Our Staff

Pastor Joe Mendez

Pastor Joe Mendez has been a member of Calvary Chapel Downey for over 30 years and has served the Lord in various ministries in the church. He became a Jr. High Math teacher in the year 2000 and has loved serving and ministering in Junior High and High School ever since. Pastor Joe has been married to his wife Susie for 43 years and has 3 children and 2 grandsons. His 3 children have all graduated from CCCS. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Vanguard University. This year once again he will be serving as the principal of the Jr. High & High School.

Dr. Kristina YOung-Goodner

Dr. Young-Goodner attended CCCS from K-12 before she went on to earn a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and Music Education along with a California Teaching Credential from Biola University. She also holds a Master in Education from Biola, as well as a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Azusa Pacific University. In addition to being the Director of our Vocal Music Program, Dr. Young-Goodner functions as a Master Teacher for CCCS and Biola University, is an adjunct professor at Hope International University and Biola University, and is a member of the accreditation agency WASC. Dr. Young-Goodner is our Junior High/High School Assistant Principal and Choir teacher.

MR. MIKE NUÑO

Mike Nuño is a CCCS alumnus from the class of 2006. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from California State University, Long Beach and earned his credential as a BOC-Certified Athletic Trainer from the National Athletic Trainer’s Association (NATA). Mr. Nuño previously served as our Athletic Director from 2013 – 2021 and was also our Head Football coach for 7 seasons during that span. Mr. Nuño is entering his 6th school year as our Dean of Students, with the primary responsibility of Discipline within our Jr. High & High School. He believes the Lord has him in place to help train our students in the ways of the Lord, using His Word in Love to help guide & direct our students to become the young men and women that God created them to be. Mr. Nuño is also our Senior Apologetics Teacher, where he aims to teach our students to “Always Be Ready!” to defend their faith and share the truth of God’s Word with others, in meekness and fear (1 Peter 3:15). Teaching God’s Word to our senior students during their final year at our school has also provided a smooth transition to maintain relationships with our Alumni, an aspect of our program here that remains near and dear to his heart. He has been happily married to his wife Melissa for 12 years and they have two wonderful children who also attend CCCS.

Mr. Nathan Tachin

Nathan Tachin is a Calvary Chapel Christian School alumnus and graduated from CCCS in 2018. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology degree from Vanguard University. This upcoming year will be Coach Tachin’s sixth year as one of the high school football coaches and is also entering his fifth year leading the Athletic Department. Athletics is an important part of our students’ lives, extending far beyond the playing field, court, mat, and track. Our athletic program is not only about competition and development but also about ministry and glorifying the Lord through sports. Every athlete has the opportunity to represent both Calvary and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who has called and equipped us for this mission. Grounded in Colossians 3:23, we strive to do everything with excellence as unto the Lord. This biblical principle is woven into our athletic culture and is something we intentionally teach and model for our student-athletes each day.

Mr. Matthew Alba

Mr. Matthew Alba has been attending Calvary Chapel Downey since the age of 8 years old. He graduated from Cal Baptist University with a Bachelor of Arts in English. He is currently pursuing his teaching credential at Vanguard University. He serves in the Children’s Ministry as a Sunday School teacher. He joined the CCCS staff in 2025 and is very excited to help students grow in their writing and reading comprehension skills. His goal is to help his students learn and apply God’s word in their lives so they can be a light to others and grow in their faith. Mr. Alba’s favorite Bible verse and life verse is Romans 8:28.

Miss sarah Alvarez

Miss Alvarez attended Grand Canyon University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. She has served in the children’s ministry at church, coached the high school softball team, and has taught elementary, junior high, and high school. Miss Alvarez is excited to be teaching Fundamentals of Math and Algebra 1 this year and is looking forward to helping students excel academically and grow their walk with the Lord.

Mrs. Thaily Becerra

Mrs. Thaily Becerra is excited to continue into her third year here at CCCS! She attended The Masters University where she studied Music Education with an emphasis in Vocal pedagogy. She has a passion for the pursuit of excellence in music, and the powerful impact of a Biblically focused education. She has taught privately and in music academies around the Los Angeles area. She was also the Musical Director of her previous church. She starts this school year honored and grateful to our Lord for the privilege to be able to point these future leaders to the rock and firm foundation, Jesus Christ. To Him be the Glory!

Mrs. Heba Bishay

Mrs. Heba Bishay attended CSULB and earned a bachelor degree in science with a major in biology and a minor in Chemistry.  She taught math for four years in the public school system and joined the CCCS staff in the year of 2026-2027. She has been a Sunday school teacher and a youth leader for 25 years. Mrs. Bishay is married to pastor Naziuh Bishay and a proud mother to four children, Rachelle, Rebecca, Ruth, and Nathan. Mrs. Bishay’s favorite verse is “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans‬ ‭6‬:‭23‬

Miss Emily Blankenship

Miss Emily Blankenship actively serves as an usher and is currently enrolled in the School of Ministry at Calvary Chapel Downey. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Biola University. She is grateful for the opportunity to join the CCCS staff in 2026 and looks forward to teaching 7th and 9th grade World History. Her favorite verse is John 15:5, which she believes is a beautiful reminder of the necessity of dependence on our Lord Jesus Christ in all things. She is excited to encourage students as they grow academically, personally, and in their faith.

Pastor Daniel Chicas

Pastor Daniel has been attending Calvary Chapel Downey since 2002, where he surrendered his life to the Lord. He has been serving in the Youth and Spanish Ministry since 2012, teaching the Word of God verse by verse. The Lord gave him a strong theological foundation through CCCS Bible classes from 2003 until graduation (‘10). He went on to study at BIOLA University and graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration with a minor in Biblical & Theological Studies (‘14). He received a Master's in New Testament Language & Literature from Talbot Theological Seminary (‘24). He has been lovingly married since 2016 and has a beloved son. For fun, he enjoys culturally diverse cuisines, cooking, living with joyful contentment and being out in God’s creation. Pastor Daniel loves Biblical languages, generously sharing Biblical knowledge and desires to be a blessing to the people he serves unto the Lord. He longs to know Christ deeper each day and make Him known.

DR. antoinette duran

Dr. Duran joined CCCS in 2016. She holds a Doctorate of Education in Organizational Leadership with an emphasis in K-12 from Grand Canyon University, a Master of Arts in Athletic Administration and Exercise Sports Science from Concordia University, a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Biola University, and an Associate of Science in Child Development from Rio Hondo College. Dr. Duran brings a wealth of knowledge to the classroom, with 28 years of experience teaching a variety of subjects and grade levels from Pre-K to eleventh grade. This year, she is thrilled to lead students through hands-on discovery in Biology, Physical Science, and ECP Anatomy & Physiology.

MRS. PATTY FIDANZA

Patty Fidanza has been teaching at CCCS since 1997! She is blessed to teach drama to both junior High and high School students. Mrs. Fidanza graduated from Cal State Long Beach with a BA in Sociology. She has always had a passion for the arts, especially drama. She has also belonged to a theater group for many years working behind the scenes, being an understudy, and having acting roles. This has exposed her to all the elements of a production from back stage to on stage. Her favorite part of teaching drama is watching the students blossom.

MR. ERIC LOPEZ

Eric Lopez attended Calvary Chapel Bible College and graduated from the School of Ministry and Leadership at Calvary Chapel of Downey.  He served in the USMC before the 9/11 Era.  He has been involved in missions to Mexico, Cuba and recently Guatemala.  He serves in the One Accord Marriage Ministry with his wife Lindsay and two children as part of the leadership.  He is loving Jesus and making him known.

Mrs. Devin Loreto

Coach Devin Loreto is an alumna of CCCS, class of 2004. She currently serves as the elementary PE teacher, as well as the girls PE teacher for junior high and high school. Coach Loreto graduated from CSULB in 2014 and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Recreation and Leisure Studies degree, as well as a certificate in non-profit management and therapeutic recreation. She had previously worked for the City of Downey for over ten years providing various program activities and sporting events.

Mr. Peter Magaña

Mr. Peter Magaña attended CCCS from 1st- 12th grade and graduated in 2008. He owned a general construction company for over 10 years before being called by the Lord to our school as a woodshop teacher in 2026.  He serves the Lord in our Church security ministry, prayer ministry, communion board, and graduated from our Calvary Downey School of Ministry. He is a proud husband and father! His Bible verse for this season is "And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry." 1 Timothy 1:12

Mrs. Aracely Mendoza

Aracely Mendoza comes with a business background of 22 years.  Owning her own business, she was able to develop many valuable skills which she is now very happy to use at CCCS. She is currently serving as Yearbook adviser, Cooking/Culinary Art teacher, and Intro to Foreign Language teacher. She’s been a part of CCCS for over 20 years as a parent, as a volunteer, and as staff.  She is always willing to serve where needed most at CCCS.

Mr. Josh Peiris

Mr. Peiris has attended Calvary Chapel Downey since 2010. He currently serves as the Front of House Audio Engineer for church services and special events alongside our staff tech team. He has a passion for teaching the next generation to serve with joy and excellence unto the Lord, believing that every student has gifts given by God to be developed to honor Him for He is worthy! 

mr. ryan sanchez

Ryan Sanchez is a 2019 alumni of CCCS Downey. He directly went on to earn a Bachelor's of Art in History with an emphasis in Secondary Education from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix Arizona. Here, he also made it onto the Dean's Honor Roll list twice and gain an award based off his GPA. Coming back to California, Ryan conducted his student teaching back at CCCS in the Spring of 2024 under the direct mentorship of Mrs. Mayie. This marks his first year as a full time teacher where he will lead middle school students through Life Science and U.S. History over the course of the school year.

MR. GEOFF SMITH

Mr. Smith has been a part of Calvary Chapel since 1995. After helping plant a church in Irvine, California, he moved to Ukraine and served as a missionary and pastor for nearly 10 years. Mr. Smith received his Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Mathematics from UCLA. He has also graduated from the Calvary Chapel School of Ministry and has earned his Master of Education degree with an emphasis in Secondary Level Mathematics from Hope International University. He has been at CCCS since 2018 and will be teaching Geometry and Pre-Algebra.  His life verse is Isaiah 1:19, "If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land."

Mrs. Amanda trejo

Amanda Trejo attended Calvary Chapel Christian School from Kindergarten through 12th grade. She graduated from Azusa Pacific University with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. The 2026/2027 school year will be her third year in the classroom as our Physical Science teacher, as well as her seventh year coaching our high school cross country team. She will also be teaching Computer Application this school year. She is excited to help her students grow, succeed, and learn how to incorporate God’s truth into every area of their lives.

Mr. Derick Colon

Derick Colon has been a faithful member of Calvary Chapel Downey for the past six years. He currently serves as the Head of Transportation and Assistant Athletic Director. Alongside his wife, he also has the privilege of serving in the Children's Ministry, a role they both greatly enjoy. As he looks forward to a new school year, he is excited for the opportunities and blessings God has in store. His goal is to continue providing safe, dependable transportation for the students of Calvary Chapel Christian School while supporting every aspect of the Athletic Department with excellence and integrity. He believes God has called him to serve Him through the ministry of this school. It is a privilege to use the gifts He has given to support the students, families, and staff while helping advance the mission of Calvary Chapel Downey. He looks forward to serving faithfully and bringing glory to the Lord in all that he does.

Mr. Christian Naaktgeboren

Christian Naaktgeboren is a Calvary Chapel Christian School alumnus and graduated in 2022. He joins the Athletic Department this year as the Athletic Facilities Coordinator. In addition to this new role, he enters his fourth year as head wrestling coach and assistant football coach, continuing his commitment to developing student-athletes on and off the field and mat. Coach Naaktgeboren also spent 11 years in South Africa as a missionary kid, an experience that helped shape his passion for ministry and serving others. As a certified personal trainer and active leader in the church's youth ministry, Coach Naaktgeboren is passionate about using athletics as a platform to disciple and mentor. His vision is to develop athletes who are strong in body, mind, and faith, equipping them to become bold followers of Christ and servant leaders who honor God both in competition and in everyday life.

Mrs. heather naaktgeboren

Heather has been our Registrar since 2025. Prior to this role, Heather served as the Office Manager for the Junior High and High School office from 2018 to 2025.Heather has attended Calvary Chapel Downey since 1979 and has been actively involved in many ministries throughout the years. She graduated from Calvary Chapel Bible College in 1995 with an Associate Degree in Biblical Studies. As a pastor's wife since 2002, a mother of four young adults, and a missionary who spent over 10 years serving in South Africa, Heather brings a wealth of experience and a heart for ministry. Alongside her husband, Pastor Chad, whom she married in 2000, she helped plant Calvary Chapel Johannesburg in 2007.

Miss DIANA PALMA

Miss Palma joined the CCCS staff in 2023 as a substitute teacher for Junior High and High School, the Lord opened the door for her to work in full-time ministry as the Office Secretary/Attendance Clerk. She has been attending Calvary Chapel Downey since 2022, serves in various ministries, and has graduated from the Calvary Downey School of Ministry. Her passion is to share the love of Jesus with the students!

Mrs. alexandria sanchez

Alexandria Sanchez joined the Athletic Department Team in May of 2023 for our Junior High and High School. She has been walking with the LORD since 2017 when she gave her heart to JESUS. She currently serves in the nursery at Calvary Chapel Downey, graduated from the School of Ministry in 2022, and absolutely loves serving others. She has five children, three who attend CCCS. Alexandria believes with her whole heart that it is important to love GOD, love His people, and to teach His Word. Her main goal is to be obedient to the call GOD has on her life, take new steps of Faith and to do everything as unto the LORD.

Pastor Roger Stahlhut

Pastor Roger graduated from the University of Oregon with a Bachelor of Science in History. He holds a lifetime California teaching credential in History and Physical Education. His experience includes teaching various subjects and coaching both football and wrestling. He left the public school system to enter into ministry after being ordained as a pastor at Calvary Chapel South Bay. He has served in various ministries including church and school planting. Having been on staff at CCCS for the last 6 years, Pastor Roger continues to serve CCCS as the School Pastor, ministering to the faculty, students and parents in Biblical counseling and training for Revive America outreaches.