Administration

Ms. Neumayr has just begun her tenure at CHA in July 2019. She brings with her 30 years of teaching and administrative experience. A native of the Bay Area, Ms. Neumayr received a BA in English Literature from the University of San Francisco and her Master of Arts degree in Education from Pepperdine. In addition, she received her Master Teacher Certificate in 2007 from the National Association of Catholic Private and Independent Schools, as well as receiving certifications in Youth Ministry and Teaching. Her career began as an Admissions Counselor at USF and then later pursued teaching full time. Her 25 years of teaching has been primarily high school and junior high subjects, including developing an Upper-School Writing program for a K-12 Catholic school. She transitioned to Principal At Holy Rosary Academy after teaching and maintained that role for 7 years. She is delighted to return to the Bay Area where she can be near her family and aging parents and serve the community at CHA.

Mrs. Fisher joined Canyon Heights Academy in 2006 as a teacher in Preschool. The following year she became the Kindergarten teacher as well as the Director of the Extended Day Care program. Mrs. Fisher received a BA in Biology from UCSC and holds an American Montessori Society teaching credential. After 12 years of teaching Kindergarten, Mrs. Fisher is excited to be overseeing Early Montessori, Preschool and Kindergarten. She is currently working towards her Montessori Administration credential.

Mrs. Zeik joined CHA in 2016 after 10 years at a sister school. She has served as a Preschool and Theology teacher as well as Academic Dean. Currently, Mrs. Zeik is the Vice Principal of the Lower School. She received her B.A. in Science of the Family at the John Paul II Institute in Monterrey and has earned two Master’s Degrees, one in Education and the second in Education Administration.

Ms. Yanez has been a teacher and administrator at Canyon Heights Academy for 16 years. She holds a B.A. with Honors from the University of Toronto, double-majoring in Religious Studies and Christianity and Culture. After moving to the Bay Area, she earned her education credentials at Santa Clara University, including a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration with a Catholic School Leadership certification. Ms. Yanez has taught preschool, Kindergarten, Grades 1, 2, 4-8, art and Spanish. For six years she was Academic Coordinator for the CHA Lower School, and for the past six years has served as the Middle School Vice Principal.

Father Matthew joined Canyon Heights Academy in 2019. He grew up in Minnesota and entered religious life with the Legionaries of Christ after high school. As part of his preparation for the priesthood, he studied humanities at the Legion of Christ College of Humanities in Cheshire, Connecticut. He then moved to Rome to complete his undergraduate degree in theology and graduate studies philosophy at the Ateneo Pontificio Regina Apostolorum. He was ordained a priest in late 2013. His first assignment was chaplain and teacher at Dublin Oak Academy in County Wicklow, Ireland. Before moving to California, he worked in Houston with families and adolescents at catholic schools and with the Texas Conquest Clubs, including international mission trips.

Mrs. Thom joined Canyon Heights Academy in 2014 after completing her Masters Degree in Education and her credential work at the University of San Francisco. She received her BA in Liberal Studies with a minor in Child Development. Mrs. Thom taught grade 4 prior to moving to the Administrative Team as the Admissions Director.

Ms. Ma comes to Canyon Heights Academy with many years of business and finance management experience working with and advising public and private companies of all sizes. She most recently ran her own financial consulting business and advised clients from startup to growth through exit. Ms. Ma has worked in mergers and acquisitions finance, accounting advisory, audit, as well as program and project management in Canada, the UK, and the US. She graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in accounting. In addition, Ms. Ma is a Chartered Accountant (Canada), Chartered Financial Analyst, and Certified Public Accountant.

Miss Marie Yeap joined Canyon Heights Academy in 2019 as the Assistant Business Manager. She graduated from Ave Maria University with a BA in theology. She worked as the Faith Formation assistant at St. Nicholas and St. William parish in Los Altos and then moved to accounts payable and receivable work in manufacturing. Miss Yeap is a member of the San Jose Chinese Catholic Community at St. Clare’s parish.

Mrs. Sager serves as Director of Marketing and Development for Canyon Heights. She received an undergraduate degree in English from the University of Illinois and moved to California. Prior to joining CHA, she had a multi-faceted career in sales and marketing as well as volunteer experience in marketing and fundraising. She joined the CHA community in 2005 when her oldest son enrolled. She volunteered in numerous capacities, including three years as chair of the Gala Auction & Dinner before formally joining the staff in 2012.

Miss Bateman joined the staff in 2017. She graduated from Canyon Heights Academy in 2009 and is thrilled to be back at CHA as Administrative Assistant. Miss Bateman received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religious Studies from Santa Clara University where she also worked as a Campus Ministry Office Receptionist.

Mr Catalono joined Canyon Heights Academy in 2018. He is responsible for facilities maintenance
across our beautiful campus and classrooms.