To email a staff member, use the first letter of their first name, followed by their entire last name @calvaryonlineschool.com
Arriaga, Lawrence. Position: Teacher
I am enjoying my eighteenth year of teaching. I believe God has blessed me with the chance to work at Calvary Preparatory Academy. My wife and I have two wonderful children who keep us young and active. We live in Orange County, California, where we enjoy the beautiful weather as well as our family and friends. We are active at our church and our children’s schools. We always try to find ways in which we can help better our community with the gifts God has given us. My teaching credentials come from California State University Fullerton and University of California Los Angeles. I have enjoyed being a high school and junior high school teacher, a youth minister, and a coach of several sports. I look forward to getting a chance to meet all of our students and their families. I would like to invite you to visit during my open office hours or send me an email. God Bless.
Mr. Lawrence Arriaga holds both a California Single Subject Credential in science as well as a Multiple Subject Credential.
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Arriaga, Nadia. Position: Spanish Workshop Instructor
Hello/¡Hola! I am very excited to be teaching Spanish to my students and helping them develop and live a strong walk with our Lord. Even though I was born in the United States, I am a Spanish native speaker with articulate fluency. Our Lord has truly blessed me with the opportunity to learn and speak Spanish with my own family and friends since birth. I bring to Calvary Preparatory Academy a wealth of teaching experience at both the elementary school and the high school levels. I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Liberal Studies (Multiple Subject Teaching Track with an English/Spanish Bilingual Emphasis) from Chapman University in Orange County, California. My husband, Mr. Lawrence Arriaga, also teaches for Calvary Preparatory Academy. We have been married close to twenty years and have two amazing children. We are very committed to our relationship with our Lord and our children’s education. We are involved at our church and volunteer in both our church and local community. I am also an active member of the PTA (Parent Teacher Association) at my children’s school. Besides being a teacher, wife, and mother, I also consider myself a “life-long learner.” I have a deep passion for continuing to grow in the various roles that my Lord has blessed me with. Therefore, I am an avid reader of books ranging from all areas of knowledge. I look forward to meeting all of our students and families as well as working with the other staff members from Calvary Preparatory Academy.
Mrs. Nadia Arriaga holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Liberal Studies (Multiple Subject Teaching Track with an English/Spanish Bilingual Emphasis) from Chapman University
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Beck, Jared. Position: Director/Founder
Hello everyone! My name is Jared Beck and I have been the Director of CPA since God first planted a vision to start the school back in 2009. As we now enter our 12th year, it is so amazing to see all that God had planned from that initial vision come to fruition! I look forward to seeing CPA continue to bless students, families, and communities across the world as it has for the past decade.
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my wife and two children in our town of San Marcos, CA. On the weekends and holidays we often camp and go on road trips to all the beautiful beaches and mountains here in California. I have been playing guitar, piano, and singing for most of my life and it’s something I love to do. I am also a little bit of a gardening fanatic; I have a green house and hundreds of varieties of plants on my property. For fitness I enjoy surfing, hiking, running, and training in the Israeli martial art known as Krav Maga. I also love to travel!
For several years I have had the privilege of serving as a board member for a 120 year-old Jewish Christian organization known as the American European Bethel Mission.
Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions, right down to help with your individual homework.
Mr. Jared Beck holds a California Administrative Services Credential and a BA in Philosophy and Theology from Point Loma Nazarene University, a Masters in Education and a Single Subject Teaching Credential in social science from Azusa Pacific University.
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Benedetto, Jamie. Position: Teacher
Hello everyone! My name is Mrs. Benedetto and I am a teacher here at Calvary Preparatory Academy. I feel incredibly blessed by the opportunity to teach at CPA. I was born and raised in Santa Barbara, CA, where I gained a deep appreciation for our beautiful mountains and ocean. I am a passionate outdoor adventurer, with a love for trail running and biking. When not teaching, I enjoy spending time outdoors, exploring trails with my beloved pup, Kona. I am also a former collegiate soccer player at the University of California, San Diego, and an avid supporter of my favorite soccer team, Manchester United. Prior to this position, I was a local high school English teacher and girls soccer coach.
Teaching is my true passion and I am so blessed to be a mentor to students in their walk with Jesus. It is an honor to support students all across the globe and be a part of this Christian community.
Ms. Jamie Benedetto holds a CA Single Subject Teaching Credential in English and a Masters in Education from UC Santa Barbara, a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development from UC San Diego, and a Certificate to Teach English as a Second Language from Humboldt State University.
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Campos, Nelly. Position: Teacher
Hello! My name is Mrs. Campos and I am blessed to be part of Calvary Preparatory Academy this year. I am excited to share my love for the Lord and my love for teaching. I count it a privilege to encourage students both academically and spiritually. Before joining the Calvary Prep team, I taught junior high and high school science at Calvary Chapel Christian School. I have also taught Reading Intervention with the Alhambra Unified School District. My husband and I have been married for twenty three years and we have three children. My two adult children are pursuing their undergraduate degrees at Cal Poly Pomona while my youngest son is a junior in high school. As a family we enjoy taking road trips and exploring beautiful California.
Mrs. Nelly Campos holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History from UC Irvine and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from California State University Los Angeles.
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Fankhauser, Katherine. Position: Teacher
Hello! My name is Miss Fankhauser and I teach middle school and high school students here at Calvary Preparatory Academy. Before joining the Calvary Prep team I taught math in a nearby school district. Two of the things I love the most about working at our school are the opportunity to help students reach individual academic goals and the privilege of encouraging them in their walks with God. I am a graduate of Saddleback College and Concordia University Irvine. In my spare time I enjoy cooking, baking, helping out at church, and trips to the beach.
Ms. Katie Fankhauser holds a California Single Subject Credential in Mathematics from Concordia University.
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Fergus, Cris. Position: Assistant Principal
Prior to CPA, I was a public school administrator in Poway Unified School District, Huntington Beach Union High School District, and Riverside Unified School District as well as a middle school and high school teacher in the public and private setting.
My husband and I have raised three adopted children, all of whom graduated from the University of San Diego and are currently pursuing or have received graduate degrees in medicine, epidemiology, business, or cell and molecular biology.
When my children went off to college, I realized I needed another project, so for the last several years, I have been teaching a small core workout group of seven women who enjoy exercising their mind through bible study and their body through physical fitness. This one and one half hour daily routine has done wonders for my spiritual well-being. As an avid reader, cook and a lover of fine art, I volunteer at the local Art and Cultural Center once a month. This year at Calvary Preparatory Academy I am looking forward to meeting all of the new families. If you have questions regarding Career or College Counseling, do not hesitate to contact me. I will be happy to assist you.
Mrs. Cris Fergus holds three credentials from Cal State University at Long Beach and the University of California at Irvine in Art, Reading, and Administration and a Master’s Degree in Secondary Reading and Curriculum.
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Gillis, Eleni. Position: Admissions Coordinator & K-6 Mentor
Hello everyone! I’m Eleni Gillis and I am the Admissions Coordinator and Homeschool Educational Specialist for Calvary Preparatory Academy. I have been with Calvary Prep since January 2013 and I feel truly blessed to be apart of this amazing school because of our amazing staff and wonderful families.
Outside of school, I am a wife and a mother of three children. Jacob is 19, Isabela is 14 and Noah is 11. Through God’s grace, I was able to homeschool two of my three children these past five years. We are a very athletically active family. I run/hike 5-6 days a week and we spend the majority of our weekends at swim meets and basketball tournaments. During our rare free moments we love to travel and fellowship with friends and family.
I am here to serve so please let me know how I can help make your academic career a success. God Bless!
Mrs. Eleni Gillis holds a MA in Secondary Education.
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Holyde, Suzanne. Position: Teacher
Hello! My name is Mrs. Holyde (pronounced “holiday”). I am blessed to be part of the Calvary Prep Academy team. I reside in Redondo Beach, CA where my husband and I are planting a Calvary Chapel. Previously, we lived in London, England for nearly nine years whilst we planted a Calvary Chapel there. Our eldest daughter, who recently graduated from university, still lives in the UK and our youngest daughter, who just graduated from high school, lives at home. I was privileged to home educate both of our daughters through high school. I am so grateful for those years and the extra time it afforded us as a family to learn together. Now, I hope to share some of the lessons I learned as a teacher/parent and support you on your educational journey. Before home schooling, I taught middle school and high school English and History. I enjoy traveling and exploring new places/cultures. I saw a fair bit of Europe during my residency there, and have explored Israel and parts of China and Russia. My bucket list destinations now include South Korea and Japan. I look forward to getting to know you and to a great year!
Mrs. Suzanne Holyde holds a Secondary Teaching credential in Social Science and Business Administration from UC Davis and a bachelor’s degree is in Business Administration from Loyola Marymount University.
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Landa, Judith. Position: Teacher
My name is Judith Landa. I am a mom of two and a lover of Jesus! I have been a teacher for over 10 years. I love cooking, motocross, running and being outside! I also love spending time with my kids doing fun things!
I received my Bachelor’s Degree from San Diego State University, where I studied the Spanish Language and Spanish Literature. After that, I obtained my Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction as well as my California Teaching Credential from the University of San Diego.
Fun fact about me: I was born in Mexico and lived there until I was 14! When I moved to the United States, I barely spoke English. I was an English Language Learner! I worked hard, persevered, and now I love helping students succeed!
Mrs. Judith Landa holds a Bachelor’s Degree from San Diego State University in Spanish Language and Spanish Literature, a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction, and a Multiple Subjects California Teaching Credential from the University of San Diego.
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Lashlee, Tammy. Position: Teacher
Hi there! My name is Tammy Lashlee and I joined the CPA team in 2014! I am truly blessed to work with this amazing group of people and look forward to working with each of the families God brings into my life through CPA! When I am not working, I stay busy as a wife and as a mother of two. I enjoy spending time with my family in the little beach town of Carpinteria, CA that I have been blessed to call home since I was born. I love getting out in God’s creation any chance I get and I look forward to hearing about your adventure out there as well! What a gift it is to have the flexibility to make our own schedules and prioritize doing the things we love!
Mrs. Tammy Lashlee holds a BA in Liberal Studies with a science concentration from Azusa Pacific University. She holds a Clear CA Single Subject Credential in Geosciences.
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Paynter, Nicole. Position: Teacher
Hello! My name is Nicole Paynter and I love the Lord and love teaching! I am excited to get to share my passion for Jesus and my love of teaching with the students of Calvary Prep Academy and their families. Prior to joining the team at CPA, I taught math to middle school students and high school students in a local school district for seven years. I am a graduate of Cal Poly at San Luis Obispo (Go Mustangs!) and CSU San Marcos. When I’m not teaching, I enjoy spending quality time with my husband and two young children, volunteering in the children’s ministry at my church, working in the yard while listening to audio books, and hiking with friends.
Mrs. Nicole Paynter holds a Single Subject California Teaching Credential in Mathematics and a Supplementary Authorization in Computer Concepts and Applications. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Cal Poly at San Luis Obispo and a Master of Arts degree in Education from CSU San Marcos.
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Richie-Zavaleta, Britt. Position: Teacher
Hello! My name is Britton Richie-Zavaleta. I have been teaching online for 12 years now and love what I do. I am grateful to God for this vocation and for CPA. I graduated from the University of Redlands and loved everything about it. While there I was involved with Intervarsity Christian Fellowship and was part of Student Leadership. My wife is also an Intervarsity alum and, 20 years later, we support Intervarsity staff and stay active with an alumni group. We are passionate about college ministry.
We currently live in the South Bay area of San Diego. My wife is a college teacher and attended university in Philadelphia. Go Eagles! My two children love any water sport and are crazy about fishing with their grandfather. In my spare time, I love running local trails and learning the piano.
Mr. Richie- Zavaleta holds a California Multiple Subject Credential and a Single Subject Credential in Spanish with a Supplementary Mathematics Authorization (K-9). He graduated from the University of Redlands with a BA in Liberal Studies (Math Emphasis).
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Russell, Jaime. Position: Teacher
Hi! My name is Mrs. Russell and I live in San Diego, California. I have lived in California most of my life and attended college at CSU San Marcos. I have been teaching at Calvary Prep for the past eight years, I also host a math workshop and look forward to helping all students understand their math. When I am not teaching, I am a mom and homeschool my three children. My family loves to do outdoor activities and we get to enjoy camping frequently. I look forward to getting to know all of you this year!
Mrs. Russell attended CSU San Marcos where she completed her Bachelors Degree as well as a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and Education Specialist Credential.
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St. Clair, Lisa. Position: French Workshop Instructor
Bonjour! I am so happy to be teaching French at this wonderful school. I love the Lord and supporting young people in their walk with Jesus. Having lived, worked and studied for over a decade in France and Switzerland, the French language is my passion. Working as a tour director and lecturer took me around the globe, but now I’m so pleased to call San Clemente, CA my home. I teach French at a local high school and, along with my husband, tend to our three children. We have one in college, one in high school and our littlest one is in preschool. I love to read, play scrabble and attend my sons’ rugby games.
Dr. Van Wickle, Jacob. Position: Teacher
Hello! My name is Jacob (Jake) Van Wickle, and I’m excited to be a part of the Calvary Prep Community! I grew up in Santa Barbara County, and I’m fortunate to be back living here today. Prior to this, I taught science at a public high school, practiced chiropractic locally, and coached volleyball for several high school teams. Through these experiences, it became clear to me that one of my passions is to teach and mentor young people in the way they should go (Proverbs 22:6) and guide them to see the glory of God through the process of inquiry (Proverbs 25:2).
I currently live in Carpinteria with my wife (who is also a teacher) and our two kids. For fun, I like to play volleyball, basketball, ride my mountain bike, or rock climb.
Dr. Jacob Van Wickle holds a Doctor of Chiropractic from Life Chiropractic College West, a BS in Kinesiology from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and Single Subject Teaching Credentials in Biology and Chemistry from Westmont College in Santa Barbara.
White, Laury. Position: Teacher
My name is Laury White and I am a happy wife and mom of three adult children and two grandbaby girls! We all live in Fallbrook, California and attend North Coast Church. We homeschooled our three children up until high school and our youngest attended Calvary Preparatory Academy for his high school years. Boy, do we wish all three of the kids had had that opportunity! Prior to raising my family, I attended California State University – Long Beach where I earned my secondary teaching credential in 1992. Ever since then I have been teaching and, have to say, it is still what I want to do when I grow up. Eighteen of those years of teaching experience were in public school, and the rest were in private online education, co-op schooling, homeschooling, and medical home instruction. Working with youth is truly my passion, both in the classroom and through a discipleship role, and I have never tired of the ministry or the work. I am always looking for new activities to get students involved both on campus and off. I can be found all around our virtual online campus starting something up for the students. I am the advisor for the Student Leadership Team, the Yearbook Class, and the Student Newsletter Team. You can also find me in the Daily Discussion Forum keeping the attendance and posting the devotions for the day. I actively participate in curriculum revisions, school meetings, projects, and fundraisers. Calvary Preparatory Academy has been the perfect place for me to bring all my experience and passions to the table. I am all in!
Laury White graduated with a teaching credential from Long Beach State University. She taught for 10 years in public high school and then spent 11 years homeschooling her 3 children. She has been with Calvary Preparatory Academy for 4 1/2 years and has also worked with pregnant and parenting teens for six years as a home instructor for the Escondido Public School District. She is passionate about serving families and raising her own family. This is what she spends all her time doing.
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Witt, Angela. Position: Teacher
Hello! My name is Angela Witt and am so thankful to be a part of Calvary Prep Academy! I am passionate about my students and teaching. In addition to teaching at CPA, I teach Middle School Math in a nearby School district. I have four children, ages 11-19 years old, who keep me very busy. Prior to joining CPA, I have taught a wide range of learners, including elementary, high school, and college students for many years. I am a graduate of San Diego State University, as well as, University of LaVerne. When I have a few moments to myself, I enjoy reading, traveling, and cooking.
Angela Witt holds a California Multiple Subjects Credential from California State Northridge and a Masters of Education from the University of La Verne. Mrs. Witt also holds a Reading Specialist Credential, a Differentiation Certification, and is a UCSD Certified Master Teacher.
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