PRESENTATION

Leadership

Aquinas American School was founded in 2012 by a group of educators and families with a shared commitment to excellence in education and strong values. That spirit continues today, with leadership that remains closely connected to the school community and responsive to its needs.

We believe that strong leadership builds strong communities, and that partnership between school and family is essential to every student’s success.

PRESENTATION

Meet Our Leadership

At Aquinas American School, we believe leadership is more than administration, it is a commitment to guiding students, supporting families, and shaping a vibrant educational community. Our team brings together experience, vision, and a shared dedication to forming students who are intellectually capable, morally grounded, and prepared to lead with purpose.

Mr. José Manuel Berrendero

Head of School and High School Principal

Having been part of this community since its foundation, Mr. Berrendero has witnessed firsthand the dedication, enthusiasm, and spirit that have shaped AAS into the vibrant place it is today. As a founding teacher and one of the founding houseparents at our student residence, he has witnessed our school grow not only in numbers, but in strength of character, purpose, and vision.

Ms. Shavana González

Middle School Principal

As one of the first teachers at Aquinas American School, Ms. González has been a constant pillar in AAS since 2013. She joined as a science teacher for our Middle and High School, and helped create the student life council on both campuses. In 2024 she became the Middle School Dean of Students, before taking on the role of Middle School Principal in 2025. This year marks her first year as Middle School Principal.

Ms. Sarah Cruz

Preschool & Lower School Principal

Originally from Texas, Ms. Cruz is bilingual in English and Spanish, and has relocated to Madrid this year with her husband, Raúl, and their three young children. She brings strong experience and a solid background in educational leadership from several schools in Denton, Texas, and takes on her role as Preschool and Lower School principal with heart and enthusiasm.

Father Mario Palacio

Chaplain

As Parish Priest of the Church of the Assumption of Our Lady in Pozuelo de Alarcón, Father Mario joined the parish following his service in Carabanchel. A native of Madrid, he has been part of Aquinas American School since 2017, actively contributing to the spiritual life of the school community. Since his arrival, he has played a key role in the growth and strengthening of the parish community.

Ms. Daniela Paternostro

Residence Director

Ms. Paternostro is a psychologist specialized in Cognitive Disorders and Learning Difficulties, holding a Master’s degree from Barranquilla, Colombia. As both School Psychologist and Residency Director, she plays a key part in supporting students’ academic progress and personal well-being. Now in her seventh year in Madrid and at Aquinas, Ms. Paternostro has been a dedicated member of the Student Support Services team throughout her time at the school.

Ms. Alejandra López-Bachiller

Communications & Admissions Director

Ms. Alejandra has been part of Aquinas American School since 2018, where she has played a key role in the development of the school’s admissions and communications strategy, as well as in strengthening its sense of community. In 2024, she assumed a leadership role across the three schools within the Mathema group, bringing a unified vision and strategic approach to communications and admissions.

Ms. Lourdes Camas

Finance Officer & Human Resources

Ms. Camas is a highly experienced finance and human resources professional with over 25 years of expertise in multinational environments. Originally from Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, she holds a degree in Business Administration from CUNEF. Ms. Camas joined Mathema Educación in 2024 as Finance Officer & Human Resources lead, where she contributes her extensive expertise to support the school’s operations, strategic development, and community wellbeing.