Meet our leadership team

Mrs. Lugo brings more than 20 years of experience in public and private education. She is passionate about fostering strong, student-centered learning communities where children are inspired to achieve their highest potential.

Mrs. Lugo is recognized nationally for her expertise in curriculum development and instructional leadership. A member of the IB Educator Network, she has served as a workshop leader, course reader, and visiting team member, supporting schools across the United States and abroad. She has also presented at leading educational conferences and contributed to publications advancing best practices in teaching and learning.

Her career began in New York as an English teacher and literacy coach, where she led initiatives to improve literacy outcomes and close achievement gaps. Since moving to California, Mrs. Lugo has held progressive leadership roles at Fairmont Schools, guiding program development, faculty growth, and student success.

Mrs. Lugo earned her B.A. in English and her M.A. in Curriculum & Instruction. She and her husband live in South Orange County with their two sons, both of whom are active in athletics. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, hiking, and reading.

Ms. Powell serves as Associate Head of School and brings classroom experience from lower elementary through middle school, giving her a well-rounded perspective on learning and growth. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education and a Master’s in Educational Leadership, along with credentials in both teaching and school leadership. Known for her supportive and collaborative style, she is passionate about building a strong school community, empowering teachers with instructional practices, and guiding learning with data-driven insights. A proud mother of two, Ms. Powell values the partnership between home and school and is committed to ensuring that every student feels known, challenged, and inspired to reach their potential.

Mrs. Espinoza has spent over 30 years working with young children in both early childhood and elementary education. She holds an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education, a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, along with extensive training in the field. She believes every child’s natural curiosity and love of learning can be nurtured while also preparing them for Fairmont’s strong academic program. One of her favorite parts of the job is visiting classrooms and seeing the joy and wonder of learning in action. Mrs. Espinoza’s greatest hope is that every student grows not only in knowledge, but also in kindness—learning from both mistakes and successes so they can reach their fullest potential.

Casey MacIntosh brings more than 15 years of experience in education, serving in a variety of leadership and support roles, including Campus Supervisor, Facilities and Maintenance Manager, Security, Dean of Students, and, most recently, Campus Services Supervisor. His diverse background has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of campus operations, student engagement, and school safety. As Campus Services Supervisor, Mr. MacIntosh is dedicated to fostering strong relationships with students, staff, and the broader community. He works closely with local agencies, including the Sheriff’s Department, to promote a safe and welcoming campus environment. In addition to his administrative roles, he has coached high school football, rugby, and wrestling at several schools in southern Orange County, further supporting student growth both inside and outside the classroom. Beyond his professional commitments, Mr. MacIntosh enjoys spending time with his family in the outdoors and fishing along the local beaches.

Mr. Lopez joined Fairmont Schools in 2014 as a volleyball coach and substitute teacher. By 2016, he transitioned into the classroom, teaching Social Studies, Physical Education, and Business at the Fairmont Preparatory Academy campus. In 2018, he launched the boys’ volleyball program, leading the team to six consecutive CIF playoff appearances. In 2022, Mr. Lopez stepped into athletic administration at the Fairmont San Juan Capistrano campus, serving as both Athletic Director and Athletic Academy Director. Under his leadership, the Athletic Academy has grown into one of California’s premier athletic training programs, recognized for developing student-athletes on and off the field. A former collegiate volleyball player at Golden West College and Hope International University, Mr. Lopez earned his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and is currently completing his MBA at Arkansas State University. His career reflects a strong commitment to education, athletics, and building programs that prepare students for success at the next level.

Ms. Thomas is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and has been supporting the psychological, social, and emotional needs of Fairmont students for over 20 years. Dedicated to and passionate about fostering children's self-esteem, emotional awareness, and relationship skills, she takes a bio-psycho-social and educational approach to mental health. Overseeing the Health and Wellness Programming for all Fairmont campuses, she works with the safeguarding teams to create an emotionally secure school environment for students as they learn necessary life skills for academic success and beyond. Ms. Thomas is also a counseling and educational resource for Fairmont parents and staff, as she believes in helping families and teachers gain knowledge about their students' psychological and behavioral development. Ms. Thomas holds a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University and a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from the University of California, Berkeley. She is the proud mother of two daughters.

Mrs. Sherbanee serves as the Director of Student Activities and Services and Summer Camp Director at Fairmont. With over 25 years of experience as a professional wedding and event planner, she brings exceptional organization, attention to detail, and a calm, multitasking mindset to every event she leads. Her passion for student engagement and heartfelt approach to community building shine through in her work, which includes overseeing P–8 field trips, coordinating campus-wide events and assemblies, and partnering closely with the Parent Association. In her expanded role, Mrs. Sherbanee also oversees the planning and execution of Fairmont’s summer and winter day camp programs. She also manages the after-school enrichment programs. She holds a Master’s degree in Management in Organization from Hawai‘i Pacific University and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of New Haven in Connecticut. She has also served as a university lecturer in Event Management at California State University, Long Beach. Originally from the East Coast, Mrs. Sherbanee is a proud Boston Red Sox fan and a devoted Fairmont mom. Outside of work, you’ll often find her at Disneyland with her husband and daughter, making magical memories together.

Mrs. Guterman has spent more than 20 years in educational leadership, partnering with families to support both academic success and emotional well-being. She has guided high school students through the college application process and now finds her greatest joy working with preschool and lower elementary children. In early childhood education, she creates a welcoming and nurturing environment where families feel supported as they embark on their school journey. She holds a Bachelor’s in Business and Management from Golden Gate University and is currently completing her MBA. Outside of school, Mrs. Guterman enjoys painting, drawing, and designing on Canva. A passionate animal lover with five rescue pets, she also treasures time with her family and loves discovering new live music venues with her husband.

Casey MacIntosh brings more than 15 years of experience in education, serving in a variety of leadership and support roles, including Campus Supervisor, Facilities and Maintenance Manager, Security, Dean of Students, and, most recently, Campus Services Supervisor. His diverse background has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of campus operations, student engagement, and school safety. As Campus Services Supervisor, Mr. MacIntosh is dedicated to fostering strong relationships with students, staff, and the broader community. He works closely with local agencies, including the Sheriff’s Department, to promote a safe and welcoming campus environment. In addition to his administrative roles, he has coached high school football, rugby, and wrestling at several schools in southern Orange County, further supporting student growth both inside and outside the classroom. Beyond his professional commitments, Mr. MacIntosh enjoys spending time with his family in the outdoors and fishing along the local beaches.

Ms. Thomas is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and has been supporting the psychological, social, and emotional needs of Fairmont students for over 20 years. Dedicated to and passionate about fostering children's self-esteem, emotional awareness, and relationship skills, she takes a bio-psycho-social and educational approach to mental health. Overseeing the Health and Wellness Programming for all Fairmont campuses, she works with the safeguarding teams to create an emotionally secure school environment for students as they learn necessary life skills for academic success and beyond. Ms. Thomas is also a counseling and educational resource for Fairmont parents and staff, as she believes in helping families and teachers gain knowledge about their students' psychological and behavioral development. Ms. Thomas holds a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University and a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from the University of California, Berkeley. She is the proud mother of two daughters.

Mr. Lopez joined Fairmont Schools in 2014 as a volleyball coach and substitute teacher. By 2016, he transitioned into the classroom, teaching Social Studies, Physical Education, and Business at the Fairmont Preparatory Academy campus. In 2018, he launched the boys’ volleyball program, leading the team to six consecutive CIF playoff appearances. In 2022, Mr. Lopez stepped into athletic administration at the Fairmont San Juan Capistrano campus, serving as both Athletic Director and Athletic Academy Director. Under his leadership, the Athletic Academy has grown into one of California’s premier athletic training programs, recognized for developing student-athletes on and off the field.A former collegiate volleyball player at Golden West College and Hope International University, Mr. Lopez earned his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and is currently completing his MBA at Arkansas State University. His career reflects a strong commitment to education, athletics, and building programs that prepare students for success at the next level.