Our founding principal, Mr. George Gay, has been in Christian Education for over 35 years. Mr. Gay has founded two other successful Christian schools and has consulted with many other schools in several states. Mr. Gay has implemented and directed excellent curriculum and instructional Christian School programs, which have received accreditation from ACSI and WASC. Mr. Gay’s passion is to daily nurture, train, encourage, challenge, and love kids, all for the glory of God. Mr. Gay received his B.A. from California State University, Fullerton. His teaching credential is from Southern California Christian College and his Masters in Educational Administration from Concordia University. Mr. Gay has been married to his wife Edie for over 40 years. He and Edie have 4 daughters & 11 grandchildren.

Maria has a B.A. in Interpersonal and Organizational Communication from California State University, Long Beach. She is also certified as a trainer for “7 Habits of Highly Effective People”. Maria worked as a Subcontract and Training Manager for ResCare Workforce Services for over fourteen years and was committed to helping individuals and families become self-sufficient in a supportive atmosphere. Maria has brought her experience and understanding of business management and process improvements to her role as Business Manger for Heritage Christian School. Maria and her family attend Calvary Chapel Pacific Hills. Maria and her husband, Robert, have two beautiful daughters. Grace, 9, is in 4th grade, and Faith, 7, is in 2nd grade at Heritage Christian. Maria loves camping and traveling with her family and enjoys anything Disney. Heritage was an answer to prayer for Maria and her family. She and Robert searched everywhere for a school where their daughters would be fed the Word of God daily, grow academically, and be supported by kind, loving, and caring staff, teachers, and administrators. Her goal is to contribute to the success of our school by supporting and collaborating with parents, teachers, staff, and administrators.

Christina joins Heritage Christian School with more than 18 years of professional and management experience. She most recently served in an operations management role within the Business Division at Saddleback Valley Unified School District where she worked closely with the Superintendent and Board of Education within the Facilities & Planning, Educational Services, and Business Services departments. Christina has always had a passion for serving others. This passion began at a young age where she spent time spreading the gospel to Southern Baptist Churches through her father’s ministries. She continued serving others through her decision to join the Marine Corp in 1996 where she played roles within military intelligence, logistics, and communications. The Marine Corps had a profound impact on Christina as she recognized her growing desire to lead and inspire teams towards common goals. During her tenure in the Marine Corps, Christina also attended Troy State University where she studied Elementary Education and Southern Wesleyan University focusing in Business Management. Christina met Rodney, her husband of 15 years, in Augusta Georgia in 2001. Together, they have an eleven year old son named Vin who has attended Heritage Christian since preschool. We are honored to have Christina join HCS as the Director of Development.

Edie Gay has her A.A. degree in Early Childhood Education. She has served in ministry along side her husband for over 35 years. She has been married to George for 40 wonderful years. They have four beautiful daughters and four amazing son-in-laws. She enjoys spending time with her 9 adoring grand children and cooking for her entire family and friends. She counts it a joy and privilege to be working at Heritage Christian School.

Betsy received her B.A. in Christian Education from Biola University. She loves people of all ages and has devoted a great part of her life to raising five children as a stay at home mom. One of her greatest loves is reading and books. She has a passion for helping children develop a love of reading and to find books that fuel their desire to read. She finds great joy in bringing books to life by reading aloud to children of all ages. Her life verse is John 17:3, which speaks of having a personal experiential relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Rachel Miles earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Development from Hope International University. She has been certified through the American Sport Education Program and the California Interscholastic Federation – CIF Coaching Education Program. Rachel has been a PE teacher for 16 years and an athletic director for 8 years in Christian education. She has coached softball for 16 years and has brought home the championship 6 times. Rachel grew up in a Christian home and feels very blessed everyday of her life for the parents God gave her. She has two wonderful children whom she adores, Sean 22 and Ryan 18. In her free time, she likes taking walks on the beach, reading, and watching a good softball game!!! She also spends time with the Special Olympics, where she helps coach their co-ed softball team and special events. Jesus is her Lord and Savior and without Him she is nothing. Rachel always tries to live her life in a manner that would honor God. She feels God has led her to Heritage Christian School and is very excited to see how God is going to use her here at HCS. It is an honor and a privilege to be on staff at HCS!

Sharon came to Heritage Christian with almost 30 years of teaching experience. She has taught various grades with early childhood being Her favorite. She has a M.A. in Early Childhood Education from Pepperdine University because she believes that a solid foundation for learning begins in the preschool environment. She lives in Mission Viejo with her husband and 3 home schooled sons. She enjoys working with children through the discovery process and watching them develop their skills on a daily basis. It is also important for her to be able to share her love of Jesus with her students through her teaching.

Hi I’m Melissa Beoletto!! I have been married to my husband for 12 years and have one daughter who is 7 years old and in the second grade. I’m so blessed to have them as my family! We enjoy going to amusement parks, going on adventures, doing outdoor activities, and playing games. I have my Early Child Development certificate from Irvine Valley College. In my free time I love going out with my mom and my daughter. I enjoy playing video games, watching tv, or just sitting and relaxing. My husband and I we love going to concerts, watching Broadway shows and trying new restaurants. I truly feel blessed that every day I get to work with children. I have been working with children over 15 years. It is a true passion that I have love helping them learn, play, laughing with them and teaching about God!!

My name is Lorena Casillas. I attended Cerritos College where I received my certificate in Early Childhood Education. I have more than twenty years of teaching experience. I live in Mission Viejo with my husband Ricardo and three dogs . We have two adult children. Our oldest, Ricardo Jr. is 26 yrs. old and a graduate of UNLV. Our 20 year old daughter Genecie is attending CSUSM. My calling is to serve The Lord through teaching. I’m very blessed to have been part of the HCS family since 2007.

Ms. Wendy was born in Huntington Beach Ca and has three amazing children, Sloane 20, Makenzie 19, and Hunter, 17. She has two fun loving dogs Tank and Zues. Ms. Wendy has her degree in Early Childhood Education and has been a teacher for 12 years. She feels so blessed to be a part of Heritage Christian Preschool. Ms. Wendy loves to watch football especially her son play and watch her daughters who are on a competitive World Cheerleading team. She also enjoys the beach, a great movie, and backyard BBQ’s.

To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven, I hope you still take the time to run through the rain.

I-Fen was born in Taiwan. At age fifteen she and her family moved to California. I-Fen earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Architectural Interior Design and worked as an interior designer in San Francisco prior to coming to the field of early childhood education. I-Fen loves anything to do with art. She also loves working with children. Her passion for early childhood education began when she joined a mission trip to Taiwan for English teaching in 2007. She found that she has a great love for children, and decided to pursue her new career further in this direction. I-Fen recently graduated Saddleback College with an Associate Degree in Child Development. She believes teaching is an incredibly important profession and is glad to be a part of it. She wants to inspire children to keep learning. I-Fen attends Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, where she is involved in Bible studies and children ministries. In her free time, I-Fen enjoys reading, listening to the music, spending time with friends and family, and watching her son playing tennis.

Susan Reed
Kindergarten Teacher
sreed@heritagechristianschool.com

Susan graduated from San Diego State University in 1993 with a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Arts and Sciences, Liberal Studies. She then earned a Multiple-Subject teaching credential from National University. In 1998, while teaching at Foothill Ranch Elementary School, she earned a Master of Science in Administration from Pepperdine University. There she also assisted the principal with administrative responsibilities as “Teacher on Special Assignment”. Susan has taught Kindergarten, First and Second grades in public and private institutions. Susan’s classroom environment is one that her students feel safe, loved, and encouraged to achieve their best. Susan focuses her teaching on developing each student’s spiritual, academic, social and physical well being. She incorporates God’s word in her teaching by including the Holy Bible in all areas of the Kindergarten day. She believes that encouraging a student’s relationship with God at an early age allows Godly principles to become the foundation for growth in character and academic achievement. Susan is honored to serve at Heritage Christian School as she teaches and empowers her students to achieve God’s plan for their life.

Danielle Contreras
2nd Grade Teacher
dcontreras@heritagechristianschool.com

After being called to be a missionary at the age of ten, Danielle pursued her education and missions degree at Pensacola Christian College where she met her husband and went off to Spain for 14 years. She has taught a wide range of ages and grades throughout her career, teaching English as a second language in Spain, homeschooling her three boys and then later teaching high school Spanish and middle school English. Her dream class would be second grade, the perfect age!

She is originally from upstate New York and enjoys the change of seasons especially the fall. Sports and adventure are a big part of her life! She is thankful to live in Surf City to be able to swim, run, hike and bike often with her husband and young adult sons.

Traveling around the world to tell people of Jesus will be her second grade theme this year. She is eager to instill in them early on a love for Jesus and a desire to tell others of His love along with a love for reading, writing and arithmetic.

Kathy McDaniel
5th Grade Teacher
kmcdaniel@heritagechristianschool.com

Kathy McDaniel grew up in a wonderful Christian home in Fresno, CA, where she accepted Christ at the age of 4. She moved away from the heat to South Orange County for college and never left. She attended and graduated with a BA in Sociology from UC Irvine, received her teaching credential from Concordia University, and has been pursuing her Master’s degree in Christian Ministry from Southern California Seminary. She has a passion for apologetics and finding ways to teach both the “what” and the “why” of Christianity to all ages so that their faith is built on a solid foundation of truth.

She holds a California Clear Multi-Subject Credential, as well as a Single Subject Credential in English. She taught 8thgrade Language Arts and Drama for many years in the public-school system prior to having her two children. Since returning to teaching, Kathy has taught 7thand 8thgrade history, as well as 5thgrade. She loves the 5thgrade as they are on the cusp of making the big decisions in their life but still have a child’s innocence. The ability to impact their lives for Christ is huge.

Kathy lives in San Clemente with her family and has been a member of Pacific Coast Church since 2004 (except during the 2 years they lived in Colorado) where she worked in women’s ministry and the youth ministry until her kids entered high school in 2016. Kathy is an avid Los Angeles Kings fan, loves sports (Hockey and Football) the theater, amateur photography, politics, music, travel, adventure, and doing things with her family. She is highly involved in her church now as a curriculum contributor, event photographer, and VBS coordinator. She is thrilled to be teaching 5thgrade at Heritage.

Melanie Arambula
6th Grade Teacher

Mrs. Melanie Arambula graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and a minor in Psychology from the University of Nevada Las Vegas. She later completed a Masters Degree in Elementary Education grades K-8 from Western Governors University. After completing her Master’s Degree, Melanie became licensed to teach in the state of California by obtaining her K-8 Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. She has taught all grade levels from kindergarten to high school as both a substitute and full time teacher in Clark County School District, Westminster School District and Garden Grove Unified. Mrs. Arambula is a devoted wife to her husband of seven years, a loving mother to her 5 year old son and one year old daughter, and a passionate teacher committed to using the most effective teaching strategies to reach all of her students. She believes in placing all of her trust and hope in the Lord while always seeking Him to guide her steps. She is honored to teach sixth grade and be a part of the Heritage Christian School staff. She is most excited to place the Lord first each school day. She enjoys traveling, reading, spending time with her family and church community group. She currently attends Mariners Church in Mission Viejo.

Becky Trojan
Physical Education
btrojan@heritagechristianschool.com

Becky has had 30 years of teaching experience in both public and private education. She grew up in the Philippines; attending a Christian school for missionary kids. Becky earned her Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and teaching credential K-12 at Biola University. She was an Elementary P.E. Specialist 10 years in the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District, where she also coached both Jr. High and High School sports (basketball, soccer, softball and volleyball). Becky was also a Swim/ Water Safety Instructor and Jr. Life Guard trainer for many years. Other related hobbies include VBS, camps, coaching and officiating Little League baseball, girls softball, AYSO and club volleyball. She and her husband, Dave, married 29 years, have a son, Steven, 1st Lt. Air Force fighter pilot; and a daughter, Traci, attending Cal State Fullerton. Becky loves the Lord and serves Him as the Awana Ministry Director at Mission Hills Church. Her desire is to teach and encourage kids to give their best and to make physical activity fun so it becomes a life-long goal.

Becky Trojan
Physical Education
btrojan@heritagechristianschool.com

Becky has had 30 years of teaching experience in both public and private education. She grew up in the Philippines; attending a Christian school for missionary kids. Becky earned her Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and teaching credential K-12 at Biola University. She was an Elementary P.E. Specialist 10 years in the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District, where she also coached both Jr. High and High School sports (basketball, soccer, softball and volleyball). Becky was also a Swim/ Water Safety Instructor and Jr. Life Guard trainer for many years. Other related hobbies include VBS, camps, coaching and officiating Little League baseball, girls softball, AYSO and club volleyball. She and her husband, Dave, married 29 years, have a son, Steven, 1st Lt. Air Force fighter pilot; and a daughter, Traci, attending Cal State Fullerton. Becky loves the Lord and serves Him as the Awana Ministry Director at Mission Hills Church. Her desire is to teach and encourage kids to give their best and to make physical activity fun so it becomes a life-long goal.

Becky Trojan
Physical Education
btrojan@heritagechristianschool.com

Becky has had 30 years of teaching experience in both public and private education. She grew up in the Philippines; attending a Christian school for missionary kids. Becky earned her Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and teaching credential K-12 at Biola University. She was an Elementary P.E. Specialist 10 years in the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District, where she also coached both Jr. High and High School sports (basketball, soccer, softball and volleyball). Becky was also a Swim/ Water Safety Instructor and Jr. Life Guard trainer for many years. Other related hobbies include VBS, camps, coaching and officiating Little League baseball, girls softball, AYSO and club volleyball. She and her husband, Dave, married 29 years, have a son, Steven, 1st Lt. Air Force fighter pilot; and a daughter, Traci, attending Cal State Fullerton. Becky loves the Lord and serves Him as the Awana Ministry Director at Mission Hills Church. Her desire is to teach and encourage kids to give their best and to make physical activity fun so it becomes a life-long goal.