CAMBRIDGE - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Upper School Principal, Science Teacher
Dr. Melissa Gingrich earned her B.S. in Cellular and Molecular Biology at the University of Arizona and her Ph.D. in Neuroscience at Emory University. After graduate school, she worked in clinical studies at the University of Virginia. Dr. Gingrich has been with Cambridge since its inception and helped build and design the science program; she has taught almost all levels of science classes here in 2nd through 12th grades. This year Dr. Gingrich begins her 14th year of teaching at Cambridge in the Neuroscience Seminar class. She enjoys spending time at the beach and on the trails with her husband Brenden and their three children, Samuel (20), Benjamin (18), and Elizabeth (15).
Miss Ashley Ewing graduated from the University of Arizona, receiving a B.A. in both Latin and Political Science. She taught in Tucson, Arizona for nine years at a private Christian school where she created the high school Latin program, including Honors and AP courses. She also spent time coaching varsity swimming and served as the Assistant Varsity Coach for high school track and girls soccer. She both planned and led overseas summer trips for high school students to complement the students' academic studies. Before moving to San Diego in 2016 to teach at TCS, she completed her M.S. in Mental and Clinical Health Counseling. Outside of Cambridge, she works part-time as a therapist, providing EMDR therapy for survivors of human trafficking.
Mr. Andrew Chung graduated from the University of Kentucky with a B.A. in business administration, focusing on marketing and Spanish, and went on to receive his Master's degree in International Cooperation concentrating on Northeast Asian security from Yonsei University in Seoul, Korea. Though not the path that Mr. Chung took academically, he has always had a deep affinity for math, so throughout his college career, and before, he tutored math on the side, which even helped him pay his way through graduate school. He believes that math is the universal language that is shared by everyone. No matter where you are in the world, even if the numbers and symbols are different, the mathematic principals are always the same. Andrew has been teaching in the San Diego area for thirteen years now. Originally head of the math departments at both San Diego Elite offices, (Assistant Director at the Carmel Valley branch) he went on to co-found Summa Education in 2011 where he continued to teach students, hire and train staff, and guide students and their families through the changing landscape of education in the area. He has taught classes ranging from 5th grade math to calculus, as well as test-prep for the ACT, SAT and SAT Level 2 math exams. After taking a brief hiatus from academics, Mr. Chung was very excited about getting back into the classroom. He looks forward to returning to the Cambridge School, where he will be teaching both geometry and pre-calculus. In his free time, Mr. Chung likes to swim, surf, travel and spend time with his wife, Janet, and their seven year old son, Isaiah.
Mr. Brandon Hong earned his B.A. in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at Pomona College and his J.D. at the University of California, Hastings College of the Law. He worked in both the public and private sectors before pivoting to the teaching profession when he was overseas for four years. Mr. Hong joined the Cambridge faculty in 2017, and he presently teaches Economics (12th grade) in addition to being the Business Manager.
Mr. Brent Baber began teaching at The Cambridge School in 2014. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of California, Irvine. During his time at UC Irvine, he took some time off to study at a Bible school in Austria, a place that ignited his love for studying the Scriptures. After finishing at UC Irvine, he served as a youth pastor in Sacramento where he was blessed to teach and preach to junior high and high school students. He then went on to complete his graduate work in Escondido where he earned a Master of Arts degree in Biblical Studies from Westminster Seminary California. He currently serves at a local church as a pastoral intern. Mr. Baber loves the mountains and all activities that take place there. If he has free time but no snow, he'll hit the trail to hike, bike, climb and run with his wife Hannah. Most of all, he is passionate about teaching students to deeply know and enjoy their savior Jesus Christ, who has been richly revealed to us in all of Scripture.
Mr. Caleb Lieurance graduated from Westmont College with a B.A. in Philosophy and a Minor in Mathematics. While in school, he worked as a Peer Tutor and Teacher's Assistant, where he discovered his passion for coming alongside students as they pursue understanding. Mr. Lieurance looks forward to sharing his interest in logic and mathematics, and guiding students as they engage with difficult problems. He also loves spending time with a good puzzle or riddle.
Job Titles:
- Speech and Debate Teacher, Speech and Debate Coach
Mr. Caleb Smith has an A.A. in Speech from Palomar College and a B.A. in Communication from San Diego Christian College. A lifelong San Diego resident, Mr. Smith is passionate about the art of public speech. Having thrived on his own team in college he now enjoys creating similar opportunities for his upper school students at The Cambridge School. Mr. Smith began teaching at The Cambridge School in 2016. He teaches and coaches speech and debate for grades seven and up.
Coach Christopher Mendoza received his BA in Education from Point Loma Nazarene University. Upon graduating, he was asked to coach the boy's Volleyball team and has not looked back. He has been a part of the Cambridge community coaching and aiding in the 3rd and 4th grade classes. He also has a daughter, who is entering her 3rd year at Cambridge. As assistant athletic director, he looks forward to impacting the lives of all students by creating an environment for Griffins to excel in all aspects of life and not just sports.
Coach Chris Mendoza grew up in the San Diego area and completed his early education at Mira Mesa high school. He continued his schooling at Point Loma Nazarene University where he received his bachelors in education. Coach Chris found a home at Cambridge in 2018 coaching boys volleyball. Since starting as a coach, his role at TCS has slowly evolved from Coach to teacher and assistant athletic director. During his free time, he enjoys playing volleyball, basketball and exercising. He currently resides in North Park, with his wife, Amanda, daughter, Milaya and his two cats, Benji and Chester. He's excited to continue to share his love of fitness and sports with the Cambridge community.
Mr. Derren Raser earned his B.A. in Theology from Point Loma Nazarene University, with a minor in Music. He draws from many years of professional experience as founder of and lead photographer for The Rasers Photography, an award-winning commercial, portrait and wedding photography studio. Mr. Raser has been teaching at The Cambridge School since 2018, and is looking forward to continuing to share his passion for this dynamic artistic medium with his students. In addition to photography his passions include his family, finger-style guitar, songwriting/composition, storytelling through his podcast "One Rare Heart," and travel. He also enjoys playing basketball and getting outdoors to explore the abundant San Diego water on his stand up paddle board.
Mr. Donny McNair has taught at The Cambridge School for five years. He graduated from New Saint Andrew's College with his BA in Liberal Arts and Culture, and then graduated from Villanova University with his MA in classical studies and Latin. Mr. McNair began teaching in 2014 at St. Abraham's Classical Christian Academy in Aptos, California where he remained for three years. He started primarily as a Latin teacher and has taught Latin from 4th grade through 10th grade. His other areas of experience include teaching Roman and Medieval literature and History. Mr. McNair is happy to be sharing his knowledge and love of the Latin language with the students of Cambridge. Outside of school, Mr. McNair enjoys spending time with his wife, mountain biking, and surfing.
Mr. Doug Jones has been teaching at TCS since 2017 and is the Literature Chair. He is a graduate of the University of California, Irvine (BA, philosophy), the University of Southern California (MA, philosophy) and the University of Idaho (MFA, creative writing). A native Californian, he is an avid baseball fan and a devoted woodworker. Mr. Jones is the husband of TCS fourth-grade teacher, Paula Jones, whom he met at Vista High in north county San Diego. They have five children, raised largely in northern Idaho and now spread about the country (their youngest, Gabe, graduated from TCS).
Mr. Jacob Mohler earned a Bachelor of Science in mathematics from Hillsdale College and continued his formal education earning a Master of Arts in mathematics from Saint Louis University. Jacob has taught in several different academic settings since 2000 including a K-12 classical and Christian school, a 7-12 Christian school, community college and private Universities. Since coming to The Cambridge School back in 2018, Jacob looks forward to each school year so he can continue building relationships with more students and their families and create memories with House Faraday. In the coming school year, Jacob continues to look for more ways to broaden all of his students' perspectives about mathematics to help them see and experience math as a liberal "freeing" art and not just an academic discipline accessible to a select few. When not working, Jacob enjoys spending time with his family, cooking with friends, traveling, playing and listening to music and engaging in good conversations.
Job Titles:
- Marketing and Communications Coordinator
Jake Goodwiler graduated from California State University - San Marcos. He has worked at Cambridge since moving out to California in 2016. In that time he has worn many hats at the school but was able to find a home with the advancement team in 2018. He has been serving as the Marketing and Communications Coordinator since. In his free time, Jake likes to travel to track meets around the nation in support of his fiancé who competes for Canada in the Long Jump.
Job Titles:
- Development
- Director of Advancement
Jeffrey Yoder grew up in Lancaster, PA. After a year of art school at Savannah College of Art & Design he attended Simpson University in Redding, CA where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. While in college Mr. Yoder met and married his lovely wife Leslie, originally from Santa Barbara, and they moved back to Lancaster in 2000. There he joined with a financial advisory firm where he helped clients for almost 10 years. In 2010 Mr. Yoder joined Veritas Academy, a Classical Christian School in Leola, PA as the Director of Operations. There he oversaw finance, facilities, technology, marketing, admissions, and even had time to teach a yearbook class. Mr. Yoder and his family moved to San Diego in 2012 and began working at The Cambridge School as the Director of Advancement.
Mr. Jim Hamilton was introduced to Classical learning when he took Latin and Greek early on in his studies at UC Irvine. There he developed a passion for the language and culture of the ancient Greeks and Romans. This was further cultivated at Westminster Seminary California when his love for ancient language was combined with the reading and teaching of the Gospel. Mr. Hamilton has taught Latin and Greek at Cambridge since 2013. He is blessed to work at an institution of like-minded educators where he can instill his passion for the Classical languages and history in his students. When not engaged in Classical studies, Jim is spending time with his wife, Perri, and their two young children.
Mr. John Egidio graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of California, Davis. He later received a Master's Degree from St. Mary's College in Athletic Administration. John has worked in the California Community College system for 14 years. Since 2006, he has served in various instructional and administrative roles in the exercise science and athletics department at San Diego Miramar College, including a seven year stint as the Associate Head Coach of the school's Men's Basketball team. He founded and operated Top Gun Basketball Academy in San Diego County from 2010-2016. Mr. Egidio's love of sport began as child. John was a three sport standout in his playing days at St. Patrick-St. Vincent High School in Vallejo, CA. He's excited to start his 4th year at The Cambridge School and share his passion for working with youth through sport in the Christian environment at The Cambridge School. John and his wife, Min, have two daughters: Chloe and Madison and reside in the Rancho Penasquitos community.
Mr. Joshua Liu earned his B.A. in Human Development at the University of California, San Diego. During his undergraduate career, he was enthusiastically involved in student ministries and international student outreach. Thereafter, he obtained a M.A. Ed. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (Alliant International University) and a Master of Divinity (The Master's Seminary). He has served in children's, youth, and college ministries in various local churches in the United States, Argentina, and Taiwan over the course of eight years, and briefly worked as an English teacher for a local language school before coming to The Cambridge School in 2019. He and his wife, Hannah, share a passion for evangelism, theology, and discipleship. Mr. Liu looks forward to continuing to partner with parents in the intellectual, spiritual, and relational formation of their children here at TCS.
Mr. Joshua Sansonetti has been working at The Cambridge School since 2013, and he is excited to again teach 7th grade Algebra 1. Mr. Sansonetti is also looking forward to being of assistance in the Walker Buddies Program in addition to helping outside of the classroom with the other Upper School math courses. Mr. Sansonetti found his love for teaching mathematics while attending Chaffey College at age sixteen, where he was chosen to tutor college algebra students for three semesters. Since then, he has helped students from fourth grade math all the way to AP Calculus-all the while encouraging students not only to master the concepts, but also to enjoy mathematics. Mr. Sansonetti received his Bachelor's of Science Degree in Mathematics Secondary Education at Biola University and graduated with distinction as a member of Biola's Torrey Honors Institute, a classical great books program based on Socratic discussion. Mr. Sansonetti looks forward to continuing to work with Cambridge students as together they explore how math can be theological, philosophical, historical, and cultural. He also enjoys spending time with family, Star Wars, playing the piano, theater, reading, board games, and math puzzles.
Mr. Paul Reinke graduated from Concordia University - Seward, NE with a B.S. in Business and Math Education. He received his M.A. in Education Administration from Concordia University - Irvine, CA. Mr. Reinke excelled in track and field and performed with an internationally touring choir while in college. Mr. Reinke served 8 years in Lutheran education before embarking upon 13 years in nationally-ranked non-sectarian, private schools. Schools include South Bay Lutheran High School in the inner-city of Inglewood, CA, a principalship at Salem Lutheran School in St. Louis, work in the STEM department at Mary Institute and St. Louis Country Day School, followed by teaching at Pacific Ridge School in Carlsbad. He has taught math and science and has coached football, track, cross country, and academic teams. Mr. Reinke is thrilled to have returned to Christian education while embarking upon the Classical approach at The Cambridge School beginning in 2019. He is excited to help students discover the structure and relationships that God has to offer through his math and logic courses, through athletics, and through other school activities. When not teaching or coaching, he enjoys reading, running, biking, singing, cooking, tinkering, and spending time with family.
Reuben Settergren's academic career (BS/MS (Math), Johns Hopkins; PhD (Operations Research), Rutgers; Asst Professor (Math/CS), College of Wooster; Postdoc (Computing), Imperial College, London) involved computational research in fields as varied as astronomy, bioinformatics, and finance. For the past 20 years, he has worked as a photogrammetric software engineer at BAE Systems in Rancho Bernardo, where he has frequent opportunities to teach software skills internally, and present research at conferences. Reuben & Tina and their 3 boys have been part of the Cambridge family since 2007, when Lucas and Callum enrolled in 3rd grade and K4. Lucas graduated with the inaugural class of 2018, and Callum and Mason are currently in 12th and 10th grades. Reuben's Erdős Number is 3.
Rodney Glick has lived in Lancaster, Pennsylvania for most of his life. He has a life-time of experience in the construction trades and management and loves serving others with his skills and knowledge. For the past 14 years he has served as a senior construction manager for a premier construction management and consulting firm in Lancaster and is excited to now be part of the Cambridge Family. He and his wife Glenda have four children, their oldest living in CA for the past 8 years. His greatest joys in life are studying the Bible, spending quality time with his wife and family, quiet times of reading and long walks. He counts it a great blessing to live and serve the people of beautiful San Diego.
Job Titles:
- Assistant
- Head of School
- Ordained Minister
Mr. Kapusinski is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church of America (PCA) and for the past three decades has served in several leadership posts in vocational ministry ranging from churches, parachurch ministries, and Christian schools. He holds a B.A. in Speech Communications from North Park University in Chicago and a Master's Degree in Divinity from Reformed Theological Seminary. Mr. Kapusinski is excited about the mission of The Cambridge School and the opportunity to shape young lives to think well, love rightly, and live wisely in service of God and neighbor. He is married to Diane and they have three children, Joshua (22), Caleb (20), and Kate (14).
Job Titles:
- College Counseling Assistant
Amy Burger earned her undergraduate degree from UCLA and her master's degree in education with a Pupil Personnel Services credential from Azusa Pacific University. Mrs. Burger spent 15 years in public education, the last 12 of which were as a high school guidance counselor, before staying at home with her children for the past few years. She is excited to join the staff of The Cambridge School in the fall.
Mrs. Burger has been a teacher's aide at Cambridge for several years working in the kindergarten and 1st grade classes. Prior to working at Cambridge, she home schooled her four children where she emphasized a Classical education including the study of Latin. Mrs. Burger has a B.S. in Engineering from UCLA.
Mrs. Ashley Park was born and raised in Southern California. She studied at the University of California, San Diego for three years and earned a BA in Literature with an emphasis in writing. Mrs. Park is excited to return for her 7th year at the Cambridge School teaching 5th grade where she can continue to share her love of God and learning with her students. In her free time, she enjoys reading, exploring new coffee shops, and spending time at the beach with her husband and dog!
Mrs. Becky Priest has been at Cambridge for 12 years as a parent and is in her eighth year of being the College Counselor, having built the program at TCS. She is a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis where she double-majored in Sociology and Secondary Education with an emphasis in educational policy. She was employed for several years as a Financial Aid Counselor at Washington University and in the San Diego area at college admissions firms and in private consulting. She has 30 years of experience in college financial aid, student counseling, and mentoring high school and college students. She and her husband have provided leadership in their church in the areas of teaching, music, youth, international student ministry, and missions. She is currently serving on the Classic Learning Test's Board of Academic Advisors.
Mrs. Cara Francisco graduated from Whitworth University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology. She spent the past 13.5 years working for an Email Marketing company as a Quality Assurance manager, overseeing custom projects and defining testing standards. Her husband, Kepa, and their three children Isaiah, Malachi and Anaiah, have been part of the Cambridge community for the past 8 years. She is thrilled to join in supporting the school as a staff member and looks forward to serving in this new role.
Job Titles:
- Enrollment Assistant and Media Production
Carnie Wong earned her BA in Communications from UCSD in 2017. She discovered The Cambridge School through church friends who are teachers and families who attend the school. She loves the mission and serves joyfully as event coordinator, for the glory of God.
Job Titles:
- Upper School Writing Tutor
Mrs. Colleen Dong has a B.A. in English with an emphasis in Creative Writing from Azusa Pacific University, and an M.A. in Rhetoric and Writing Studies from San Diego State University. She has taught Kindergarten, as well as 7th and 8th Grade Speech and Debate, and has served as the Upper School Writing Tutor. This year will mark her 11th year with The Cambridge School and Colleen will be teaching the Kindergarten classes a specialized curriculum, Feuerstein Instrumental Enrichments, and will be returning to her role of Writing Tutor for the Rhetoric students.
Job Titles:
- Graphic Designer / Beautification Coordinator
Deborah Hom earned her B.F.A in Graphic Design from CSULB and worked for several years in the design and advertising industry until her children were born. By working for The Cambridge School this June, she feels truly blessed to be returning to the field that she enjoys, supporting the community that she appreciates, and serving the God that she loves.
Elena Girling grew up in the San Diego area. She studied math and literature and earned her bachelor's degree at Claremont McKenna College. About four years ago, Elena discovered the joy of teaching students how to read while working with students who have learning disabilities. This discovery led her to complete her Master's in Special Education with a Graduate Certificate in Dyslexia through the University of Florida. After working with a few Cambridge students over the past few years, Elena is looking forward to her first year as an official part of The Cambridge School. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, playing games, rock climbing, and spending time with family.
Estella Tai is a native of Taiwan and immigrated to the US to attend high school. She lived in the Bay Area and attended UC Berkeley to obtain a Bachelor's degree in Bioengineering. Thereafter, she moved to San Diego and graduated from UCSD with a Master's degree in Bioengineering. She taught at a private high school for a year, then worked in the biotech industry for 4 years before transitioning to be a full time mom. She was privileged to homeschool her children a few years before teaching Mandarin and subsequently science at Cambridge. She is excited to be teaching life science to her 7th grade students this fall, and to learn about God's creation together! This fall also marks her third year teaching 8th grade physical science - she can't wait to have fun with the class, to observe how things work as they explore physics and chemistry through activities.
Mrs. Esther Han has a Bachelor's degree in Public Health Natural Sciences from Johns Hopkins University and a Master's degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. She received her credential and Master's in Education from Stanford University. She has taught high school science in San Diego since 2009 and has loved being able to share her excitement and love of the natural world that God has created with the students at TCS since 2018. In her free time she enjoys reading, trying new restaurants, and spending time with her husband and two children.
Mrs. Glenda Glick is from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. She will be leaving her career as a pharmacy technician to pursue her gift of hospitality as The Cambridge School Events Coordinator. Over the years Glenda has hosted large extended family dinners, multiple church events, and even a large high school prom at her home. While her greatest calling has been serving her family including her husband, four children, and one grandchild, she looks forward to this next adventure in life by serving the Cambridge community. In Glenda's spare time she enjoys cooking, baking, reading and spending time with her family.
Mrs. Haidee Thesing graduated from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo with a bachelor's degree in liberal studies and a master's degree in education from San Jose State University. She holds a California Clear, multiple subject credential and has over 30 years of teaching experience with students in kindergarten through 8th grade. Mrs. Thesing began her teaching career in the public-school sector with the Menlo Park City School District where she was a Master Teacher. She then classically homeschooled her own children and led a multi-grade homeschool co-op in northern California. After moving back to her native San Diego with her family, Mrs. Thesing began teaching again full-time and has been professionally involved in classical education for the past 15 years. She is delighted to be embarking on her ninth year of teaching first grade at The Cambridge school and is passionate about training up the next generation to think well, love wisely and live rightly by loving God with all their "heart, soul, mind and strength." When not in the classroom, Mrs. Thesing enjoys traveling with her husband, spending time with her family, working in her garden, and swimming.
Mrs. Hana Rodgers has a Master's degree from the Czech Republic in English, Social Sciences, and Education. After student teaching, she taught high school (English and Composition), helped with creating grammar curriculum for summer English camps, and was a K-8th grade tutor for 6 years. She also volunteered in a 5th grade public school classroom after moving to the US and has enjoyed serving in her church's children's ministry for many years. She loves sharing her love for God with her students and is deeply grateful for the opportunity to pursue the unique mission, vision, and values of the school. Her excitement for the richness of Christian classical education and specifically of the 3rd grade curriculum began ten years ago and has only deepened with time.
Mrs. Hosanna Hall grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and moved to San Diego to attend UCSD. During her time in college, Mrs. Hall was a part of several children's ministries and discovered her delight in teaching children who God is and what He has done. After she received a B.A. in Human Development, she became a kindergarten aide at The Cambridge School. She returned to UCSD to earn a Teaching Credential and Master of Education degree and now is so thankful to be back at TCS for her fifth year as a 3rd grade teacher to encourage children in their love of God and to shape their characters. Mrs. Hall married her husband, Greg in July 2020 and adopted her puppy, Rollie, in February 2021.
Jean Chung Kim has been an educator for more than 25 years, first as a high school history/humanities teacher and then as an educational policy analyst at a Washington DC think-tank. She holds a BA in History from Yale University where she completed her teacher preparation as well. She has served two terms on the board of The Society for Classical Learning, a national organization dedicated to helping Classical Christian schools flourish. Jean and her husband, Scott, have three children who have graduated from Cambridge.
Mrs. Jenni Helj graduated from California State University, Long Beach with a BA in Liberal Studies/Speech Communication and also holds a MA in Educational Administration from Concordia University, Irvine. Before coming to Cambridge, Mrs. Helj was at another classical Christian school where she taught grammar school grades and then became the Head of School. She also spent over a decade on the mission field in Romania, where she met and married her husband, Adi. They have two adult children, one of whom was in the second graduating class from The Cambridge School. Mrs. Helj is looking forward to her eleventh year at Cambridge, where she has the privilege of working with students, teachers and parents to further the mission of the school in the lives of the Grammar School students.
Mrs. Joyce Kim was born in Illinois, moved and lived in several other states in the Midwest, and then settled in the Sacramento area. She studied at University of California, San Diego where she majored in Human Biology. Throughout college and afterwards, she worked in a variety of biomedical positions, ranging from clinical to laboratory. She's excited to continue her third year at The Cambridge School because she's passionate about cultivating a biblical worldview for how students see not only science, but all subjects, personal character, and human relationships. In her free time, she enjoys studying biblical counseling, cooking, and checking out new coffee shops and restaurants with her husband and friends.
Mrs. Karla Hays earned her BSN from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and her Master of Nursing and Public Health from the University of Washington. She spent ten years on active duty and seventeen years as a drilling reservist as a Navy Nurse Corps Officer and retired from military service in December 2016. Mrs. Hays has a variety of clinical, community health, and leadership experiences and is excited to serve with the health care team, students, parents, and staff at The Cambridge School. She teaches community health nursing with Azusa Pacific University-San Diego Regional Center and volunteers as a Parish Nurse at Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church. She enjoys traveling, reading, music, and hiking the trails. Mrs. Hays moved to Poway three years ago with her active duty spouse, Russell, who will be retiring in December 2017. They have three children ages 13, 11, and 8 and a 4-year old Shiba-Inu named Lucy.
Mrs. Katie Mohler grew up in Switzerland and attended the French-speaking public school system. In tenth grade, she moved to the United States and finished high school in Rochester, Minnesota. She then went on to earn a B.A. in English and French Literature, with a Minor in History, from Hillsdale College in Michigan. Mrs. Mohler's first teaching job was on the island of Kauai, Hawaii, where she met her husband, current Upper School Math teacher, Jacob Mohler.
Mrs. Mohler has spent the majority of her teaching career imparting her love of literature, history and French in grades K-12 in Minnesota, Missouri and Hawaii. Before moving to San Diego four years ago, Mrs. Mohler and her family lived in St. Louis, Missouri, where she was the Outdoor Classroom Director at a K-6th Christian school. This position allowed her to integrate literature, history, art, and science with outdoor and hands-on learning experiences.
The past two years she has been a part of the fifth grade team and is now looking forward to delving deeper into the rich and varied curriculum of fourth grade.
The Mohlers have two children at The Cambridge School, Emma (12th grade) and Ian (9th grade). Mrs. Mohler delights in learning about the flora and fauna in the San Diego area, traveling, reading all types of books, watching movies, spending time both at the beach and in the mountains with her family, and listening to her husband play the ukulele. She also loves tea and food, especially the three essentials, chocolate, cheese, and warm crusty bread.
Mrs. Kelsey Bonilla first encountered classical education as an undergraduate in the Integral Liberal Arts Program at Saint Mary's College of California, where she studied the Great Books. Her quest to be a lifelong student continued at San Diego State University where she earned her M.A. in History. After several years as an administrator in a CPA firm, she was overjoyed to join Cambridge as an Upper School History teacher in 2021. She loves working with students to inspire their historical curiosity and discuss challenging questions about our past and present culture. In her free time, Mrs. Bonilla enjoys reading, running, and serving her church alongside her husband Dennis and children, Sienna and Mateo.
Mrs. Kelsie Howze is originally from San Diego, California and a graduate from the University of California, San Diego. Upon earning her degree in Linguistics, Mrs. Howze traveled to India for an internship working with a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) where she developed curriculum for underprivileged children and worked on character building and deepening faith understanding with children in an orphanage. After 5 months, she returned to San Diego where she pursued and earned her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential at San Diego State University. For the past five years, she has worked at Cambridge as one of the 6th Grade Lead teachers. She is currently pursuing her Masters in Biblical and Theological Studies at Covenant Theological Seminary. She has always loved teaching and feels God calling her to challenge students to think critically and engage with various texts including fictional literature, classics, historical and other non-fiction texts, especially God's word. Her goal in teaching is to encourage students to be excited about digging deep into all their studies, connecting and applying it to their lives, and being able to carry those skills into their futures. In her free time she loves reading, board games, studying the Bible, traveling, hiking, swimming, and spending time with friends and family.
Job Titles:
- Bridge Teacher
- Student Support Services Director
Mrs. Krista Hahn is a Licensed Educational Psychologist with over 20 years of experience as a school psychologist in the San Diego area. Mrs. Hahn has worked in both the private and public settings as an educational psychologist and holds a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis on Marriage, Family, Child Therapy from Pepperdine University. Mrs. Hahn also holds a Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Psychology from National University. She completed her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology at UC Davis. She has extensive experience in psychoeducational evaluations, educational programs and interventions, counseling, social-emotional and behavior management, strategy development, individualized education plans, and crisis management. Mrs. Hahn has a passion for reading and is a former Board Member of the International Dyslexia Association. Mrs. Hahn enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters. In her free time, Mrs. Hahn loves all forms of exercise and competes in triathlons. She is an avid fan of the Baylor Bears, Broadway musicals, viticulture, and pontoon boating. Mrs. Hahn finds great joy in caring for animals, particularly her two pet dogs. Mrs. Hahn is ecstatic about being on The Cambridge School team and serving God by serving His children and their unique needs.
Mrs. Laura Smith grew up in Iowa City, Iowa and earned a BA in Elementary Ed with a specialization in science from Bethel University. Mrs. Smith taught fourth grade at Grace Academy Classical School in Boone, North Carolina for five years before she moved out to sunny San Diego to join The Cambridge School. At Cambridge, Mrs. Smith enjoyed serving as a lead fourth grade teacher for three years before her family moved away to Oregon for one short year before coming back to southern California. Mrs. Smith is currently in her second year as a lead sixth grade teacher while raising three children who attend the Cambridge School. She is passionate about the great outdoors, being with others and the game of baseball. She can't wait to learn and grow from her students while helping shape their hearts and affections towards Christ.
Job Titles:
- Director of Enrollment Management
Leslie Yoder is thrilled to put her passion for the Cambridge mission and vision and her prior personal and professional experience to work as our new Admissions Coordinator. She spent four years as an active parent volunteer and as a music program assistant at a flagship classical Christian school, Veritas Academy, in Lancaster, PA. While at Veritas Academy she planned field trips, provided administrative support and coordinated major events. After her move to San Diego, Leslie spent time working in the Del Mar Union School District as a para-educator for special education students. Her students were in the general education setting where Leslie provided one on one therapeutic and educational support. Most recently, Leslie has been part of the Sales and Marketing Team for an upscale retirement community, The Meridian at Lake San Marcos, coordinating admissions for new residents and their families. Leslie is married to Jeff Yoder, Director of Advancement here at Cambridge, and has two children who have been students at Cambridge since 2012. She looks forward to joining the Cambridge team in this new capacity.
Mrs. Luda Rockett was born and raised in the beautiful Southern region of Russia, where the Caucasus Mountains meet the Black Sea. She received her BA in Music Education and Masters in Choir Management and has extensive training in Orff and Kodaly methods, which are rhythm and pitch development approaches. Mrs. Rockett absolutely loves to learn and enrich her knowledge in classical pedagogy. Besides constant self-education, she attends Music Teachers conferences, workshops and trainings and is an active member of the San Diego American Orff Schulwerk Association. She is excited for another year at Cambridge, teaching music theory and appreciation to our students.
Mrs. Margaret Lowing is thrilled to return to Cambridge as a second grade teacher this fall after being away for nine years. She has her MA in elementary education with a specialization in reading and mathematics from Walden University, a postgraduate degree in Autism education from Liberty University and specialized training in addressing reading and language processing difficulties from Lindamood-Bell. She had the immense pleasure of teaching junior kindergarten and first grade at Cambridge for five years before moving with her husband, an active duty Marine. Mrs. Lowing went on to teach third grade at a public school in North Carolina, privately tutored students with reading and language difficulties in Hawai'i and worked as the math and reading interventionist and sixth grade English teacher at a private school in the Lowing's most recent duty station in Michigan. When she is not in the classroom, Mrs. Lowing enjoys being outdoors, a good cup of tea, cooking, visiting family, playing board and card games and exploring God's creation through the eyes of her two young sons, who are becoming part of the Cambridge community this fall as well.
Mrs. Melissa Mayne has a dual bachelor's degree in Biology and Chemistry and a teaching credential from Point Loma Nazarene University. She has been teaching students from grades 3 to 12 to love and explore science in San Diego schools for many years and has been part of the faculty at The Cambridge School since 2014. She is passionate about helping students to cultivate wonder and delight in all the living things God has made. Mrs. Mayne enjoys long walks in the mountains and on the beach with her husband and two children.
Michelle Thompson received her baccalaureate nursing degree from Biola University, and her Master's in Nursing from San Diego State University. She began her career as a neonatal intensive care nurse but quickly realized she enjoyed the work and life that school nursing provided far more. Her favorite part o school nursing is the health teaching she gets to do, particularly when it comes to exercise and food choices. On the side she is a lifestyle portrait and landscape photographer and she throws in a few extra hours a week working for a camp health consulting company. Her passions are photography and travel. Michelle and her husband, Curt, are so pleased to have discovered The Cambridge School for their kindergarten daughter, Georgia.
Mrs. Paula Jones taught fourth grade for eight years at Logos School, Moscow, Idaho, one of the early classical and Christian schools in the modern movement, as well as serving there as Director of International Students. This will be Mrs. Jones's seventh year teaching 4 th grade at The Cambridge School. Mrs. Jones graduated from the University of California, Irvine (BA, Social Science), and has lectured at the annual convention of the Association of Classical and Christian Schools. She and her husband, Doug, have five children. She enjoys walking on the beach, yoga and sewing. She has lived in Idaho and the United Arab Emirates but is thankful to be back in beautiful San Diego where she grew up.
Rachel Jo-McNair has a B.A. in Liberal Arts and Culture and a M.A. in Theology & Letters from New Saint Andrews College, and a M.A. in Literary Linguistics from the University of Nottingham. During her M.A. work, she was a Davenant Fellow for Wenden House, translating Latin texts from the Reformation, and her research interests include the language of death literature and anticipatory grief. She began teaching at the Cambridge School in 2015 and looks forward to returning to her Humanities classroom to enjoy more conversations with students about life-shaping texts.
Teaching K-12 art since 1987, professional artist/teacher, Ms. Robin Przybysz, came to teach at Cambridge in the 2011-2012 school year. "Coming to The Cambridge School feels like coming home to a loving family. I am surrounded by energy, encouragement, and enthusiasm for the arts." Ms. Przybysz exhibits throughout San Diego and other parts of the United States. She graduated from Azusa Pacific University with her MFA in July 2016.
Mrs. Segarra joined the Cambridge School teaching team in 2012. She earned her undergraduate degree in music from Chapman University, with an emphasis in choral conducting and voice, and an MBA from Pepperdine University and has completed training and certification in the Orff method of music education. Mrs. Segarra taught Kindergarten Prep, 3rd grade, and 4th grade at a private Christian school. Additionally, she has served for many years in church music ministry in various capacities - as director of music ministry; director for children, youth, and adult choirs; and soloist. She has been active in a number of music associations, as co-president of San Diego Choristers Guild for a number of years and currently as an active member of the San Diego American Orff Schulwerk Association. Mrs. Segarra and her husband have lived in the San Diego area for over twenty years, and they have three adult children.
Mrs. Ruth Hong was born, raised, and educated in China. She completed the International Chinese Teacher Training Program at Beijing Language and Culture University. She taught at a Christian school for 9 years before moving to the US. At Cambridge, she desires to help students learn this beautiful language and experience the rich culture of China. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking, gardening, and traveling.
Mrs. Stephanie Chung is a native of San Francisco, Ca. She moved down to San Diego to attend the University of California, San Diego, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, CA clear teaching credential and Master of Education degree. This will be her tenth year at The Cambridge School. She is excited to be a part of this community of faith and learning, and is eager to come alongside the faculty and parents of Cambridge to support her students in their development of heart, soul, and mind and to provide them with opportunities to practice loving and serving God and each other. Stephanie is married to her husband, Sam. Together, they enjoy working on their home, traveling, serving at their church, and playing with their dog, Buddy.
Mrs. Suzanne Kataoka is passionate about helping students flourish during their formative years of grammar school. Her experience in teaching pre-K thru 6th provides her with a unique perspective of child development and the importance of laying a strong foundation in good learning habits and character formation. As a credentialed reading specialist, she is particularly interested in helping students develop their reading, writing and speaking skills. She is looking forward to welcoming the Junior Kindergartners as they begin their journey through a distinctly Christian education in the classical tradition! She also looks forward to coming alongside parents to provide support and encouragement in this important season of life! As a lifelong learner, she is excited to further her graduate studies at Baylor University. She counts it a blessing to be a part of The Cambridge School community with her husband and two daughters. Soli Deo Gloria!
Ms. Amanda Sansonetti received her B.M. in Music Performance from Biola University, where she also graduated from the Torrey Honors College, a great books program based on Socratic discussion. She began teaching at The Cambridge School in 2017, and she is looking forward once again to enjoying great works of literature and of theater alongside her students in 7th grade Composition & Literature and in 8th grade Historical Drama. She will also teach 9th grade Rhetoric, where she and her students will explore how words and images are used to communicate meaningfully. When she's not at school, Ms. Sansonetti enjoys taking care of her plants, reading several books at a time, and hanging out with her dog.
Job Titles:
- Front Office Assistant and Auxiliaries Coordinator
Ms. Cyndi Lehn earned her B.S. in Mathematics from Biola University, and her single subject teaching credential from California State University, Fresno. Ms. Lehn is looking forward to her 10th year teaching grammar school math at Cambridge. During her time at Cambridge, she's taught grades 3-6 at in various years. Within the framework of our vigorous Singapore math curriculum, she shepherds her students to love God more deeply and to love their neighbors well. She cultivates a classroom culture where students learn to venture beyond their comfort zones and explore new challenges with perseverance and grit. In an environment of empathy, grace, and open communication, everyone is given space to make mistakes and learn from them and encouraged to keep pressing on until concepts are internalized. When she's not teaching, she enjoys time with family and friends, reading, yoga, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors.
Ms. Emma Kim received her B.A. from the University of California at Berkeley, majoring in History and minoring in Rhetoric. She is proud to be part of the first graduating class at The Cambridge School and is excited to rejoin the Cambridge community teaching various humanities classes. She looks forward to sharing all of her positive experiences from Cambridge and Berkeley and integrating them into the classroom.
Experience Our Embodied Education
Ms. Esther Berends is excited to be a part of the Cambridge community this upcoming year teaching fifth grade. This will be her seventh year at Cambridge, and she is excited for all the new experiences and learning that will take place this year in fifth grade. Ms. Berends has a B.A in Liberal Arts and Culture from New Saint Andrews College and a M.A in Teaching from Liberty University. She is thankful for the opportunity to work together with parents and colleagues to shape students who desire to pursue both virtue and academic excellence.
Renée Calvo has been a part of the Cambridge faculty since 2020. Since then she has served as a music and drama teacher for both the Grammar and Upper School. She holds a B.M. in Music from Point Loma University and an M.M. in Vocal Performance from San Diego State University. Renée has served as a musical director for local churches and at the Belvoir Performing Arts Centre in Lenox, Massachusetts. She has been on the music faculty at the University of San Diego since 2010. Her professional career has included performances with La Jolla Symphony and Chorus, San Diego Symphony, San Diego Opera and San Diego Master Chorale. She is excited and honored to share her love of performing and serving the Lord with the students at Cambridge.
Job Titles:
- House Governor, Walker Tutoring Lead Teacher
Ms. Tori Einstein was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona and has lived in Tucson, Arizona for the last 12 years. She graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in Religious Studies. After graduation, Ms. Einstein did a Children's Ministry internship at her local church before moving to Mill Valley, California to attend Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary. During her time there, she earned a Masters in Educational Leadership. Following graduation, Ms. Einstein was a Children's Ministry Director for 7 years. She then worked as an Athletic Director and a Middle School math and science teacher. In this new season, Ms. Einstein is excited about joining the faculty at The Cambridge School and investing in students as the House Governor, Walker Tutoring elective teacher and 6th grade science teacher. Ms. Einstein enjoys traveling, reading, and doing CrossFit.