January 5, 2024 — St. Andrew Nativity School in Portland, Oregon, has named Lorraine Shepherd as its next president, director of mission. St. Andrew is a Jesuit, Catholic tuition-free middle school for students from under-resourced backgrounds.
Ms. Shepherd earned her bachelor’s in mass communications from the University of California, Berkeley, and a master’s in art in teaching from the University of San Francisco (USF). She began her career in education teaching kindergarten in the Diocese of San Jose. Her passion and knowledge of Catholic social teaching, social justice and U.S. history drove her pedagogy and love of teaching 5th, 7th and 8th grade students before becoming principal at Sacred Heart Nativity School.
Ms. Shepherd was introduced to the Jesuit charism during graduate school at USF. Her experience in accompanying the youth of Sacred Heart Nativity and learning from the Jesuits inspired her to delve deeper into Ignatian spirituality. She has led Ignatian-inspired retreats, is an adjunct presenter for the Seminars in Ignatian Leadership for rising leaders through the Jesuit Schools Network and is an adjunct lecturer in the School of Education at Santa Clara University.
“I am honored to serve as the next president, director of mission of St. Andrew Nativity School, and I look forward to working alongside the dedicated staff and families as we accompany our youth to build a hope-filled future,” Ms. Shepherd said. She will be involved with Nativity as the search for a permanent principal begins; her first official day will be July 1, 2024.
