Elementary Staff

Mrs. Pritchett joined the MCS staff in 2014 and has a B.A. from Southern Methodist University in Psychology and an M.A. in Education from the University of North Florida. Prior to moving back to her native town of San Diego, she was an elementary teacher in Florida and Maryland. With her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and Cross-Cultural, Language and Academic Development certification, she had the opportunity to teach reading recovery as an Impact Teacher in PUSD for several years. Mrs. Pritchett taught first grade at MCS for seven years before stepping into an Educational Specialist role in the 2022-2023 school year. Currently, she is our Elementary School Assistant Principal and also the lead for our schoolwide accreditation process and MAP Growth standardized testing. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three daughters, running, going to the beach, hiking, gardening, exploring San Diego and playing with her dogs, Daisy and Cassie. Mrs. Pritchett feels blessed to be part of a Christian environment while helping all students at Maranatha soar to new heights!

Miss Bailey joined the MCS staff in 2021. She grew up in Solana Beach and attended Pepperdine University. Miss Bailey received her B.A. in Liberal Arts, concentrated in Sociology, and received her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential with English Language Authorization while at Pepperdine University.  She is experienced in teaching both kindergarten and transitional kindergarten. Miss Bailey is so excited that God has led her to be a part of Maranatha Christian Schools. She enjoys watching football, especially the New England Patriots, walking on the beach, trying new recipes, and anything active!  Miss Bailey’s biggest passion of all is teaching and she praises God for this special gift. Go Eagles!

Mrs. Holm joined Maranatha Christian Schools in the fall of 2015. She grew up in Poway and attended Maranatha Chapel through middle school and high school. Mrs. Holm received her B.A. and her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from Biola University. Then, she went on to teach for four years in the Poway Unified School District, teaching 2nd and 3rd grade. Her past experience has been in teaching mommy & me preschool classes at the Escondido Adult School. She is now thankful for the opportunity to work in a Christian school, as Mrs. Holm has spent most of her life teaching Sunday School and her true passion is to teach the Word of God to children. Mrs. Holm, along with her husband and three kids love to travel, read, be creative, and stay physically active.

Mrs. Siegel joined the MCS staff in 2019. She grew up in Orange County, spent some time in Ohio, and moved back to California in summer 2018. Mrs. Siegel received her B.S. in Child and Adolescent Studies from California State University, Fullerton in 2011 and completed her Elementary Credential Program at Ashland University in Ashland, Ohio. She has experience teaching in preschool, and most recently second grade. She is beyond excited to teach at Maranatha Christian Schools as she is extremely passionate about the Lord and education, and feels that there is no better opportunity than to serve the Lord through her passion of teaching. She loves to spend her time with her husband and three incredible children. Mrs. Siegel also enjoys going to the beach with her children and taking them to learn and explore new things.

Mrs. Clifford joined Maranatha Christian Schools in 2022 after teaching for 14 years at the elementary level in grades Kindergarten through Fifth. Mrs. Clifford felt a calling from the Lord to serve Him while serving the amazing students of MCS! She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies and her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from California State University San Marcos. After graduating from college, Mrs. Clifford taught for the military and lived overseas in Okinawa, Japan and Rota, Spain before returning back to her hometown of Rancho Bernardo. She is happily married with 3 young children, all who attend MCS! In her spare time, Mrs. Clifford loves going on adventures with her family, playing with her 2 dogs, cheering for her children during their sports games, serving in the Children’s Ministry at Maranatha Chapel, and exploring God’s wonderful creation outdoors. Mrs. Clifford feels so blessed to continue her passion of teaching at MCS and she is excited to be a part of teaching your children about God’s Endless love. 

Mrs. Larson joined Maranatha Christian School in fall 2020. She grew up in Los Angeles and moved to San Diego to attend San Diego State University where she received her bachelor’s in Sociology. Mrs. Larson received her Multi-Subject teaching credential through National University. For seven years Mrs. Larson worked for the Poway School District as an Instructional Assistant for special needs students.  The last two years Mrs. Larson student taught in 1st and 5th grade and worked as a substitute teacher in the Poway District. She also served as the Children’s Ministry Director at Green Valley Church. Mrs. Larson loves to spend time with her family (husband, daughter, son, & son-in-law), walking her two dogs, and traveling. She feels very blessed to part of the Maranatha family. 

Mrs. Taber began her teaching career at Maranatha teaching Kindergarten from 1997-2004 and is excited to once again join the staff as a 1st Grade Teacher!  She graduated from Northern Arizona University with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and received her Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from San Diego State University.  She taught in PUSD schools for two years and then took some time off to be a stay-at-home mom.  During those years she worked part-time in her children's school as a hands-on science instructor, substitute teacher, and most recently, as the Assistant Children's Director of her church. She is happily married with two daughters and a son.  When not teaching, you can find her going for walks with her husband, hanging out at the pool with friends, traveling to see family, and chauffeuring her children and their friends.

Mrs. Barclay began her teaching career at MCS during the 2010-2011 school year. She has her B.A. in Liberal Studies and a minor in Biblical Studies through Biola University, where she also received her California and ACSI teaching credential. Mrs. Barclay grew up in Rancho Bernardo and attending Maranatha Chapel. In the summers she has enjoyed being a full-time nanny, teaching math, sports and games, cooking, baking, and Kindergarten classes at MCS. Mrs. Barclay is grateful that the Lord led her to the wonderful MCS family!

Mrs. Camarillo joined the MCS staff in 2021 after teaching in the Poway Unified School District for 15 years. She received her B.A. in Elementary Education and a California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from San Diego State University. She also earned a Master's degree in Teaching with a Reading Specialization from National University.

Mrs. Camarillo enjoys traveling with her husband and cheering on their three sons in a variety of sports and activities. She especially loves teaching young creative minds and is passionate about nurturing her students to thrive academically, socially, and spiritually. Mrs. Camarillo considers it a great joy and privilege that God has led her to be part of the Maranatha family!

Mrs. Prout has many years of elementary teaching experience and originally joined the MCS staff in 2014. Following that year, Mrs. Prout decided to stay home with her son before returning to MCS as a long-term substitute in 2018. Prior to her time at MCS, she taught elementary students in the South Bay Union School District and at a local charter school. Mrs. Prout attended Point Loma Nazarene University where she earned a Bachelor of Music and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. In her spare time, Mrs. Prout loves spending time with her husband and son. She also enjoys camping, hiking, playing the flute, crafting, and watching sports. Mrs. Prout has a passion for the ministry of teaching and helping students discover their own special talents. She feels very blessed to be a part of the MCS community!

Ms. Case Karim began her time at Maranatha Christian Schools in 2022, when she joined the 3rd Grade teaching team. She attended Biola University, earning degrees in Biblical Studies & Intercultural Studies, and a Masters in Teaching. Ms. Case Karim also has certifications in TESOL and Italian Language, and has taught in La Jolla, Los Angeles, and Rome, Italy (TK-1st). Outside the classroom, Ms. Case Karim enjoys hiking, working out, cooking and traveling with her husband. She is thankful to be at a school where she can integrate her faith, and contribute to equipping the next generation of Christ-followers, as they learn and grow together.

Mrs. Morales joined Maranatha Christian Schools in Fall 2022. She loves San Diego as it is where she grew up in Rancho Penasquitos, stayed local to attend college, met her husband and is where they are making a home with their three kids.  She received her B.A. in Liberal Arts and her Multi-Subject Teaching credential at California State University of San Marcos and eagerly started teaching children through the Poway School District as a part-time teacher to 3-5th grade and then later as a full-time teacher in 2nd grade.  She stepped out of the classroom to raise her children and 14 years later returned to the classroom in 2021 in the Poway District with a unique opportunity in a Kindergarten class. During her time away from teaching she served as the Executive Assistant to the pastors at Green Valley Church, where her family attends. Mrs. Morales loves to spend time with her family, watch her kids in their extra activities, go hiking to enjoy the great outdoors, and sing worship songs and showtunes to her heart’s delight!

Mrs. Young joined the MCS staff in 2014. She graduated from Vanguard University with a B.A. in Liberal Studies and a minor in Music. She later continued her education at Vanguard receiving her Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She holds a California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. Mrs. Young taught in public schools for nine years both in Santa Ana and Bakersfield. Upon moving to San Diego in 2010, she felt God calling her to Christian education. She has taught third grade for the last four years at another Christian school. Her family attends City View Church where her husband is the Youth Pastor, and they have two children who also attend MCS. While not teaching, Mrs. Young loves to read, watch movies, and spend time with her amazing family.

Ms. Cook joined MCS in the fall of 2023. After growing up attending Maranatha Chapel with her family, she is excited to be back serving in this community. Ms. Cook earned her B.A. in Liberal Studies from Azusa Pacific University, then went on to earn her Multiple Subject and Mild/Moderate Education Specialist Credentials from Point Loma Nazarene University. Ms. Cook has experience teaching multiple grades in various school settings. She is passionate about helping students grow in their confidence and discover the joy of learning.  When not teaching, Ms. Cook enjoys reading, baking, watching Star Wars, and playing with her cat.  Ms. Cook considers it her greatest privilege to guide her students in the knowledge that they are beloved by God.

Mrs. Werner joined the elementary teaching staff in the 2013-2014 school year. She has been teaching for 16 years for both public and private schools. She has a B.A. from San Diego State in Liberal Studies and a minor in Musical Theater. She is very involved in her church and is the drama leader there, which allows her the blessing of performing skits before sermons as well as at women’s events. Mrs. Werner loves public speaking and is currently in charge of the ACSI Speech Meet for Maranatha. She is happily married with two teenaged children and in her spare time, she enjoys hiking, going to musicals, and being at Disneyland.

Mrs. Willis is a fourth-grade teacher at MCS who has taught at the school from 1995-1999, 2003-2005 and overall, has been teaching a total of 20 years! She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies at San Diego State University and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from National University. She began teaching in a Special Education and then transitioned to teaching in the regular classroom. When not teaching, you will find Mrs. Willis cheering for her beloved Chargers or Aztecs or attending any one of the many basketball games her son participates in. She loves to spend time with her two sons and husband of 23 years playing cards or board games and is quite happy to be at Maranatha!

Mrs. Ekeroth is passionate about serving Jesus Christ and the families at MCS as a fifth-grade teacher. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies and her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from Point Loma Nazarene University in 2002. It was in that same year that she began teaching third grade at Maranatha. After teaching for a few years, she left MCS to be a stay-at-home mom. While at home Mrs. Ekeroth spent much of her time participating in and leading AWANA, Sunday school, Girl Scouts, and volunteering in her kids' classrooms. She enjoys going on adventures in the family motor home with her husband and three kids. She spends her free time running, playing tennis and reading. She is thrilled to be at MCS working with the wonderful students and staff. Go Eagles!

Mrs. Murray is excited to begin her first year at MCS for the 2020-2021 school year! Previously, she taught 4th and 5th grade in PUSD for 7 years and feels so blessed to have the opportunity to teach her favorite grade at MCS. Mrs. Murray attended Long Beach State University where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies. After getting married and moving to San Diego, she continued her education at San Diego State University where she earned her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. She is happily married with two young daughters and in her spare time she enjoys paddle boarding, traveling in their family RV, being outdoors and attempting to keep her garden alive. She couldn’t be happier to be at such a wonderful school and considers it a blessing to teach children about the love of Jesus Christ every day!

Ms. Belgum joined the Performing Arts team in Spring 2019 after graduating from Biola University with a B.A. in Music and Biblical Studies. She boasts an impressive performance resume which includes numerous musical theatre performances, singing competitions, Legoland appearances and singing the national anthem for the San Diego Padres. Ms. Belgum has lead worship at Hume Lake Christian Camps and at several local churches as well. Her great rapport with children and passion to teach music and drama makes her a dynamic addition to the department. 

Mrs. Pizarro grew up in San Diego.  She attended college in Tennessee, and received her degree in Elementary Education, then taught second grade in Kentucky.  In 2008 she moved back to San Diego and earned her Master's in Education.  She volunteers at The Grove church with elementary students and currently is their Children's Director. Mrs. Pizarro is passionate about making learning fun and building relationships.  Her and her husband have four children, and pretty much live at the soccer fields!  They enjoy camping and the beach.

Coach Rodgers began his teaching and coaching career at Maranatha Christian Schools during the 2000-2001 school year. He currently serves as the Associate Athletic Director and K-8 physical education teacher. While attending Ohio State University on a lacrosse scholarship, he decided to focus on the fields of athletic administration and coaching. However, God had another plan, and he quickly became involved in the Health Club revolution of the early 80’s. Later after opening several clubs in the Orange County/LA area, he settled in San Diego. Coach's passions are kids, sports and teaching the love of Christ through athletic competition. He also holds a B.A. in Christian Studies from Grand Canyon University and has coached football, basketball, volleyball, and lacrosse at every level over his 20 plus years of ministry at MCS. He is married to Suzi Rodgers and together they have two grown children who both attended MCS. Coach often tells anyone who will listen “I haven’t worked a day since joining MCS, to God be the Glory!”

Mrs. Santiago joined MCS during the 2005-2006 school year and has always loved working in a school setting. She graduated from Cal State San Marcos with a B.A. in Liberal Studies, along with her teaching credential. She began her teaching career in a public school and taught grades Kindergarten and 4th grade. She then felt called to teach in a private school and found MCS, where she was ecstatic to accept a first-grade teaching position. Mrs. Santiago taught first-grade for nine years before dedicating herself to a stay at home mom for a few years. She came back to MCS as the Technology Coach for grades TK-8. Integrating technology has always been her desire, especially after taking numerous courses to learn, understand and apply how technology has expanded in today’s digital age. Outside of school, Mrs. Santiago enjoys photography, sports, vacationing, and spending time with her family. She is so happy and blessed to be part of such a wonderful community at MCS!

Coach Walker moved to San Diego in 2020 from Northern California where he retired from 20 years as a contractor- building and remodeling homes. He was also the owner and operator of Next Level Fitness "nutrition and personal training". Along with that, he was the Jr. High basketball and football coach and substitute PE teacher at Providence Christian in Orland, CA. By far, his greatest passion is encouraging a Biblical worldview in his students.

Mrs. Theresa Waning joined the MCS staff in 2023.  She comes to us with 14 years of experience teaching Computers to K-8th grade students. Prior to joining our team she taught Computers and Physical Science at Foothills Christian Middle School.  She also taught Computers at Horizon Christian Academy Elementary and Allstar Academy.  She graduated from Cal Poly Pomona and has continued her education in Web Development and Computer Science with online courses, including CS101 from Harvard. She is married with one adult son.  Her parents run a YWAM mission in Peru. She enjoys spending her free time walking and hiking with her family and dog, watching sci-fi and crime movies and television shows and calls herself an AFOL (Adult Fan of Legos).

Coach Wise was born and raised in San Diego and has been a part of the MCS community as a parent and volunteer since 2012.  Through the years she felt God tugging on her heart to serve the MCS community at a greater capacity and in 2020 joined the MCS staff assisting the PE department.  She is thrilled to bring her years of experience as a collegiate athlete and a coach to help encourage and grow a passion for athletics, health and most importantly for our Lord in the students of Maranatha.  Kristen loves attending her three kids’ sporting activities, the beach, camping with her family and worship music.  “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds” Hebrews 10:24

Mrs. Young is thrilled to join MCS faculty in 2020 after having been part of the school community as a parent since 2008. Born and raised in San Diego, Mrs. Young graduated from University of San Diego with a Business Degree followed by completion of both her single and multiple subject teaching credentials and M.Ed. from National University. She joins MCS with five years of teaching experience at Classical Academy High School in Escondido. She also brings years of experience in athletics, both as a former collegiate athlete and as a coach. Here at MCS, Mrs. Young teaches Physical Education for elementary and junior high students. She is passionate about motivating students and coming alongside them as they build positive health and fitness habits. She thoroughly enjoys connecting with her students and celebrating the uniqueness that God created each of them with. “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” -Psalm 139:14