Our Team

Principal- Rhonda Heffernan

Dear Stuart Mesa Families,

It is with great pleasure that I write this letter to you as your principal of Stuart Mesa School. It is truly an honor to become a part of the Stuart Mesa family and community. I wanted to tell you a little bit about myself. I live in Oceanside with my husband of 25 years, Herbert, and my two college kids, Justus and Liberty. I have 15 years of classroom experience from preschool to sixth grade and 8 years of administrative experience including four years as an Assistant Principal. I hold a Master’s in Education with an emphasis in Technology and an Educational Specialist Credential (mild/moderate) with my certification in Autism. I am a passionate educator who believes all children have the right to a high-quality education.

I have a special heart for our military families. As a daughter of a former Marine, I remember our family having to move multiple times. We had to start in a new school, a new town and make new friends. I know some of the struggles our students face and how very important it is to create a warm, welcoming, and supportive learning environment where students and parents can feel connected and accepted. 

I am looking forward to partnering with our stakeholders to honor the achievements Stuart Mesa has accomplished and work together to meet the needs of our staff, students, and military families. Together we are going to make it a great year.

Please know my door is always open. 

Rhonda Heffernan
Principal

Assistant Principal - Hilary Cuevas

Greetings Stuart Mesa Families, 

I am overjoyed to be a part of the Stuart Mesa School community as your Assistant Principal.

I'd like to share my personal and professional background with you so that you can learn more about me. I am a native San Diegan and live in Rancho Bernardo. I live with my husband Frank, and my teenage son, Nate. 

With over 30 years as an educator, I have 22 years of experience as an elementary and middle school teacher, from grades 1st-6th grade. I have been a Teacher on Special Assignment for 6 years with a focus on Multi-Tier Systems of Support and as a literacy coach for elementary and middle-school in various school districts in Arizona and California. I have been an administrator for 3 years in the Oceanside Unified School District. 

I am a graduate of Arizona State University and earned my Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with a focus on Multilingual Learners and a Master's degree in Educational Leadership and Administration. 

My educational philosophy is all children deserve access to a quality and enriching education to support their journey to college and career success.

I value and honor our dedicated military families and look forward to building strong relationships with students, families, community members and our wonderful Stuart Mesa staff. I am available to you at any time. We will have a super school year!

All the Best,

Hilary Cuevas
Assistant Principal, Stuart Mesa School