Junior High Staff

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. 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. Howard was born in London, England into a thespian family and has been teaching dance and theatre for over 35 years while also managing her own dance studio. Mrs. Howard ran a Youth Theatre Ministry for 13 years before coming to MCS in 2013 as the Director of Performing Arts for grades TK–12. She has directed over 35 youth productions and 17 summer theatre camps in her time at the school. Mrs. Howard currently oversees the Performing Arts Department as well as teaching JH Choir and directing 2 musicals a year! Her great passion and vision is teaching children to glorify Christ through the performing arts.

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. 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 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. 

Mr. Stokes is originally from Florida and holds Bachelor's and Master's degrees in civil engineering. He is a 23-year veteran of the US Navy, where he specialized in facilities and construction management. After military service, God led him to be a math teacher and he received his teaching credential through San Diego State University in 2022. The 2022-2023 school year will be his first year teaching, and he feels blessed to be a part of the MCS staff as a junior high math and STEM teacher. 

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.

Mrs. Walker joined MCS in 2020 after teaching in Northern California since 2004. She holds a B.A. in Liberal Studies from Vanguard University of Southern California in Costa Mesa, and her teaching credential from Cal State East Bay, Hayward, CA. She has taught at nearly every grade level, including adult learners, and spent some time in administration at her past school. Having moved very recently to San Diego, she frequents the beach with her 2 children and husband, and will not soon tire of the tide and sand. During college, she traveled to China and Tibet and upon graduation, backpacked through eight countries in Europe. She loves to instill a desire to travel in her students. She has served at church in various areas including children’s ministry coordinator and worship team pianist, guitarist, and vocalist. When you don’t see Mrs. Walker in her Junior High English classroom, you may find her in a garden studying God’s beautiful creation or singing worship to Him for His wondrous grace and mercy. Colossians 1:15-20

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