Head of School
Fourth Grade
Middle School
Music / Band
Third Grade
Fifth Grade
Kindergarten
Middle School
Middle School
Fifth Grade
Kindergarten
Middle School Principal
2nd Grade
Elementary Principal
Middle School
Third Grade
2nd Grade
Middle School
Middle School
Middle School
Kindergarten
Art
P.E. & Athletic Director
1st Grade
Middle School
Third Grade
2nd Grade
First Grade
Middle School
Admissions Director
Middle School
First Grade
Fourth Grade
Maker Studio
Head of School
Mr. Aaron graduated from Azusa Pacific University with a Bachelor of Arts in both Theology and Psychology. Following God’s calling he later earned a teaching credential and Master of Education from Azusa Pacific University.
“HCS is a community of passionate Christ-followers. Everyone at HCS desires to bring students and families closer together, partnering with them to instill a love for learning, a passion for truth, and a joy in following Christ. Working in this environment is such a blessing. I love being a part of a school culture centered on Christ, where everyone works together to see students and families thrive.”
Fourth Grade
Mrs. Allison graduated from Vanguard University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a California Teacher’s Credential in Multiple Subjects. She went on to receive her Association of Christian School International teaching certificate.
A Word from Mrs. Allison
“I consider working at HCS as a ministry. I love introducing Christ to each one of the students and having them implement the fruit of the Spirit in their daily lives. The family atmosphere is what draws me to this school every day. Administration, staff, students, and parents care for each other through prayer, love, and commitment. Students engage in learning through chrome books, Quizlet, Kahoots!, Spelling City, in class projects, and field trips, especially a 2-day trip to Sacramento. Overall, it is no wonder why our school motto is “”Love like Jesus; Learn well.”
Middle School
Mrs. Anastasi is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Illinois. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Bible.
“Working at Huntington Christian School is such an amazing experience. The students, parents and staff help create a warm and supportive environment. I feel privileged to collaborate with other teachers who are passionate about teaching the students to love learning. Sharing God’s Word and encouraging students to grow not just academically, but also in their relationship with the Lord is one of my favorite parts. I love that I get to participate in God’s mission here at HCS.”
Music / Band
Matt Anderson graduated from California State University, Long Beach with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education with an emphasis in choral music. He has performed on worship teams for over 10 years on vocals, guitar, keys, bass, and percussion. He currently is the music director and worship leader at Crossroads Church in La Habra.
“Music/God is a bridge builder of compassion and empathy. It/He helps us weep together and bear each other’s burdens. In the same vein, it/He allows us to experience and share in each other’s victories. Music will transcend students time in school and carry on into their life no matter the direction God takes them.”
Third Grade
Mrs. Baker graduated from the University of San Diego with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and Psychology. She earned a Master of Arts in Education and Psychology with a Professional Clear Teaching Credential from Pepperdine University.
“From the first moment I stepped foot on HCS’s campus I knew there was something special about this school. Teachers have an unparalleled commitment and love for their students. I have experienced the joy of teaching my students about God’s love for them and watching their eyes sparkle with the realization that He is their Heavenly Father. I have enjoyed weaving God’s word throughout our 3rd grade curriculum and tying the Christian principles back to scripture. Our students are academically challenged and spiritually filled with His word.”
Fifth Grade
Mrs. Bennett graduated from Biola University, majoring in Liberal Studies with a minor in Biblical Studies. She is currently continuing her education as she finishes up her Masters Degree.
“I feel beyond blessed to be able to teach 5th grade at Huntington Christian School. The community of HCS is unique in the way both the staff and families of the students come together to support each other through every walk of life. I love that I can teach my students about what it means to have a relationship with Jesus. In 5th grade, the students begin to grow deeper in their relationship with God as we dive deep into the curriculum and learn what it truly means to have a relationship with Christ.”
Kindergarten
Hi! I am Jennifer Burns, a new kindergarten teacher at Huntington Christian School. I graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, and then taught fourth grade for three years. After that I got married and became a full time mom to raise my three kids who are now in college and high school. I am so excited God has given me the opportunity to teach again. I love these young learners and I am so happy to have a job where I get to inspire them to become good readers, thinkers, and problem solvers while helping them build good relationships that are centered around Jesus! My goal is to provide these children with an exceptional learning experience that fosters a love for learning they will take with them in the years to come.
Middle School
I grew up in Texas and moved to California to go to college. I was a dual major in Psychology and Spanish and earned a Bachelor of Arts at Claremont Mckenna College. I later attended California State University at Long Beach to complete my Masters of Science in Counseling and a Pupil Personnel Services Credential.
I have enjoyed working as the Middle School Spanish teacher at Huntington Christian School for many years. I also teach science for 6th and 7th grades. I enjoy teaching my middle schoolers because the students ask great questions and are so energetic that they challenge me to be a better teacher every day. I hope that I instill in them a love for learning, not just Spanish, but the culture as well. The best part of teaching at HCS is the privilege I have to be able to provide students with wisdom, support, and encouragement using scripture. “For in times of happiness (we praise), in times of difficulty (we trust), and at all times (we pray). God is good…. all the time.”
Middle School
Mrs. Cooper graduated from Vanguard University with a Bachelor’s in English. She went on to get her teaching credential and eventually her Master’s Degree in Education from Vanguard as well.
“I love teaching middle school students. They come in as 6th graders wide-eyed and wondering and leave as 8th graders confident and self-assured in who God has created them to be. It is a transition that is both magical and challenging but is made so much easier by our incredible Middle School department. Working as a team, we meet weekly, discuss ongoing needs, support each other, create engaging content, and laugh way too much. While I love teaching as a profession, it is the students, their families, and staff that make coming to work a blessing.”
Fifth Grade
Mrs. Cope graduated from Vanguard University, majoring in Liberal Studies and minoring in psychology. She continued her education at Vanguard University, where she earned her multiple subject teaching credential and Masters Degree in Elementary Education Curriculum and Design. In order to support students in reading, Mrs. Cope later earned her Reading Specialist Credential from University California Irvine.
“Teaching at Huntington Christian School is a true blessing, as I am able to incorporate my love of Jesus into my love of working with students. It is my goal each year to further develop the individual educational skills of each student, while guiding the development of the whole child in order to prepare him or her to move towards their next step or goal confidently. In fifth grade, students at HCS are encouraged to develop their personal responsibility and discover their intrinsic motivation to learn. Each subject is taught with a balanced approach in order to stimulate multiple learning modalities. Our ultimate goal in fifth grade is to ensure each student leaves the year with more wisdom, knowledge, and love for Christ and each other.”
Kindergarten
Hello! I am Bev Forsberg and I am excited to be at HCS as a kindergarten teacher. I have my Bachelors of Art in Liberal Studies and a CA Teaching Credential with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education from CA Fresno State University. I earned a Masters of Science in Elementary Education from CA State University Fullerton. I also have a Language Acquisition Specialist and Reading Specialist degree. I have taught all grades TK-5th for over 25 years. I enjoy all grades, but have a passion for kindergarten because it is such an important bridge that sets up students on a successful school journey. I enjoy Jesus, lattes, gardening, baking, and walking our chocolate lab, Milo. My heart’s passion is teaching young hearts and minds in Jesus’ love. I have been married to my husband, Jeff for 30+ years and we have a son, Michael and daughter, Ally. I love HCS!! It is a slice of heaven, after working in public and other private schools, HCS is the very best. It is a family; staff, parents and students and we are all growing up children in Christ’s love and values. Every day when I walk on campus, I feel the Holy Spirit’s presence. HCS has such a loving, Biblically sound, accepting school environment that challenges and supports all academic, personal and spiritual endeavors.
Middle School Principal
Mr. Funk graduated from California State University, Fullerton with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. He went on to earn a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage, Family and Child Counseling from Pepperdine University.
“Huntington Christian is an amazing community where teachers, parents and students are engaged to develop the love of learning and given the tools to investigate their passions. We bring our community together to help students love like Jesus and to learn well. I am grateful for the culture at HCS that allows students to grow in their knowledge and relationship with Christ AND to achieve excellence in learning. I love being a part of this team that is all about the heart!”
2nd Grade
Hi HCS families! My name is Chrystal Hunter, and I am thrilled to be a part of the 2nd grade team this year. I have three children who attend HCS and feel privileged to work alongside the amazing staff that has taken such wonderful care of them. I grew up in Huntington Beach and never left. I received my teaching credential in English Education and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from California State University, Long Beach. The local church and the HCS community have played an integral role in helping raise my children, and it’s an honor being able to be a part of it.
Elementary Principal
Mrs. Jackson graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education and went on to earn a Master of Arts Degree in Educational Leadership.
“HCS is an incredible school with a loving and supportive environment. The staff is passionate about Christ and passionate about education. Taken together, this makes HCS a place where kids learn, grow, and thrive in the truth of God’s word and academics. If I were to choose a single word that describes HCS, it would be “community.” From the staff, to the families, to the students, and other relatives, HCS is truly a place of community where we do life together. Staff, families, and students alike, are here to support and encourage one another – Loving Like Jesus and Learning Well!”
Middle School
Mrs. Johanson graduated from Vanguard University with a Bachelors of Arts in History and Political Science and a minor in Bible. She later when on to earn her Masters of Arts in Education from Vanguard. She is also a Google Certified Educator Level 2 working to help implement new technology tools in the classroom.
“Developing long lasting relationships with students and families as we work together to encourage learning, growth, and loving like Jesus is my favorite thing about teaching at HCS. I love to see students find and develop their passions and interests between 6th and 8th grade as they seek out the amazing things God is preparing them for in the future. In the classroom, my goal is for students to use the information from our topics and stories and see how they impacted the people we are learning about and how that can apply to us as well.”
Third Grade
Mrs. Kaylani is a graduate of the University of Texas in Austin with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Learning and Development with an emphasis in Early Childhood Reading.
“Huntington Christian School has been a wonderful place of community and care for my family. We enjoy the close knit sense of family and love, that we have found here. HCS is a place where one can truly experience the body of Christ. In the classroom we explore and grow intellectually, socially, and spiritually, with the goal of developing the whole child in the image of God. I am privileged to be able to inspire and witness the love, joy, and excitement for learning in our students. I am thankful to be a part of this Christ focused school.”
2nd Grade
Hello! My name is Karli Zevalkink and I am so excited to be a part of the HCS team! The opportunity to teach at HCS is such a blessing and I am love working with 2nd graders as they further their education and their relationships with Christ. I attended California Baptist University where I earned my Multiple Subject Teaching Credential as well as my Masters Degree in Education. I have experience working with students in both high school and elementary school. I worked in student ministry at Citizen’s Church in Redlands before moving to Huntington Beach and launching my teaching career. My goal is to create a positive environment where students can thrive academically and spiritually. It brings me so much joy to work with students and see how God has wonderfully and uniquely made each child. I am honored to be at HCS and I’m looking forward to a fun and memorable year together!
Middle School
Nicole Kolb graduated from California State University, Long Beach in 2020 with a BS in Mathematics Education. She continued to receive her Math Single Subject Teaching Credential in 2021.
“I love teaching Math here at HCS. It is such a blessing to help the students build an appreciation for math and have tons of fun! The middle school department at HCS is filled with excellent teachers who truly care about working together to make each student’s middle school experience rewarding and memorable. I enjoy watching middle school students develop into such amazing individuals after their time here at HCS. I am so thankful God has given me the opportunity to be a part of this supportive and loving community.”
Middle School
Mr. Kim graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Studies with a Minor in Biblical Studies from Biola University. He went on to earn a Master of Arts in Teaching and his Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from the University of California, Irvine.
“A Word from Mr. Kim…
I love teaching at Huntington Christian School because the staff is like a family and the students are passionate and want to know Christ more. In teaching history, I seek to help the students not only know the facts (dates, events, etc.) but also the reasons why those things occurred, so that mistakes are not repeated. In science, I want the students to have hands on experiences dealing with the concepts, instead of just learning and memorizing definitions. In Bible, it is important that I help students understand why they are important in God’s eyes and how they matter to Him. At HCS, the students will be challenged through questions and self reflection, in order to spur their classmates on to further understanding, and will also ask their own difficult questions. This learning environment, and the students who grow in and shape it, is what makes teaching at HCS an amazing experience.”
Middle School
Pearl Kiaha graduated with a Bachelors of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies and a minor in History from California State University, Dominguez Hills.
“Huntington Christian School is a wonderful place to work with a loving family environment. I love the people I work with, the students I teach, and the families we serve here at the school. It is a place of stability for me especially in a world where there is constant change. Don’t get me wrong, there have been many changes within our school however, the heart of it—Christian values— has not changed. My favorite has been working within our middle school department. We teachers meet every Friday where we improve, grow, and create a better team and program for our students and their families. We “do” life with each other to continue to “love like Jesus and learn well.”
Kindergarten
Mrs. Mauser Graduated from Concordia University in Irvine with a degree in Liberal Arts and a minor in Early Childhood Development.
“I feel so blessed to be able to call Huntington Christian School my home. I love being a part of this family that is rooted in Christ. The administration, staff, students and their families all play a special role in this wonderful place and it is a privilege for me to be a small part of it. My favorite thing about teaching Kindergarten here is that I get to spend my days walking alongside such great children as they thrive academically and grow closer to Christ.”
Art
Ms. Palmer is a graduate of San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Art History also went on to earn her Early Childhood Education Certificate as well as a Single Subject Art credential.
P.E. & Athletic Director
Mr. Quinal is a graduate of California State University, Fullerton with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing and also went on to earn his Multiple Subject Teaching Credential.
“At HCS, I have the honor and privilege of being able to foster the students love for learning and provide them with the tools they need to make an impact in this world. Additionally, the community that supports me at HCS is outstanding and second to none. My fellow teachers, students, parents, and administrators are all invested in displaying God’s love in all that we say and do. I love coming to work every day because I know that God has placed me here for a reason and that’s to further His kingdom.”
1st Grade
Hi there! I am Rebecca Rogers, a 1st grade teacher at Huntington Christian School! I graduated from North Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with a STEM concentration. I have spent the last few years teaching in an elementary school in Raleigh, North Carolina. My husband and I are so incredibly excited to have moved to California. I love spending time at the beach, hiking, reading, and hanging out with friends and family. I am eager to build relationships with my students and help them to reach their full potential this year!
Middle School
Jenna Ruiz graduated from Pepperdine University in 2006 with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts.
“Teaching middle school is one of the best jobs in the world! I have not heard of many professions where the employees love their job, their boss(es), and their clients. I get the opportunity to teach eager, witty, curious minds, with my best friends, under a unified leadership of our administration. The community of families at HCS is extremely unique. When you look at the disciples and the growth of the early church, they set a great example of how to love one another and care for each others’ needs. Our community, at its best, is similar- whether it is sickness, financial struggle, academic challenges, or something else, we rally to help each other.”
Third Grade
Hello! I am Karina Saucy, a 3rd grade teacher at HCS! I am a graduate from Biola University where I received my Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Special Education and a minor in Biblical Studies. I also completed my California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential through the graduate program at Biola University. I have been a part of the HCS family since 2020. I am passionate about coming alongside my students in their academics, daily joys and worries, and their spiritual lives! I love being a part of the Christian community of HCS and having the opportunity to integrate my love for Jesus into every part of the day!
2nd Grade
Miss Shinrock graduated from Longwood University in Virginia with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and a minor in Biology. She then completed the teacher credential program at Cal State Long Beach. Miss Shinrock is currently working on her Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction through Western Governors University.
“I am excited that I was able to begin my teaching career at HCS. I attended HCS from kindergarten to 8th grade and I am happy to be back. I truly enjoy working with the amazing staff and students. Being in a community of people that have a strong love for Jesus is something that excites me. Teaching is unique in that each day brings new experiences and I love to help students grow academically, spiritually, and as human beings!”
First Grade
Mrs. Shiroma graduated from California State University Northridge with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies.She also earned her California Teaching Credential at CSUN.
“The best part about working at Huntington Christian School is that our community here is like a family. We encourage and support each other and do our best to help each other grow. We have the most amazing students, parents, and staff members. I love that we can point our students to Christ and that we can share with them how much God loves them.”
Middle School
Since 2001, Daniel Somerville has been pouring his heart and soul into the classroom. A graduate from The Master’s University in 1999, Daniel has taught US History, World History, Science, Health and Bible to junior high and high school students alike in both public and private school. He and his wife Tiffany have two boys Liam and Everett. In his free time, Daniel enjoys coaching his boys on the tennis court, playing basketball, and spending time with his bride in his favorite place on earth – Laguna Beach. Phil 1:9-10
“It has been a pleasure to work at HCS since 2012. The students and staff at this school are the absolute best! I have never worked in such a loving environment where the students genuinely care for each other and the teachers in so many different tangible ways. I am excited to continue serving these students!”
Admissions Director
Mrs. Stratton has a Bachelor of Science in Sports Medicine from Pepperdine University and worked in Physical Therapy and Orthopedic Surgery prior to her arrival at Huntington Christian School.
“People are fascinating. Everyone has a story to tell and a mark to make. As the Admissions Director, I get to meet new families and students every day. I have the privilege of listening to them, and hearing how their story has brought them to HCS. I then get to share about our amazing community, and show them the incredible things that are happening on our campus. I’ve been on staff at HCS since 2005, and I am grateful for the privilege of working with an administration and faculty who are pursuing excellence and pointing our students to God’s best. A community like ours is hard to find. Please come visit and see for yourself.”
Middle School
My name is Vanessa Ulrich and I graduated with a BS in Mathematics from the University of California Berkeley and a minor in Science and Math education. I absolutely love math and science and I can’t wait to show my students how fun STEM can be. I am excited for a year full of experiments and explorations of all things math and science in order to prove how useful they are in day to day life. I am a firm believer that nobody is inherently a “math person” but all people have the ability to grow their math knowledge. I absolutely love the color pink, cats, and any food that is spicy. I look forward to meeting you all and Go Dolphins!
First Grade
Mrs. Venanzi graduated from Pepperdine University with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies. She went on to earn a Master of Arts in Teaching from Azusa Pacific University.
“It has been a blessing to teach at Huntington Christian School since 2005. The HCS community is like a family. I feel privileged to partner with supportive parents in their child’s education and to be surrounded by coworkers who truly enjoy nurturing the heart and mind of every student. In my classroom, it is my goal to promote a positive and enriching educational experience within a caring Christian environment. In order to fulfill this goal, I believe it is essential to facilitate classroom activities that encourage academic, social/emotional and spiritual growth for all my students. I am committed to helping my students identify their strengths and interests in order to develop their God-given potential. I am thankful to be part of this special place.”
Fourth Grade
Miss Wong graduated from Biola University with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and a concentration in Elementary Education, and later went on to earn her teaching credential also through Biola University.
“I love working at HCS! It is so much more than just a job or a ministry. It’s a family. God has brought together an amazing staff that truly loves the Lord and wants to do the very best for each and every family that joins our school. It is a privilege and a pleasure to be a part of HCS.”
Maker Studio
Paige Wong attended Biola University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies. She continued on furthering her pursuit in education by completing the credential program and receiving her Masters in Education at Biola University as well.
“What a wonderful experience it has been teaching here at Huntington Christian School! From encouraging staff to supportive families, I feel beyond blessed to be able to serve the Lord in this special place. I love being in an environment where students love to learn! Being at HCS is so much fun!”
Thriving students know how to give a warm welcome. Join us on campus and experience the Huntington Christian School difference.
