Become part of the RSM Christian School Community.
Katie Kelly
Katie Kelly has been interested in art for as long as she can remember, but there was a moment when she was 9 years old that crystallized her future artistic endeavors. During a family holiday, her grandma displayed a set of illustrations and political cartoons that her grandfather had created during World War II. Mrs. Kelly was captivated by her grandfather’s artistic abilities, and she has been inspired to paint and draw ever since. Mrs. Kelly studied graphic design and oil painting and minored in art history at Indiana University. She graduated with a BA in Fine Arts.
Upon graduating, Mrs. Kelly accepted a teaching position at a small art academy where she taught all ages. Years later, she was given a wonderful opportunity to paint fine art for Disney for more than nine years. During this time, Mrs. Kelly also taught art. Mrs. Kelly acknowledges how much of a blessing her students are to her. Mrs. Kelly finds much of her inspiration through her husband, Ty, her two sons, Trey and Ethan, and God.
Jodi Sabako
Jodi Sabako was one of the very first pioneers to move to RSM with her husband, Robbie, in 1986. They were blessed to raise their three now-adult children in this wonderful community. She has a strong love of children and animals. She practiced as an Animal Health Technician prior to finding her true calling to help build a strong learning foundation for preschoolers. Mrs. Sabako obtained her AA & AS degree from Mt. San Antonio College, holds an Early Childhood Certificate from Irvine Valley College, and a Master Teacher Permit with a focus on Math and Science. In her free time, Mrs. Sabako loves to walk her Rat Terrier, Mika, ride her E-bike, read, and spend as much time as possible with her family, which she loves dearly.
Carrie Johnson
Carrie Johnson loves being a teacher. She’s worked with children since her first job as a swimming instructor at age 16. She is married to her college sweetheart, Ed, and lives in Mission Viejo. They have two young adult children. Mrs. Johnson attends Mission Hills Church with her family, where she teaches the 4th-6th grade Sunday School class and is involved in small groups. Mrs. Johnson earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from UC San Diego and her teaching credential from San Diego State University.
In her spare time, Mrs. Johnson enjoys baking, reading, and working on home improvement projects with her husband. She loves being an elementary school teacher because she gets to build relationships with children (they’re so much fun!) and help all her students make progress every day.
Sarah Salazar
With over 15 years of experience teaching preschool-aged children, Sarah brings a joyful and creative approach to early education. She has a passion for music, having taught preschool music for five years and worked with students from toddlers to 6th grade. Originally pursuing music therapy, Sarah earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in music performance and continues to perform professionally.
Sarah enjoys helping her students grow academically and creatively. She believes each child is unique and wants her students to know who they are and whose they are.
When she isn’t teaching or singing, she enjoys hiking and spending time with her Frenchie, Gio. She resides in Rancho Santa Margarita and is honored to be a part of the RSM Christian School family.
Michelle Gerard
Michelle Gerard has a passion for teaching and guiding children to develop their God-given talents and gifts. She has many years of teaching experience in private Christian schools, public schools, and as a missionary in Mexico. She received her undergraduate degree and teaching credential from San Jose University.
Mrs. Gerard is married and has two children. 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.
Mary Desmond
Mrs. Mary (as the students call her!) is a graduate of Concordia University Irvine and an alumna of Mission Hills Christian School. She has been performing all her life, with music and theater as her biggest passions. Her desire is for all students to find joy in music and develop their God-given talents. She wants to inspire young performers to grow in confidence and creativity, and to use their gifts to share God’s love with others.
Bobbi Nyce
Bobbi Nyce has a deep love of Jesus and is passionate about sharing that love with children and seeing them enter their own relationship with Him. She graduated from Grand Canyon University and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with a Christian Education Emphasis. 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.
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 reading good books and taking walks.
Gail Newton
Gail Newton has been teaching in Christian Schools since 1974. Upon college graduation, she was called into Christian education. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from California Baptist University and did graduate work at CBU and U.C. Irvine. Mrs. Newton holds a lifetime K-9 California Credential and has her ACSI certification.
At home, Mrs. Newton enjoys spending time with friends and playing with her cat, Zuzu. In her free time, she likes cooking, sewing, cake decorating, reading, gardening, and taking long walks at the harbor. Mrs. Newton is active in her church where she is involved with greeting, communion, senior adults and any other ministry where she can make people feel welcome and loved.
Mrs. Newton treasures the privilege of teaching the Bible daily and leading little ones to love Jesus.
Kara Haverkamp
Kara Haverkamp received her Multiple Subject Credential from Concordia University and cleared her credential through CalStateTEACH. She spent the first five years of her Christian school career teaching 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 is married to her husband, Peter, and has recently welcomed their first child into the world. In her free time, Mrs. Haverkamp loves reading, cooking at home, going on hikes, being at the beach, and spending time with family.
Diane Escobar
Diane Escobar has been a Christian educator for more than 40 years. She considers herself blessed to work with children each day, leading them on the road to academic success and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Mrs. Escobar has a Bachelor of Arts in Child Development degree from California State University Northridge and received her ACSI Professional Teacher Certification in 1991. Mrs. Escobar is married, the mother of two grown daughters (both products of Christian School education), and a grandmother. She loves art, cooking, traveling, and reading great books.
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