and went on to study theology in Toronto at St. Philip’s Seminary with the Oratorians. He spent his last year of theology in Rome studying music and Gregorian Chant. While a deacon in Rome, Father Jacob sang the Exultet at St. Peter’s Basilica for Pope Francis during Easter. He came back to California, was ordained a priest, and was immediately sent to San Pedro to be the chaplain for the Little Sisters of the Poor. He also took care of the high school choir at Mary Star High School and taught Latin and Religion there for seven years. He has joined us as SPPS Rector and shares his musical talents with the students!
Jasmine Lopez
TK Teacher
Jasmine Lopez is from Long Beach, California. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from Mount Saint Mary’s University in May 2021. She plans to begin on obtaining her Master’s Degree in Education from Mount Saint Mary’s University during the Spring 2023. Jasmine has always had a passion for teaching children. She believes that a classroom should be a warm, welcoming, and productive environment where each student feels loved and encouraged to learn and explore. This is her first year at SPPS and first year teaching in TK. Outside of teaching, she enjoys reading, baking, and spending time with friends and family.
Georgette Whitlinger-Rodrigues
Kindergarten Teacher
Georgette Whittlinger Rodrigues was born and raised in Long Beach, California. She earned her Bachelor of Arts, Teaching Credential, and Master’s Degree from California State University, Dominguez Hills. She taught 1st grade, Kindergarten, and was a Resource Specialist before she met her husband, Yuri, and moved to England. She lived in England for 17 years raising 3 children. Georgette also worked 2 part time jobs, one in a grocery store, and the other in a school as a teacher assistant. She is an avid baker and had a business from home making cakes for friends. Georgette returned to CA with her family in 2017 and has been teaching Kindergarten for the past 3 years. She loves to visit the Redwoods and ocean in her spare time. Georgette’s joy comes from her faith, family, friends, and teaching Kindergarten.
Lauren Perez
Math and Science Teacher- 6th, 7th and 8th Grades
Dean of Academics
Lauren Perez has been teaching at Saints Peter and Paul School for the last five years. She taught 3rd grade for four years and now teaches math and science to Grades 6-8, and is the school’s STEM Director. Lauren was born and raised in Hacienda Heights. She attended Santa Clara University obtaining her Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies and a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from Santa Clara University. She then moved back to Los Angeles and enrolled in Loyola Marymount’s PLACE Corps program to attain her Master’s in Elementary Education and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. She strives to increase students’ love of learning through engaging, collaborative and thought-provoking lessons. Lauren is also the Dean of Academics, supporting teachers and students with curriculum. When she is not in the classroom, she enjoys exploring the Los Angeles area by hiking, playing sports, and spending time with her family and friends.
Denise Doane
5th Grade Teacher
Denise Doane is a Long Beach native. She graduated from California State University, Long Beach with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Liberal Studies and a second BA in Literature. It was also at CSULB that she received her Master’s Degree and multiple subject teaching credential. Denise enjoys taking on new adventures with different groups of students from TK to high school, and has been working in education since 2007. She is currently teaching 5th Grade and SPPS. Denise loves spending time with her three rescue dogs Sam, Max, and Lola. She also loves reading, traveling, and going to the beach.
Amaris Lopez
TK Teacher
English Language Arts Teacher- 6th, 7th and 8th Grades
Amaris Lopez was raised in Wilmington and is a proud alumna of Saints Peter and Paul School. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature at Mount Saint Mary’s University in Los Angeles. Her teaching career at SPPS began in 2015 as a short and long-term substitute for various grades, and taught TK for the past three years. She is now the 6th Grade homeroom and Middle School ELA teacher. She is working towards a Master’s degree in Education Leadership where she will focus her passion in helping to improve reading programs in schools. When Ms. Lopez is not at work, she enjoys being outdoors at the beach, hiking, traveling, trying new restaurants, reading and painting.
