Catholic schools welcome 11 new principals

By Florida Catholic staff - Florida Catholic

MIAMI| Eleven Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Miami welcomed new principals this 2024-2025 academic year. Six of them are first-time principals, and five are veteran principals who transferred to different Catholic schools.

Returning principals include Bianca Acosta, principal of Immaculate Conception School, in Hialeah; Clara Cabrera, principal of Our Lady of Lourdes School, in Miami; Julie Perdomo, principal of St. Louis Covenant School in Pinecrest; Lori St. Thomas, principal of Mary Help of Christian School, in Parkland; and Joci Zlatkin, principal of St. Mary Cathedral School, in Miami.

Brief bios of the first-time principals are featured below, in alphabetical order by school.

 

Lillian Dubon, Monsignor Edward Pace High School, Miami Gardens

Dubon was born and raised in Florida to Cuban parents who immigrated to the United States in 1960. She earned a bachelor's degree from Florida International University (FIU), followed by a master's degree in public administration from Nova Southeastern University, and a master's degree in educational leadership from the University of West Florida. She also holds a certificate in guidance and counseling from St. Thomas University, in Miami Gardens.

Her journey in the field of education began in 2005 when she was hired to teach history and law studies at Monsignor Edward Pace High School. Later, she transitioned into the role of guidance counselor and college advisor. In 2016, she became the dean of faculty and a member of the school’s administrative team.

Throughout her career in education, Dubon has received numerous awards and recognitions, including the 2016 Outstanding Educator Award from the University of Chicago.

In 2023, with the announcement of Pace principal, Ana Garcia’s retirement, Dubon was encouraged to apply for the position of principal and was appointed earlier in 2024.

Dubon and her family are actively involved in their faith community as parishioners of Our Lady of the Lakes Parish, in Miami Lakes. All four of her children graduated from Pace, and this November she will celebrate her 30th wedding anniversary.

 

Karen Alfred, Our Lady Queen of Martyrs School, Fort Lauderdale

Alfred earned a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Florida, and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Florida Atlantic University. She has 14 years of experience in education, having served in Broward County Public Schools in various grade levels ranging from kindergarten through 5th grade, as well as coordinator and support teacher in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes. In 2022, she became assistant principal at St. Mary’s Cathedral School, in Miami.

Now, as the principal of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs School, Alfred aims to build upon the existing culture of excellence and achievement, continuing the mission of Jesus by applying Catholic morals and beliefs, and collaborating with her staff to provide an enriching and spiritual educational experience for all her students.

Growing up Haitian-American, her parents instilled in her the values of gratitude, confidence, perseverance, respect, responsibility, compassion, and education. She is grateful for the principles that have made her a strong and a resilient person, and she is excited and grateful to embark on the journey as principal of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs School.

 

Luisa Serratore, St. Agnes Academy, Key Biscayne

Serratore was born in Miami and raised in New York City, where she completed her early education. Returning to Miami, she attended and graduated from Our Lady of Lourdes Academy and earned a bachelor’s degree of science in industrial engineering from the University of Miami.

Prior to her career in education, Serratore worked for several years as an engineer for a power company. Always being passionate about education, over time, she left the field to pursue a career in teaching. She earned a master’s degree in science education and a master’s in educational leadership, both from Florida International University.

Serratore began teaching for Miami-Dade County Public Schools, serving at South Dade High School, in Homestead. In 1996, she transitioned into Catholic school system, and became a physics teacher at Monsignor Edward Pace High, and later a part-time assistant dean of students. In 1999, she became assistant principal and dean of academics at Immaculata-La Salle High School, in Miami, where she remained for 23 years.

After more than 30 years in education in public and Catholic schools, upon her retirement, Serratore was approached by Catholic schools superintendent Jim Rigg and Father Juan Carlos Paguaga, pastor of St. Agnes Parish in Key Biscayne, to continue her passion, and accept the position of principal at St. Agnes Academy.

 

Kimberley Eichholtz, St. Coleman School, Pompano Beach

Eichholtz earned a bachelor’s degree of science in elementary education, with a specialization degree in early childhood education from Lynn University, in Boca Raton. She also has a master’s degree in educational leadership and administration from Florida Atlantic University.

Eichholtz has 26 years of experience as an educator, including 20 years in Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Miami. She began teaching in the public school system. Then she transitioned to Mary Help of Christians School, in Parkland. For the next 16 years, she served in various roles, including teacher, coach, director of campus ministry, ministry head for altar servers, and a member of the Women’s Club.

In 2020, Eichholtz became an English teacher at Cardinal Gibbon High School, in Fort Lauderdale, as well as dean of campus ministry.

Now, as principal of St. Coleman School, Eichholtz hopes that her deep commitment to Catholic education and her passion for making a positive impact will contribute to the educational and spiritual development of her students.

In her personal life, Eichholtz has been happily married for 26 years. Her son and daughter are graduates of Mary Help of Christians School and Cardinal Gibbons High.

 

Piarist Father Ricardo Rivera, St. John the Apostle School, Hialeah

Father Rivera was born and raised in Puerto Rico. He attended the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Pedras Campus, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in fine arts in painting.

In 2011, he answered God’s call to religious life and entered the Piarist community in Miami, Florida. He pursued studies at St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami and earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy. Father Rivera also earned a teaching certification from the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico in Ponce.

Afterward, he moved to the Bronx, New York, and resided at St. Helena’s Parish, followed by a year at Annunciation Parish in Manhattan. He completed his formation studies with a bachelor and two master’s degrees in theology and divinity from St. Joseph's Seminary and College in Yonkers, New York.

On December 8, 2018, he was ordained a transitional deacon at St. Martin de Porres Chapel in Ponce, Puerto Rico. On May 17, 2019, he was ordained a Piarist priest at the Parish of the Annunciation in Manhattan.

Father Rivera’s first assignment brought him back to Florida, where he served for two years as a theology teacher at Cardinal Gibbons High School, and as a priest at Assumption Parish, in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea. He was then appointed rector and superior of the Miami Piarist community at St. John the Apostle Parish, in Hialeah, where he served for three years. He also taught at Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart in Miami.

Now as principal of St. John the Apostle School, Father Rivera hopes to continue his dedicated service to education and the Piarist community.

 

Zoraida Perez, St. Malachy School, Tamarac

Perez was born and raised in Las Marias, Puerto Rico. At the age of 16, her pastor gave her the opportunity to teach the Catholic faith to a First Communion class, and she has been a catechist ever since. She earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and became a teacher in Puerto Rico.

Sometime later, she and her husband moved to Coral Springs, Florida, and taught in the public school system. In 2000, she earned a master’s degree in educational leadership. To better serve her family, she decided to leave her teaching profession.

Perez remained active in her home parish of St. Malachy, where she served as a catechist, and eventually became the director of religious education. She also served as a youth minister, and a vacation school coordinator in four parishes. She was a part of the team that helped St. Malachy School to reopen in August 2023 after more than 10 years of closure.

In December 2023, while visiting St. Malachy School with the parish priest, Father Alfredo Rolon, she felt called to apply for the position of principal. Perez was appointed to the position and began in her new role in August 2024. She is being mentored by Lisa Kempinski, principal of St. Bonaventure School in Davie.

Perez believes that Catholic schools should be a balance of safe, warm and loving, while also been interesting, fun, and challenging. They must serve as a spiritual connector for children, parents, and staff, so that they always feel welcome in the Church community.

In her personal life, Perez has been married to her high school sweetheart for 29 years. All three of their children attended and graduated from Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Miami.