PROVIDENCE SANTA BARBARA - Key Persons
Alba Romero joined the Providence faculty in 2019. Previously, she taught in the mathematics department at Bakersfield (CA) College for four years and for one year at Wonderful College Prep Academy in Delano, CA. She was a teaching associate at CSU-Channel Islands for three years. She earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics at CSU-Bakersfield and a master's degree in mathematics at CSU-Channel Islands. She is a member of the California Mathematics Council and the Association for Women in Mathematics.
Job Titles:
- Middle School Mathematics Teacher
Allison Smelley earned a B.A. in sociology from Westmont College and graduated with honors. She also earned a California teaching credential through Westmont. Over the years, Mrs. Smelley has enjoyed three different stints as a teacher at the former Santa Barbara Christian School, most recently rejoining the faculty in 2012. She has also taught piano lessons for more than 25 years.
Ana Rodriguez's career began at Star King Parent-Child Workshop in Santa Barbara. She then followed her three sons to Peabody School and eventually worked at Hope School. After earning an early childhood education credential through Santa Barbara City College she joined the El Montecito School faculty. She enjoys providing a warm, caring, and fun environment for children. The San Roque campus location is both in her neighborhood and is her church home.
Job Titles:
- Development Relations Coordinator
Angie West served in Lower School admissions for five years before taking on a new role in the Advancement Office. She has extensive experience in special-event planning. She earned a bachelor's degree from the American College of Applied Arts in London, England. Her two children are both Providence alumni.
Anna Elias earned a bachelor's degree in liberal studies at Westmont College and a multi-subject teaching credential at Loyola Marymount University. Miss Elias joined the Providence faculty in 2020 after teaching for two years through Teach for America in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Job Titles:
- San Roque Campus Office Assistant
Annette came to El Montecito School in 2015 after serving the Buellton School district for 16 years as office manager. She has a warm and cheerful greeting for everyone who enters the school office on the San Roque campus. Annette's dedication to serving wherever she is needed has led her to a variety of campus jobs where she has enjoyed getting to know faculty and students alike.
Annette came to El Montecito School in 2015 after serving the Buellton School district for 16 years as office manager. She is the warm and cheerful greeting for almost everyone who walks through the reception office on the San Roque campus. Annette's dedication to serving wherever she is needed has led her to a variety of campus jobs where she has enjoyed getting to know faculty and students alike.
Job Titles:
- Preschool Assistant Teacher
Miss April is an experienced caregiver for both children and senior citizens. She loves to plan activities and to see little ones learn and grow. She joined the Providence Preschool staff in 2019.
April Torres holds a master's degree in education and a secondary-level science credential from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a bachelor's degree in biological sciences. She joined the El Montecito School faculty in 2007 and has been the lead sixth-grade teacher since 2015.
Mrs. Torres enjoys leading students to see how every day they can point with gratitude for their minds and for Jesus' lordship within revelation, discovery, and the special creation of humanity. She considers it a privilege to develop deep relationships with students and families based on a common mission that goes beyond meeting educational goals.
April and her husband, "Pastor G," are the parents of three daughters and a son. All have attended Providence; the two oldest daughters are alums now attending Cal Poly and Westmont.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Secretary of the Board of Directors
Bruce Rottman earned a B.A. degree in history and secondary education teaching credential at Calvin College and an M.A. degree in international relations at San Francisco State University. He has taught in Christian and independent high schools since 1980, including Naples (Naples, FL) Christian Academy, Contra Costa Christian School (Walnut Creek, CA), Lynden Christian School (Lynden, WA), and Brookfield Academy (Brookfield, WI). He joined the Providence Hall faculty in 2009. Mr. Rottman was the recipient of the NASDAQ Award presented to the top five economic educators in the nation in 2000 and was twice the recipient of awards presented by the Wisconsin Council on Economic Education. In 2019, he was selected for the University of Chicago's Outstanding Educator Award. He lectures for the Foundation for Economic Education (FEE) and Young America's Foundation (YAF). He is a Hansen Fellow with the Acton Institute and participates in education-oriented programs of the Cato Institute.
Carolina Chavez discovered her love for teaching and working with children while working at summer camps and volunteering at Girls Inc. during her high school years. She took early childhood education classes at Santa Barbara City College and taught in their NAEYC-accredited laboratory school. Ms. Chavez is now attending Antioch University Santa Barbara where she is working on a bachelor's degree in liberal arts, child development, and education. She joined the El Montecito School preschool faculty in 2017.
Caroline Corazza joined Providence in 2017 after serving six years as a development officer for Young America's Foundation at the Reagan Ranch. As a development professional, Caroline has been a student of the Institute for Charitable Giving where she has had the privilege of studying under some of the most respected development professionals in the country. She has gained a deep appreciation for philanthropy and generosity and finds great satisfaction in connecting the interests of supporters with opportunities that advance important missions.
A native of the Commonwealth of Virginia, Caroline graduated from the University of Virginia in 2011 with a bachelor of arts degree in government and a minor in leadership.
Caroline and her husband, Joey Corazza, have been long involved with Santa Barbara Christian School and Providence. Joey attended Santa Barbara Christian School from kindergarten through eighth grade and has frequently spoken on behalf of the school. Together they are raising two young children; both attend Providence Preschool.
Job Titles:
- Middle School Humanities Teacher
Carri Svoboda is a National Board certified teacher of English language arts for early adolescents. She earned a B.A. in English with honors from the University of California Santa Barbara in 1992. In 1993, she earned a single subject teaching credential in English from UCSB, where she was named Student Teacher of the Year. She is a Fellow of the South Coast Writing Project and enjoys continuing participation in professional development and enrichment. Ms. Svoboda taught eighth-grade GATE classes at Santa Barbara Junior High for seven years before joining the former Santa Barbara Christian School faculty in 2000.
Catheleene Ooley has been teaching preschool students since 1981. After operating a daycare in Carpinteria, where she grew up, she joined the staff of El Montecito School in 1988. She holds early childhood education credentials and an Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education degree from Santa Barbara City College. She is passionate about providing an enriching environment for learning and exploring God's creation. Catheleene's son is an El Montecito School alum.
Chris Elwood earned B.A. degrees in both English and philosophy from Westmont College, a teaching credential in English and social sciences from Chapman University, and a M.A. in curriculum and instruction with a biblical studies emphasis from Colorado Christian University. Prior to joining the former Providence Hall faculty in 2009, he was the men's tennis coach at Westmont and an instructor in the kinesiology department. He coaches the Providence varsity girls beach volleyball team and the middle school girls volleyball team. He and his wife, Tabitha, are the parents of two daughters, both Providence students.
Christa Jones earned a B.S. degree in Elementary Education and Mildly Mentally Handicapped Education from Huntington University in Indiana and a Master's Degree in Education from Indiana Wesleyan. Mrs. Jones has been in the teaching profession since 1992 and joined the former Santa Barbara Christian School faculty in 2009. She and her husband, Doug, have two sons, one a Providence alum and one an Upper School student.
Job Titles:
- Director of Tuition Assistance
Diane Horvath directed the Financial Aid Office at Westmont College for more than 30 years before joining the former Providence Hall staff in 2011. Her wealth of experience is an asset to the Providence community.
Job Titles:
- Business Office Associate
Donna Venzor served six years on the board of Santa Barbara Christian School and held previous positions in the Providence, SBCS business office and performing arts department. She is the mother of a Providence senior (a K-12 "lifer") and two graduates of Santa Barbara Christian School. She studied business and economics at Westmont College and has been the business manager and bookkeeper for multiple clients for 40-plus years.
Job Titles:
- Director of Strategic Communication
Elaine Rottman has worked in independent and Christian school communications, marketing, and development since 1981. She has edited and produced award-winning publications for Brookfield Academy (Brookfield, WI) and the Marva Collins College Preparatory School (now Milwaukee College Preparatory School). She joined the former Providence Hall administration in 2010. Ms. Rottman earned a bachelor's degree in English at Calvin College, with a special interest in journalism. She serves on the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission Women's Auxiliary and the Channel Islands YMCA Good Friday Breakfast Planning Committee.
Job Titles:
- Admissions and Alumni Coordinator
Emilee Hurlbert earned a B.A. degree in music at Westmont College. After graduating, she worked in the Westmont Office of Alumni & Parent Relations and served as coordinator for student and young alumni outreach programs. She brought her administrative strength to her elementary alma mater, Heritage Christian Schools in Bakersfield, California, where she wore various hats, including stints as alumni coordinator, after-school program director, administrative assistant, and director of advancement and marketing. She joined Providence in 2016.
Evie Prohaska is a seasoned educator. She worked as an instructional aide at Vieja Valley Elementary School from 2004 until she made the move to Providence in 2016. Mrs. Prohaska's gentle spirit and creative talents are a gift to Providence. She and her husband are the parents of three grown sons.
Job Titles:
- Middle and Upper School Art Teacher
James Daly earned a B.A. in studio art from Westmont College and a teaching credential and M.A. in education from the University of California Santa Barbara. An accomplished visual artist and photographer, he joined the former Providence Hall faculty in 2008. He and his wife, Carrie, are the parents of two daughters, both Providence students.
Job Titles:
- Vice Chair of the Board of Directors
Jenny Lyutko, a Santa Barbara native, graduated from San Marcos High School and Santa Barbara City College, where she earned an associate's degree in early childhood education. She holds multiple certificates in early childhood education subject areas. Miss Jenny worked at another local preschool for over eight years before joining Providence School in 2019. She has experience working with age groups ranging from two to five years old. She is honored and excited to be a part of Providence School and looks forward to building amazing relationships with her students and their families.
Jessica Prahm earned her bachelor's degree in communications from the University of California Santa Barbara and holds a multiple subject teaching credential with an emphasis on cultural language and diversity from Sacramento State University. Before joining the El Montecito School faculty in 2004 she taught fifth grade for several years in Cupertino, California, where she sat on the Best Practices Leadership and Design Team and was involved in training fellow staff in reading strategy implementation. As a science teacher, her passion is creating a hands-on approach to learning and investigating science and God's creation. Jessica and her husband, Ryan, have three children, two of whom are current Providence students.
Job Titles:
- Academic Support Specialist
Jill McLemore holds a bachelor's degree in liberal studies and a multiple subject teaching credential from Westmont College. In 2006, she joined the El Montecito School faculty as a full-time substitute teacher and teacher's aide; in 2008, she began teaching first grade at Santa Barbara Christian School (which later became Providence, A Santa Barbara Christian School). She taught first grade there for 10 years before moving to part-time work while she and her husband raise their young son.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
John Pasini has led the finance, accounting, and operations teams for public and private companies in Santa Barbara for many years, before joining Providence in 2019. For the previous 20 years, John held CFO & COO roles in the publishing field. He graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a bachelor of arts degree in business economics. He and his wife, Kim, have an adult daughter who attended Mt. Carmel School in Montecito, where John served as a board member.
Job Titles:
- Director of Preschool Admission
Julia Davis graduated from Westmont College in 2007 with degrees in business and economics and Spanish. She taught Spanish and pre-algebra at El Montecito School for a year and then spent the next seven years as the associate director of admissions at Crane Country Day School. Along the way, she earned a Certificate of Enrollment Management from the University of Southern California (USC). She rejoined El Montecito School in a part-time admission director position in 2015. With the merger with Providence, SBCS in 2018, Julia shifted to specializing in preschool admission.
She enjoys working with a staff of nurturing and dedicated teachers and appreciates the solid program and curriculum and the loving, respectful ways in which the faculty and staff are treated at this school.
Julia and her husband have two young sons who attend Providence Preschool and an infant daughter. As an administrator and a parent, Julia appreciates that she can speak honestly with other parents about the love and support her child experiences every day.
Job Titles:
- San Roque Campus Office Manager
Julie Sommers has worked as a Christian educator for many years in churches and for the past 16 years in administration at El Montecito School. She holds a master's degree in Christian Education from Union Presbyterian Seminary and a bachelor's degree in Religious Studies from Westmont College. She and her husband Dave are the parents of three grown children, including Hannah, the 2012 Providence valedictorian.
Job Titles:
- Reading and Learning Specialist
Kara Baker is a graduate of the Westmont Teacher Credential Program and received a Liberal Studies degree from Westmont College in 2012. She joined the Providence faculty in 2013 and has extensive experience in the Providence kindergarten classroom. Mrs. Baker has developed a strong understanding of student development and enjoys sharing a relationship with each student based on interests, personality, and faith.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Kayla Monson earned a bachelor's degree in liberal studies with a Spanish concentration and a teaching credential from Westmont College. She did her student and pre-professional teaching at Adams Elementary, Hope Elementary, and La Patera Elementary. Miss Monson joined the Providence faculty in 2019. She is excited to have the opportunity to integrate faith and academics in impacting students to love learning and reach their full potential.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Treasurer of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Middle School Science Teacher
Mary Wilson has been a teaching professional since 2007. She holds a master's degree in educational leadership / administration from California Lutheran University and a K-8 teaching credential. She earned an undergraduate degree in liberal studies with a minor in Biblical studies from Biola University. Mrs. Wilson joined the Providence Lower School faculty in 2017 after teaching at Oaks Christian School and Pleasant Valley Christian. Mrs. Wilson believes a teacher plays a critical role in the life of a student and loves finding ways to make learning engaging, fun, and enriching. Her many strengths include curriculum development and leadership.
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Lower School Principal
- Santa Barbara Community Church As a Worship Leader
Matthew Knoles taught for 10 years in public elementary schools in Santa Barbara, Goleta, and Ventura before joining the Providence administration as Assistant Head of Lower School in 2014. He was named Lower School Principal in 2016. He holds a master's degree in Educational Policy and Leadership and a preliminary administrative credential (California State University Northridge, 2010). He completed the California teaching credential program (Chapman University, 2004) after earning a bachelors degree in sociology (UCSB, 2000).
On Sundays, Knoles serves Santa Barbara Community Church as a worship leader. He and his wife, Krista, have three children; two are enrolled at Providence.
Max Beers studied at Bethel Seminary and holds a B.A. degree in religion from Luther College. He joined the Providence faculty in 2015, after previously teaching at Thomas Edison High School in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he was the technology integration coordinator. Besides teaching, he is responsible for the coordinated look and feel of all Providence materials.
"Coach M" is a 2020 graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he double majored in history and religious studies. He loves to surf, read, draw, play basketball, and worship Jesus. He serves on his church's leadership team. He splits his time at Providence between the San Roque and Canon Perdido campus, teaching PE and assisting with other duties.
Says Coach M, "My journey with God has been greatly impacted by amazing teachers and youth group leaders who have helped make me who I am today. Their influence in my life makes me so excited to teach PE at Providence and to be a part of this awesome community."
Job Titles:
- Preschool Assistant Teacher
Nancy Noell was kindergarten teacher for El Montecito School for many years. We are happy to have her back on the San Roque campus on a part-time basis to help in the PreK class.
Job Titles:
- Preschool Assistant Teacher
Miss Olivia began her educational journey in our preschool and was in Mrs. Larson's PreK class. She recently graduated from The University Of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada and is thrilled to be teaching back where it all began. Olivia has worked as a nanny and tutor for children ages 1-6 and feels incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to work with the Providence Preschool children.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Rhonda Yager has taught elementary school students in some capacity for over 25 years. She earned bachelor's degree at Westmont College in 1993 and completed her teaching credential work at Cal State University, Northridge. A lifelong learner, Mrs. Yager enjoys taking art workshops to get new and creative ideas for the classroom. She finds joy as an art teacher in the amazing ways we can explore God's creation through art, discovering the fantastic colors and patterns in nature as well as our innate desire to create and each child's ability to worship our creator through art.
Rhonda and her husband, Josh, have three children, all of whom attended El Montecito School from Preschool Room One through sixth grade.
Job Titles:
- Principal Engineering Academy Director
Sarah Bentley earned a B.A. degree in Spanish from Azusa Pacific University and a Teaching Credential from Fresno Pacific University. She earned a masters degree in Spanish language and culture from the University of Salamanca, the oldest university in Europe. She was the on-site director of the Trinity University Semester in Spain program in Seville for two years, before joining the former Providence Hall faculty in 2011.
Sarah Eglin has been teaching music, directing, accompanying, and performing in the Santa Barbara area since 1999. She graduated from the State University of New York College at Fredonia, with a B.M. in Piano Performance and a B.M.E. in Music Education, and worked with the New York State Summer School of the Arts Choral Studies program for four years as a studio accompanist and instructor. Ms. Eglin is the musical director for Stage Left Summer Theater Program, and has also directed over 30 local musicals since 2001. She taught music at Crane Country Day School and at Hope and Monte Vista Elementary Schools before joining the Providence faculty.
Job Titles:
- Physical Education Teacher / Outdoor Education Director
Scott Mitchell holds an M.S. degree in exercise science from the California University of Pennsylvania and a B.S. in sociology from UCLA, where he played football for the Bruins. He joined the Providence faculty in 2017.
Job Titles:
- Head of School
- Administration
Soo Chang began his career in Christian education in 2003 at The Cambridge School of Dallas, serving as admissions director and chaplain. School leadership is his passion and his calling. He has been the head of school at three independent Christian schools, with extensive accomplishments in casting fresh vision, developing and mentoring administrative teams, establishing strategic plans, and facilitating the spiritual climate.
Mr. Chang holds a bachelor of science degree in business administration and finance from USC and a master of divinity degree with an emphasis on Christian education from BIOLA University. He has done post-graduate training in leadership through the Arrow Leadership Program.
He and his wife, Cathy, are the parents of three young professional sons.
schang@providencesb.org
Job Titles:
- College Counseling Director, Student Life Director, and Registrar
Sophie Troya earned a bachelor's degree in communication studies from Westmont College. After completing her degree, she worked in the Westmont admissions office for three years and developed a passion for the development of high school students. She joined the Providence staff in 2018. She and her husband, Derek, also serve in youth ministry in Santa Barbara.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Principal Spiritual Life Director
Susan Isaac earned an M.A. in American studies from Pepperdine University and a B.A. in English from California State University at Northridge. She joined the Providence faculty in 2017 after teaching high school English at Oaks Christian School for eight years. In addition to serving as director of spiritual life, she has served as assistant dean of students and taught Bible classes in the middle school.
Job Titles:
- Marketing Specialist
- Director of Admissions and Marketing
Tawny Kilpper is an advancement and marketing specialist who utilizes storytelling to help institutions further their mission and reach. She joins us from Westmont College, where she served in their Annual Giving department. She graduated from UCSB with a degree in theater arts, with an emphasis in playwriting and directing. Over 25 years of experience in theater and film have taught her how to craft compelling narratives, develop strategic plans, and execute them with precision. She helped orchestrate fundraising events for Providence, SBCS for over ten years, where she developed a passion for cultivating culture and nurturing brand identity. She currently serves as a fundraising consultant for ACE Mentor Program Santa Barbara.
She and her husband are the parents of two daughters; one current Providence student and one alumna.
Job Titles:
- Science Teacher Technology Coordinator
Taylor Randle Hurt earned a B.A. degree in chemistry and biochemistry from the University of California Santa Barbara through the College of Creative Studies. In addition, he was the first graduate of that college to complete a minor in science and math education at UCSB. He worked full time for a Christian non-profit organization (Cru, formerly Campus Crusade for Christ) serving one year at UCSB and one year in the Middle East. As a Robert Noyce Scholarship recipient, Mr. Hurt earned a teaching credential and a masters of education degree from UCSB. He joined the Providence faculty in 2013.
Tiffany (Massey) Philibosian holds three degrees from the University of California, Santa Barbara: a bachelor's in English (2006), a master's degree in education, teaching, and learning with an emphasis on composition (2008), and a multi-subject teaching credential and additional master's degree in education with an emphasis on mathematics (2012). Her studies have focused on teaching math and writing. She joined the El Montecito School faculty in 2012.
Job Titles:
- Interim Preschool Director
Tracy Larson has been teaching preschool students for over 25 years. She has a bachelor's degree in French from the University of California at Santa Barbara. After a career in retail/fashion merchandising, she was led to further her training in early childhood education at Santa Barbara City College and in a sensory processing summer camp in Washington, D.C. and to begin her career in preschool education. Both of her daughters were El Montecito School graduates and she is grateful for how the school helped shape their hearts and minds. Sharing the love of Jesus with the preschool children at Providence is her joy.