Our Staff

Administration

Pastor Joe Mendez

Pastor Joe Mendez has been a member of Calvary Chapel Downey for over 30 years and has served the Lord in various ministries in the church. He became a Jr. High Math teacher in the year 2000 and has loved serving and ministering in Junior High and High School ever since. Pastor Joe has been married to his wife Susie for 41 years and has 3 children and 2 grandsons. His 3 children have all graduated from CCCS. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Vanguard University. This year once again he will be serving as the principal of the Jr. High & High School.

Dr. kristina young-goodner

Dr. Young-Goodner attended CCCS from K-12 before she went on to earn a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and Music Education along with a California Teaching Credential from Biola University. She also holds a Master’s in Education from Biola, as well as a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Azusa Pacific University. In addition to being the Director of our Vocal Music Program, Dr. Young-Goodner functions as a Master Teacher for CCCS and Biola University, is an adjunct professor at Hope International University and Biola University, and is a member of the accreditation agency WASC. Dr. Young-Goodner is our Junior High/High School Assistant Principal and Choir teacher.

MR. MIKE NUÑO

Mike Nuño is a Calvary Chapel Christian School alumnus. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from California Stat University, Long Beach and also earned his credential as a BOC-Certified Athletic Trainer from the National Athletic Trainer’s Association (NATA). Mr. Nuño previously served as our Athletic Director from 2013 – 2021 and was also our Head Football coach for 7 seasons during that span. Mr. Nuño is entering his 4th school year as our Dean of Students, overseeing the directors of our extra-curricular activities, including Athletics and ASB, where he believes the Lord has him in place to help train our students to put all that they learn here at CCCS to practical use, by using their gifts, talents and abilities to serve God and bring glory to His Kingdom. Mr. Nuño is also our Senior Apologetics Teacher, where he aims to teach our students to “Always Be Ready!” to defend their faith and share the truth of God’s Word with others, in meekness and fear (1 Peter 3:15). He has been happily married to his wife Melissa for 10 years and they have two wonderful children, who are students here at CCCS.

Mr. Ivan Gonzales

Ivan Gonzales joined CCCS In January of 2024 in the Athletic department. He has been immersed in ministry since 2010, serving in various capacities and attending Calvary Chapel Bible College. With the upcoming school year marking his first full year as the director of the school athletic department, Ivan is poised to lead with passion and integrity. Alongside his wife Christina, to whom he has been happily married for nine years, and their son, he seeks to glorify God in all his endeavors, striving to empower student athletes and coaches to excel for the glory of God. Ivan is blessed to now call CCCS his home and is looking forward to the many blessings he knows comes from being apart of this HIS School !

Mrs. Mayie Advincula

Mrs. Advincula has been a part of Calvary Chapel since 2001. She received her Bachelor of Arts in History degree and a Master in Political Science at the University of the Philippines and a Master of Arts Degree in Educational Administration from Hope International University. Mrs. Advincula holds a Single Subject Credential for Social Science and an Administration Credential. She has a passion for teaching and has been an educator for more than 30 years. This school year, she is teaching Government and Economics both regular and ECP classes, ECP US History, and Life Skills. 

Miss sarah Alvarez

Miss Alvarez attended Grand Canyon University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. She has served in the children’s ministry at church, coached the high school softball team, and has taught 2nd grade. Miss Alvarez is excited to be teaching Fundamentals of Math and Pre Algebra this year and is looking forward to helping students excel academically and grow their walk with the Lord.

Mr. Juan Balandran

Mr. Balandran is joining CCCS as our new woodshop instructor. He is a retired commercial carpenter after 30 years in the union. He has been involved in overseeing many prominent construction projects from Aero Space construction, hospitals, and many other high design carpentry projects. Since his retirement he has ventured into carpentry woodworking projects from cabinet to furniture, toys, shelving, and many other projects. He has been exploring new woodworking projects to expand his love for hands-on wood and tool knowledge to share with his students.

Mrs. Thaily becerra

Mrs. Thaily Becerra is excited to join the team here at CCCS! She attended The Masters University where she studied Music Education with an emphasis in Vocal pedagogy. She has a passion for the pursuit of excellence in music, and the powerful impact of a Biblically focused education. She has taught privately, and in Music Academy's around the Los Angeles area as well as, the Musical Director of her previous church. She starts this school year honored and grateful to our Lord for the privilege to be able to point these future leaders to the rock and firm foundation, Jesus Christ. To Him be the Glory!

MRS. RHODORA  BROUILLETTE

Rhodora Brouillette graduated from the University of Santo Tomas with a Bachelor in Education degree, and she also earned a Master in Special Education-teaching the deaf and hard of hearing children (MA-SPED HI), from the Philippine Normal University. She has been involved in the sign language profession as a SPED Teacher and Sign Language Interpreter as well as a Cued Speech Transliterator for the deaf and hard of hearing students for many years.  She is currently teaching HS American Sign Language Levels II and III. She has completed the requirements for teaching in Christian schools affiliated with the Assemblies of God, the Association of Christian Teachers and Schools Grades K-12.  This is her 7th year here at CCCS serving for God’s glory. 

PASTOR ODELL ENESI

Pastor Odell attended Calvary Chapel Bible College and graduated from the School of Ministry. He served in the U.S. Army as a Microwave System Operator/Maintainer. He currently oversees the Young Adults ministry at Calvary Chapel Downey. He is also the High School Bible teacher. Pastor Odell has been happily married to his wife Ruby, for 14 years, and they have four children, Layah, Andrew, Isyss and Jedidiah. Most importantly, Pastor Odell gives all the glory to God and His grace as he believes he is nothing without God!

Mrs. Patty Fidanza

Patty Fidanza has been teaching at CCCS since 1997! She is blessed to teach drama to both junior High and high School students. Mrs. Fidanza graduated from Cal State Long Beach with a BA in Sociology. She has always had a passion for the arts, especially drama. She has also belonged to a theater group for many years working behind the scenes, being an understudy, and having acting roles. This has exposed her to all the elements of a production from back stage to on stage. Her favorite part of teaching drama is watching the students blossom.

Miss Janette Fragoso

Janette Fragoso joined our faculty in 2011. She is a CCCS alumna, class of 2006. Ms. Fragoso earned her Bachelor of Arts in Social Work degree at Azusa Pacific University and is looking forward to another exciting year teaching Spanish I, II and III at the high school level. Ms. Fragoso has a passion for the hearts and salvation of all of her students.

Miss Amanda Gutierrez

Miss Amanda Gutierrez attended Calvary Chapel Christian School from Kindergarten through 12th grade. She recently graduated from Azusa Pacific University with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. The 2024/2025 school year will be her first year in the classroom as our Physical Science teacher, as well as her fifth year coaching our high school cross country team. She is excited to step out in faith and into this new season that the Lord has called her to. Her goal is to help her students succeed and learn how to incorporate God’s truth into every area of their lives.

Miss Marea Lemos

Marea Lemos has been in the classroom here at CCCS for almost 11 years. She began in our wonderful preschool and was given an incredible foundation in teaching, meeting learning styles, and coming alongside families in education. She is excited to have the opportunity to work with this age group as she finishes her degree in secondary education. Being able to incorporate the Word and Jesus in the class is extra special to her, and values the privilege to be a part of this school and church.

Mr. Eric Lopez

Eric Lopez attended Calvary Chapel Bible College and graduated from the School of Ministry and Leadership at Calvary Chapel of Downey.  He served in the USMC before the 9/11 Era.  He has been involved in missions to Mexico, Cuba and recently Guatemala.  He serves in the One Accord Marriage Ministry with his wife Lindsay and two children as part of the leadership.  He is loving Jesus and making him known.

Mrs. Devin Loreto

Coach Devin Loreto is an alumna of CCCS, class of 2004. Currently she serves as the girls PE Teacher, Elementary PE Teacher, and coaching multiply sports. Coach Loreto graduated from CSULB in 2014 with her B.A. in Recreation and Leisure Studies, as well as a certificate in Non-profit Management and Therapeutic Recreation. She had previously worked for the City of Downey for over ten years providing various program activities and sporting events.  She currently has two children attending CCCS as well.

Mrs. Vianey Marquez

Vianey Marquez is the 7th and 8th grade English teacher. She has been a teacher for 23 years. She has a bachelor's degree in child development and a Multi-Subject Teaching Credential K-12. Mrs. Marquez has attended UCLA and Columbia University for Writer’s Workshops and is a published author. Writing is her passion, and she hopes to pass on that passion to her students. Her goal is to provide a stimulating learning environment that fosters confidence and encourages students to reach their full potential as readers and writers. She feels blessed to be teaching a Biblically based curriculum. 

Mrs. Aracely Mendoza

Aracely Mendoza comes with a business background of 22 years.  Owning her own business, she was able to develop many valuable skills which she is now very happy to use at CCCS. She is currently serving as Yearbook adviser, Cooking/Culinary Art teacher, and Intro to Foreign Language teacher. She’s been a part of CCCS for over 20 years as a parent, as a volunteer, and as staff.  She is always willing to serve where needed most at CCCS.

Miss Jules Muncherian

Jules Muncherian has earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Biological Science, Secondary Instruction from Biola University, as well as her California State Teaching Credential and ACSI Credential. Doing so has equipped her to do what she loves, teach students about the wonders of God’s creation. Along with her education, Miss Muncherian has spent two summers teaching English as a foreign language in Tunisia and working as a writing consultant at Biola University. She currently teaches Biology, Honors Biology, and Anatomy & Physiology. She is also an assistant coach for the girls’ varsity volleyball team. Miss Muncherian is passionate about working with students of various learning styles and encouraging them to serve God.

Mr. Tim Osterhoudt

Tim Osterhoudt earned a Master of Engineering degree in Process Engineering from California State University at Pomona. He also earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering from California State University at Long Beach. He serves CCCS as a high school teacher in various subjects. Mr. Osterhoudt currently teaches Chemistry, AP Chemistry, AP Physics, Calculus, ECP Calculus and Science and Technology at the high school level.

MRS. SHEILA RODRIGUEZ

Sheila Rodriguez earned a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art degree with an emphasis in Drawing and Painting as well as a Master of Fine Art in Studio Art with an emphasis in Fiber Sculpture from Long Beach State University. She has shown her work at several galleries and museums across the U.S. including the Museum of Latin American Art and the Orange County Center for Contemporary Art. Mrs. Rodriguez is excited to be teaching AP Art, Sculpture, Drawing, and Painting, as well as Jr. High Art.

Mrs. Monica Rojas

Mrs. Rojas holds an Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from California State University Dominguez Hills, and earned her Master in Education Administration degree from Hope International University. Mrs. Rojas has experience teaching in Southern California since 2014 in both public and private school settings. She currently teaches 10th & 12th Grade English and is an adjunct professor with Hope International University teaching our ECP English course.

Mr. Geoff Smith

Mr. Smith has been a part of Calvary Chapel for more than 25 years. After helping plant a church in Irvine, California, he moved to Ukraine and served as a missionary and pastor for nearly 10 years. Mr. Smith received his Bachelor of Science degree from UCLA in Applied Mathematics. He has also graduated from the Calvary Chapel School of Ministry and has earned his Master of Education degree with an emphasis in Secondary Level Mathematics from Hope International University. He has been at CCCS since 2018 and will be teaching Geometry, Pre-Calculus, and Computer Applications.  His favorite Bible verse is Isaiah 1:19, "If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land."

Mr. Faris Sweiss

Mr. Sweiss earned his Bachelor of Arts in English with an emphasis on Creative Writing from California Baptist University. He is currently advancing his education by pursuing a master’s degree and a PhD in English.

With nine years of experience teaching in private Christian schools, Mr. Sweiss is enthusiastic about his 4th year at Calvary Chapel Downey. He instructs both 9th and 11th Grade English and Literature. As an alumnus of private Christian schools for the tenure of his own education, Mr. Sweiss has deep passion and commitment to fostering a biblically based learning environment.

Outside the classroom, Mr. Sweiss enjoys writing short stories and works on a novel he ultimately hopes to publish. His commitment to his craft and his faith continues to inspire his teaching and his interactions with the school community.

Mr. Erik Tallakson

Mr. Tallakson graduated from Life Pacific Bible College where he earned a Bachelor in Biblical Studies degree with an emphasis in Youth Ministry. He has also earned a teaching credential in math from California State University, Bakersfield. Mr. Tallakson has been teaching at Calvary Chapel Downey since 2019. He is excited to be teaching JH/HS Algebra 1, HS Algebra 2, and HS Physics for the 2023-24 school year. He is married and has two wonderful children. His desire is for not only his children but those in his classroom to receive an education that is glorifying to God.

Mrs. heather naaktgeboren

Heather has been the Office Manager for the Junior High & High School office since 2018 and now stepped into the role as Registrar. She has been attending Calvary Chapel Downey since 1979 and has been involved in various ministries here. Heather graduated from Calvary Chapel Bible College in 1995 with Associates in Bibilical Studies. She has been a pastor’s wife for 23 years, mother to 4 young adults, and has spent 10-1/2 years on the mission field in South Africa with her family where Pastor Chad, her husband of 24 years, planted Calvary Chapel Johannesburg in 2007.

Mrs. alexandria sanchez

Alexandria Sanchez joined the Athletic Department Team in May of 2023 for our Junior High and High School Department and now has assumed the role as JH/HS office manager. She has been walking with the LORD since 2017 when she gave her heart to JESUS. She currently is serving in the nursery at Calvary Chapel Downey, graduated from the School of Ministry in 2022, and absolutely loves serving others. She has three children who attend CCCS with one on the way. Alexandria believes with her whole heart that it is important to love GOD, love His people, and to teach His Word. Her main goal is to be obedient to the call GOD has on her life, take new steps of Faith and to do everything as unto the LORD.

Miss Diana Palma

Miss Palma is very excited to join the staff at CCCS. She started as a substitute teacher for Junior High/ High School and the Lord opened the door for her to work here in full-time ministry as the office secretary. She has been attending Calvary Chapel Downey for over a year, serves in the nursery, and is currently enrolled in the School of Ministry. Her passion is to share the love of Jesus with the students!

MRS. elisa nunez

Elisa Nunez joined the CCCS staff as a member of our Daycare team and transitioned into the role of Athletic Secretary last year in March. She has been blessed to serve in this new role where she has the opportunity to minister to both the students and staff. Mrs. Nunez has attended Calvary Chapel Downey for 10 years and serves in the Youth Ministry alongside her husband Jonathan. She is looking forward to being used in a new capacity this year in the school as she continues being led where God takes her.

Mr. Nathan Tachin

Nathan Tachin is a Calvary Chapel Christian School alumnus and graduated from CCCS in 2018. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology degree from Vanguard University. This upcoming year will be Coach Tachin’s fourth year as one of the high school football coaches and is also entering his third year help lead the Athletic Department. Athletics is a big part of our students and kids’ lives. Not only is Athletics here at Calvary about sports, but it’s a ministry and about glorifying the Lord through athletic competition; not only representing Calvary but our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who has enabled us and called us to this ministry. Colossians 3:23 has called us to do our very best for the Lord at all times in anything we do and that is something we instill in our students daily.