Heritage Christian School elects members of the Board of Trustees that have a mature Christian relationship with Christ, have a passion to serve for God's glory, and fully support the mission of Heritage Christian School. The Trustees Board is composed of Christian men and women that are "called" by the Lord to provide governance, oversight, prayer, counsel, and support for the overall well-being of the school. The Board of Trustees focuses on strategic direction, financial health and maintaining the school's mission. The Board of Trustees is committed to Christian Education and shares the same vision and mission for Heritage Christian School.
"Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." Ephesians 4:3
Board of Trustees
George Gay - Member and Principal
Our founding Principal, Mr. George Gay is recognized as one of the most respected Christian School Educators. Over the past 44 years, Mr. Gay has had the honor of being the founder of 3 successful and accredited Christian Schools in the Saddleback Valley. In addition, with Mr. Gay's assistance and consultation, three more Christian Schools have been started in our community. Mr. Gay's experience has allowed him to also consult with schools in Los Angeles and San Diego Counties, as well as in the states of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. For Several years, the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) has invited Mr. Gay to be a convention seminar and student leadership conference speaker. Currently, he serves as a Commissioner of the Southern California Region for Accreditation. Mr. Gay has had the privilege of being a guest speaker at several church and men's retreats. In 1983, Mr. Gay founded the TriWay Athletic League which has given several thousand student=athletes the opportunity to participate in competitive athletics. His love for sports is very evident as he used sports as a key way to minister to students. His love for History has given Mr. Gay the opportunity to be an excellent tour guide that has taken students to inspiring History trips for over 40 years to Washington DC and California's Gold Country. Mr. Gay is currently authoring a Christian California Textbook. It is obvious that Mr. Gay is a true visionary, teacher and leader! With his emphasis on relationship building and servant leadership, he has developed many outstanding teachers and staff. He has implemented and directed excellent curriculum and instructional Christian School programs that have received full accreditation by ACSI and the alsWestern Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). For generations, Mr. Gay's passion is to daily nurture, train, encourage, challenge, and love students all for the glory of God! Mr. Gay's favorite verse is Ephesians 4:32. After enjoying a highly successful High School and College athletic career, Mr. Gay received a B.S. degree from Cal State Fullerton, a California Teaching credential from Southern California Christian College and in June of 2007 received a Masters in Educational Administration from Concordia University. Mr. Gay has resided in Lake Forest, Ca for over 40 years where he and wife Edie of over 48 years raised their four daughters. George and Edie also have nine wonderful grandchildren. Mr. Gay greatly enjoys spending as much time with his family, partaking in as many activities with their grandchildren, woodworking, researching history, being a OU fan and playing golf!
Nancy Doafi -Treasurer
Nancy Doaifi has a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from Loma Linda University. Her focus was in public health and school nursing. She practiced as an RN at Corona Medical Center for 14 years. The last four years of her tenure were served as the Nursing Administrator specializing in eating disorders and women’s special needs. Nancy, along with her husband Peter, now own one of the largest dry cleaning companies in Orange County, Power Cleaners in Lake Forest. Nancy’s treasures are her two children, Kevin and Crystal, who were both blessed to be under the tutelage of Mr. Gay since the second grade. Nancy has a genuine love of others and desires to use all of her capabilities to make Heritage Christian School a safe and successful environment for children and families.
Beverly Peever - Member
Mrs. Peever loves the Lord and has been a Christian since childhood. She studied at LACC and then spent several years working for two Big 8 accounting firms in both tax and audit. She later received her real estate license and sold residential property for Century 21, specializing in relocation clients. Beverly has worked as an Admissions Advisor for two private colleges and as a teaching assistant for a Christian pre-school. She has a passion for education and a loving heart for children. She is a mother of one daughter, a graduate of Heritage Christian School, and remains committed to the growth and future of our school. Beverly enjoys Bible studies, volunteering, fund-raising, and special events. Both she and her husband are part of the Heritage founding families and have served the community through their business since 1997.
Connie Hernandez - Member
Connie is devoted to Christ, husband of more than fifty-two years Joe, and family. With one son and five grandchildren, life is blessed and full. Connie is the daughter of a military officer and relocated often and attended MANY schools, some public, some private. That experience, along with an intense desire to see children know and experience the love of Christ while receiving quality Christian education has made her an advocate and prayer warrior for HCS. Connie and her husband have been affiliated with HCS since its inception and have known and supported Mr. Gay for over 26 years in his endeavors to nurture and educate those young lives God brings to the school. Connie looks forward to continuing that support in this new capacity as a member of the Board of Trustees.
Mitch Frerichs - Member
Mitch Fredericks has been associated with HCS for the past 10 years. His wife, Andrea, came to work as the financial administrator in 2014. Living in the city of Tustin with four kids, they understood how important Christian education was. Molding young lives to trust God and grow spiritually mature in Christ was what they wanted for their kids. Mr. Gay and Mitch became good friends on the golf course and soon Mitch was invited to play in the Heritage Christian Annual Golf Tournament. They spent time encouraging one another and praying for each other’s needs. Iron sharpening iron. Mitch believes in divine appointments. God brought HCS into his life to become a better prayer warrior. For the past 38 years, Mitch has been inspecting homes all over Orange County. As the owner and operator of Mitch Fredericks Home Inspections, it gives him freedom to spend time with his family. Mr. Gay has been such a good friend and a leader in the community. Mitch sees the passion he has for the students, families, and faculty.
Brian Suttle - Member
Brian and his wife, Tanya, have three boys — Grady, Wyatt, and Luke — who are often referred to as Sons of Thunder (Mark 3:17). In guiding them to eventually become pillars of their homes and spiritual leaders in their families and communities, Brian and Tanya feel truly blessed to send their boys to HCS. The Suttle Family attends and actively serves at Crossline Community Church, where Tanya is currently employed. Brian received his undergraduate degree from The University of LaVerne and loves working as a financial planner with Edward Jones Investments. The ability to impact lives has always been his ultimate passion and this job allows him to build lifetime partnerships within the community. The Suttle Family enjoys fly-fishing, golf, and typically any type of event that involves sports and the outdoors. Brian is truly honored to serve as a Board Member and loves being part of the HCS Family.