Junior High Staff

Lydia Clark is a dedicated individual with a diverse background and a strong commitment to education and faith. A pivotal moment in her life occurred when she relocated to San Diego, where her husband pursued his career as a baseball player with the San Diego Padres. This move made San Diego their cherished home. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics and Fashion Merchandising from Lamar University and earned her teaching CLAD from National University. Over the course of 25 years, Lydia has devoted her career to MCS, where she imparted knowledge in subjects spanning Science, Bible, History, and Math. Her passion for teaching was evident through her various leadership roles within the institution. In her personal life, Lydia is a loving mother of two children, both of whom graduated from MCS, and she now proudly witnesses her grandson following in their footsteps by attending the same school. Lydia's proudest achievements extend beyond the classroom. She treasures the countless relationships she has built with families throughout her career. But perhaps the most profound aspect of Lydia's life is her unwavering faith. She has answered a higher calling by sharing the gospel truth of Jesus Christ through academics, spiritual guidance, and support to those around her. Her commitment to education and faith has left an indelible mark on the MCS community. She lives by 1 Thessalonians 1:3, “Recalling unceasingly before our God and Father your work energized by faith, and your service motivated by love and unwavering hope in the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 

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. 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. Leonard joined the MCS Junior High team in 2023 after spending the 2022 -2023
school year as a Teachers’ and Eagle Academy Assistant. She attended The College
of St. Catherine in St. Paul, MN, where she received her degree in Elementary
Education. Shortly after graduating, she moved to Texas, where she taught fourth grade.
Once her children were born, Mrs Leonard spent 17 years raising them before God
called her back to teaching. She is passionate about sharing Biblical truths, encouraging
a desire to learn, and building relationships with her students. When Mrs. Leonard isn’t
in her classroom, she’s cheering on her boys on the court or football field or enjoying
her church family at North Coast Church, RB.

Mrs. Kristen Percival joined MCS in 2021 after returning home to California from a 15-year adventure living all over the globe. Raised in Los Angeles, then Seoul, South Korea, she experienced living in four additional countries with her husband. Her children joined the journey along the way and are now in all three levels of school (Elementary, Junior High, and High School). Mrs. Percival received her B.A. at UCSB and her Multiple Teaching Credentials from Azusa Pacific. With 20 years of experience, she has taught numerous grades, ages, and subjects.  Some of her favorite subjects include History, Bible, and Health. Mrs. Percival is defined by her deep love for our Savior. She is passionate about teaching Biblical Truth, praying, lecturing at women's conferences, and hosting ministry groups. Her favorite mornings include an early start, Scripture over a cup of coffee, and a brisk prayer walk to connect with the Lord. Life with Jesus is an exciting ride, and she looks forward to what the Lord has prepared for her to accomplish in each new season. 

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 20 plus years of ministry at MCS. He is married to Suzi Rodgers and together they have two grown children who both attended MCS. Coach often tells anyone who will listen “I haven’t worked a day since joining MCS, 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. 

Coach Walker moved to San Diego in 2020 from Northern California where he retired from 20 years as a contractor- building and remodeling homes. He was also the owner and operator of Next Level Fitness "nutrition and personal training". Along with that, he was the Jr. High basketball and football coach and substitute PE teacher at Providence Christian in Orland, CA. By far, his greatest passion is encouraging a Biblical worldview in his students.

Coach Wise was born and raised in San Diego and has been a part of the MCS community as a parent and volunteer since 2012.  Through the years she felt God tugging on her heart to serve the MCS community at a greater capacity and in 2020 joined the MCS staff assisting the PE department.  She is thrilled to bring her years of experience as a collegiate athlete and a coach to help encourage and grow a passion for athletics, health and most importantly for our Lord in the students of Maranatha.  Kristen loves attending her three kids’ sporting activities, the beach, camping with her family and worship music.  “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds” Hebrews 10:24

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