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. jenae Reyes

Mrs. Reyes is an alumna of CCCS, having attended from elementary through junior high school. After graduating high school, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with an emphasis in education from The Master's University, where she also played on the soccer team. Over the past eight years, Mrs. Reyes has served both elementary and junior high students. In her current role as assistant principal, she is excited to continue ministering to parents, students, and teachers.

Faculty

Mrs. Lisa Cerebe

Mrs. Cerebe holds an Associate’s degree in Liberal Arts and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies from Cal State Fullerton. Mrs. Cerebe has over 24 years of experience teaching and is looking forward to continuing to use her gift of teaching for a ninth year in elementary school at CCCS. Both of her children attended CCCS and are now alumni.  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 who 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.

Coach Devin Loreto

Coach Devin Loreto is an alumna of CCCS, class of 2004. She currently serves as the elementary PE teacher, as well as the girls PE teacher for junior high and high school. Coach Loreto graduated from CSULB in 2014 and earned 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.

Mrs. vianey Marquez

Vianey Marquez is honored to serve as a third-grade teacher at Calvary Chapel Christian School. She brings more than 24 years of teaching experience across multiple grade levels and subject areas. Mrs. Marquez holds a bachelor's degree in Child Development and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential.

Committed to lifelong learning, she has participated in Writers' Workshops at UCLA and Columbia University and is a published author. Mrs. Marquez is passionate about creating a positive, engaging classroom environment that inspires confidence, nurtures a love of learning, and encourages every student to reach their God-given potential.

Mrs. Susie Mendez

Mrs. Mendez is blessed to be teaching third grade. Her love for working with children began in 1994 at CCCS, where her diverse experience has included teaching in pre-school, elementary, high school Spanish, and PE. Beyond the classroom, she has served in the children’s ministry as well as a nursery coordinator at church and has been involved in the Women’s Ministry. She and her husband have been part of Calvary Chapel for over thirty years, with all their three children attending CCCS from kindergarten through 12th grade. 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 she is blessed to be a part of His plan for these precious lambs. She is excited to see her students flourish

Mrs. Valerie Padilla

Mrs. Padilla, an alumna of Calvary Chapel Christian School, has worked at CCCS for twenty-five years. She has served in the in security and daycare departments, and as a teacher’s assistant in the Calvary Support Program. Currently, Mrs. Padilla is one of our fourth-grade teachers. Her desire is for each child to grow and learn to walk in the ways of the Lord. She also enjoys serving in the Food for Funerals and Prayer Force ministry at CCD.    

Ms. Ruffalo

Ms. Ruffalo earned her Bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies from California State University, Dominguez Hills, where she was also a member of the university's women's basketball team. She also holds a Master's degree in Education from California State University, Los Angeles. With 17 years of teaching experience, Ms. Ruffalo is excited to begin her journey at CCCS as a second-grade teacher. She describes herself as a fun, flexible, and energetic educator who is passionate about creating an engaging learning environment where every child can thrive. Above all, she is dedicated to sharing the love of Christ with her students and helping them grow academically, socially, and spiritually. Outside the classroom, Ms. Ruffalo enjoys hosting international students from Europe each summer, providing them with a welcoming, Christian home. 

Mrs. Dawn Ross

Mrs. Ross has been blessed and working at CCCS for the past eight years. She began serving as a Playground Aid in the Daycare Department, Daycare Supervisor, Kindergarten and First Grade teacher. Mrs. Ross has been a Calvary Mom for twelve years, with a daughter entering the 10th grade and a son entering 4th grade. This year she is thrilled and excited to return to be a Kindergarten 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.

Mr. Erin Spencer

Mr. Erin Spencer is a CCCS alumnus and is excited to be the elementary music teacher. He would like to help students learn to worship our God through their musical abilities and gift. He is a firsthand witness of how musical education can open doors and opportunities. He desires to share all the Lord has taught him with our CCCS students.

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 sixth year teaching at Calvary Chapel Christian School, where she will be teaching 5th grade Bible, Math, History and Science.

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 6th 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 Degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Child Development from California State University Long Beach. 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.

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.

MRs. Liz Gutierrez

Liz 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 fourth 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.