Head of School
Fourth Grade
Middle School
Third Grade
Fifth Grade
Third Grade
Middle School
Middle School
Fifth Grade
Middle School
Middle School Principal
Fourth Grade
Elementary Principal
Middle School
Third Grade
Middle School
Middle School
Kindergarten
Music & Band Director
Art
Middle School
Middle School
Middle School
2nd Grade
First Grade
Kindergarten
Admissions Director
First Grade
P.E. & Middle School Athletic Director
Fifth Grade
Fourth Grade
Maker Studio
2nd Grade
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 them and having the students 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.”
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.”
Third Grade
Hello! I am Karina Carlsen, a new 3rd grade teacher at HCS! I am a recent 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. This year will be my first year as a full-time teacher and I am humbled to be a part of the HCS family. I am passionate about coming alongside my students in their academics, daily joys and worries, and their spiritual lives! I look forward to 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!
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 for the past two years as the Middle School Spanish teacher at Huntington Christian School. 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.”
Middle School
Miss Dunham graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Cross-Cultural Studies from Simpson University and cleared her teaching credential through the University of California San Diego.
“Working at HCS in the middle school department has been the most incredible teaching experience anyone could hope to participate in. I have been given the freedom explore the sciences creatively and work in a collaborative teaching environment. Working in smaller class sizes has allowed me to develop strong bonds with my students as I learn about them during our 3 years together. The Christ-centered focus on subjects has allowed me to use my science classes to point towards our creator, and show my students how perfectly and wonderfully our habitat and we ourselves have been created.”
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!”
Fourth Grade
Mrs. Hayes graduated from Biola University with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education. She is continuing to further her education by pursuing her Master’s of Teaching degree also through Biola University.
“Teaching at Huntington Christian School has been an incredible, God-given experience for me. I am overwhelmed with the sense of Christ-centered community from the students, families, and staff that are a part of HCS. Having taught at a public school for a few years, I am amazed at the difference I see in the quality of education and the intentional ways the teachers here at HCS care for their students. In fourth grade, we are able to explore the amazing state of California and learn more about its rich history as well as deepen our understanding of math, science, language arts, and other content areas. I love being able to help my students make connections between the academic content and Scripture to enrich their faith. It is my goal as a teacher to help my students love learning and become life-long learners; pursuers of knowledge and of God’s truth.”
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 also is 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.”
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 experience 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 are 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 along side such great children as they thrive academically and grow closer to Christ.”
Music & Band Director
Mrs. Mizuki earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music Composition from Westmont College. She then went on to earn a Master of Arts in Teaching from the Longy School of Music of Bard College.
“It is a huge blessing to work at Huntington Christian School! I love that I get to teach every student from Kindergarten to 6th Grade and I get to see their musical, intellectual, and spiritual growth year by year. I believe that God has gifted every child with the ability to create and enjoy music, and it is my job to help each student explore and nurture that gift. In order to do that, I strive to make learning music fun. In my classroom we sing, play musical games, play musical instruments, and even dance! My favorite moments are the ones when I get to see my students truly engrossed in making a joyful noise.”
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.
Middle School
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.”
P.E.
Mr. Rey graduated from California State University of Fullerton with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration.
“HCS has been such an influential part of my life. As a former graduate, this school taught me so many life lessons and help set the foundation of my faith. The culture is nurturing and loving and promotes growth in both the staff and the students. As a PE teacher I have the ability to positively impact the lives of all the students throughout their time at this school. It is truly a blessing to help students learn about different sports, fitness, and how to live a healthy life, but more importantly to love on them and support them in their walk with Christ.”
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.”
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 (of 20 years next August!) have two boys Liam, 11, and Everett 8. 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. Excitedly, the 2016-17 school years marks Daniel’s fifth year with HCS! Phil 1:9-10
“It has been a pleasure to work at HCS for the past 7 years. 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 can’t wait to serve these students for another 7 years!”
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 Governor’s University.
“I am excited at the opportunity to begin my teaching career at HCS. I attended HCS from kindergarten to 8th grade and I am happy to be back. I look forward to 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 cannot wait 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.”
Kindergarten
I love teaching and decided while still in elementary school myself that that’s what I wanted to pursue. I have my teaching credential from Biola University and later earned an Early Childhood credential.
“Huntington Christian School is a special place! I am starting my 14th year here and I feel so blessed. I love teaching about Jesus every day and helping my students hide God’s word in their hearts. We are able to integrate Christ into all subjects. The families here are so involved and supportive. With that kind of support we are able to accomplish so much and see incredible growth in our students. I have been able to experience HCS as a parent as well as a teacher, because my own children attended here.”
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 for 14 years, 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.”
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 for the last 13 years. 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.”
P.E. & Middle School Athletic Director
Mrs. Weneta graduated from Loyola Marymount University with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and went on to earn a Masters of Arts in Education from Long Beach State.
“I feel very blessed to be a part of the HCS community. Administrators, faculty, students, and families are supportive and go above and beyond for each other. I am in a unique position to have class with our students throughout their years here at HCS. I enjoy being able to see them grow and blossom. As Athletic Director, I work hard to build a sports program that offers student-athletes the opportunity to try new sports and build community with their teammates. My greatest joy is to see students grow in their relation with the Lord through teamwork, perseverance, competition, and all the life lessons sports has to offer.”
Fifth Grade
Hi, my name is Alysa White and I am joining the 5th grade team at HCS. I graduated from Biola University, majoring in Liberal Studies with a minor in Biblical Studies. I continued my education at Biola, where I earned a Masters Degree in Teaching. I attend Sea Coast Grace Church in Cypress and have served in the high school ministry for the past four years. I am a huge sports fan, especially baseball – Go Angels! I am excited to be at HCS where my love for Christ gets to be paired with my passion for helping students grow!
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 apart 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!”
2nd Grade
Ms. Younger graduated from Texas Christian University with a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education and a minor in English as a Second Language. She contined on to earn her California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential.
“I discovered my love for children and education at a young age while on mission trips in third world countries where I was able to reach children physically, emotionally, academically and most importantly spiritually. I love teaching because I am able to learn and grow alongside my students everyday. There is no greater joy than seeing my students overcome a challenge they have been diligently working on and I love being their biggest cheerleader every step of the way. I am thrilled to be surrounded by likeminded Christ followers who are serving in the classroom and pouring their hearts into the young minds on campus. It is an honor and a blessing to be called to christian education and I could not be more excited to join the community at HCS!”
Thriving students know how to give a warm welcome. Join us on campus and experience the Huntington Christian School difference.
