"Be aware that who you are and what you have to offer can be a beacon to some lost soul.” – Iyanla Vanzant

Name: Mrs. Nennette Barriga

Bio: I am honored to serve as the principal of Saint Mary School and proud to contribute to our faith-based education with love and dedication.

I have been an enthusiastic and grateful member of the SMS family for many years. From being a school parent for 15 years, to serving as the PTO President, a volunteer librarian, substitute teacher, bookkeeper, and Social Studies and Science teacher, I have been blessed with many opportunities to support our school community. Each role has strengthened my resolve and deepened my commitment to our mission and values.

My background in insurance and business, combined with my education in history and anthropology, has given me a well-rounded perspective in academic and administrative matters. As a life-long learner, I strive to bring all of my experience to my role as principal.

I have been married to my high school sweetheart, Gonzalo for over 20 years. We are proud parents of two amazing children. Our family, all cradle Catholics, have been actively involved in the parish and school community as parishioners of St. Mary's Church. Our daughter is a proud graduate of Paraclete High School, and our younger son will follow in her footsteps with God's grace.

As principal, my first assignment was to help our community navigate the painful loss of our beloved former principal Ms Anna-Maria Rios, and lead us to a positive start to the 2024-2025 school year with a new sense of hope and gratitude. This journey forward has brought the opportunity to oversee exciting large-scale renovations to our campus, gained through the vision of Ms Rios and the support of the Shea Family Charities. 

My long-term assignment is a constant commitment to serving our school with humility, dedication, and a renewed devotion to academic and Christian excellence. Thank you for your support as we embark on this new chapter together.