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Heritage Christian School Staff - 2011/2012

Preschool

Kim Horner
Pre School Director

Kim comes to Heritage Christian School with a teaching background in early childhood education. Her passion for children started in 1990 with the birth of her first daughter. She enjoyed being a stay at home mom and running her own home preschool business for many years before deciding to go back to school to earn her teaching credentials in early childhood education. Now a mom of four daughters and over ten years of teaching experience as a Pre-Kindergarten teacher at Palisades Preschool in Capo Beach, her passion for children has grown to a passion for families and staff as well. She is thankful to God everyday for the opportunity to serve Him through her daily work. A verse she likes to remember is "For it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure." Philippians 2:13

Jenna Hoggard
Pre School Aide

Mrs. Jenna was raised in a Christian home with two younger brothers and a younger sister. She graduated from Azusa Pacific University with a BA in Communications. She is currently working on her Child Development Certification at Saddleback Community College. She married her college sweetheart in May 2009. She currently attends Compass Bible Church and is involved in the young couples marriage ministry. She feels so blessed to be working with such amazing children at Heritage Christian School.

Kim Buhl
Pre School Aide

Kim earned her Early Childhood teaching credentials from Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa. Miss Kim has taught Preschool at Newport United Methodist Preschool, Christ Church Children’s Center and most recently at Capo Beach Calvary Preschool. Kim joined us at Heritage in 2010 as a Teacher in our wonderful three year old class. Miss Kim lives in San Clemente with her husband Michael and their two children Emme and Kaleb, both attend HCS as well. Miss Kim attends church at Shoreline Church of San Clemente and she considers it a joy to be able to come to work everyday and share God's love with all of the children.

Madeline Horner
Pre School Aide

Madeline was born, raised and still resides in Mission Viejo. She is currently a junior at CSUF majoring in communicative disorders while taking early childhood education classes at Saddleback College. She has a passion for children and hopes to work with children with special needs after she graduates. She is the oldest of four girls and she loves spending time at the beach with her family, playing soccer and reading.

Stefanie Gay
Pre School Aide

Stefanie was born and raised in Lake Forest, Ca. and is the youngest of four sisters. She is a senior at Cal State Los Angeles, where she received a full-ride scholarship for volleyball, and is receiving her Bachelors of Arts degree in Child Development. Stefanie loves working with children and has a desire to make a difference in every child's life. She loves spending time with her family and loves playing beach volleyball in her spare time.

Winnie Cheng
Pre School Aide

Winnie joined Heritage Christian School in October 2010. Prior to working at HCS she assisted in various preschool classrooms and worked as the infant/toddler teacher for a year. She has a Bachelor degree in "Education and Disabilities" from U.C. Berkeley and an Associate degree in Child Development from Irvine Valley College. She enjoys sharing the love of God with others, art projects, tennis, and puzzles. She attends the Chinese Baptist Church of Central Orange County and has been serving as the early childhood ministry fellowship leader and the children’s program leader for the MexiCali mission team since 2008.

Lorena Casillas
Preschool Teacher

Lorena obtained her Preschool teacher’s Certificate from Cerritos College in 1992 and has been teaching Preschool every since. Her most recent locations include Carden Children’s Academy and KinderCare Learning Center. Lorena loves teaching children and feels it is the Lords calling for her in her life. Lorena has been teaching our Jr. Kindergarten at Heritage Christian Preschool since our very beginning year in 2007-2008. Lorena lives in Mission Viejo with her husband and two children. She attends church and small group bible study at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest.

Frida Lucuate
Preschool Teacher

Frida has been working at Heritage Christian School since Fall 2010. She is currently working on an A.S Degree and certificate in Early Childhood Education at Saddleback College. Frida is originally from Hawaii, but moved to San Francisco after graduating from high school in 2007. After two years of living there, she moved down to Orange County in 2009. Though it is tough sometimes living on her own while her family is back in Hawaii, she is comforted that Christ is with her and that she is not alone. She attends the Church on the Solid Rock in Laguna Niguel where she is one of the Children's Church leaders as well as a member of the worship team. Frida is grateful to have an opportunity to work with young ones and most importantly is blessed to serve the Lord at Heritage Christian School.

Carrie Navarro
Preschool Teacher

Carrie obtained her Preschool teaching credentials from Saddleback College and has been teaching Preschool for the last14 years. Carries previous experience in teaching includes 8 years at St. Mary and All Angels followed by a year at Childbridge Christian and a year at Carden Children's Academy. Carrie has been teaching our Jr. Kindergarten class at Heritage Christian Preschool since we opened in 2007. Carrie has lived her entire life in South Orange County and has three wonderful children; Daniel, Nicholas, and Megan. Carries family attends Saddleback Church in Lake Forest. Carrie loves teaching young children and is very excited to be part of Heritage Christian School.

Morgan Hardridge
Preschool Teacher

Morgan began working at Heritage Christian Preschool in the Fall of 2008 as a Teacher’s Adie in. She is currently taking General Education classes at Saddleback College. Morgan lives in Mission Viejo and attends church at Christ Our Redeemer Church in Irvine. Morgan loves working with children and teaching them about Jesus. Morgan intends to be a part of the Heritage team for many, many years.



Elementary/Jr. High School

Mary Rodriguez
Director of Heritage Harbor & Transistional Kindergarten Teacher

Mary attended Saddleback College and Cal State Long Beach as a Speech Communications major, and she is continuing her education in Early Childhood studies at Irvine Valley College and Saddleback College. Mary has taught 4 year-old preschool classes, as well as two years of Kindergarten at a private school in Riverside. After many years in the corporate world, Mary followed her heart and God's calling back into teaching. Mary was raised in a strong Christian home and gave her life to Christ as a teen. She taught Sunday school at every church she attended, and is currently a small group leader and research volunteer for Saddleback Church in Lake Forest. When she is not working, you will most likely find her spending time with her family. Mary feels that her work here at Heritage is an answer to prayer, and she enjoys every minute she spends with "her kids" here at Heritage.

Katelyn Fike
Heritage Harbor Assistant and Lunch Cooridnator

Katelyn Fike joined the HCS team in June of 2009. Katelyn has a long history of child care for one so young- she had already worked for the Saddleback Unified School District for their TLC after school program for a year, as well as taking ROP classes in high school on how to teach math and science to children. With 6 younger siblings, she has been helping with kids all of her life! Katelyn is planning to become a teacher. She currently attends Saddleback College taking classes in Child Development and participating in their Teacher Preparedness Program. She plans to transfer to Cal State Fullerton to get her degree and teaching credential. Katelyn has attended Saddleback Church all of her life and has been an assistant teacher at their Summer Spectaculars on several occasions. Her passion for life and for kids helps make Heritage Harbor a fun place!

Ryne Dutcher
Heritage Harbor Assistant and Lunch Cooridnator

Ryne Dutcher joined us as a Heritage Harbor leader during our 2010/2011 school year. Ryne is a college student at Irvine Community College where he is working toward becoming an EMT. He was a successful high school baseball player and has previously worked with kids as a baseball coach. Ryne grew up in Mission Viejo and attends Saddleback Church. His favorite thing about working with children is watching them learn and grow and hearing all the entertaining stories they tell. You'll catch Ryne on the playground throwing the football, kicking a soccer ball, or showing the children how to play baseball. He loves the students here at HCS and loves his job!

Kim Hamilton
K - 8th Music Teacher

Kim Hamilton has been ministering in Orange County, CA many years leading worship at churches, schools, conferences and camps. She has a B.A. in Music and has taught at the elementary and college levels, and directed musical productions for students and church groups of all ages. Kim has also been a featured speaker at women's conferences throughout the state, sharing a personal testimony of the presence of God's grace and healing power in her life. She is currently the Worship Pastor at University Christian Church in Los Angeles. Kim says she is overjoyed to be part of the team at Heritage and can't wait to see what God does this year!

Kim lives in Mission Viejo, CA with her husband, Dave, 18 year old son, Zack, 15 year old daughter, Kelsey, and 15 year old step-daughter, Kaylee. They enjoy watching American Idol, playing music together, and going to Taco Tuesday!

Myrna Brito
Computer Lab

Myrna Brito earned her Bachelors degree from California State University, Los Angeles in Liberal Studies. She has a ministerial background that has included serving in ministry alongside her husband for over fifteen years. Much of this service has been in an area that she has a lot of passion for—children's ministry. Her professional background includes working in human resources and office management. During her professional career she always desired to work with children in a professional setting and found a way by becoming a teacher. This has allowed her to serve children in a ministerial, as well as a professional setting. She considers this pairing of ministry with professional career in her service to children a blessing from God and acknowledges that "in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose". She feels honored to be able to take all of her years of experience with computers and her love of teaching children and fuse the two as she teaches the computer courses at Heritage Christian School.

Caryn Doyle
Kindergarten Teacher

Caryn has attended college at Orange Coast College and Cal State Fullerton as an Early Childhood Major. She has taught Preschool, PreKindergarten and Kindergarten. Caryn had the opportunity to homeschool her own children for many years. She has been a Christian since her Junior year in High School and has taught several Women's and Children's Bible Studies. She has been attending Saddleback Church for 10 years, has been involved in their counseling ministry and leads a Women's small group at her home. In her spare time she enjoys doing things with her family, running and being outdoors. She is overjoyed at the privilege she has been given to teach at Heritage Christian School

Marti Adams
First Grade Teacher

Since 1970, I have had the privilege of teaching children in several capacities: including working in the YMCA, teaching swimming, volunteering at the Crippled Children’s Society, and teaching Sunday school/VBS for 14 years. I attended University of Redlands, I then attended UCLA, and graduated from University of Redlands. After graduating, I entered the Reading Specialist Master’s Program at Cal State Fullerton. In addition to school, I taught 6th grade in Yorba Linda. I began teaching in the Capistrano Unified School District in 1983, as a substitute teacher. I have taught grades Kindergarten through 12th. Four years ago, God decided to redirect my path and brought me from public education to teaching in Christian schools. Last year, I had the privilege of being part of Mr. Gay’s staff -teaching Kindergarten- and opening Heritage Christian School. I hold a Clear Multiple Subject Credential and after three years earned a Reading Instruction Certificate through the CUSD. As a teacher for over 20 years, and accepting Christ as my personal Savior over 38 years ago, my goal has been to use the gifts and talents God has given me to make an impact on each child in the classroom. Most importantly, I strive to seek each child’s potential and let God use me as “His coach” to help them succeed and grow closer to Him.

Rachelle Shader
Second Grade Teacher

Rachelle Shader graduated from Biola University with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, a minor in Biblical Studies, and an emphasis in Psychology. She has a California Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, as well as a credential from ACSI. She has had the privilege of volunteering with children for years at a camp for children with special needs, as well as teaching Sunday School to preschoolers. Rachelle is wonderfully called to the education of children and is overjoyed and blessed to be serving at Heritage Christian School. It is her goal to help her students reach their full potential academically, socially, and spiritually. She desires to help children learn to serve the Lord with all their hearts.

Rebecca Hayes
3rd Grade

Rebecca Hayes graduated from Southeast Missouri State University with a Bachelor's of Science in Elementary Education with a minor in Psychology and History. She recently graduated with a Master's Degree in Theology & Christian Education. She holds both a Life-Time Kindergarten-Eight Grade Teaching Credential and a ACSI Credential. She has taught in grades 1-4 for over 26 years. While teaching in a St. Louis, Missouri inner-city school she taught a second-third grade combo class. Rebecca is called to the teaching ministry and to Heritage Christian School. She feels that every child is a gift from God and loves involving children in missions work. Her desire is to help each child reach the potential that God has placed within them.

Terri Stoop
4th/5th Grade Combo

Terri Stoop has been teaching elementary school for six years. Prior to that she worked as a resource teacher and a preschool teacher. Terri has a degree in Child Development and a California Clear Credential from California State, Fullerton. She also has a credential from ACSI. Terri believes that each child is a unique gift from God and she looks forward to the privilege of having your child in her classroom.

Miss Barnes
4th/5th Grade Combo / K - 8th Art

Robin Barnes is currently teaching 4th and 5th grade combination class with Mrs. Stoop and Art to grades K through 8. Miss Barnes received her undergraduate degree from California State University of Long Beach majoring in Art with an emphasis in Graphic Design. Shortly there after, she obtained her teaching credential followed by a MA degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University in Irvine. Miss Barnes has experience working with children needing extra support in academic intervention services, such as the Title One program provided in the public school system. Miss Barnes enjoys art, riding horses, going to church, spending time with friends and family, and providing a positive, engaging, Christ-centered environment for each and every student in her classes.

Wendy Luttinen
6th - 8th Grade English

Wendy Luttinen has had 18 years teaching experience in both public and private education. She earned her BA in English from Whitworth College in Spokane, Washington. She graduated from the University of Washington with her MA in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis on Writer’s Workshop. She is ACSI certified with a life-time membership.

Emily Updegraff
Jr. High - History/Spanish and Athletics

Emily Updegraff has a passion for Jr. High kids. She has been a teacher at the Jr. High level for the last four years. She has taught World History, United States History, Spanish, and has coached two Tri-Way League Championship Volleyball Teams. She has always dedicated herself to education. Emily received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Education at Hope International University and is credentialed by ACSI.

Catherine Doretti
Teacher’s Aid

Catherine received her B.S. in Education at Michigan State University in 1981 and performed social work in the State. For several years she was a clinician and middle management in full time day care for physically and mentally handicapped adults. After marrying she worked in child development with pre-school children, taught Sunday School, was an Awana leader, before home schooling her own children through the fourth grade. She loves reading in her “spare” time.

Daniel Lee
6th - 8th Grade Bible & P.E.

I grew up in a Christian home and have been attending Saddleback Church for the past 21 years. I also attend a small group that has met for the past six years. My faith in Christ is my primary motivation in all that I do. I was home schooled as a child through 8th grade. I then went to the local school and played football, basketball and baseball. I then went on to community college before I transferred to Cal State Fullerton where I received my degree in Psychology. Currently, I am married to my wife Samantha of four years and we have one daughter, who is almost 2 years old, and one more on the way. Samantha works as a nurse at Saddleback Memorial Hospital. I have been in Christian education for the past 6 years. I am extremely honored to be a part of your child’s future.

Brian Rothchild
Jr. High Math Science Teacher & Sports Coach

Mr. Rothchild has been teaching and coaching every season since he started teaching in 2001. Brian received his teaching credential from Point Loma Nazarene University and began teaching at Sunset Cliffs Elementary School. He is recently married and lives with his wife in Ladera Ranch. He attends church at Mariner's Mission Valley.

Oscar Montecinos
Phys. Ed Teacher

Oscar Montecinos graduated with a double major in Criminal Justice and History/Political Science at Greenville Christian College in Illinois where he was the captain of the football team and point guard for the basketball team. He is currently attending graduate school and will receive his Masters Degree in Education next Fall. Oscar is finishing up his teaching credential and is looking forward to be teaching high school history.
He has worked with Mr. George Gay for the past 5 years in the following capacities: Athletic Director, Day Care Director & Physical Education.
Oscar is also a Coach for his alma mater, San Clemente High School Basketball Program.

Edie Gay
School Secretary

Edie Gay has her A.A. degree in Early Childhood Education. She has served in ministry along side her husband for the last 16 years. She has been married to George for 33 wonderful years. They have 4 beautiful daughters and three amazing son-in-laws. She enjoys spending time with her 5 adoring grand children and cooking for her entire family and friends. She counts it a joy and privilege to be working at Heritage Christian School.

Jennifer Gaynor
Financial Administrator
Administrative Assistant

Jennifer Gaynor received her Bachelor of Science degree in Child Development from Cal State University Fullerton in 1993. She and her husband, Joe, have been married for 16 years and are raising their three children, Lauren, Ryan, and Emily in Lake Forest, California. All three of her children attend Heritage Christian School. Jennifer has worked as an Office Manager for the past 15 years and recently joined the Heritage Christian School staff as their Financial Administrator. Jennifer has been a Christian for 14 years and over those years, she has been very involved in various church ministries and Christian school activities. Jennifer truly has a heart for people and loves the Lord with all her heart!