Faculty & Staff

Mrs. Kirsten Born
Teaching Principal

As the Teaching Principal of South Bay Christian School, I face the unique challenge of balancing my teaching responsibilities with administrative duties. This role feels natural to me, as my journey with SBCS has been deeply personal and fulfilling. I was a student here, started my teaching career at SBCS, and even met my husband through the school. After we got married, I continued teaching and later welcomed my own children to start their educational journey at SBCS. Two of my children have already graduated, and I currently have one in middle school. Last year, I stepped into the leadership role as the Teaching Principal.

Our recent 8th-grade graduation really highlights the lifelong friendships built here at South Bay Christian School. More than that, thanks to our emphasis on social-emotional intelligence, our students are always open to welcoming the new friends they meet along the way.

Our aim is to focus on the things that make South Bay Christian School special and guarantee that our campus stays a loving, friendly, and safe environment for all of our students. In that, we are adopting as a biblical text that captures what we hope to do here: To do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God.

Last year our school theme was "Growing in God's Love." While we continue to grow in God's love, this year, we are watching the Holy Spirit at work as we begin to realize our role as instruments of peace.

We want to take you on this journey with us! Whether as a student, a parent, or a member of our community, we all have a role to play in helping our children develop a life-long friendship with Jesus.

Most Sincerely,

Mrs. Kirsten Born

"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."

Romans 12:18 (NIV)

Ms. Dwana Estrada

Transitional Kindergarten Teacher

Mrs. Estrada is a kind and caring person. She holds a Master's Degree in Education and a Child Development Director Permit. She has been in the field of education for 23 years. She has taught for LAUSD and RBUSD. Mrs.Estrada is dedicated to helping students succeed and sets high standards in her classroom.

Her favorite quote is, "Good, better, best. Never let it rest. Until your good is better and your better is best."

~ St. Jerome

Ms. Deborah Dahl

Kindergarten Teacher

Ms. Dahl says her life has been a testimony of God’s plans for her. He placed the desire to be a teacher in her heart when she was in second grade because of my love for her teacher, Miss Bailey. "My goal has always been to teach children that they can do anything they set their hearts on, with determination and self-confidence; that they are the children of the King of the universe and with such a high calling, their job is to always carry themselves as such and never give up on any endeavor set before them."
Ms. Dahl holds two degrees from La Sierra University and Pacific Union College in Communications and Education. She has a professional SDA Teaching Credential and has been teaching for decades.

Mrs. Dinah Villanueva

1-2 Grade Teacher

First and second graders have the privilege of enjoying the kind and loving personality of Mrs. Dinah Villanueva, the perfect mentor for impressionable first graders.

Mrs. Villanueva has taught for 20+ years, many of them at South Bay Christian School. She also taught at the White Memorial Adventist School and the Antelope Valley Adventist School. She graduated from La Sierra University.

Ms. Silvia Hernandez-Jones

Summer Day Camp and
1-2 Grade Teacher's Aide

Mrs. Kirsten Born

Principal
3-4 Grade Teacher

Another SBCS alumnus is third/fourth grade teacher Mrs. Kirsten Born. After the tenth grade she transferred to Monterey Bay Academy where she graduated. She then attended La Sierra University and graduated from Cal State Dominguez Hills. Mrs. Born has been the SBCS Jog-athon faculty sponsor for as long as any of us can remember and does a fantastic job. She is beloved by two decades of third and fourth graders and beyond.

Mrs. Cheri Dawson

Administrative Support and 3-4 Grade Language Arts Teacher

When Mrs. Dawson’s own children began school at South Bay she switched careers and got her Teaching Credential and Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Having taught 3rd grade for many years, she “retired” two years ago, and graciously comes back to support us in the office and classroom. This year she will be teaching language arts for 3rd and 4th grade. She continues to support our fundraising efforts with the Fall Fundraiser and the Color Run, and her love for the school and our children is evident in her dedication to SBCS.

Mrs. Silvija Sekulich

5-6 Grade Language Arts

Middle School Science

7-8 Grade Bible
Teacher

Mrs. Silvija Sekulich is a wonderful example of a South Bay Christian School alumnus. She, along with her two sisters, attended SBCS throughout her elementary and junior high years, and it was at SBCS that Mrs. Sekulich decided to be a teacher.

She went on to graduate from California State University at Long Beach, and subsequently earned her Master’s Degree in Education at La Sierra University. The Southern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists has used her expertise to train other teachers as they use our reading program, Pathways.

Mr. Mario Negrete

Middle School Athletic Director, Social Studies, and P.E. Teacher

Mr. Mario Negrete has been teaching for a decade. He grew up in the home of a teacher and Education Superintendent. He has taught athletics, physical education, history (U.S./World), religion, learning resources, and English language learners.

He has been the co-sponsor for Student Association, participated in biannually mission trips (international and domestic), coached boys varsity soccer, boys JV basketball, and junior high soccer. He is fluent in Spanish.

He is very much in tune with physical, mental and spiritual needs of students.
He and his wife have a young boy and are members of the Monrovia Bilingual SDA Church.

Ms. Beatrice Pang
5-6 Grade Bible
7-8 Grade Language Arts
7-8 Grade Math & Algebra Teacher

Ms. Beatrice Pang, our newest member of the teaching staff comes to us from Southern Adventist University, and holds a B.A. in English and a B.S. in Music. She is also an accomplished musician in violin.

Mrs. Jenny Grierson

5-6 Grade Math Teacher

Mrs. Jenny Grierson joins our team as a 5th and 6th grade Math teacher. Mrs. Grierson obtained her teaching degree in England and is transitioning into this new role from a volunteer position she held during the last school year.

Paul Marcondes

Finance

Mr. Marcondes has been a dedicated member of South Bay Christian School for 14 years, with the last 5 of those serving as the school's Financial Administrator. His deep passion for the school and its mission fuels his commitment to ensuring the financial stability and growth of the institution. Known for his unwavering dedication, Mr. Marcondes plays a crucial role in supporting the school's goals and maintaining its financial health. His long-standing tenure and enthusiasm make him a valuable asset to the SBCS community.

Ms. Darolyn Jensen

Administration

Ms. Anbrelynn Abuana

Playground/Lunch Supervision

Mr. Semsi Moniati

After-School Care

Mr. M, as he is referred to, has been providing after-school care supervision for our students for many years. He is dedicated, dependable and the students enjoy his calm and gentle nature.

Ms. Francey Marzicola

Marketing and Development

Ms. Francey, as she is known by the students, holds a Master's Degree in Business from the University of Southern California. She has been with the school for a decade and is dedicated and enthusiastic about the growth of SBCS.

Her role encompasses all things marketing, public relations, community engagement, event planning and management, donor relations and admissions.

Mr. Sal Salelesi
Maintenance and Facilities

Mr. Salelesi first became acquainted with South Bay Christian School ten years ago when his eldest child started kindergarten. Seeking to stay close to home and his children, he utilized his finish carpenter skills to take on the role of maintenance and facilities at SBCS. He thoroughly enjoys serving our school community and being actively involved in his children's daily educational activities.

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