About Us

Dr. Tricia Meyer grew up in a family that prioritized Christian education. She attended Fremont Christian School for 13 years and even served as United Student Body President. Dr. Meyer did not plan on education as a career when she entered college, but a series of experiences over her undergraduate years led her back to FCS. She has attended Harbor Light church all her life.

Earning degrees in education and both teaching and administrative credentials have given Dr. Meyer an important professional foundation, but the impact of key Christian mentors has provided the preparation for leadership that is not typically taught in a classroom.

Having started her administrative career as a college counselor, Dr. Meyer has a special interest in post-high school advising. She finds great inspiration and satisfaction in helping students as they work through this important transition.

Dr. Meyer is an active leader of teaching and learning at Fremont Christian School. She is committed to research-based educational practices that bring about transformation throughout FCS. This is not only true for standard college-preparatory content but also for the most important content of all: biblical worldview education. Dr. Meyer wants every student to leave FCS with the sense of belonging and value that comes from being made in the image of God.

Dr. Meyer’s husband, Dr. Raymond Meyer, serves as the principal of the Secondary Campus and is the pastor of First Baptist Church of Newark. The Meyers’ son, Jake, graduated from FCS in 2002 and is continuing his Christian education at a member school of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. Dr. Meyer enjoys traveling (particularly in the UK), reading, and dogs (particularly basset hounds and doodles).

Rick Troia serves as Secondary Principal at Fremont Christian School, returning to FCS after previously serving as the school’s Elementary Principal from 2012 to 2020. With decades of experience in K–12 education, he is passionate about fostering a positive school culture built on trust, encouragement, and a love of learning that reflects the school’s faith-based values.

Before returning to Fremont, Mr. Troia served as principal and assistant principal at both Christian and public schools in the San Diego area. His administrative career began in 2007 as principal of Rejoice Christian Elementary School in Owasso, Oklahoma, where he discovered the importance of valuing staff, being a visible leader on campus, and helping teachers continually improve their teaching practices.

For 17 years, Mr. Troia taught junior high and high school mathematics at both Christian and public schools while also coaching soccer, baseball, and softball. During his first year teaching in the Pleasanton Unified School District, he was voted one of the top new teachers by a local newspaper.

Mr. Troia earned his bachelor’s degree in Sports Management from the University of Massachusetts in 1989, his California teaching credential in mathematics from California State University, East Bay in 2000, a master’s degree in Educational Administration from Chapman University in 2008, and his California Administrative Credential from CSU East Bay in 2020.

Rick and his wife, Cheryl, live in Fremont. He enjoys playing tennis and golf, cheering for Boston-area sports teams, traveling, and reading.

Nathaniel attended FCS from kindergarten through 12th grade, graduating in 1999, and joining our preschool in summer 2003. He values the relationships he’s made with students and parents over the years.

Our Early Education department is committed to developing each child’s academic and social abilities with compassion and care. We welcome Mr. Jimenez’s leadership as our school continues to strive for excellence, integrity, and growth.

Elementary Department Chair Esther So has taught fifth grade at Fremont Christian School since 2013. Mrs. So holds a bachelor’s degree in psychobiology from UCLA, a master’s in intellectual disabilities/autism from Teachers College at Columbia University, a master’s in educational leadership and administration from Cairn University, and an Education Specialist instruction credential from California State University, Northridge.

As part of her education approach, Mrs. So strives to partner with parents and families in order to educate students holistically, while adhering to high academic standards. She helps students grow socially through group work, and most of all, by guiding each student to know and love God with all their heart, soul, and mind.

Two of Mrs. So’s children currently attend FCS: Samuel (Class of 2023) and Johanna (Class of 2025). Mrs. So loves eating good food and spending time with family and friends, as well as attending her kids’ basketball games.

Born and raised in Fremont, Karen Behrens attended Fremont Christian School from kindergarten through 8th grade and always imagined herself working at a school. After attending Concordia University Irvine and receiving a California teaching credential, she gladly accepted a position as an elementary teacher at FCS in 2017. Working with some of her former teachers has been an invaluable mentorship opportunity. Additionally, Ms. Behrens felt called to work in Christian education, knowing God would lead her footsteps and use her for His work. She appreciates the ability to share her faith with students and walk alongside strong Christian colleagues for guidance and support. She attends Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Palo Alto.

After earning a master's of educational leadership from Concordia University Portland, Ms. Behrens transitioned to the role of director of curriculum and instruction. Her master's thesis focused on the role of instructional strategies and classroom environment, especially with English language learners (ELLs). Ms. Behrens is dedicated to research-based best-teaching practices, including Project GLAD and the Marzano framework. She continues to attend conferences and professional development classes to understand new technology and opportunities for FCS.

Ms. Behrens and her husband, Dennis, enjoy traveling to national parks and international destinations. They also regularly visit Disneyland and are always ready for a quick weekend getaway!