Junior High Staff

Mrs. Beiler joined MCS in the 2014-2015 school year and currently teaches Elementary and JH Spanish as well as coaching Girls Varsity Volleyball. Mrs. Beiler grew up near Tampa, FL, after high school, she moved to Pennsylvania and received her B.A. in Biology from Swarthmore College, near Philadelphia. While there, she studied abroad for a semester in Spain living with a Spanish family and taking her classes at the University of Sevilla. After college, Mrs. Beiler moved to San Diego where she received her Master's of Education from National University. Coach Beiler has lead the Girls Varsity team to great victories and as it stands the team has won league three years in a row. She has lead the team to CIF two years in a row and in 2017 they clinched the first-ever state title in any sport. In 2017, Coach Beiler was also named California Small Schools Coach of the Year with two players making the all-state team and one being named all-American. Mrs. Beiler also enjoys photography, traveling, kayaking, singing and spending time with her husband, Kelvin, and their two dogs.

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. Carter joined MCS in 2013 after more than ten years of experience in teaching junior high Bible in Northern California. She holds a B.S. from Virginia Tech in Biology, M.S. from JMU in Cell Biology, and M.A. Magna Cum Laude in Theological Studies from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. Mrs. Carter has also published in scholarly scientific journals and even 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!

Mrs. Clark started teaching at MCS in the 1999-2000 school year. 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 B.S. in Fashion Merchandising at Lamar University. She received her California Teaching Credential from National University in San Diego. Prior to teaching, she worked in the fashion industry in designing as well as merchandising. 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 B.S. 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, she also enjoys reading, writing, and traveling the world!

Mr. Fowler has been part of the MCS staff 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. He is now at Maranatha Christian Schools as the 7th and 8th grade English teacher, as well as a creative writing coach. When he’s not teaching or grading papers, he is writing! Mr. Fowler has more than 100 of his short stories published around the world, and two of his novels are now available.

Ms. Gordon joined the Maranatha Christian Schools teaching staff as fourth-grade teacher in the 2012-2013 school year. She worked in the classroom for three 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 and always looks forward to the opportunities of reaching more students through PE and athletics.

Mrs. Hillmer was born in La Paz, Bolivia and at an early age, fell in love with languages. She went on to study language and linguistic in Bolivia. In 1991, she married Doug Hillmer and moved to Canada where she earned her Master’s degree in Divinity. She invested in her family and 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, 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” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Mrs. Marks joined MCS as a full-time teacher in 2019 after she realized she had a passion for teaching junior high students while being involved in the Math Enrichment program at MCS. For the preceding 20 years, Mrs. Marks held a career in medical imaging sales; selling imaging equipment and related service contracts. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing from California Lutheran University and held various roles in business marketing and financial advisory prior to entering the medical industry. Mrs. Marks obtained her Master’s Degree and California Teaching Credential at Alliant International University in 2019. She loves working with junior high students and encouraging them in their relationship with Jesus. She also is an active volunteer at Emmanuel Faith Community Church teaching two and three-year-olds during the Saturday service.

Mrs. Nelson joined the MCS teaching staff in the 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 Teaching Credential through 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 grade! 

Mrs. Rhoads joined the MCS staff in 2008 to teach Studio Art and currently teaches K-8 art. She originally grew up on the East Coast in 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 M.A. in Expressive Arts Therapy and has a passion for 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 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 14 years of ministry at MCS. He is married to Suzi Rodgers, MCS International Admissions Coordinator and they have 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 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!

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. 

Mrs. Vogel joined the MCS staff in the 2017-2018 school year as a long term substitute teacher, but has since taken on the full position as 7th and 8th grade science teacher. She began her post-secondary education in 2008 with the intent to study in the field of Biology. However, God had other plans, and she took time off to marry and have her two children. In 2016, she earned her B.A. Summa Cum Laude at San Diego State University in Liberal Studies with an emphasis in Science. Over the next year she completed her credential coursework at Point Loma Nazarene University. She feels a strong connection to the Junior High age group and is always thinking up fun and engaging labs for the students to do. One of her greatest passions is bringing the knowledge and wonder of God and His creation to her students.