Elementary Staff

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.

I have been part of the MCS team since 2015. I graduated with a BA in Liberal Studies from Biola University. My favorite thing about teaching at MCS is watching my students learn to read. I have a passion for teaching children about God's love and how rich our lives become when He is the center of our life. In my spare time I love to travel, study God's Word, be creative, and spend time outside with my family. My favorite verse is Ephesians 3:20-22.

I have been part of the MCS team since 2019. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science from California State University, Fullerton and have a degree in Child and Adolescent Studies. My favorite thing about teaching at MCS is learning and growing with my students each year. I have a passion for sharing the gospel with my students and watching them soak up the love that the Lord has for them. I am constantly wanting to learn more about reading instruction and the different ways to teach students how to read. In my spare time I like to spend time with my children and my husband. My favorite verse is Jeremiah 29:11.

I have been part of the MCS team since 2022. I graduated from California State University San Marcos where I earned my Liberal Studies degree and Multiple Subject California Teaching Credential. My favorite thing about teaching at MCS is I get to continue my passion and love for teaching, while building relationships with the children. Using the gift that God has given me to teach to His Glory, is something I look forward to every day! I have a passion for working with children to uncover their academic strengths and helping to guide them in their walk with the Lord. I am constantly wanting to learn more about how I can better serve my students and parents. In my spare time I enjoy taking my family on adventures, coaching, cheering from the sidelines, and spending time with The Lord. My favorite verse is Psalm 25:4.

I have been part of the MCS team since 1997, but took a break from 2004-2021 to raise my children. I graduated from Northern Arizona University with a BS in Elementary Education and an MA in Curriculum and Instruction from San Diego State University. My favorite thing about teaching at MCS is that I get to take a front seat in watching what God is doing and join Him. I have a passion for helping struggling and reluctant readers, and I am constantly learning more about reading instruction. In my spare time I like to go to Disneyland and travel with my family. My favorite verse is Jeremiah 29:17.

I have been part of the MCS team since 2010. I graduated with a BA in Liberal Studies from Biola University with a minor in Biblical Studies. My favorite thing about teaching at MCS is teaching students to work collaboratively as teammates in the classroom. I have a passion for helping students grow in wonder and understanding of our great God. In my spare time I like to bake and play games with my family. My favorite chapter in the Bible is Psalm 23.

I have been part of the MCS team since 2021. I graduated from San Diego State University and have a degree in Liberal Studies. I also have a Masters in the Art of Teaching with a specialization in Reading. My favorite thing about teaching at MCS is seeing God’s fingerprint in everything, and feeling His peace on our campus. I have a passion for teaching the whole child and am constantly wanting to learn more about strategies for helping young readers build a strong literacy foundation. In my spare time I like to cheer on my sons on the sports fields! My favorite verse is Isaiah 26:3.

I have been part of the MCS team since 2014. I graduated with a Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Performance and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from Point Loma Nazarene University. My favorite thing about teaching at MCS is helping students develop a Biblical worldview through which they know, love, and follow God. I have a passion for serving others and am constantly wanting to learn more about ways to increase student engagement. In my spare time I like to go camping in the mountains and watch sports with my family. My favorite verse is Philippians 3:14.

I have been part of the MCS team since 2023. I graduated with a BA in Liberal Studies from Azusa Pacific University and an MAT in Teaching from Point Loma Nazarene University. My favorite thing about teaching at MCS is when students relate our academic content to their faith experiences. I have a passion for helping students discover the joy in learning and am constantly wanting to learn more about student engagement. In my spare time I like to read, sew, and spend time with my family. My favorite verse is 1 Peter 1:8.

I have been part of the MCS team since 2016. I graduated from Point Loma Nazarene University with a degree in Liberal Studies and a multiple-subject CLAD emphasis teaching credential. My favorite thing about teaching at MCS is working with Christ-centered, dedicated teachers and staff. I have a passion for teaching children about the love of Jesus. I am currently working on my Master of Arts degree in Curriculum and Instruction at PLNU. In my spare time I enjoy genealogy research and spending time with my family. My favorite Bible verse is “Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion. It cannot be shaken; it remains forever.” (Psalm 125:1).

I have been part of the MCS team since 2022. I graduated from California State University of San Marcos and have a degree in Liberal Studies, with an emphasis in Visual and Performing Arts. My favorite thing about teaching at MCS is that I get to pray daily with my students and see Jesus be glorified through them. I have a passion for seeking to find Jesus in everyday activities and am constantly wanting to learn more about His love for me. In my spare time I like to taxi my three kids to all of their sports and performing arts activities and experiment with new recipes in the kitchen. My favorite verse is Romans 12:2.

I have been part of the MCS team since 2024. I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Liberty University. My favorite thing about teaching at MCS is watching my students learn more about Jesus. I have a passion for guiding my students in building their confidence and am constantly wanting to learn more about new strategies for engaging teaching. In my spare time I like to hang out with my family and be outside. My favorite verse is Colossians 3:2.

I have been part of the MCS team since 2012. I graduated from San Diego State University with a degree in Liberal Studies with an emphasis on Theater. My favorite thing about teaching at MCS is the ability to teach all the curriculum through a Christian Worldview. I have a passion for doing hands-on projects and crafts and am constantly wanting to learn more about how to make lessons engaging. In my spare time I like going to Disneyland, seeing a Broadway show, going on a hike, or just spending time with family and friends. My favorite verse is John 13:35.

I have been part of the MCS team since 2011. I graduated with a BA in liberal studies from San Diego State University. My favorite thing about teaching at MCS is working alongside other Christian teachers that have a desire for students to know Jesus. I have a passion for partnering with parents to help their child grow spiritually, academically and socially. In my spare time I like to play games with my family or cheer on my favorite teams. My favorite verse is Philippians 4:8.

I have been a part of the MCS team since 2024. I graduated from CSU, Stanislaus with a BS in Psychology and a Multiple Subjects Teaching credential. My favorite thing about teaching at MCS is serving our amazing community of families and assisting them in their spiritual and academic growth. I have a passion for Christian Education and am constantly wanting to learn more about how I can grow my students academically and spiritually. In my spare time I like to go to the beach, run, and read. My favorite verse is Esther 4:14.

I have been part of the MCS team since 2020. I graduated from Long Beach State with a degree in Liberal Studies and from San Diego State University with my Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. My favorite thing about teaching at MCS is the community. I am passionate about teaching kids about Jesus and the history of our amazing country. In my spare time, I like to spend time with my family, go to the beach, and shop! My favorite verse is Joshua 1:9.

I have been part of the MCS team since 2019. I graduated from Biola University and have a degree in Commercial Music with an emphasis in Voice and a minor in Biblical Studies. My favorite thing about teaching at MCS is how I get to pay it forward to all the teachers and directors who made me the musician I am today. I have a passion for helping students find their God-given talents in order to use them as often and as best as they can for God's glory and am constantly wanting to learn more about how to improve my own instrument and instruction as well. In my spare time I like to work on puzzles, go to the gym, and drink boba. My favorite verse is 1 Timothy 4:12, which encourages us to be examples no matter what age we are.

I have been part of the MCS team since 2008. I graduated with a BS in Ornamental Horticulture from California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo. My favorite thing about teaching at MCS is watching my students' excitement about gardening and reading. I have a passion for helping students grow in their knowledge of our Creator and His love for them. I am constantly wanting to learn more about getting children to love reading. In my spare time I like to hang out with my family and friends, garden, read, and quilt. My favorite verse is Philippians 1:6.

I have been part of the MCS team since August 2021. I graduated from Lincoln Memorial University and Purdue University. I have a BA in Elementary Education and an MA in Literacy and Language. My favorite thing about teaching at MCS is the sense of community throughout the campus. I have a passion for teaching art all while teaching about Jesus, the Master Creator. I constantly want to learn new art styles and teach with a Biblical worldview. In my spare time I like to spend time with my family, whether that is at the soccer fields, beach, hiking, or traveling. My favorite verse is Proverbs 3:5-6.

I have been a part of the MCS team since 2023. I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Cal Poly Pomona. I spent eight years working in the field of computer engineering after I graduated, assisting customers in purchasing computer systems. In order to spend more time at home, I changed my focus to teaching computers fourteen years ago. The students are my favorite aspect of teaching at MCS. I'm passionate about teaching pupils to find delight in challenging tasks. I'm always curious to find out more about the effects of nutrition and our environment on brain development and our overall health. I enjoy reading, watching TV, hiking, and training my dogs in my free time. Proverbs 3:5–6 is my favorite verse.

I have been a part of the MCS community as a parent and volunteer since 2012. Through the years, I felt God tugging on my heart to serve the MCS community at a greater capacity and in 2020 joined the MCS staff assisting the PE department. I am thrilled to bring years of experience as an athlete, a health coach and a soccer coach to help encourage and grow a passion for athletics, health and most importantly for our Lord in the students of Maranatha. I love attending my three kids’ sporting activities, the beach, camping with my family, reading and listening to worship music. My favorite verse is Hebrews 10:24.

I have been part of the MCS team since 2020. I graduated with a BA in business from University of San Diego and an MA in education from National University. My favorite thing about teaching at MCS is the privilege of watching students grow in their faith and maturity as I get to help support them in navigating through their spiritual walk, academics, friendships, athletics, and everyday life. I have a passion for giving students the opportunity to try new athletic activities in a positive and encouraging environment. It is my goal to help students establish healthy fitness habits and a love for physical activity, no matter what their fitness level or natural athletic ability. In my spare time I like to hang out with family doing anything outdoors. My favorite verse is Proverbs 3:5.

Christie Barela joined MCS in the Fall of 2023.  She attended Eastern New Mexico University. She began her time in Education eight years ago in public school, working with Special Education as an Instructional Aid. In the most recent years she was working with students who have severe needs. Christie has served in ministry with her husband for more than 30 years. She loved her time all along the way in AWANA, Moms In Prayer, teaching at Moms Day Out, serving on the Prayer Teams, House Manager, Children’s ministry, Director of Children's Ministry, leading junior high youth group and serving as an Assistant Pastors wife, just to name a few.

Her joy is serving the Lord and being a prayer partner to those she meets along the way. Christie and her husband have three adult-sons, a daughter, along with a daughter in-love from which she is happy to be a grandma aka "Gammy".  Her tag line is JBU, which is Jesus Bless You!!