About Us: Who We Are

Dr. Tricia Meyer was born in the East Bay. She served as Student Body President for Fremont Christian School when she graduated after 13 years attendance. Dr. Meyer did not plan on teaching as a career when she entered college but a series of experiences over her undergraduate years led her back to Fremont Christian School where she feels a strong commitment to place. Dr. Meyer attends Harbor Light Church.

Earning a Bachelor of Arts in English, a California Single Subject Teaching Credential, a Master of Education, a California Administrative Services Credential, and a Doctor of Education, have all prepared Dr. Meyer for her role as the Head of School at Fremont Christian School. Dr. Meyer first joined FCS in the 1993-1994 school year as a teacher and then transitioned to the position of academic and college counselor. In 1998, she became the Vice Principal and, in 2000, took over leadership of the Secondary Campus as Principal.

Having started her administrative career as a college counselor, Dr. Meyer has a special interest in college advising. Her doctoral dissertation for George Fox University explored college counseling in the Christian school. Her commitment to early college advising is evident in the high quality college advising curriculum available at FCS.

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. She has been trained by Project GLAD (Guided Language Acquisition and Design) and made a commitment that all students at Fremont Christian School will benefit from this instructional model of clear, practical strategies promoting positive, effective interactions among students and between teachers and students. Project GLAD develops metacognitive use of high level, academic language and literacy. Project GLAD training results in teachers’ renewed commitment to high expectations and high standards for all students. The results for students around the state have been continued gains in standardized test scores, as well as renewed involvement in a classroom that is, not only student-centered, but fosters a sense of identity and voice.

Dr. Meyer has also been trained in the Barton Reading and Spelling System for dyslexics. This training led to the implementation of formal learning accommodations at Fremont Christian School for students who are being assisted with remediation for dyslexia and/or AD/HD.

Dr. Meyer’s husband Dr. Raymond Meyer chairs the FCS Bible Department and is the pastor of First Baptist Church, Newark. The Meyer’s young son, Jake, attends FCS. The family enjoys traveling, reading, and basset hounds.

Together with the FCS faculty, they are committed to teaching students how to think critically.

As our Director of Early Education, Janine Sagherian often says that this position is her dream job because she has a passion for supporting families and creating a quality early education environment. Having been in the teacher role herself, she finds great satisfaction in developing and supporting our unique group of gifted teachers. Her greatest joy is sharing the practical love of God with preschoolers and their families.

Janine attended Biola University, and later graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Child Development from Fresno State University. Janine’s last position was director of a large Christian preschool in Southern California. Needing to relocate to the Bay Area, it quickly became clear that FCS was the perfect fit. She has been working in Early Education for over 30 years.

She is married to the love of her life, Calvin who serves as a pastor in San Francisco. She has three adult children, and likes to remind preschool moms that they too will survive this crazy season of life. One of her favorite things would have to be chatting with parents at one of our family events. Other favorites would include a surprise bear hug from a child as she crosses the playground and a great cup of coffee.

In 1989, Rick Troia graduated from the University of Massachusetts with a Bachelor’s Degree in the field of Sports Management. He moved to the Bay Area that same year, and soon began coaching and teaching at Valley Christian School in Dublin, California.

For over 17 years, at both Christian and public schools, Mr. Troia taught mostly jr. high and high school mathematics. He also coached a variety of sports including soccer, baseball, and softball.

From 2000 to 2007, Mr. Troia taught mathematics at Amador Valley High School in Pleasanton, California. He was voted one of the top new teachers in Pleasanton by a local newspaper during his first year in the district. Additionally, in 2005 and 2006, Mr. Troia filled in as vice principal when needed.

In 2000, Mr. Troia received his California teaching credential in mathematics from California State University, East Bay and, in 2008, received his Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from Chapman University.

After relocating his family to Tulsa, Oklahoma in 2007, Mr. Troia began his administrative career as Principal of Rejoice Christian Elementary School in Owasso, Oklahoma. It was a tremendously successful experience as he discovered the value in respecting his teaching staff, being visible throughout the campus, and leading his teachers to continually incorporate best teaching practices.

In 2012, the Lord led Mr. Troia back to the Bay Area to serve as the Elementary Principal at Fremont Christian School.

Mr. Troia and his wife, Cheryl, currently live in Dublin.  Mr. Troia’s hobbies include playing golf, watching Boston area sports teams, traveling, and reading.

Mrs. Troia knew very early in her career that she had a passion for the education of young people, and believes strongly in educating the whole person; incorporating education for their physical health and spiritual well-being as well as their minds.  She considers it a privilege and an honor to be entrusted with even a small role in affecting the lives of young people.  Having raised a now adult son herself, she witnessed firsthand just how vital these formative years are and therefore has made it her mission to do everything in her power to ensure that students are equipped with everything they need to succeed not only in school, but in life. 

Mrs. Troia first graduated from California State University, Hayward with a Bachelor of Arts in Human Development and a minor in Social Science.  She then furthered her education at Vision Christian Bible College and Seminary with an additional Bachelor of Arts in Theology. 

Mrs. Troia has been working in the education field for over 25 years.  She began her career in 1989 at Valley Christian High School in Dublin, CA.  There she was a Bible, psychology, and physical education teacher, as well as the coach for the varsity girls softball, volleyball, and basketball teams, and assisted in many of the Athletic director duties for the girls program.  In the year 2000, she advanced her career by moving to Fremont Christian School where she taught Bible and psychology, as well as coached the Girls Softball team.  In 2012, as the incorporation of a strong and significant international program became imminent, she accepted a position on the FCS Lead Team as International Program Director. This position has been one of the greatest challenges of her career, yet has also yielded some of the most gratifying rewards.

Mrs. Troia is married to elementary principal, Mr. Rick Troia. Outside of school she loves to travel, play tennis, and golf.  She was born in Iowa, but has lived most of her life in southern and northern California, and has fallen in love with the temperate climate and beautiful scenery here.  Above all else, she loves to cultivate her own personal relationship with God through prayer, Bible study, and church.  She also has a deep desire to be near the ocean and watch the waves come in.  And don’t tell Mr. Troia, but the true love of her life might be their 6-pound white fluffy Maltese dog named Paris.

I am the Admissions Specialist here at Fremont Christian School. I began working as a substitute office assistant and then as part of the Extended Care Team, eventually transitioning into the Admissions & Records Office. My team organizes private tours, Open Houses, and more throughout the year for new families to visit campus. I love connecting with families and being able to support them through the application process and during their time at FCS. 

I manage our marketing as well, which includes website, social medias, and an assortment of events. For the last few years, I've also been able to work with our Summer Enrichment Program team and as a high school girls volleyball coach. Working with my team in Admissions & Records has been a wonderful experience and I've enjoyed partnering with our different departments to support FCS families. 

I have been the Early Education Administrative Support since 2016, and in that time, I have come to love the magical world of Fremont Christian Preschool! 

It is a joy to serve alongside our wonderful staff and teachers, who care for and nurture the little ones that God has entrusted to the care of the Early Education Department. One of my favorite things about working here is the ability to express my inner child through the many events and activities that are held at Early Education. So far this year I have been: a bear, a clown, the Cat in the Hat, a Hawaiian maiden and a Mouseketeer! 

Every day, I wake up and look forward to coming to work to welcome children and their parents as they walk through the door to begin their day. I am often greeted with hugs, high fives, and creative dialogue around the newest transformer. I get to see every car, dress, shoes, backpack or whatever new thing a child is wearing or has brought to school that day. I love to see the looks of wonder on the children’s faces as they experience new things for the first time through the many creative and fun activities that happen here at preschool. 

My background is in Pastoral Care and Counseling, and I also served as an interim Children’s Pastor for 1½ years.  My husband and I were one of the first couples to be married in the current Harbor Light Sanctuary. I have two wonderful grown children, Garrett and Aimee, who graduated from the Fremont Christian School - Private Satellite Program.  My interests also include health and nutrition. 

It is a privilege and a joy to be part of the Fremont Christian School Staff!

It has been great working in many different positions at Fremont Christian School. I have enjoyed working with my fellow coworkers, who have all made it such wonderful experience so far.

I graduated in May 2016 from Azusa Pacific University with a degree in Business Management and playing Division II baseball as a student athlete. In October 2016, I first started working for Fremont Christian School as a substitute teacher and as part of the extended care team. I was brought in to assist in the Admissions Office as well in November 2016. Now I have the privilege of working for the Early Education Department as the registrar.

My objective is to make the admissions process, and any additional transitions, as smooth as possible for each child. I am happy to help support and answer any questions that a family might have during their time with us. I aim to be someone that Early Education families can rely on at Fremont Christian School. Being able to assist families in enrolling to such prestigious school has been remarkable, especially since I know the value and character this school represents.