Junior High Staff

Mrs. Beiler joined MCS in the 2014-2015 school year. Mrs. Beiler grew up near Tampa, FL, where she attended a small Christian school from kindergarten through high school. After high school, she moved to Pennsylvania and received her Bachelor of Arts in biology from Swarthmore College, near Philadelphia. While there, she studied abroad for a semester in Spain living with a Spanish family and taking all her classes at the University of Sevilla. After college, Mrs. Beiler moved to San Diego. In San Diego, she received her Master's of Education from National University. She is looking forward to working with all the different grade levels as they learn a new language and culture and being part of a Christian educational environment like that which helped shape and nurture her throughout school. She loves working with children of all ages and has been doing so as a youth volleyball coach in Santee. She will actively be involved in the sport she loves while at MCS as the girls’ varsity volleyball coach. Mrs. Beiler also enjoys photography, traveling, kayaking, singing and spending time with her husband, Kelvin, and their two dogs.

Mrs. Carter joined MCS in 2013 after more than ten years experience teaching junior high Bible in Northern California. With BS from Va Tech in Biology, MS from JMU in Cell Biology, and MA Magna Cum Laude in Theological Studies from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary, she has published in scholarly scientific journals and an iBook for her former junior high Bible classes. Mrs. Carter has actively ministered in leadership in Bible Study Fellowship and Community Bible Study where she served as Area Director, Assistant Teaching Director, and Children'’s Director. She has served her church through global missions, deaconess, and children'’s teacher. She enthusiastically loves her junior high students, only to be surpassed by her passion for the Lord Jesus Christ and His Word. 2 Corinthians 2:14

Mrs. Clark started teaching at MCS in the year 1999-2000. The first two years she taught Art and helped develop the Art Program. For the last 12 years, she has taught Bible, Science, and Math in 6th grade.  Mrs. Clark earned her Bachelors of Science in Fashion Merchandising at Lamar University. She received her teaching credential from National University in San Diego, California. Prior to teaching, she worked in the fashion Industry in designing as well as merchandising. Both her children, Gabriella and Marcus graduated from Maranatha. In addition to teaching, she enjoys coaching volleyball, designing jewelry and creating her own artsy clothing.

Mrs. Downey has been teaching at Maranatha Christian Schools since the fall of 1999. The first two years of teaching at MCS she taught 4th grade.  Since 2002, she has taught English, Social Studies, and Math in 6th grade. Mrs. Downey has her Bachelor of Science in History from Oregon State University and her Multiple Subject Credential from Alliant University. Since junior high school, Mrs. Downey knew that she wanted to be a teacher. Besides teaching, Mrs. Downey enjoys reading, writing, and traveling the world.

Mr. Fowler has been part of the MCS family since 1999. A graduate of San Diego Christian College with a B.S. in Liberal Studies/English, he has served the Lord at Maranatha Chapel as a Sunday school teacher, worship leader, and summer camp director, and at Maranatha Christian Schools as a 5th grade teacher, 7th & 8th grade English teacher, and a creative writing coach. When he’s not teaching or grading papers, he’s writing. More than 100 of his short stories have been published around the world, and two of his novels are now available.

Ms. Gordon joined the Maranatha teaching team as a fourth grade teacher in the 2012-2013 school year. She worked in the classroom for 3 years teaching fourth grade, and was led by the Lord, to move out of the classroom into the TK-8 girl’s PE coach position. Ms. Gordon has been involved in athletics the majority of her life, including playing basketball through college. She also has coached girls’ basketball, both at MCS, and with other organizations. She is passionate about athletes and motivating students to use ALL that they are for the glory of the Lord; heart, mind and body. She is excited to use the talents God has given her in a different capacity, and looks forward to the opportunities of reaching more students through PE and athletics.

Mrs. Hamm joined MCS in the 2016-17 school year. She graduated from LeTourneau University in Texas, majoring in Education. She has worked with 4th- 8th graders for the past 6 years. She and her husband recently welcomed their first child into the world and are enjoying everything that comes along with a new child. Mrs. Hamm enjoys hiking, going to the beach, watching movies, and being with my family and friends. She is looking forward to sharing God's love with the students in a productive and exciting learning environment.

Ms. Hillmer was born in La Paz, Bolivia. At a very early age she fell in love with languages. She did language and linguistics studies in Bolivia. In 1991 she married Doug Hillmer and moved to Canada where she earned her Masters in Divinity degree. Later she became a full-time mother to her three children. As her kids grew up the Lord opened doors for Maribel to teach in a variety of settings, both at church as well as in the secular realm. Maribel marvels at how God knits each individual’s story with love and much care so she trusts that God brought her to MCS to use all she has been given by Him to bless others. Her favorite verse is “Lean not on your own understanding but in all things acknowledge Him and he will straighten your path.” Prov. 3:56 

Mr. Holguin joined MCS during the 2015-16 school year. He graduated from the Navy School of Music in 1992. He is a professional musician with quite an impressive resume. He has performed with The San Diego Symphony Orchestra, Grammy award winners Natalie Cole and Celia Cruz, Phil Vasser and Little River Band to name a few. He is also an accomplished arranger/composer for percussion and band. Mr. Holguin is a worship team member at The Church at Rancho Bernardo and a member of the local band The Mighty Untouchables. From 2003-2016 he taught music at San Diego State University, Rancho Bernardo High School, Mira Mesa High School and Francis Parker. He left all his other teaching positions to focus all of his attention here. He is thrilled to bring his extensive musical background to MCS and help our students grow.

Mrs. Nelson is excited to be joining the MCS staff this 2017-2018 school year! She grew up in the Bay Area, graduating from San Jose State with a degree in English and an emphasis and certification in secondary education. After teaching at the junior high and high school level, Mrs. Nelson stayed home to focus on their three young boys. She returned to teaching in San Jose as a substitute and part-time teacher. At that time, Mrs. Nelson earned her multiple-subject credential through the CalState Teacher Program and California State University, Monterey Bay. After completing the program, she was excited to return to the classroom full-time and spend her days with junior highers. Mrs. Nelson enjoys time with her husband and three boys, read a good book, relax in the sunshine, and laugh with friends and family. She is passionate about Christian education and loves 6th graders!  

Mrs. Rhoads joined the MCS team in 2008 to teach Studio Art and currently teaches K-8th Grade art. Mrs. Rhoads is from Charlotte, North Carolina and graduated with a B.A., double majoring in Studio Art and Spanish from Hollins University in Roanoke, Virginia. She studied her junior year abroad in Seville, Spain studying the Spanish language and art history. In 2001, Mrs. Rhoads moved to San Diego and became the director of The Artist’s Gallery in La Jolla. She then began working under a local muralist, also doing a variety of faux finishing projects. Mrs. Rhoads has her MA in Expressive Arts Therapy and has a passion leading arts groups for elderly at local assisted living facilities. In her free time, Mrs. Rhoads enjoys spending time with her husband and traveling. She also enjoys creating art and crafting, as well as being outside enjoying God’s beautiful creation!  

Coach Rodgers began his teaching/coaching career at Maranatha Christian Schools during the 2000-2001 school year. 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 has coached football, basketball, volleyball, and lacrosse at every level over his 14 years of ministry at MCS. He is married to Suzi Rodgers, MCS International Admissions Coordinator and has two grown children who both attended MCS. Coach often tells anyone who will listen “I haven’t worked a day in 14 years”. To God be the Glory!

Mrs. Santiago joined MCS during the 2005-2006 school year. She 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 9 years before becoming a stay at home mommy for a few years. Now, she is ready to be back full-time at MCS to be 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.

Mrs. Smith first joined the MCS Staff as a student teacher while attending Point Loma University where she earned her California Teaching Credential and will soon complete her Masters in Teaching Degree. She has been tutoring students privately for more than fifteen years and most recently taught math for middle school students in the Poway Unified School District. She is looking forward to working with students who hold a Christian worldview and feels blessed to join Maranatha Christian Schools.