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MEET OUR TEAM

Our staff is more than a team—we’re a family united by faith and a shared mission to serve students with excellence. Each member brings passion, purpose, and a heart for helping every child grow in Christ.

ELEMENTARY FACULTY

Rebecca Salazar
(TK Teacher)

Mrs. Becky has been working with preschool and elementary children for the past eighteen years. She worked seven years for the Los Angeles School District, then at the city of San Marino in 2011, now is blessed to be working at Montebello Christian School. Over, the past years she has been able to share her love for music with the children. She is a musician and enjoys singing, playing piano, and drums. You might occasionally see Mrs. Becky at Word Church L.A. on Sunday services playing the piano and singing.

Eleanne Bernard
(Kindergarten Teacher)

Mrs. Bernard graduated from Cal State LA with a bachelor’s degree in child development. She began working in the education field as an aid which eventually motivated her to become an early education teacher. She has had the opportunity to work in both public and private sectors bringing fresh, fun and innovative ways to learn! Her passion to teach young children continues to grow, but most importantly to raise the next generation in the ways of the Lord!

1st Grade Teacher

Sandra Martinez
(2nd Grade Teacher)

Mrs. Martinez has been an educator for 10 years. This includes being a teacher's aide, a one-on-one special education aide, and a substitute teacher. She is currently working on her teaching credential for multiple subjects and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from Azusa Pacific University

Laura Shelton
(3rd Grade Teacher)

Mrs. Shelton graduated from Vanguard University of Southern California in 2009 studying Education and Psychology with an emphasis in Child Development. Mrs. Shelton loves Jesus and serving at her home church, Dream City Whittier, with her husband and two children. She loves to worship! She also enjoys reading, crafting, and sports. Go Dodgers!

Denise Murphy
(4th Grade Teacher)

Mrs. Murphy began teaching in high school and has worked in every grade at least once. She has a Multiple Subject Teacher Credential and a Master of Arts in special education. She is active in her home church and outreach programs. She enjoys crafting, gardening and reading. Mrs. Murphy wants to continue to invest spiritual principles in the next generation.

Holly Burgess
(5th Grade Teacher)

Mrs. Burgess graduated from Oklahoma State University in 2004, studying Speech Language Pathology. Her heart and passion has always been for children and has worked in the education field since 2006 with the past four years working as a full time teacher in upper elementary in the Christian private school sector. In Mrs. Burgess words, "My walk with the Lord is my most important part of my life, and it is my blessed opportunity to get to instill Christian core values with a high level education for my students."

MIDDLE SCHOOL FACULTY

ELA / 6th Homeroom

History / 7th Homeroom

Cassandra Anaya
(Science / 8th Homeroom)

Miss Anaya is an alumnus of Montebello Christian School, graduating class of 2011. This is her 4th year teaching at MCS. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biology with an emphasis in pre-med from Grand Canyon University, as well as a Master of Arts in education at Azusa Pacific University and is ACSI certified. She is excited to bring her new and creative style of learning to be both engaging and fun for all.

FACULTY SUPPORT

Ms. Salina

Salina Walters
(Teacher’s Assistant Day Care/Aide)

Mrs. Walters has been working at MCS since 1995—over 25 years—in various capacities supporting our faculty. Currently she is serving as a teacher’s assistant in the Kinder class. She also helps the lower grade teachers in working with students during reading time and arts/crafts, as well as serving as a lunch aide and day care worker.

Arnica Ortega
(Teacher’s Assistant Day Care/Aide)

Mr. Powers began teaching in high school and now does Middle School and Youth Ministry. He has a Social Studies Credential and a Master in Secondary Education. He is active in the Word Church LA and Teen Ministry director. Also, he does history reenactments and archival work for Montebello Historical Society. His goal is “bringing history to life”. Mrs. Murphy wants to continue to invest spiritual principles in the next generation.

Deborah Jasiukonis
(Teacher's Assistant First Grade Aide)

Mrs. Jasiukonis has worked as an elementary teacher since 1989, in Christian Schools. She worked at MCS since 2015, teaching 1st grade. She graduated from CSU, Long Beach and returned back to take child development classes. Besides working as an elementary teacher, Mrs. Jasiukonis has worked with preschool students. Now, as she feels almost ready to retire, she is working at MCS as an assistant in 1st grade. She loves teaching and wouldn’t consider any other job.

Ms. Angela

Angela Velasquez
(Aide)

Mrs. Velasquez began working at MCS in 2024. She takes on the roles of office assistant, lunch aide, and daycare worker. She is serving at The Word Church L.A. Mrs. Velasquez is a mom which allows her to integrate elements of love, support, and compassion with other children. She enjoys coming to work, worshipping God, and being a part of the MCS staff! Mrs. Murphy wants to continue to invest spiritual principles in the next generation.

Maya Gomez
(Teacher’s Assistant Day Care/Aide)

Maria Lopez
(Aide)

She enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling and trying new cultural cuisine. Mrs. Carrillo also loves promoting, connecting and networking. She has been serving in children and women ministries for several years now. She is thankful every day for all that the Lord has bestowed.

Leslie Velazquez
(P.E. Coach)

ADMINISTRATION

Carla Gonzalez
(Principal)

Mrs. Gonzalez who has come full circle in her journey as a part of our school community from a parent/teacher, to parent, to school board member/parent, and now finally, to Principal. She has been in the education field for 15 years after first earning her bachelor’s degree in liberal studies and multiple subject credentials at Biola University. More recently, she has also completed her master’s degree in education, with an emphasis on Instructional Leadership from The Alder School of Education.

Denisa Mendoza
(Office Executive Secretary)

Mrs. Denisa is excited to be part of the MCS family. She is an avid church attendee at her local church. Because of her love for Jesus, she also pours out that love in your children and their well being. She's been an executive assistant in the corporate world for 20+ yrs and bringing her expertise to support the school and the team. Mrs. Murphy wants to continue to invest spiritual principles in the next generation.

Victoria Diaz
(Office Assistant)

Ms. Victoria began working at MCS in 2023 and attends The Word Church L.A. She's at the front desk of the school office normally answering calls as well as supporting both students and staff in their daily needs. In 2021 she graduated from California State University Fullerton and earned her Bachelor's of Arts in Art with a focus on illustration. This year she's also teaching art to the middle school students once a week. Ms. Victoria has a soft spot for animals and enjoys being surrounded by the serenity of houseplants.

Stephanie Semerenko
(Marketing Dept. & Biblical-Spiritual Counselor)

Ms. Stephanie has worked over 10 years in the design field and about 6 years as a pastor in her local church. She has always loved working with children and her passion is to help children develop spiritually, socially, and mentally. She received a degree in fashion/costume design at FIDM and has a Bachelor of Arts in youth and family ministry at Azusa Pacific University (APU). Ms. Stephanie is currently furthering her education through APU's master's program, Educational Counseling and Clinical License. She has a pastoral role at her church and leads in other ministries as well.

Erika Villaseñor Escobar
(Finance Officer)

Erika Villasenor Escobar is a devoted mother of two, cherished wife to her wonderful husband, and above all, a dedicated servant of the Lord. She always starts her day with Jesus and coffee which is the best part of her morning routine. With over two decades of experience in marketing, billing, payroll, and taxes, she brings a wealth of expertise to her professional endeavors. Erika's faith guides her in all aspects of her life, inspiring her to serve others with love and compassion. Mrs. Murphy wants to continue to invest spiritual principles in the next generation.

Jazmin De la Rosa
(Maintenance)

SCHOOL BOARD

SebastianPetz

Sebastian Petz
(Pastor)

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Tamar Abajian
(Board Member)

Debbie Calderon
(Board Member)

Darlene Fierro
(Board Member)

Carla Gonzalez
(Board Member)

Veneziano Guiseppe

Giuseppe Veneziano
(Board Member)

Richard Torres
(Board Member)