Pacifica Stories

Pacifica is delighted to welcome Mary T. Ortiz as our new Director of Faculty. Mary joined Pacifica this fall, bringing a wealth of experience in education and leadership, along with a deep passion for literature, learning, and mentorship.

Mary’s love for English began in high school, where a course aptly called “The World of Books” ignited her desire to teach literature. Her academic path took her from undergraduate studies to a dissertation on hope in the life and work of Samuel Johnson, preparing her for a career devoted to education. Along the way, she worked with dedicated teams creating and promoting educational programs for young people and later served in educational leadership at a school in Virginia. Reflecting on her journey, Mary says, “In all of this, I have grown personally, professionally and spiritually through working with competent people of character and faith.”

College also taught Mary the value of intellectual exploration. “Challenge yourself intellectually by taking courses in areas that are new to you, i.e., a new language, a new discipline for you,” she advises. Her experiences abroad helped her develop empathy for those adapting to new languages, cultures, or environments—a perspective she brings to her work at Pacifica.

Faith has been a steady guide throughout Mary’s life. “Going to college was the first time that faith was challenged and this was good for me because it made me look for answers to the new questions I faced and to decide if and how my faith would shape my life choices,” she says. Today, she views her work as an opportunity to serve God by serving others—with grace, gratitude, and joy.

Mary is excited to immerse herself fully in the Pacifica community. “I am looking forward to living a whole school year with this community, with all that this entails. I am especially excited about going to the shows,” she shares. Her hope for students is that they leave high school having found friends, mentors, and a deeper understanding of their God-given gifts. “I hope they find a few good friends as well as an adult mentor, or a few of them. I hope they also discover some of their God-given gifts— they have many!—that they can hone and develop after high school in college and/or work.”

Outside of school, Mary enjoys reading, going on long walks, visiting museums, exploring the city, and spending time talking with family and friends. With her love of literature, dedication to students and faculty, and heart for mentorship, Mary is already making a meaningful impact at Pacifica.