Superintendent

I have been a member of the MCS team since 2012, which has allowed me to grow and develop alongside this wonderful community. My educational journey began at Azusa Pacific University and California Baptist University, where I earned my degrees in History/Social Science (BA) and Educational Leadership for Christian Schools (MA). One of the things I appreciate most about my role at MCS is the opportunity to experience life alongside so many amazing families. My passion for God's will drives me in my daily endeavors, and I am constantly seeking to deepen my understanding of God's Word. In my spare time, I enjoy spending quality moments with my family, which often includes trips to the beach, hiking, watching soccer matches, and indulging in my love for reading and writing. These activities not only bring me joy but also allow me to connect with others and share experiences. A guiding principle in my life is encapsulated in my favorite verse, Proverbs 3:5-6. This verse serves as a reminder to place my trust in God and seek His guidance in all aspects and areas of my life.
Principals

About Me
I joined MCS in the Spring of 2006. I graduated from California State University, Long Beach with a B.A. from the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences. I later earned a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and Technology from Azusa Pacific University, after earning my California Teaching Credential. What I most enjoy about administration in a school setting is working with youth in a manner that helps them to discover their talents and shape their future. My favorite aspect actually emanates from the challenging student situations that lead to reconciliation, growth, and transformation for all involved. I desire to learn more about the practical application and integration of technology in a school setting and use God’s Word to bring context to our educational environment and personal lives. Outside campus life, I have a passion for the outdoors:gardening, camping, fishing, and running. My favorite verse is Jeremiah 29:11

I have been part of the MCS team since 2017. I graduated from Point Loma University with a degree in Journalism. I also have a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University. My favorite thing about teaching at MCS is the students! I have a passion for helping guide students towards Christ, and am constantly wanting to learn more about how to teach them to passionately pursue their Savior. In my spare time I like to play with my daughter, either with her dollhouse or coloring. My favorite verse is "Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts," which appears in the Bible in Zechariah 4:6.

I have been part of the MCS team since 2004. I graduated from University of Oregon with a BA in Journalism, and earned a Master’s Degree in Education from National University. My favorite part of being a Principal is building a vibrant community of educators and learners. I have a passion for sharing the love of Jesus, and I am always looking to grow my faith and knowledge in the Lord. In my spare time I love taking walks at the beach and reading a good book. My life verse is Proverbs 3:5-6.

I have been part of the MCS team since 2009. I graduated with a BS in business finance from San Diego State University. My favorite thing about being a Principal is hearing the joyful laughter of young children on our campus as they discover God’s world around them. I have a passion for nurturing children's development and am constantly wanting to learn more about advances in early education. In my spare time I like to spend time with my family and I also enjoy gardening. My favorite verse is Psalm 29:11.

I have been part of the MCS family since 1999. I graduated from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas with my Bachelors of Science in Fashion Merchandising and earned my teaching credential at National University in San Diego, California. I love teaching and serving at MCS because of the amazing families and students I have connected with over the years, and it is a privilege to share the love of our Savior, Jesus Christ. In my spare time, I love spending every moment with my husband, daughter, son, and playing with my incredible grandson, who is my favorite MCS student. My favorite verse is Jeremiah 29:11.

I have been part of the MCS team since 2015. I graduated with a BA in Psychology from Southern Methodist University and an MA in Education from University of North Florida. My favorite thing about working at MCS is the positive culture. I have a passion for helping students grow to be their best selves and am constantly wanting to learn more about advances in education. In my spare time I like to spend time with my family and go on running and hiking adventures. My favorite verse is Philippians 4:6.
Directors

Mr. Bertaux joined the teaching staff of MCS in August 2020 and thoroughly enjoys the community of students and parents. 2020 marks the 14th year of teaching for Mr. Bertaux where he has primarily focused on American and World History and how to integrate the Bible throughout. Mr. Bertaux graduated from San Diego Christian College with a major in Social Science and minor in Biblical Studies.
Nick is married, and he and his wife have three amazing children. Mr. Bertaux loves playing and coaching basketball as it provides more opportunities to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. A favorite Scripture of his is Mark 10:45 - For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

I have been part of the MCS team since 2018. I graduated with a B.S. in Early Education and Cognitive Studies from Vanderbilt University and an M.Ed. and Ed.S in School Psychology with a minor in Counseling Psychology from the University of Georgia. My favorite thing about working with students at MCS is watching them "find their place," overcome obstacles, and thrive within the educational environment. I have a passion for helping students understand their unique learning profile (i.e. strengths and weaknesses) and for helping build their self-confidence. I am consistently interested in professional development and learning about the newest, best practice, interventions to support students who struggle. In my spare time I like to hang out with family and friends and travel. My favorite verse is Proverbs 3:5-6.

Mrs. Grenewitz is thrilled to be joining the Maranatha Christian Schools family. She was born and raised in Southern California and has been living in San Diego with her family as of 2014. She graduated from the University of Southern California with a B.A. in Communication and a minor in Business Administration. After graduation, she worked as a Commercial Real Estate Broker in West Los Angeles. Mrs. Grenewitz’s core values are service, intentionality and growth. She is passionate about serving God through her community as well as leading people in a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Her favorite adventures are with her family, they love to camp, hike, snow ski and mountain bike. Mrs. Grenewitz and her husband have been married for 15 years and have three daughters.

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.

I have been part of the MCS team since 2017. I graduated with a BS in mechanical engineering from UC Davis and an MA in education from San Diego State University. My favorite thing about teaching at MCS is helping my students discover and develop their math, science, and engineering abilities. I have a passion for helping students connect their vocational goals with their faith and am constantly wanting to learn more about the ways technology can enhance both teaching and learning. In my spare time I like to explore San Diego with my wife and two sons. My favorite verse is Romans 1:16.

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!

I have been part of the MCS team since June 2020. I graduated from UC Davis and have a degree in English, Spanish and Communications. My favorite thing about working at MCS is the camaraderie and family feel amongst the staff. I have a passion for the Lord, my family, reading and running and am constantly wanting to learn more about how to be a better baker. In my spare time I like to bake sweets, read books, go for runs and meet friends at good coffee spots. My favorite verse is the life verse my parents gave to me, which is Philippians 4:13.

Mrs. Ramos joined the MCS staff in 2013 as the Director of Human Resources. After moving from Hawaii to San Diego in 2012, God opened the door and blessed her with the opportunity to work at Maranatha. She brings over 20 years of HR Management and Employee/Labor Relations experience as well as a degree in computer science. Her background includes having worked in a variety of industries, both union and non-union corporate environments (medical/healthcare, retail/wholesale and hotel/travel industry). After having served in various ministries at Calvary Chapel Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Mrs. Ramos now attends Maranatha Chapel. She is married to a wonderful husband and blessed with 3 children and 5 grandchildren, Mrs. Ramos considers it an honor to have an opportunity to work with the amazing people on staff!

I have been part of the MCS team since 2017. I graduated with an MA in Christian Studies from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, a BS in Psychology from North Greenville University, and my TESOL Certification from the University of California San Diego. My favorite thing about working at MCS is that God is truly flooding our hallways with students from all around the world who've never before heard the gospel, and we have the incredible privilege and responsibility to share (& show) the love of Christ with them every single day! My greatest passion is to bring the Scriptures alive for young people — helping them to fall in love with God's Word. In my spare time I love traveling, adventuring, and being on or near the water. My favorite verses are Job 19:25-27.

Mr. Robertson joined Maranatha Chapel in 2005 as a Senior Accountant, primarily responsible for MCS accounting. In 2011, his position transitioned to the school to lead the new MCS Accounting Department. He has worked several years in the corporate world in accounting positions, including Accounting/Payroll Supervisor and Financial Analyst. John earned his B.A. in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting from California State University, San Bernardino. John and his wife, Karen, have been married for 19 years and have two children who also attend MCS.

Mr. Tesoro has been the IT Director at MCS since 2010. After owning and operating two small businesses, he had the desire to combine his working computer knowledge and expertise with his passion for Christ and has found the perfect match at MCS. Over the years he has been responsible for upgrading, improving and integrating a more reliable IT network infrastructure. He also helped launch the successful one-to-one iPad implementation for the high school students. He oversees the maintenance of MCS servers and IT equipment and is busy offering technical support, troubleshooting and software tutorials throughout the campus. Mr. Tesoro also has a love for music and plays drums in the worship band at his church.

I am in the midst of my 11th year as Maranatha’s Athletic Director. I received my AA from Mira Costa College. I received a baseball scholarship to play at Texas Tech University and finished my schooling at UCSD. I have been an entrepreneur my entire adult life. I have owned multiple businesses and still own an insurance agency that I have operated since 2006. I have employees who run the day-to-day activities which frees me up to give 100% effort to my job as AD. I retired from coaching baseball a few years ago after 40 years. Biographically, my biggest accomplishment is marrying the greatest girl in the world who has tolerated me for 33 years. We have 4 amazing children and one equally amazing grandson. I am truly blessed to be at Maranatha and have a job I truly love and has great, eternal purpose.

Mr. Wu joined the Maranatha Christian School's family in 2022. He is a native San Diegan, who grew up in Rancho Penasquitos. Mr. Wu graduated from the University of California, Riverside with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biochemistry. He then received his Master’s Degree from the University of Southern California in Physicians Assistant Practice. For the last 15 years, he has worked as a Physician’s Assistant for a local spine surgeon, managing multiple clinical providers. In recent years, God began a transformation in Mr. Wu, leading to a calling into ministry. Mr. Wu actively serves at Maranatha Chapel in various capacities, and is passionate in the service to others and being a conduit to allow for the flourishing of God in each individual’s heart. Mr. Wu has been blessed with a wife and two daughters.
Support Staff
- Lisa Black
- Aurora Brown
- Kara Burke
- Rory Darby
- Gizelle Fitzherbert
- Shelley Ford
- Ben Foster
- Sharla Hays
- Grant Holly
- Oyuki Huirache
- Anna Johnson
- Jamie Jones
- Suzanne Kataoka
- Andrew Lagarde
- Melinda Morey
- Brittany Numbers
- Thomas Polhill
- Lawrence Prijoles
- Keri Quinn
- Leslie Roach
- Braeden Ross
- Roxy Reycasa
- Leslie Rodiles
- Sarah Sager
- Greg Sykes
- Andrea Visser
- Sudie Weisman
- Diane Williams
- Vivian Yeung
- Amy Youssi

Mrs. Black joined the MCS staff in the fall of 2012 as a Teacher’s Assistant and was excited about the opportunity to transition to the office in 2015. She has a B.A. in Communication from UCLA and a Master’s in Intercultural Communication from SDSU. A Los Angeles native, she has lived in San Diego since 1995. She has a wonderful husband, two awesome boys, and a houseful of pets. She loves hiking, camping, visiting with loved ones, playing games, and playing the oboe or piano every now and then. Her favorite verse in the Bible is Colossians 3:12, "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."

Mrs. Brown joined the MCS staff in 2016 after working in administration and accounting at UCSD, and Point Loma Nazarene University. She also served at Maranatha Chapel assisting the office staff, and teaching 4-year-olds about Jesus on Sunday mornings. She is grateful that God fulfilled the desire He put in her heart to be a part of the MCS team. Mrs. Brown has been married since 1978 to her high-school sweetheart, she and Greg enjoy spending time together and making memories with their family, including their 6 grandchildren. Her life verse is, “I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living" (Psalm 27:13).

My time at Maranatha Christian began in November of 2020. I moved to San Diego after graduating from Sacramento State University with my degree in Psychology, which is where I met my wonderful husband. We have 3 amazing littles, that I am thankful for every day! They are my biggest blessing, and nothing bring me more joy than being their mother! I was an athlete all my life, and am so blessed to be able to bring my experience as a player and coach to the Maranatha Athletic department. Some of my favorite things to do in my downtime are enjoying a beach day, and travel. I was a flight attendant for 8 years and I still have a major travel bug. I would love to see as many places as possible, and share the beautiful world our God has created with my family and friends! I have so many verses that I love, but one that has always meant a lot to me is “Seek first the Kingdom of God, and HIS righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33. It is my sincere pleasure and privilege to be a part of the Maranatha Christian Athletic department, and I am excited to see what God will continue to do here!

Shelley Ford joined MCS this year as Registrar, serving the Junior High and High School community after
many years of serving with PAC on campus. Shelley’s background is in Human Resources and Hospitality
Management, where she’s held a number of senior roles in different capacities across North America.
These include positions in Vancouver, British Columbia; Edmonton, Alberta; New Orleans, LA; and
in her free time, Mrs. Ford enjoys spending time cooking, traveling, and spending time adventuring with
her husband and son. Mrs. Ford considers herself blessed and honored to be a part of
the wonderful ministry and community of MCS.

I have been part of the MCS team since 2015. I graduated from the University of California, Irvine and have a degree in Psychology and Social Behavior. My favorite thing about teaching at MCS is being a part of a strong Christian community. I have a passion for supporting students with learning differences and am constantly wanting to learn more about how to help my students build resilience. In my spare time I like to hike and read. My favorite verse is Isaiah 43:19.

My name is Anna Johnson, and I joined Maranatha in the Spring of 2023 as the International Program Assistant. Previously, I've worked in the restaurant industry for over 25 years. I have a passion to serve others and to shine Christ's light wherever I go. I'm married and my husband and I have two wonderful children. I'm excited to serve the students and families and pour into their lives. In my free time I love doing Pilates, hiking, reading, and spending time with my family. My favorite verse is Isaiah 26:3: "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You."

I began my teaching career in elementary education in Louisiana, and joined MCS as a 2nd grade teacher from 2011-2013. After taking time off to raise my children, I returned to MCS in 2023 to work in the ARC department. I graduated in 2005 with an M. Ed. from Louisiana State University with a literacy focus and obtained my clear CA multiple teaching credentials upon moving to California. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the ARC department here at MCS to pursue and continue my passion for helping others. In my spare time, I love adventuring outdoors, baking, decorating, and beach days. I have three children who have attended MCS since preschool and feel blessed to be a part of the MCS community. My favorite verse is Romans 8:28.

Suzanne Kataoka is a Southern California native and completed her undergraduate studies in Psychology at UC Irvine. She has a CA clear multiple subject teaching credential, M.S. in Education from Cal State Fullerton, and M.A. in School Leadership from Baylor University. Suzanne joined MCS in 2025 as a learning specialist and is excited to be a part of ARC to help students flourish in their learning. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, going to the beach, and spending time with family and friends. One of her favorite Bible verses is Isaiah 40:31, "...but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength."

I joined MCS and the Academic Resource and Counseling Department in 2022 as the school’s first School Counselor. I come with over fifteen years of experience in school counseling in the Bay Area and Colorado Springs. I graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing and Consumer Behavior, and received a Master’s Degree from the University of Colorado in Counseling and Human Services. I am passionate about instilling hope and helping students and families through the sometimes challenging times of adolescence. I see it as a great honor to support students in their unique purpose, potential and overall well-being. My favorite verse is Psalm 27:13.

Born and raised in Central Maryland, Mrs. Numbers moved to San Diego in 2001 shortly after graduating from Towson University with a B.A. in Mass Communications. She worked for 24 years in the media industry at CBS Radio Baltimore-San Diego, Entercom /Audacy and most recently iHeartMedia. Throughout her media career, she consulted with a variety of local and national clients to develop multimedia marketing solutions. In her free time, she enjoys family trips to the beach with her husband and two daughters, traveling and coaching / being Team Mom for her daughters’ cheer and soccer teams. Her daughters have attended Maranatha Christian Schools since the Fall of 2020. She is grateful to the Lord for fulfilling her dream to be a member of the Maranatha Christian Schools staff and is thrilled to be serving in the Admissions Department.

Mrs. Quinn joined Maranatha Christian Schools as a 1st grade Teacher's Assistant in 2020. She moved into the role of Volunteer Coordinator when she joined the Admissions office in 2021. Born and raised in Central Pennsylvania, she made the move to San Diego after graduating from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a B.A. in Business Management and a minor in Nutrition. Her love of health and wellness brought her to San Diego to pursue a career at the Lodge at Torrey Pines as their Spa Manager. After becoming a full-time mom to her two sons, she was blessed to work as an Account Executive for San Diego Style Weddings magazine for many years. When she's not working here on campus, she enjoys being at the beach, hiking with her husband, and watching her sons play basketball. She is honored to share Maranatha's vision with the community and cherishes each day with her team!

Mrs. Reycasa (or Miss Roxy as the students and parents call her) has been answering phones and welcoming visitors at MCS since August 2007. She is also in charge of purchasing all office supplies and keeping the school well-stocked in the Resource Room. She has served at Maranatha Chapel in Children’s Ministry for many years. She loves spending time with her “Ohana” (which means family in Hawaiian) and enjoys everything related to her Hawaiian heritage. God has placed her at MCS to spread the Love of Jesus to all who enter!

Mrs. Rodiles has served at Maranatha since 2013 after taking time off from her career to raise her girls. She served six of those years as a Preschool Teacher, and has spent this past year as an Admissions Manager for the TK-12 campus. Prior to joining the MCS community, she worked for almost a decade in higher education where she was an Admissions and Academic Advisor for both undergraduate and graduate programs at SDSU, CSU San Marcos, and Arizona State University. Some of her duties included outreach and recruitment, developing educational plans to support career goals, coordinating individualized support programs for struggling students, and teaching College Success courses for incoming freshman. Mrs. Rodiles holds a Master’s Degree in Human Behavior from National University, and is passionate about encouraging student success. She is absolutely thrilled to join the College and Guidance Department, and considers it a privilege and blessing to be a part of the MCS community. Mrs. Rodiles has been married for 22 years and has 3 wonderful daughters. She loves to travel, go hiking, and spend quality time with her family. Her favorite Bible verse is Joshua 1:9.

Mrs. Sager has served the MCS community as the School Nurse since the fall of 2018. Mrs. Sager has 19 years of nursing experience and earned her B.S. in Nursing from Point Loma Nazarene University. Her work experience includes Medical/Surgical/Telemetry, ICU, NICU, and Pediatric Hematology/Oncology. Mrs. Sager has also been able to serve abroad with medical missions to India, Thailand, Cambodia, and disaster relief in Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina. Her experience, skills, and sweet demeanor are a blessing to our students and staff. In her free time she enjoys tending to her golden retrievers and chickens and watching her boys play sports. A verse that has challenged her throughout her life is Zechariah 4:6 reminding her that it is “not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord.” Mrs. Sager and her husband Beau have been married for 13 years and enjoy raising their three sons.

Mrs. Visser is a native San Diegan, growing up right here in Rancho Bernardo. She was extremely active
in sports and earned a scholarship to play college softball in Oklahoma and majored in Sociology. After
her return, she married and soon had three daughters, all of whom attend Maranatha Christian Schools.
She is active in coaching softball for Maranatha as well, both junior high and high school. She loves
working at Maranatha with the students as the Student Life Coordinator in guiding the students to
create fantastic events.

Mrs. Weisman has been on staff at MCS since 2013. Living on military bases throughout her youth has helped foster the importance of having secure and safe environments. Her current role focuses on the well-being of the MCS K-12 community as the Campus Safety Supervisor in the areas of emergency preparedness and safety policy. She has strong academic and training credentials and the communication skills to relate to diverse audiences. She understands school climate, culture, and school-community relations issues related to school safety. In the education realm she has come full circle having gone to public schools/colleges, then home educated her 3 children through high school and now works at a private school. Additionally, she is a strong advocate for teaching others how to become good communicators for Christ. She and her wonderful husband of 30 plus years are co-founders of C.O.N.T.R.O.L. Speech & Debate, whose top-ranked student members have garnered many state & national awards. They also serve as county home education board members for CFS San Diego.

Mrs. Williams joined the MCS staff in 1995 and was hired as a Preschool Teacher's Assistant. Over the years she has had the opportunity to serve as a 5th grade, Junior High, and High School Teaching Assistant, Librarian as well as working in the Admissions office. In 2012, she became the Accounting Clerk and considers it a blessing to be part of the MCS Staff. Diane has been married to Marty for 38 years and has three sons. She loves walking with the Lord, enjoying her family and friends. She also enjoys being in nature, gardening, cooking and reading! Her favorite verse comes from Philippians 1:6, “For I am confident of this very thing He who began a good work will be faithful to complete that good work. He will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Ms. Youssi started at Maranatha Christian Schools in April 2012 as the Executive Assistant to both the Superintendent and Development Director. She now fully dedicates her time and talents to the Superintendent, and oversees the school website and social media. She has an extensive background in office administration, with 30+ years of experience as an Executive Assistant in various industries. Before coming to MCS, Amy assisted Pastor Ray Bentley, Senior Pastor of Maranatha Chapel. Amy has two grown daughters who are the apple of her eye, loves the outdoors, good movies, hiking, American History, and photography. Maranatha Chapel has been her home church since 1994, and her favorite verse is Jesus' last words in the Book of Matthew, "…and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”












