Administration & Office Staff
Lori Jensen
With more than 40 years of experience as a classroom teacher and administrator, Mrs. Jensen has been blessed to help guide students in both their academic learning and spiritual growth. Her ministry has included teaching Kindergarten through 4th grade, Assistant Principal, and Principal. Mrs. Jensen has been an active participant of WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) and ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International), serving on accreditation committees as both a committee member and chairperson. She has also been Chairperson for her former school’s WASC process. Mrs. Jensen holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration, a Multiple Subject Credential, and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership.
Mrs. Jensen is responsible for the day-to-day school operations and programs. Her wholehearted goal is to provide our elementary and junior high students with the best experience possible. As such, she is constantly evaluating new programs and curriculum, adding innovative teaching methodologies, and pursuing collaborative efforts.
Married to husband Bill, the Jensens have two daughters — both of whom are Christian school alumni – and one darling granddaughter. Mrs. Jensen treasures her time with family and friends and loves to explore new trails on her E-bike, travel, read, and watch old movies (with a Dr. Pepper and Nacho Doritos in hand). In addition to her ministry in education, Mrs. Jensen has been active in her women’s Bible study program at her church.
Mike Margy
Mike Margy has been in Christian education for 21 years, the first 17 as a 5th/6th-grade teacher, then two as an Athletic Director/P.E. teacher, and now two years as the Vice Principal at RSM Christian. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from San Diego State University and was a sportswriter for 13 years before going back to school to earn his multiple-subject teaching credential. He received his Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Grand Canyon University in September 2019. Two of Mr. Margy’s greatest passions in education are teaching students about God’s Word and teaching them how to become better writers.
Mr. Margy has been married to his wife, Stacey, for 25 years and they have two sons, Justice, 23, and Noah, 21. A few things to know about Mr. Margy are that he loves sports, especially the Dodgers and USC, he doesn’t drink coffee, and he absolutely loves anything chocolate. He also loves driving on cross-country trips with his family and has driven to Florida, New York, Canada (twice), and he has been to 34 different states and 12 different countries.
Carrie Gulino
Born and raised in Southern California, Carrie Gulino earned her Bachelor’s degree from UC Irvine along with an elementary teaching credential and specialization in Early Childhood Education. She asked Jesus into her life at age 16 while attending a Young Life retreat at Forest Home Camp. She married her high school sweetheart, Steve, and their grown children, Eric and Jessica, are blessed to be Mission Hills Christian School alums.
Mrs. Gulino’s educational experience is very diverse. She has taught all elementary grades from pre-school to 6th grade, excluding 1st. In addition to classroom experience, she has also served in several office and administrative roles, including Community Relations, Assistant to the Principal, Grade Level Coordinator, and Principal. Working directly with students and sharing God’s amazing plan for their lives is where Mrs. Gulino finds complete joy. If you visit her classroom, you will find happy, engaged, and productive learners in her classroom.
In her free time, Mrs. Gulino especially loves any time spent in the mountains, reading, and being with her family.
Lisa Espinoza
Lisa Espinoza began serving as admissions director at Mission Hills Christian School in 2011. She is the mother of three boys and one girl and has been married to Chip since 1983. She holds an Associate of Science degree in sign language interpreting, a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology, and a Bachelor of Science in communicative disorders. She also is a licensed speech-language pathology assistant and a certified grief counselor.
Mrs. Espinoza loves to hike, read, embark on new adventures, and spend time with family and friends. Her favorite part of being at RSM Christian School is being able to meet all the new families that come visit our campus.
Dayna Graveline
Dayna Graveline wears many hats at Rancho Santa Margarita Christian School and loves serving the school community. She earned her degree in Communications from Vanguard University and, prior to RSM Christian School, served as a senior publicist at a public relations agency.
Mrs. Graveline and her husband, Scott, have two daughters, both of whom currently attend Rancho Santa Margarita Christian School.
Jill Primm
After receiving her CPA and finishing accounting certification hours at Deloitte, Jill Primm served in various accounting roles for public traded companies in Orange County. Over the past few years, she has had opportunities to assist non-profits and smaller companies with their accounting functions and has seen more benefits and opportunities to make an impact. As a result, she has served in different ministry areas and has developed a heart for ministry. She is currently in graduate school getting her Masters in Evangelism and Leadership at Wheaton College. Mrs. Primm is married to her husband, Steven, and, together, they have two children, Hunter and Harper, who currently attend RSM Christian School. Her oldest son, Hunter, previously attended MHCS, so she has a passion and love for the school. In her spare time, Mrs. Primm loves playing and talking sports with her kids, reading, hanging at the beach, and spending time with family and friends.
Stephanie Longcob
Stephanie Longcob has worked for RSMCS/MHCS since 2001. She has been married to her high school sweetheart, Nick, since 1992. Together they have four children – Nikolas, Jakob, Luke, and Mikah. All four of her children attended MHCS and, because of her love for the school, she continues to work here even after her children have graduated.
Having served in many roles over the years, including Early Childhood, After Care, Tuition, and now Director of Finance, Mrs. Longcob’s favorite thing about working at RSMCS is that it is more than a job, it is a ministry. Outside of work, Mrs. Longcob enjoys spending time with her two grandchildren, Emery and Ezekiel, hiking with friends, spin classes, and reading.
Julie de Viso
Julie de Viso comes to RSM Christian School after beginning her early childhood education career in 2003. Before coming to RSMCS, she was a preschool educator at Saddleback Valley Christian school for more than 18 years. Her education includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation & Leisure Management Studies and a minor in Marketing from California State University Long Beach. She has also attended Saddleback College and Vanguard University to continue her education in Early Childhood Development programs.
Mrs. de Viso and her husband, Danny, have two children, Ryan and Grace. On the weekends you can find Mrs. de Viso out taking pictures for her photography collection, and she even enters local photo contests.
Sarah Olin
Sarah Olin was born and raised in Mission Viejo and has spent most of her life in Southern California. She graduated from UC Santa Barbara with a degree in Psychology and now lives in Rancho Santa Margarita with her husband, Jeff, and two kids, Aubrey and Cameron.
During her free time, she likes to go to the beach or hang out with her family. She is a kids’ small group leader and is part of a women’s Bible study, and she loves all kinds of food. On weekends, you can find Mrs. Olin watching Chiefs football on TV.
Dara Gould
Dara Gould is originally from Huntington Beach, and she graduated from San Diego State University with a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration before earning her Master’s degree in Public Administration with an emphasis in Public Policy from Cal State Dominguez Hills. She has worked for public high schools, in educational marketing, and in finance. She currently lives in Trabuco Canyon with her husband, Chris, and their two children, Christopher and Harlow. During her free time, Mrs. Gould loves to bake sourdough bread and travel with her family. Her husband is a college soccer coach, so you will regularly find her on a soccer field.
Early Education Teachers
Joni Carruthers
Joni Carruthers attended San Diego State University and majored in Child Development where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree. Ms. Carruthers has more than 30 years’ experience working with young children and considers it a privilege to introduce children to Jesus. Ms. Carruthers has two grown children, Karly and Kyle, and a son-in-law. She became a grandmother in summer 2020 to a beautiful baby girl, Madeline.
Ms. Carruthers enjoys taking her Border collie, Sydney, for long walks around Rancho Santa Margarita Lake. Her favorite Bible verse is Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight.”
Lisa Rexinger
The Lord brought Ms. Rexinger to RSM Christian School in His perfect timing. She has been in the early childhood education field for the last 20 years.
Lisa Rexinger received her Bachelor of Science degree from Loma Linda University and has worked as a preschool aide for 18 years. She is now teaching Junior Kindergarten at RSMCS where she finds it a blessing and joy to be able to teach the little ones about Jesus.
Mrs. Rexinger has two grown children, Matthew and Hannah, who are both married. In her spare time, she loves spending time with her two senior rescue dogs going for walks, or spending time at the beach.
Elementary Teachers
Gail Newton
Gail Newton received her calling to be a teacher when she was just 12 years old. This year marks her 47th year teaching Kindergarten in a Christian school; as such, she has used the gifts the Lord has given her to help shape hundreds of young minds, nurturing them as they grow in Jesus. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in English from California Baptist University, has done graduate work at UC Irvine and Cal Baptist, and she holds a California Life Credential K-9, and an ACSI Credential.
Mary Jane Merritt
What brings Mary Jane Merritt joy? Being a Christian, a wife and mother, and being a teacher. Mrs. Merritt has been a Christian for more than 50 years, and she says that Jesus is her best friend and she depends on Him for everything. She has been celebrating her wedding anniversary since Dec. 15, 1973. Mrs. Merritt has five grown children, each of whom graduated after attending Mission Hills Christian School (now RSM Christian School). Mrs. Merritt also has five grandchildren.
Mrs. Merritt began teaching in 1969 and joined Mission Hills Christian School in 1989. She has been teaching kindergarten since 1991 and loves coming to work. She claims that the teachers and staff are her close friends, her students are always the “best class in the world,” and the parents are very dear to her. She enjoys teaching the Bible and helping the children have a closer walk with Jesus, teaching reading and math, and planning fun activities for the children.
Megan Pierce
The choice to work at a Christian school was an easy one for Mrs. Pierce because Christian schools value each student as a child of God and encourage each one to use his/her God-given talents in reaching their highest potential. A graduate of Biola University, Mrs. Pierce has a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a Certificate in Special Education.
Diane Escobar
Armed with God’s Spirit, Word, calling, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Child Development from Cal State Northridge, and an ACSI Educator’s certificate, Mrs. Diane Escobar has been teaching in Christian education for more than four decades. She chose to work in Christian education because of her firm conviction that Christ-centered education ministers to and develops the whole student — mind, body, soul, and spirit — just as God intended.
Mrs. Escobar has two grown daughters – Pamela and Stephanie – and one granddaughter named Ayelen. Mrs. Escobar’s husband, Juan Ramon, is originally from Chile in South America. Mrs. Escobar now considers Chile her home away from home.
Bobbi Nyce
Bobbi Nyce has a passion for sharing the love of Jesus with children and seeing them enter a real relationship with Him. She graduated from Grand Canyon University in 2021 and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with an Emphasis in Christian Education. Mrs. Nyce has been in the classroom in many different roles – as a kindergarten aide, a technology and Bible teacher, and a Special Education aide. Her experiences have given her a rich background in how to support different needs in a classroom.
When Mrs. Nyce is not in the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her husband, two children, and their dog. Most weekends, you can typically find them on a soccer field. She also enjoys walking and an occasional cardio kickboxing session.
Michelle Gerard
Michelle Gerard has a passion for teaching and guiding children to develop their God-given talents and gifts. With nearly two decades of teaching experience in private Christian schools, public schools, and as a missionary in Mexico, she is excited to be a part of the RSM Christian School community. She received her undergraduate degree and teaching credential from San Jose State University.
Mrs. Gerard has been married for 17 years and has two children, a son in 7th grade and a daughter in 3rd grade. She currently lives in Trabuco Canyon and attends Saddleback Church. In her spare time, she enjoys camping and exploring God’s creation, playing instruments and singing, reading, finding creative outlets through art, and enjoying time with family and friends.
Jenny Vande Wydeven
Jenny Vande Wydeven received her undergraduate degree in Communication Studies from the University of California, Los Angeles. She then received her teaching credential and Masters of Education, also from UCLA. During her freshman year of college, she met her husband, Matt, and they married six years later. They have two adult children, Ryan and Kristen.
Mrs. Vande has taught for more than 20 years in both public and Christian schools. She has taught 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th grades. She currently lives in Irvine and attends Grace Fellowship Church in Costa Mesa. She loves hosting meals for her kids and their friends, hanging out with her family, and sharing Jesus with kids of all ages.
Amal Andraos
Amal Andraos began her higher education graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Rutgers University in New Jersey. After having three children, she was drawn toward the teaching profession where she was able to support and guide children in their most vulnerable years. She returned to higher education at Biola University where she received her teaching credentials and Master’s of Arts in Teaching. She walked the stage as the Master’s Graduate Class Speaker.
Ms. Andraos worked as a second-grade teacher at St. Mark’s Lutheran School for 16 years. At St. Marks, she coached the Math Olympiad group, served as a junior high mentor, and served on the leadership committee. She currently mentors newly graduated teachers through the Biola Mentoring Program.
In her free time, Ms. Andraos enjoys Bible study, hiking, being outside, baking, and spending time with her family. Her personal mission is to foster the growing relationships between her students and God. She hopes for each of her students to walk in their faith with dependence on the Lord and understand that He has a plan for each of their lives.
Junior High Teachers
Jodi Dale
Jodi Dale was born and raised in Southern California. She graduated in 1986 from Cal State Fullerton with a Bachelor of Science degree in Child Development and earned her teaching credential from CSUF in 1987. She has been married to Steve Dale since 1992. Mrs. Dale loves spending time at the beach and traveling with her husband. They have two grown sons, a daughter-in-law, and a granddaughter born in 2019. Mrs. Dale’s greatest passion here at RSMCS is seeing young adolescents thrive spiritually, academically, and relationally.
Kara Haverkamp
Kara Haverkamp received her Multiple Subject Credential from Concordia University in 2014 and cleared her credential through CalStateTEACH in 2019. She began teaching in 2015 and spent the first five years of her Christian school career in 6th grade. After a few years in 6th grade, Mrs. Haverkamp knew God was preparing her to teach junior high students. On top of her teaching experience, she has personally organized and helped at many junior high retreats, was heavily involved in Young Life, and led an ongoing Bible study for junior high girls. Although she could have taught at any number of schools, Mrs. Haverkamp chose RSM Christian School because of the heart behind the school: the relationships with the students are built with the great love of Christ as the foundation, which binds us together with the purpose of learning how to love the Lord and others every single day.
Mrs. Haverkamp got married in 2019 to her husband, Peter, and they adopted a rescue puppy named Ellie in early 2020. In her free time, Mrs. Haverkamp loves reading, cooking at home, going on weekly hikes with Ellie, and spending time with family.
Jodi Svoboda
Jodi Svoboda and her husband, Arlo, have two beautiful girls. Mrs. Svoboda has a passion for teaching, a good sense of humor, and believes “education encompasses all aspects of life.” Mrs. Svoboda has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and her California teaching credential. She has a broad background in education teaching grades K-8.
Enrichment Teachers
Tracey Desmond
Tracey Desmond is a proud mom of three Mission Hills Christian School alumni and has been serving at the school for several years. She is the director of school musicals and runs the drama department and classes. Mrs. Desmond has been involved with different aspects of theater for more than 16 years. She has directed, designed hair and make-up, and costumed more than 80 shows. Her desire is to help each student achieve success as a performer and instill strong work ethics, integrity, and a love and respect for the craft.
Yvonne Erkelens
Yvonne Erkelens was born and raised in Guatemala, and Spanish is her first language. She was born to German parents and attended international schools, making her fluent in German and English as well. In 1996, she moved to California with her husband, Stephan, and her three sons, Chris, Tim, and Michael.
Mrs. Erkelens has served as an instructional assistant in grades K-6 and as a Spanish teacher for grades K-8. It is her joy and passion to teach Spanish, and she prays that, with the Lord’s help, her students are able to gain a greater appreciation for the language and culture of the Spanish-speaking world.
When not helping her students, Mrs. Erkelens enjoys relaxing with her family and making memories with her three grandchildren.
Lindy Lyles
Lindy Lyles was born and raised in Michigan in a strong Christian home. Having attended Christian schools from junior high through college, she knew that she wanted to be a Christian school teacher at an early age. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, with an emphasis in Early Education and Elementary Reading, from Grace College in 1990. She also has completed extensive training in many strategies to ensure every student is successful. Mrs. Lyles’ previous experience includes teaching 2-year-olds through 2nd grade in a traditional classroom, and she has served all elementary grades as a resource specialist.
Outside of school, Mrs. Lyles enjoys spending time, traveling, and searching for the best pizza and unique tasty treats with her husband Myke. She also loves to shop, read, lay by the pool, and hang out with her friends.
Tess Michles
Tess Michles is passionate about teaching future generations. She loves working with her students and encouraging them in their walk with the Lord. Mrs Michles is in her third year teaching, and she is excited to be a part of the amazing team at RSM Christian School. She recently graduated from Grand Canyon University and has her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She soon will be pursuing her Masters!
In her spare time, Mrs Michles enjoys spending time with family and friends, going to the beach, relaxing by the pool, going out to dinner (her favorite foods are Italian and Mexican cuisine), spending time with her husband on the weekends, and snuggles from her pug, Mabel.
April Roche
April Roche graduated from Salem State College with a Bachelor of Science in Education and started her teaching career in 1989. She was then blessed to be able to take time off to raise her children. During that time, she was a substitute teacher at Mission Hills Christian School (now RSM Christian School) and is now in her seventh year on staff at the school.
Mrs. Roche loves children and especially loves to be able to teach them about Jesus. She has been married to her husband, Dave, for 21 years, and they have three wonderful children, one who currently attends RSM Christian and two who are Mission Hills Christian School alums.
Marisol Sicro
Marisol Sicro earned her Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Georgia Tech, and she is currently working toward a Child Development degree at Saddleback College. She has been married to her husband, Rick, for 23 years, and they have five daughters and seven grandchildren.
Mrs. Sicro has worked on the school’s yearbook for the past five years. Her passion is for photography, Photoshop, and digital design. In her free time, she likes going on long runs with her Yorkie, King Triton.
Dawnell Viole
Dawnell Viole graduated from Cal State Fullerton in 1995 and has been in education since 2006. Since graduating from college, she has been in the physical fitness field and built her own personal training business as well as teaching physical education in a Christian school. In addition, she worked for the city of Mission Viejo teaching various youth fitness programs to elementary and junior high students.
Mrs. Viole is an avid runner and enjoys hiking and water sports with her family. Outside of fitness, she enjoys reading and going to L.A. Galaxy soccer games with her family. She has been married to her husband, Tony, since 1995 and has two boys, Nicholas and Christopher. Her favorite Bible verse is Romans 15:1-2, and she feels blessed to be able to combine her love of sports and fitness with her faith in Christ.
Heatherdawn Wadleigh
Heatherdawn Wadleigh has been working in the technology field for over 20 years and enjoys teaching others how to get the most from technology in their daily lives. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration / Computer Information Systems with an emphasis in Interactive Web Development.
Mrs. Wadleigh and her husband, Christopher, came to Mission Hills in 2019 when they enrolled their son, William, in Jr. Kindergarten. She regularly volunteers at her church, leading children in forming relationships with each other and with God.
Support Staff
Ryan Oddo
Pastor Ryan Oddo is the founding pastor of The Bridge in Rancho Santa Margarita, California. He also currently serves as the Area Pastor for Foursquare‘s denominations South Orange County churches.
Pastor Ryan has a BA in Business Administration from Azusa Pacific University and is pursuing his MA in Leadership & Spiritual Formation from Vanguard University. He has been married for 21 years to his college sweetheart, Johanna. The two have two boys, Caleb and Luke who both are alumni of MHCS/RSMCS, and their family resides here in RSM.
Richelle Paris
Richelle Paris and her three siblings, Trent, Shannon, and Nathan, all attended Mission Hills Christian School. Richelle began in 1981 in the 3rd grade, and her youngest brother, Nathan, graduated from 8th grade in 1995. Her mom, Lynda Armstrong, retired after 30 years at MHCS.
Mrs. Paris was the extended care director at MHCS from 2010-2016 and, before returning in May 2021, she was the Life Enrichment Director at a senior living community where she also served as the company’s memory care mentor.
Mrs. Paris and her husband, Mark, have five daughters (Kailyn, Kindyl, Kennedy, Kallihan, and Kapri) and two sons-in-law. All her girls attended MHCS, and her youngest daughter is currently in Junior High at RSMCS. Mrs. Paris serves our families with a robust, nurturing, and creative program. In her spare time, she enjoys going to spin class, spending time at the beach and in the mountains, cooking, family, and coffee shops.
Yani Linnes
Yani Linnes worked for the past 10 years as a teacher’s aide and a Spanish teacher for children from Kindergarten through 3rd grade at Saddleback Valley Christian School. She is a licensed Cosmetologist and also graduated from Medical Assistant School.
She has been married to her husband, Bob, for the past 24 years, and they have two beautiful daughters. Her true passion and greatest joy are working with children. In her free time, Mrs. Linnes likes going on walks, watching the sunset, listening to music, and drinking coffee.
Lorene Preziosi
Lorene Preziosi has been a part of Mission Hills/RSM Christian School since 1991, first as a JK aide and then as an outdoor director. She is a mother of three girls and one boy who all attended MHCS from JK through 8th grade. She is married to Joe, who is a chiropractor in the Laguna Hills area.
Mrs. Preziosi’s hobbies include spending time with her family and friends, walks, essential oils, homemaking soaps, and cooking.
Pamela Escobar
Pamela Escobar has cared for, worked with, and mentored students ages pre-kindergarten through Senior High. She graduated from California State University, Fullerton with honors, obtaining her Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts. Her artwork can be seen around the RSMCS campus, including the Lion on the handball wall and several classroom doors.
Miss Escobar says she is blessed to work and minister in a Christian school setting. She learned from an early age the importance of growing in her faith, knowledge, grace, and stature of our Lord Jesus Christ. In her spare time, Miss Escobar enjoys reading a good book, baking, playing hide-and-seek, and going on fun adventures with her niece, Ayelen.
Dominic Rodriquez
Dominic Rodriguez has worked as a welder, a pipe fitter (in Colorado), a project manager for DJ’s construction, and now as the facilities director for The Bridge Church. He began working for the church in 2014 and has been attending The Bridge Church since 2008. He enjoys catching snakes and spiders and fixing what needs to be repaired at RSM Christian School.
Mr. Rodriguez has been married for over 20 amazing years to the most fabulous woman on the planet! They have two teenage boys, Matthew and Dylan. When he is not working, you can find him running Spartan races, hiking, fishing, camping, or traveling. He also enjoys the outdoors and eating good food. He and his family enjoy camping in Mammoth each summer where they have had many exciting bear encounters.
