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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. 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 can 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 grandchildren.
Jodi Svoboda
Jodi Svoboda has always had a passion for working with children. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and received her California Teaching Credential from National University, and is close to earning her Master’s in Education. She desires to ignite a passion for learning in her students so that they become life-long learners and grow academically as well as spiritually. Her love for Jesus radiates through her smile.
Mrs. Svoboda and her husband, Arlo, have been married since 2002. They have two beautiful daughters, two dogs, and two tortoises. Mrs. Svoboda enjoys spending time with her family, as well as traveling, reading, and exercising.
Amal Andraos
Amal Andraos began her higher education by graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Rutgers University. 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 and walked the stage as the Master’s Graduate Class Speaker. She is now mentoring 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
Jenny Vande Wydeven
Jenny Vande Wydeven is passionate about teaching and loves to help children develop their God-given gifts and talents. Her desire is to help her students develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and to see the world from a Biblical worldview. She 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 many 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 to hike, go out on her outrigger canoe, and spend time with friends and family.
Mary Jane Merritt
Mary Jane Merritt attended the University of Arizona where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Education. She now holds a California Life Credential (K-9), and an ACSI Credential. Mrs. Merritt began teaching in 1969 and became a kindergarten teacher at Mission Hills Christian School in 1991. She absolutely loves coming to work where her students are always the “best class in the world!” As well as teaching reading, writing, phonics, and math, she enjoys teaching the Bible and helping the children walk closer with Jesus.
Mrs. Merritt’s favorite things to do are spending time with her five grown children, hanging out with her five grandchildren, traveling along our beautiful beaches, playing golf, and learning more about the importance of fitness and healthy nutrition.
Joni Carruthers
Joni Carruthers attended San Diego State University and majored in Child Development, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree. Ms. Carruthers has more than 35 years of experience working with young children and considers it a privilege to introduce children to Jesus. Ms. Carruthers has two grown children who are married. Her biggest joy is spending time with her family and her grandchildren. Ms. Carruthers enjoys taking her Border collie, Sydney, for long walks around the RSM lake. She enjoys pickleball, tennis, and hiking.
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