Dear Sacred Heart Nativity Schools Community,

I am thrilled to announce that Cecile Mantecón has been selected to lead Sacred Heart Nativity and Our Lady of Grace as the new President of Sacred Heart Nativity Schools, effective July 1st. Cecile brings with her a wealth of experience, dedication, and a deep commitment to the values and mission of our school.

With over 26 years of service in the Diocese of San José, including roles as Principal at St. Clare School and Vice Principal at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception School, Cecile has demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision, and a passion for Catholic education. Her track record of fostering a culture of learning, equity, and continuous improvement makes her the ideal candidate to lead Sacred Heart Nativity Schools into this next phase.

During her time at St. Clare School, Cecile spearheaded initiatives that strengthened the STREAM and SEL programs, navigated the challenges of the pandemic with resilience, and implemented strategic improvements across various aspects of the school’s operations. Her commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment where every child can thrive academically, spiritually, and personally is evident in her extensive experience and accomplishments.

Cecile is aware of the changing landscape of our Nativity community. Her interactions with parents during the selection process were nothing short of exceptional. Parents are eager and excited about the future of working with Cecile, and she expressed equal excitement about continuing to grow alongside the diverse cultures and traditions that define our Nativity community.

Her expertise extends beyond the classroom, as she has served as the Education Services and Accreditation Commissioner for the Department of Education in the Diocese of San José. Her insights into effective school operations, continuous improvement processes, and community engagement will be invaluable as we continue to uphold the excellence and mission of Sacred Heart Nativity Schools.

Cecile embraces the vision of Father Mateo Sheedy, whose legacy inspires us to see the students of Sacred Heart Parish thrive and succeed, furthering their education while embodying the values of compassion, integrity, and service to others.  The Board of Directors has given Cecile their full support, and are excited about the positive impact she will have on our school community. We invite all supporters, staff, parents, alumni, teachers, and community members to join us in welcoming Cecile Mantecón as our new President of Sacred Heart Nativity Schools.

I must extend a heartfelt thank you to the entire interview committee. Their dedication, tireless efforts, and commitment to finding the best candidate have culminated in the selection of Cecile as the new President and Director of the work for Sacred Heart Nativity School. Their thoroughness, wisdom, and discernment throughout this process have been invaluable, and I am grateful for the time and energy they invested in shaping the future of our school.

Sincerely,

Cecile Mantecón’s Biography

Mrs. Cecile Mantecón comes to Sacred Heart Nativity Schools after 26 years in a variety of roles with the Diocese of San José. She served as a teacher and administrator at Saint Mary School in Gilroy from 1997-2011. After moving to San José from Gilroy in 2011, she became the Education Services Administrator and Accreditation Commissioner in the Department of Catholic Schools. In 2015, she was invited to join the community of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Los Gatos serving as Vice Principal and Middle School Lead. From 2018-2023, Mrs. Mantecón served as Principal of Saint Clare School in Santa Clara, followed by a return to the Department of Catholic Schools as Director of Mission Advancement.

Cecile passionately believes in the transformative power of Catholic education in the Jesuit tradition, particularly for the families who call the surrounding neighborhoods of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish their home. In her role as President and Director of the Work, she hopes to invite fellow workers in the vineyard to invest in the Nativity’s profound mission, while infusing Ignatian spirituality in every facet of her leadership.

With the guidance of the Nativity Board of Directors; the support and partnership of the Society of Jesus, the Diocese of San José, and Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish; as well the generosity of benefactors and friends, Cecile is both excited and eager to continue Sacred Heart Nativity Schools’ mission envisioned almost 25 years ago by Father Mateo Sheedy.

Mrs. Mantecón graduated with a degree in Business Administration from Notre Dame de Namur University and a Masters in Educational Administration from Santa Clara University. She and her husband Mike are grateful to have been blessed with two amazing humans, both formed in Catholic schools in the Diocese of San José. She credits the women religious for her passion for and dedication to Catholic education. They modeled for her the courage to lead with humility, integrity, gratitude, grace, and compassion.