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 40 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 State 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 second school year as our Dean of Students, where he believes the Lord has him in place to help train our students up in HIS ways. Mr. Nuño is also our Senior Apologetics Teacher, where he aims to teach our students how 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 9 years and they have two wonderful children, Jaxx & Ellie.

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 third year as one of the high school football coaches and is also entering his second year leading the Athletic Department and is very excited to see what the Lord has planned. 

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. 

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.

Mr. Evan Brooks

Evan Brooks attended Biola University where he studied Music Education alongside a minor in Biblical Studies. This is his second year as band director and 8th grade history teacher, where he uses his passion for both subjects to encourage and witness to students as they think biblically about their education. Having worked in private lessons, special education, and substitute teaching, he is excited to be able to work at a school with such incredible biblical values and to educate future Christian musicians and historians.

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 13 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.

Mrs. Allison Galindo

Mrs. Allison Galindo is proud to be part of the CCCS Faculty team. She received her Master of Intercultural Studies from Biola University and Bachelor of Biblical Studies from Life Pacific University. She is extremely thankful to have been taught by great Christian educators who have shaped, challenged, and inspired her as a young adult and hopes to offer the same. She is proud of her studies abroad in Spain, Morocco, and Israel and her work in the college setting with foster youth, first-gen, and international students. She is excited to teach 11th grade US History, Photography I & II, Academic Enrichment, and instruct ASL II & III this year. She hopes to inspire her students to continue pursuing their educational goals and ultimately, God's plans for them. Allison and her husband Daniel currently serve in the worship and creative ministries at Calvary Chapel Downey, where Daniel oversees the worship ministry, and Allison serves as a photographer.

Mrs. Heather James

Heather James is excited to join the faculty here at CCCS! She is married to alumnus McKenna James and is a mother of 3 children, who also attend CCCS. She previously worked in the medical field but God has lead her here to start a new chapter in her career. She is looking forward to sharing her love for the Lord and the science behind this mighty world He created. Mrs. James will be joining our staff as a long-term substitute teacher for Life Science and Physical Science. 

Miss Marea Lemos

Marea Lemos has been in the classroom here at CCCS for almost 10 years. She began in our wonderful preschool and was given an incredible foundation on 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 Nathan and Lily 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 very excited to join the teaching team at Calvary Chapel Christian School as the 7th and 9th grade English teacher. She comes with a background of 20 years of experience in multiple subjects. She has a Bachelor’s degree and a Multi-Subject Teaching Credential. 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 children to reach their full potential as readers and writers.

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.

Mr. Bryan Monterroso

Bryan Monterroso has been a member of Calvary Chapel for 12 years and is a Calvary Chapel School of Downey alumnus. His love for Science led him to begin studying medicine but then was called to full-time ministry.  He pursued his Bachelor of Theology degree in the Central American Theological Seminary; Seminario Teológico Centroamericano, in Guatemala. He served as a missionary in Guatemala for 10 years where he also taught Jr. high and High school English. He helped plant a church in Guatemala and another in Little Rock, Arkansas. His love for teaching has been a major catalyst all throughout his life. This love and passion has now brought him back to the early parts of his ministry and educational journey. 

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 time 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, by working hard and loving others.

Mr. Tim Osterhoudt

Tim Osterhoudt earned a Master's 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.

Miss Michelle Perkins

Miss Perkins attended CCCS from 8th-12th grade.  She graduated from BIOLA with a liberal studies degree, math emphasis, as well as earning CA credentials in multi-subject and mathematics. Miss Perkins is really happy to be back and is teaching Fundamentals, Pre-Algebra, and Life Science.  She is looking forward to giving back to CCCS.

MRS. SHEILA RODRIGUEZ

Sheila Rodriguez earned a Bachelors Degree in Art with an emphasis in Drawing and Painting as well as a Masters of Fine Art 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’s Degree in Education Administration 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, CA, 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 studied at California Baptist University for his Bachelor of Arts in English with an emphasis on Creative Writing. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree and PhD in English. Mr. Sweiss has taught in private Christian schools for 7 years and is excited to enter his second year teaching at Calvary Chapel Downey. He is the instructor for both 8th Grade and 11th Grade English and Literature and is blessed to be teaching in a biblically based setting. 

Mr. Erik Tallakson

Mr. Tallakson graduated from Life Pacific Bible College where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies 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. Bernadette Cotton

Bernadette Cotton has been working at Calvary Chapel Christian School since 2000.  She has a wealth of knowledge and experience of the interior workings of CCCS.  Over the years, Bernadette has worked in numerous departments which include the Lunchroom, Summer Day Camp, Accounting, HS TSR, Athletics and the Junior High/High School Office.  Currently Bernadette has taken the role as JH/HS Registrar.  She thoroughly enjoys serving in the Junior High & High School and loves interacting with the parents and students. Bernadette is married and has 3 wonderful children and 1 granddaughter.  Her life verse is Psalm 71.

Mrs. Heather Naaktgeboren

Heather has been the Office Manager for the Junior High & High School office since 2018. 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 22 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 23 years, planted Calvary Chapel Johannesburg in 2007.

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 now, 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. ALEXANDRIA SANCHEZ

Alexandria Sanchez joined the Athletic Department Team in May of 2023 for our Junior High and High School Department. She has been walking with the LORD since 2017 when she gave her heart to JESUS. She currently is serving in the Nursery here at Calvary Chapel Downey, graduated from the School of Ministry in 2022 and absolutely loves serving others. She also has 3 children named Karly, Kamryn and Jaxon who attend CCCS. 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 and to do everything as unto the LORD.