Faculty

Fremont Christian School holds high standards for all its staff and faculty. In addition to our academic accreditations, we uphold rigorous requirements for our educators, above and beyond those required by the State of California. Should you wish to contact one of our faculty or staff members, please contact their campus office.

We invite prospective students and their families to visit our campus to meet our faculty and staff in person. We're looking forward to meeting you!

For principals of each campus and other executive administrators, please visit our About Us page.

Jump to a campus:

Early Education Campus

Chyi Chyi Chang-Lee — Early Education Registrar 
Ms. Chyi Chyi holds a bachelor's degree in child and adolescent development from San Francisco State University. She came to Fremont Christian in 2019 with two decades of teaching experience. In her spare time, she enjoys taking her dog on walks, traveling, exploring and learning about new cultures, cooking, and hanging out with family and friends. Both of her daughters, Hana and Olivia, have attended FCS since preschool. Ms. Chyi Chyi says she loves her role at FCS as it allows her to show off our wonderful school and to connect and work with new preschool families.

Huiping Dang — Preschool 
Ms. Ping received her bachelor’s degree in computer science and technology from  Xi'an Jiaotong University in China in 2001, and received an early childhood teacher certification from the Montessori Teacher Education Center in Bay Area in 2021. Before joining Fremont Christian in 2022, she taught computer science and math courses in China and was an early childhood teacher for five years in the Bay Area. Her pastimes include cooking, reading, and hiking. Ms. Ping says she appreciates working at FCS as it allows her to work with God and gives her two daughters, both FCS students, more opportunity to learn about Him. 

Karen Eaton — Preschool          
Ms. Eaton holds an associate's degree in early childhood education from Chabot College and has been teaching at Fremont Christian since 1998. One of her favorite parts about teaching at FCS is that she can watch her former students as they progress across the other campuses. "I enjoy seeing my former students," says Ms. Eaton. "They still call out my name. I think that means I made an impact on their lives." 

Marina “Lissette” Galvan — Preschool          
Ms. Galvan joined the Fremont Christian faculty in 2021, with more than a decade of experience teaching preschool and kindergarten. She also previously worked as a preschool teacher assistant director, a manager assistant for a real estate company, and a retail customer associate. She holds associate's degrees in business administration from Canada College and early childhood education from Chabot College. Ms. Galvan is passionate about working with young children and finds joy in teaching about God and helping them learn and develop.

Latasha Johnson — Junior Kindergarten             
Ms. Johnson holds a bachelor's degree in counseling psychology and a master's in education leadership. When she joined Fremont Christian in 2014, Ms. Johnson already had an impressive amount of educational experience, stretching back to 1997, including teaching early education for 17 years, running a home daycare, and working as an assistant preschool director. All three of her children attend or have attended FCS. In her spare time, Ms. Johnson enjoys being with her family, attending church, gardening, and relaxing.

Lynn Jow — Administrative Assistant
Ms. Jow has an associate's degree from Montana State University and a two-year degree in Bible studies from Heritage Bible Training Center, a former educational center run by Harbor Light Church. In 2016, she came to FCS with a background in pastoral care and counseling and has been the administrative assistant for our Early Education Campus ever since. In that time, Ms. Jow has come to love what she refers to as the magical world of Fremont Christian Preschool. She particularly enjoys seeing the looks of wonder on the children’s faces as they experience new things through our creative and fun curriculum. In addition to her two children, both of whom graduated from FCS, Ms. Jow has two dogs, Holly-belle and Presley. Her hobbies include traveling, playing puzzles and games, and spending time with friends and family. Ms. Jow says it is a privilege and a joy to be part of the FCS staff.

Mahiba Manesh — Preschool
Ms. Manesh began her teaching career in 2007, after earning her Master of Commerce degree from Scott Christian College in India, after which her deep love for working with young children led her to pursue a career in preschool education. She began teaching and joined Fremont Christian in 2007. Both of her sons, Calvin and Joel, graduated from FCS. 

Tina Nguyen — Junior Kindergarten              
Ms. Nguyen joined FCS in 2016, and feels that God is calling her to work here at FCS. She greatly enjoys teaching her students, whose innocent thoughts make her laugh and smile every day. "Kids to me are a gift from the Lord," says Ms. Nguyen, "and being around them is a joy and blessing." Her two children, who currently attend FCS, "are the best gift that God has given me. I thank the Lord each and every day for them and my supportive husband."  Ms. Nguyen holds bachelor's degrees in business administration and childhood education.

Lanetta Odum — Preschool
Ms. Odum attended Mott Community College in Flint, Michigan, and Fremont's Ohlone College and holds a preschool teacher certification. She came to Fremont Christian in 2003 with more than three decades of experience working with children. She enjoys spending time with friends, hiking, and trying new restaurants. Ms. Odum says that being with the children brings her immense amounts of joy.

Carli Rotolo — Preschool 
Ms. Rotolo earned her master teacher certificate in early childhood development from Chabot College, after which she spent nearly two decades working with children ages 0-7 in daycare centers and in her home, before joining Fremont Christian's preschool in 2015. Her pastimes include watching the Giants and 49ers, cooking, traveling, and cheering on her son at baseball games. Her youngest son, Anthony, currently attend FCS. Ms. Rotolo has a passion for caring for children and teaching them and their families about God’s love. She feels blessed and grateful for the FCS staff and families! 

Yehee Shin — Preschool 
A dedicated educator specializing in teaching young preschoolers, Ms. Shin holds a degree in Christian education from Gateway Seminary. In addition to her experience teaching since 2016, she has served as a Sunday school teacher for preschoolers and elementary children for more than two decades and has also worked in after-school programs. Her daughter is a proud FCS graduate. 

Norma Vazquez Valencia — Preschool 
Ms. Valencia holds an associate's degree in early childhood education from Chabot College.  She has worked in education, mainly preschool centers of multicultural children/families, since 2004, and joined Fremont Christian in 2022. An admirer of nature, Ms. Valencia enjoys walking and gardening, as well as reading. She is happy to be part of the FCS teaching family and looks forward to teaching here for many years to come.

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Elementary Campus

Chris Gomez — Physical Education 
Our elementary physical education teacher, Mr. Gomez, has taught K-12 education at Fremont Christian since 2015. He previously coached at several other area schools, including baseball at San Leandro High School, and now coaches FCS varsity baseball and basketball for both boys and girls. In 2019, he led the baseball team to their first-ever North Coast Section championship. When not teaching or coaching, Mr. Gomez enjoys spending time with his wife, Magan, and children Bubba and Leia (both FCS graduates), especially attending 49ers games. He cites one of his proudest accomplishments as helping to start the Keep the Faith Foundation, a nonprofit that prides itself on helping the community and giving back to others.

Shelly Ishida — Secretary 
Our elementary campus secretary joined FCS in 2023, after receiving her associate's degree in psychology from Evergreen Valley College. Previously, she worked as an administrative systems manager for the City of Morgan Hill for eleven years. A lifelong learner, Ms. Ishida spends her free time fishing, in worship, and traveling with her family, including her three children (Jedidiah, Hannah, and Benaiah), all of whom attend FCS.

Laura Rohwedder — Third Grade               
Ms. Rohwedder has been teaching since 1986, after receiving a bachelor's degree in elementary education from George Fox University and a master's in reading and literacy from California State University, East Bay. She has extensive teaching experience, having taught several elementary grades in places as diverse as Pomona, Pennsylvania, and Germany for the Department of Defense, in addition to homeschooling her sons. From 2010-2016, she served as the high school counselor and coordinator for homeschooling families at FCS, then worked with English teachers in Chennai, India, and taught children of Bible translators in Oaxaca, Mexico. Ms. Rohwedder loves teaching students about Jesus, researching better ways to teach reading, and working in her yard.

Ann-Marie Root — Second Grade               
Mrs. Root has been teaching since 2001, including for the Castro Valley Unified School District, Prince of Peace, and Mommy and Me classes.  She was also the director of an after school child-care center before joining the Fremont Christian family in 2018. She holds a bachelor's degree in liberal studies from California State University, East Bay, and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from the State of California. In her free time, she enjoys watching movies, cross-stitching and other crafts, reading, and playing games with her family. Mrs. Root feels blessed to teach at FCS, where she can share the love of Jesus with her students and where all three of her children are currently receiving an excellent education.

Darrellene Schultz — First Grade                  
Ms. Schultz has been with Fremont Christian since 2021. A Fremont native and former FCS student, she holds a bachelor's in electrical engineering from the University of California, Davis, and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from California State University, East Bay. In addition to her previous experience as a substitute and second-grade teacher, Ms. Schultz worked in engineering for a decade and as a director of Awana for fifteen years. As an educator, she finds herself constantly looking for ways to inspire a lifetime of curiosity. A lover of empanadas and the book Les Misèrables, the mother of two has fond memories of dancing a tango at her wedding more than two decades ago. 

Kristen Wong — Fourth Grade             
Ms. Wong holds a bachelor's degree in child and adolescent development from San Francisco State University and teaching credentials from Notre Dame de Namur University. She has previously worked as a swim instructor, day camp director, and coach of basketball and soccer. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, trying new foods, and spending time with friends and family.

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Secondary Campus

Daniel Adams — Bible      
Before joining Fremont Christian in 2023, Mr. Adams received a bachelor's degree in philosophy from San Jose State University. He is currently working on a Master of Divinity from Gateway Seminary. Mr. Adams says he absolutely loves learning and is grateful for the opportunity to lead others in this pursuit. In his spare time, he enjoys reading and spending quality time with his wife, with whom he loves to watch movies and explore their shared passion for food. 

R. Nadine Arionus — Vice Principal             
Mrs. Arionus came to Fremont Christian in 2006 as a third-grade teacher before assuming her current role of vice principal of our secondary campus in 2010. She began her teaching career in 1989, working for sixteen years at a San Leandro Christian school as a teacher and vice principal, and has taught classes in all grades from kindergarten through 12, with a focus on third and fourth. Mrs. Arionus holds a bachelor's degree in multiple subjects from Bethany College and a master's in education with a teaching credential from University of Phoenix. Two of her daughters graduated from FCS, and her grandson is currently in elementary school here. Her free time is spent with family, at the beach, and crafting. Mrs. Arionus appreciates being able to share her faith with students and work with a team of dedicated people who invest in the lives of children. She is inspired and encouraged by our students.

Thomas Banuelos — Instrumental Music   
Mr. Banuelos started teaching primary and secondary instrumental music at FCS in 2006, after receiving a bachelor's degree in music  performance from California State University, East Bay, and a master's in music education from Central Washington University. Since becoming FCS's director of bands, Mr. Banuelos has helped foster a vibrant jazz program, including our award-winning traditional jazz band, which has performed in international festivals in France, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland. Mr. Banuelos also serves as the music director at Centerville Presbyterian Church.

Naomie Bragado — Math   
As Fremont Christian's middle school and high school math teacher, Ms. Bragado has more than two decades of education experience. She received her bachelor's in sociology with cross-cultural emphasis from Westmont College and a math teaching credential and master's in education from University of Phoenix. She has taught math in both private and public schools and has worked as a camp director and kids' pastor. Ms. Bragado is a proud 13-year student whose ten siblings also graduated from FCS. Her pastimes include running, cooking, board games, kayaking, theater, and comedy. Attending FCS as a student inspired her to become a teacher. “The teachers cared about me and my family and helped me learn and grow academically as well as spiritually. I am honored to be part of this community again and to have my four kids attend FCS as well.”

Jimmy Fu — Junior High Boys' Physical Education, Student Activities Director               
Prior to joining our faculty in 2013, Mr. Fu received a bachelor's degree in hospitality management and event planning from San Jose State University and served as a youth leader for the Harbor Light youth group, from 2006-2020. He has a passion for working with teenagers and empowering them to learn servant leadership through hands-on planning and working at various school activities and events, including in J-Term courses, where he has often shared his love of cooking and baking. He is also an avid cyclist and runner, experiences he draws upon as assistant coach to the FCS high school cross country and track & field teams. Both Mr. Fu and his younger brother, Alan, are FCS graduates.

Brenda Haak — Athletics Administrative Assistant               
A Fremont Christian graduate, Ms. Haak has been assisting the FCS athletic director since 2022. She holds degrees in business administration from Chabot College and California State University, East Bay. Many members of Ms. Haak's family have FCS connections, including her three daughters (all current students), her husband (a 13-year student), her two brothers (both graduates), and her mother and sister, both FCS preschool teachers. In her spare time, she enjoys visiting parks and hiking with her husband, children, and brothers. She also enjoys road trips, the beach, and attending sporting events for the Giants, A's, Sharks, Earthquakes, and, of course, Warriors. Ms. Haak loves interacting with kids at school and hearing their stories. She can't wait to see what God has in store for their future. 

Jerome Hsu — English                  
Mr. Hsu teaches English 6 & 10 and AP Literature. He started at FCS in 2020, after having served 10 years in full-time ministry. He holds a bachelor of arts from University of California, Berkeley; a master of arts from San Francisco State University; and a master of divinity from Western Seminary.

Caroline Jeyadoss — Physics, Chemistry               
Ms. Jeyadoss began her career in 2013 at Fremont Christian, where she teaches 10th-grade chemistry and 11th-grade physics. She received a bachelor's degree in science and a master's in arts from Bharathidasan University and a bachelor's in education from the University of Madras. Her pastimes include reading, hiking, and birdwatching.               
Ms. Jeyadoss is thankful for the opportunity to serve the Lord alongside the community and staff at FCS, where her children are currently students.

Frances Ching-i Lin — Math, Bible               
Ms. Lin has taught precalculus, AP Calculus AB & BC, and English Language Development (ELD) Bible at Fremont Christian since 2015. She holds numerous degrees and certificates, including a bachelor's in management science from National Chiao Tung University and a master's in educational leadership from National Dong Hwa University, both in Taiwan, as well as a TESOL certificate from University of California, Irvine, secondary-math teaching credentials in Taiwan and California, and a CLAD (Crosscultural Language and Academic Development) certificate from University of California, Berkeley, among others. Ms. Lin's previous work experience is varied and international. She has held roles as a research assistant, journalist, and trainer for China Motor Company in Taiwan; a Sunday school teacher in Shanghai, China; and several educational roles, including her present one, here in California. Both of her children currently attend FCS. 

Nick Liston — Social Studies   
Mr. Liston started teaching at Fremont Christian in 1989, after graduating from Oral Roberts University with a bachelor's degree in social studies education. All four of his children graduated from FCS.

Maya Mathews — Computer Science, Statistics                
Ms. Mathews came to Fremont Christian in 2017, and today teaches high school computer science and statistics, including several AP classes. In 2019, Ms. Mathews took it upon herself to return to school out of desire to better support her students with the modern tools and skills of today's classrooms, graduating three short years later with bachelor's degrees in computer science and data management and a master's in data analytics, all from Western Governors University. Prior to teaching, she spent more than fifteen years in various roles in the software industry. Ms. Mathews enjoys reading, gardening, and crocheting, the last of which she also enjoys teaching to students each J-Term. Her daughter is an FCS graduate and her son is a current student here.

Hannah Mercado — Receptionist               
Ms. Mercado began her role at Fremont Christian in 2022. In her free time, she serves as a worship lead at her church and as a youth leader for her church youth group. An aspiring barista, Ms. Mercado has two children, both of whom attend FCS.

Shirley Hilda Mohan — Grades 9 & 11 Biology               
Ms. Mohan came to Fremont Christian in 2022, with nearly two decades of teaching experience, ten years of which were as an an assistant professor at Jeppiaar Engineering College in Chennai, India. She spent the next decade mentoring her engineering students, many of whom now enjoy positions in research and at pharmaceutical companies in the U.S. Ms. Mohan holds bachelor's and master's degrees in zoology from Stella Maris College and Loyola College and a master's degree in technology from Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology in Chennai. At FCS, she focuses on maximizing student educational potential by applying diverse instructional strategies that are inclined towards using bioinformatics tools in the classrooms. She is blessed with an extremely motivated and lovable husband, Jude, and is a chosen mom of two girls, Jenny and Jefy, who are aspiring tennis players. Serving God and building His kingdom is the family's priority.

Malia Morris — Academic and College Counselor               
Ms. Morris has worked at Fremont Christian since 2001, with a brief hiatus while she continued her education in counseling. In addition to teaching junior high and elementary students at FCS, she has also worked as a substitute teacher in both the Fremont and Newark Unified School Districts. Ms. Morris received a bachelor's in psychology from the University of California, Riverside, has completed education counseling coursework at San Jose State University, and holds a professional certificate in college admissions counseling. She enjoys encouraging students in their coursework and helping them with their post-secondary plans and reaching their educational goals.

Sherri Prewitt — Garden Science   
Ms. Prewitt came to Fremont Christian in 2021, after receiving her associate's degree in liberal arts and sciences from Ridgewater College. In 2022, she completed training at The Edible Schoolyard in Berkeley, a nonprofit garden and kitchen program for public schools. A gardener since childhood, Ms. Prewitt loves to cook what she grows and thoroughly enjoys passing on her learning to others. Her other pastimes include reading, writing, hiking, and kayaking. All six of her children attended FCS. 

Micah Shyu — Bible                   
Mr. Shyu began his teaching career in 2014, then joined the Fremont Christian faculty five years later as a Bible teacher for ninth and tenth grade. He holds a Bachelor of Science in exercise biology from the University of California, Davis and a Master of Arts in ministry and leadership from Western Seminary, where he is currently pursuing a master's in counseling. Mr. Shyu also previously worked as a youth director for The River Christian Community in Oakdale and volunteered for more than a decade in high school ministry. Outside of school, he enjoys drinking coffee and boba, napping, playing spikeball, and following the Warriors.

Berkley Woll — Drama Director & Teacher               
When Ms. Woll joined Fremont Christian in 2021, she came to us with already a half decade of experience in professional theater, including stage management, lights, costumes, and production management. In 2017, she held a professional stage management internship with Wicked on Broadway. Ms. Woll attended William Jessup University, where she received a degree in arts management, and hopes to pursue a master's soon. In her spare time, she loves playing volleyball, serving at her church, and hanging out with her husband, family, and friends.

Kyoko Yuan — Art Teacher   
Ms. Yuan teaches art drawing, art design, and AP Art on our secondary campus. She joined Fremont Christian in 2021, with more than a decade of teaching experience and a master's degree in art education from Tokyo Gakugei University. In 2006, she was the winner of the student division for the Mainichi Design Prize, considered Japan's most prestigious award for design. In addition to teaching art, Ms. Yuan has also worked as an event planner, performer, automobile interior designer (notably, for the Toyota Prius and Camry), and as a team member for Google. In her spare time, she enjoys painting, drawing, fishing, yoga, and shopping. Both of her children currently attend FCS.

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Staff

Lonna Eshelman — Extended Care            
Since 2016, Ms. Eshelman has overseen Fremont Christian's Extended Care program for TK–8th grade. She has attended Harbor Light Church since 1994, where she has volunteered in several areas, including the children's and youth departments and in women's ministries. Ms. Eshelman has assisted and helped plan the Annual Warrior Family 5k since 2016. Both of her children graduated from FCS. 

Danielle Gasper — Director of Admissions & Records                           
Ms. Gasper has been the FCS director of admissions and records since 2017. The FCS graduate holds a bachelor's degree in social science from Pepperdine University and a master's degree in public administration with management emphasis from California State University, East Bay. Ms. Gasper previously worked as an international student advisor for two different colleges and as a department manager for a Bay Area think tank. She has also held positions as a training officer, property and evidence manager, and crime scene investigator for a municipal police department. In her spare time, she enjoys attending auctions and collecting old-master oil paintings. 

Malia Morris — Academic & College Counselor                           
Ms. Morris has worked at Fremont Christian since 2001, with a brief hiatus while she continued her education in counseling. In addition to teaching junior high and now elementary students at FCS, she has also worked as a substitute teacher in both the Fremont and Newark Unified School Districts. Ms. Morris received a bachelor's in psychology from the University of California, Riverside, has completed education counseling coursework at San Jose State University, and holds a professional certificate in college admissions counseling. She enjoys encouraging students in their coursework and helping them with their post-secondary plans and reaching their educational goals.

Ruoning Sun — Admissions Specialist                           
Since 2020, Ms. Sun has been the admissions specialist at FCS, where she helps with applications for international students. The recipient of a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Tennessee, she previously worked as an accountant at Bay Cities Credit Union and is fluent in Chinese (Mandarin) and English. Her children, Abigail Li and Isaac Li, both attend FCS.

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