Our Staff

Administration

Mrs. Debbie Davis

Mrs. Davis has been ministering in the Elementary School at CCCS for over 30 years. She was blessed with the opportunity to teach students with learning differences for 22 years. Her experience in the classroom and as Instruction Support Coordinator makes her uniquely qualified to help administer the Elementary students and teachers as Principal. Having enjoyed the privilege of watching her own two children grow up at CCCS, Mrs. Davis has a passion to see each student thrive and become successful.

Mrs. jennifer McClintock

Mrs. McClintock considers herself blessed beyond measure to have the opportunity to work at the same school she attended. As an alumna, she knows full well the privilege it is to have been given a Christian education, and as a parent of 2 children who also attend CCCS, it is a tremendous blessing to have Calvary Chapel Christian School partner with her in training her children to honor the Lord in all they do. Mrs. McClintock has served CCCS for over 15 years as a Pre-School teacher and Elementary Office Manager. She is excited to have the opportunity to continue ministering to the parents, students and teachers in her current role of Assistant Principal.

Faculty

Mrs. Lisa Cerebe

Mrs. Cerebe holds an Associates Degree in Liberal Arts and earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Liberal Studies from Cal State Fullerton. She began her love for teaching in 2000 as a substitute teacher at CCCS. Mrs. Cerebe has over 20 years of experience teaching and is looking forward to continue using her gift of teaching for a sixth year in elementary school at CCCS. While attending church at CCD, she developed a passion for missions and has taught in Uganda for a summer. Mrs. Cerebe has a passion for teaching but most importantly showing her students the love of Christ.

Ms. Kristie Elsasser

Kristie Elsasser is one of our Kindergarten teachers and serves as the Kindergarten Master Teacher. She is a dedicated teacher that strives to help every student entrusted to her to achieve positive, spiritual, mental, and physical growth. Ms. Elsasser desires to grow as a professional educator so that she will always be equipped to greatly impact her students in achieving Godly excellence. She has always enjoyed working with the little ones in our Elementary School and considers it a privilege and a joy to work at Calvary Chapel Christian School.

Mrs. Jenae Reyes

Mrs. Reyes is an alumna and attended CCCS from Elementary through Junior High. After graduating high school, she attended The Master’s University, and attained her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Liberal Studies with an emphasis in education, all while on the soccer team. This will be her seventh school year teaching at CCCS. Mrs. Reyes is very excited to be a part of the Elementary team as a Second-grade teacher.

Miss Hannah Larsen

Miss Larsen is a CCCS alumna and very excited to be starting her first year of teaching. She was a substitute teacher for K-5th all the 2023/2024 school year. Miss Larsen has five younger siblings, all which have attended or are still attending CCCS.  She is overjoyed to be given the opportunity to pour into the children and be a bright light to the young disciples of the future. The Lord has answered her prayer of finding purpose in this life by putting placing her back in the environment she spiritually grew in.  She will be teaching Bible, Science and Spelling.

Coach Devin Loreto

Coach Devin Loreto is an alumna of CCCS, class of 2004. Currently she serves as the girls PE Teacher, Elementary PE Teacher, HS Girl’s Soccer Coach, and Track & Field Assistant Coach. Coach Loreto graduated from CSULB in 2014 with her Bachelor of Arts in Recreation and Leisure Studies degree, 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.

Mr. Marcel Marquez

Mr. Marquez has been an educator for 15 years in the public school system. He feels blessed to be teaching at Calvary Chapel Christian School where his three children attend. Mr. Marquez is excited to be teaching 6th grade History and Bible, as he has a passion for both subjects. He attended Calvary Chapel Bible College and has taught Christian Essentials and Rooted classes to new believers. Mr. Marquez is dedicated to teaching apologetics to build up faith defenders. 

Mrs. Susie Mendez

Mrs. Mendez is blessed to be back teaching second grade this year. Her love of working with kids began in 1994 at CCCS. She has taught in the Preschool, Elementary, High School Spanish, and PE. Mrs. Mendez has served as a nursery coordinator at church and has been part of the Women’s Bible Study. She and her husband have been at Calvary Chapel for over thirty years. Their three children attended CCCS K-12. Mrs. Mendez considers it a privilege to teach the students not only academics, but most importantly God’s Truth. God has a special plan for each child, and Mrs. Mendez is blessed to be a part of His plan for these precious lambs.

Mrs. Stephanie Mendoza

Mrs. Mendoza holds her Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies Multidisciplinary degree from Biola University.  She has enjoyed teaching throughout the past 11 years and served as a teacher in the Pre-School here at CCCS for 2 years. Mrs. Mendoza is excited to begin her fifth school year ministering to the elementary students as one of our first grade teachers.  Her desire for her students is that they would know God's love for them and experience it every day in her classroom. Believing God has a plan for each child that walks through her door, Mrs. Mendoza is blessed to be able to be a part of that plan.

Mrs. Valerie Padilla

Mrs. Padilla, an Alumna of Calvary Chapel Christian School, has worked at CCCS for twenty-three years. She has ministered in both the security and daycare departments, and has also helped serve the children as a teacher’s assistant in the Calvary Support Program. Mrs. Padilla currently serves CCCS as one of our fourth grade teachers. Her desire is for each child to grow and learn to walk in the ways of the Lord. Mrs. Padilla also enjoys serving in the Food for Funerals ministry at CCD as well.    

Mrs. Elyssa Quintero

Mrs. Quintero is an alumna of CCCS, attending from 7th grade through 12th grade. She graduated from California State University, Long Beach, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies degree. After graduating, Mrs. Quintero began teaching at CCCS. In addition to teaching 6th grade Math and Science, she serves as a WASC accreditation member, high school girls volleyball head coach, as well as a Youth Leader at CCD. Mrs. Quintero enjoys working with her students and is blessed to help them grow academically and spiritually.

Mrs. Dawn Ross

Mrs. Ross has been blessed and working at CCCS for the past seven years. She began serving as a Playground Aid in the Daycare Department, Daycare Supervisor and Kindergarten teacher. Mrs. Ross has been a Calvary Mom for eleven years, with a daughter entering the 9th grade and a son entering 3rd grade. This year she is thrilled and excited to teach her first year as a First Grade Teacher here at CCCS. Her desire is to continue to minister to our students and watch them grow in the ways of the Lord. 

mrs. cheryl sANCHEZ

Mrs. Sanchez received her Bachelor of Liberal Arts Degree at Cal State University, Fullerton. She also holds a multiple subject teaching credential. Mrs. Sanchez has enjoyed subbing and teaching early education for 12 years at Calvary. She is blessed by the call to teach second grade at CCCS. Mrs. Sanchez is excited to see her students deepen their love for Jesus. Her desire is for her students to grow spiritually and academically. She has two of her own little grizzlies attending CCCS this year.

Mrs. Gina Spencer

Mrs. Gina Spencer is blessed to have been teaching for over ten years.  She has taught various elementary school grades, Bible classes, computer classes, as well as EFL in Guatemala. She holds a degree in Theology. This is Mrs. Spencer’s fourth year at Calvary Chapel Christian School, where she will be teaching 5th grade Bible, Math and History.

Ms. Yasmin Tanner

Ms. Tanner holds a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies degree as well as a California Teaching Credential with an emphasis in Special Education Resources. She taught special education and general education classes in public schools for over 11 years. She is honored to serve as a 5th grade teacher for her 5th year, as well as the Master Teacher for the 5th and 6th Grades at CCCS. Ms. Tanner is privileged to be able to share the love of Jesus through His word and the curriculum.

Mrs. Lydia Trejo

Mrs. Trejo is very excited and blessed to be part of the elementary school team at CCCS. She holds her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with an emphasis in Child Development. After working in the public school system for five years, she began serving as a substitute teacher for CCCS and now is one of our Kindergarten teachers. She is a Calvary mom with both her sons having attended and graduated from Calvary Chapel High School. Mrs. Trejo’s desire is for her students to come to know the Lord on a deep and personal level. 

Ms. Deborah Velasco

Ms. Velasco earned her Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from California State University in Long Beach. Ms. Velasco has taught 1st Grade here at CCCS since 1999 and is currently the Master Teacher for 1st and 2nd Grade. She has served in the nursery at church, and has also been a part of the elementary worship team during our weekly chapels. Ms. Velasco is currently serving CCCS on the Accreditation Team as well.

Mrs. Lisa Vukovich

Mrs. Vukovich received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree from California State University, Dominguez Hills. She also holds a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and has earned a Master in Education from Hope International University. Mrs. Vukovich has enjoyed teaching early education at CCCS since 2001, most recently 3rd grade. In addition to teaching, she also serves in a leadership role as the Master Teacher for 3rd and 4th Grade. Mrs. Vukovich adores her students and counts it a privilege to train them academically and spiritually in the ways of the Lord.

Mrs. Michelle Weldon

Mrs. Weldon has attended Calvary Chapel Downey for over 18 years. She loves serving the church and school, and is also a Grizzly Mom with two children attending CCCS. She joined the CCCS family as an Assistant in the Calvary Support Program before serving as one of our third grade teachers. Mrs. Weldon holds a Bachelors degree in Human Services as well as a certificate in Early Childhood Education. Her ultimate desire is to see her students excel spiritually and academically, while sharing her love of the Lord and His Word with all students and families.

Miss Annie Yang

Miss Yang graduated from Biola University where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies in Elementary Education along with two minors in Biblical Studies and Intercultural Studies. She served at CCCS as a substitute teacher and completed her student teaching in the 4th-grade class. She hopes to serve and glorify God with a joyful and genuinely loving heart in the classroom. She is very excited to build relationships with her students as she teaches fourth grade.

Dr. Kristina Young-Goodner

Dr. Young-Goodner attended CCCS from K-12 before she went on to earn Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and Music Education degrees along with a California Teaching Credential from Biola University. She also holds a Master 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, is also a member of the WASC  accreditation agency, and currently fills the role of Vice-Principal in the High School.

Support Staff

Mrs. Susie Fernandez

Mrs. Susie Fernandez feels very blessed to have been able to join our Elementary Office Staff in 2022 and is our Office manager after serving in our Daycare Department and Summer Camp program for several years. Mrs. Fernandez also enjoys serving in children’s’ ministry and the nursery here at Calvary Chapel Downey. She feels very blessed to be part of CCCS Elementary school staff and wants to continue to share the love of Jesus with the families and students she serves.

Miss Liz Maldonado

Miss Maldonado is blessed to be a part of the team at Calvary Chapel Christian School. She’s very proud to call Calvary Chapel Downey her home church, where she’s been attending for 8 years. Miss Maldonado has served at both the Chapel Store and Café, and has been blessed with the opportunity to continue serving as an elementary secretary for CCCS. This is her third year working with the school and she is grateful for this wonderful opportunity.

Pastor ROger Stahlhut

Pastor Roger graduated from the University of Oregon with a Bachelor of Science in History. He holds a lifetime California teaching credential in History and Physical Education. His experience includes teaching various subjects and coaching both football and wrestling. He left the public school system to enter into ministry after being ordained as a pastor at Calvary Chapel South Bay. He has served in various ministries including church and school planting. Having been on staff at CCCS for the last 6 years, Pastor Roger continues to serve CCCS as the School Pastor, ministering to the faculty, students and parents in Biblical counseling and training for Revive America outreaches.