Our Principals

MaryAnn Vasquez is thrilled to join the North Monterey County Unified School District as the new Principal of Prunedale Elementary School. Originally from Southern California, MaryAnn Vasquez moved to Santa Cruz to earn her teaching credential and proudly fell in love with the Central Coast. She holds a Master’s degree from Grand Canyon University and brings three decades of dedicated educational experience to her new role. Before joining Prunedale, she spent 25 years as an educator and instructional coach in the Live Oak School District, followed by 5 years as an administrator in the Pajaro Valley Unified School District.

For MaryAnn Vasquez, education is a lifelong family passion. She and her family are deeply rooted in the community, frequently volunteering for youth sports and school-related organizations. She is the proud mother of four adult children—two of whom are teachers, one who serves as an academic advisor at UCSC, and her youngest, who is headed to UCI this fall. MaryAnn Vasquez looks forward to partnering with Prunedale’s families, staff, and students to foster a thriving, supportive learning environment.

Natalia Macias is the Assistant Principal at Prunedale Elementary, bringing over 25 years of dedicated educational experience and 11 years as an administrator across elementary and middle school levels. She previously served as an administrator in the district and is eager to reconnect with students, staff, and families to support the Prunedale community. As Assistant Principal, she values supporting the Principal, building strong family partnerships, prioritizing student well-being, and focusing on student achievement.

Raised in Whittier, California, Natalia earned her degree in education with a Masters in Educational Leadership from UCLA. She has lived in the Monterey area since 2014, residing within five miles of Prunedale Elementary. Outside of her administrative role, she enjoys exploring the Central Coast, cooking, playing golf, and exercising her 125 pound shepherd-lab, Serena. She has been with her partner for 17 years and has two adult children living in Long Beach and Whittier.

Natalia is committed to ensuring every student at Prunedale receives equitable access to learning by being a visible, present leader who creates meaningful extended learning opportunities. She is bilingual and maintains an open-door policy for all families and community members.