Posted March 30, 2026
Saint Francis High School is honored to welcome three experienced, student-centered leaders for the 2026-27 school year. Antoinette “Toni” West will be joining the leadership team as Dean of Students along with Rob Griffin as Associate Dean of Students. Additionally, Stephanie Palmeri Farias joins as the Director of School Culture and Belonging, ushering in a new chapter of leadership and strengthening the school’s commitment to fostering a safe, supportive and mission-centered environment for all students.
Rooted in the school’s Holy Cross charism, this team works in close partnership with students, families and educators to ensure every student feels known, valued and supported. Through a balance of accountability and care, these roles promote a culture of belonging, responsibility and personal growth where student well-being is grounded in relationship and restorative practices.
Speaking to the impact this new team of educators will bring to the community, Principal Katie Teekell ‘00 shared, “Our hiring process focused on building a team that leveraged strong experience in community building and restorative practices, and we are thrilled to have such impactful leaders join our Saint Francis community. As a Catholic school in the Holy Cross tradition, fostering a community that is rooted in respect, belonging and a true commitment to forming the hearts and minds of young people is at the core of what we do.”
Tony West
Toni comes to Saint Francis from Moreau Catholic High School, a Holy Cross school, where she dedicated more than a decade of service in a variety of student-centered leadership roles. During her time at Moreau, she served as Dean of Students and most recently as Assistant Principal of Climate and Culture, building deep experience in fostering positive school environments and strengthening community engagement. A dynamic public speaker and active volunteer, Toni brings administrative leadership and a strong passion for equity, inclusion, safety and belonging. She has led impactful initiatives designed to enhance school culture and create environments where all students can thrive.
Toni holds a Master of Arts in Health, Physical Education & Recreation from St. Mary’s College of California and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies with a minor in Journalism from San José State University.
Rob Griffin
Rob Griffin joins Saint Francis as Associate Dean of Students, bringing three decades of experience in education. Most recently, he served as Vice Principal at Santa Clara High School, where he oversaw student discipline systems, including the implementation of restorative practices. Throughout his tenure in the Santa Clara Unified School District, Rob has been deeply committed to maintaining school environments that are conducive to learning, while also supporting a wide range of co-curricular and extracurricular programs. As a Saint Francis alumni parent, he brings a personal connection to the mission and community he now serves. Rob holds a Master of Arts in Education Administration and Supervision from San José State University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from California State University, Chico.
Stephanie Palmer Farías
A mission-driven leader with over 20 years of experience in Bay Area education, Stephanie Palmeri Farías joins as the new Director of School Culture and Belonging. As a current Saint Francis parent, she brings a profound commitment to faith formation and the development of the whole child. Stephanie most recently served as Assistant Principal at Robertson High School and Coordinator of Student Services for the East Side Union High School District, where she directed district-wide initiatives in restorative practices, attendance and school climate. A former Principal as well as Certified Trainer for the International Institute for Restorative Practices, Stephanie has led efforts that foster a true sense of belonging.
Stephanie is a bilingual educator who views her work as a vocation, striving to create inclusive environments where every student is known, valued and respected. Her leadership is grounded in the Holy Cross values of hope and integrity, and she is eager to partner with the community to ensure that the culture of belonging continues to flourish through intentional relationship-building. Stephanie holds a Masters degree in Educational Leadership from San José State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Community Studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz.
About Saint Francis High School
Founded in 1955 by the Brothers of Holy Cross, Saint Francis High School is a leading co-educational, diverse, Catholic, college preparatory school focused on educating the whole person. With a proven reputation for excellence in academics, athletics and the arts, the 114-member teaching staff prepare approximately 1,760 Saint Francis students for the rigors of college and the challenges of global citizenship in the enduring Holy Cross tradition. Saint Francis offers 120 courses in a traditional college preparatory curriculum spread across ten academic departments. Saint Francis is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and is a member of the National Catholic Education Association, the College Board and the National Association of College Admissions Counselors. Located in Mountain View, California, Saint Francis High School is in the heart of Silicon Valley. For more information, visit www.sfhs.com.
Media Contact
Jamie Ceccato Perkins ‘97
Director of Strategic Marketing & Communications
650 968-1213 ext. 318