Welcome Founding Principal

Dear Cristo Rey Orlando Community, After an extensive nationwide search, it is with excitement and gratitude that we write to welcome the new academic leader of our student community at Cristo Rey Orlando High School—incoming Founding Principal, Johana Santiago-Puckering. When we open our doors in the fall of 2025, Mrs. Santiago will be leading our students in academic excellence built on a foundation of faith, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome her. Most recently, Mrs. Santiago served as principal of Osceola High School in Osceola County, Florida, where she implemented curriculum changes that improved senior graduation rates and was also awarded Assistant Principal of the Year in 2019 for Osceola County. She has extensive experience in curriculum creation, performance evaluation, and behavioral student development. She was also on the founding team of Tohopekaliga High School, a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) school, as the Assistant Principal of Instruction. As an innovator who understands the importance of empowering students, Mrs. Santiago believes that all children will learn and succeed when love, support, and structure run parallel. We are thrilled that Mrs. Santiago will be bringing to Cristo Rey Orlando that same drive for innovation and community building.

Mrs. Santiago graduated from Mercy College with a bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Secondary Education and received her master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Phoenix. Outside of her professional achievements, Johana celebrates her most important roles as a wife and mother and brings her understanding of the importance of family to the Cristo Rey Orlando community. As our Founding Principal, Mrs. Santiago will play a vital role in shaping the vision and mission of Cristo Rey Orlando High School. Her leadership, passion for education, optimistic faith, and proven ability to guide students toward academic success make her the ideal person to lead our school as we work to fulfill the Cristo Rey mission of education and excellence. Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Johana Santiago-Puckering as our Founding Principal. We look forward to the journey ahead under her capable and inspiring leadership.

Thank You to Our Search Committee

We are grateful for those who joined Amanda Livermore, Founding President, in the nationwide search and interview process for our Founding Principal: Amanda Burke, Former teacher, Cristo Rey Jesuit in Pilsen Dr. Margaret Curran, Retired Founding Principal, Diocese of Orlando Bill Ford, Chief Academic Officer, Cristo Rey Network Fr. Leo Hodges, Pastor of St. Andrew Catholic Church & School Heather McClellan, UCF Community Schools Bill Orosz, Chair of Cristo Rey Board of Directors Gloria Rivera, Business Manager & Parent, St. John Vianney Church & School Thanks to Meghan Post, PostHawk Consulting, for facilitating our extensive search process.

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The Cristo Rey Network of high schools delivers a career focused, college preparatory education in the Catholic tradition for students with limited economic resources, uniquely integrating rigorous academic curricula with four years of professional work experience and support to and through college. We partner with educators, businesses and communities to enable students to fulfill their aspirations for a lifetime of success.

Cristo Rey Orlando High School | https://www.cristoreyorlando.org/