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 41 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 Calvary Chapel Christian School alumnus. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from California Stat University, Long Beach and also 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 4th school year as our Dean of Students, overseeing the directors of our extra-curricular activities, including Athletics and ASB, where he believes the Lord has him in place to help train our students to put all that they learn here at CCCS to practical use, by using their gifts, talents and abilities to serve God and bring glory to His Kingdom. 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). He has been happily married to his wife Melissa for 10 years and they have two wonderful children, who are students here at CCCS.

MR. IVAN GONZALES

Ivan Gonzales joined CCCS In January of 2024 in the Athletic department. He has been immersed in ministry since 2010, serving in various capacities and attending Calvary Chapel Bible College. With the upcoming school year marking his first full year as the director of the school athletic department, Ivan is poised to lead with passion and integrity. Alongside his wife to whom he has been happily married for nine years, and their son, he seeks to glorify God in all his endeavors, striving to empower student athletes and coaches to excel for the glory of God. Ivan is blessed to now call CCCS his home and is looking forward to the many blessings he knows comes from being apart of this HIS School!

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 2nd grade. Miss Alvarez is excited to be teaching Fundamentals of Math and Pre Algebra this year and is looking forward to helping students excel academically and grow their walk with the Lord.

MR. JUAN BALANDRAN

Mr. Balandran is joining CCCS as our new woodshop instructor. He is a retired commercial carpenter after 30 years in the union. He has been involved in overseeing many prominent construction projects from Aero Space construction, hospitals, and many other high design carpentry projects. Since his retirement he has ventured into carpentry woodworking projects from cabinet to furniture, toys, shelving, and many other projects. He has been exploring new woodworking projects to expand his love for hands-on wood and tool knowledge to share with his students.

Mrs. Thaily Becerra

Evan Brooks attended Biola University where he studied Music Education alongside a minor in Biblical Studies. This is his second year as band director and 8th grade history teacher, where he uses his passion for both subjects to encourage and witness to students as they think biblically about their education. Having worked in private lessons, special education, and substitute teaching, he is excited to be able to work at a school with such incredible biblical values and to educate future Christian musicians and historians.

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.

Miss Amanda Gutierrez

Miss Amanda Gutierrez attended Calvary Chapel Christian School from Kindergarten through 12th grade. She recently graduated from Azusa Pacific University with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. The 2024/2025 school year will be her first year in the classroom as our Physical Science teacher, as well as her fifth year coaching our high school cross country team. She is excited to step out in faith and into this new season that the Lord has called her to. Her goal is to help her students succeed and learn how to incorporate God’s truth into every area of their lives.

Miss Marea Lemos

Marea Lemos has been in the classroom here at CCCS for almost 10 years. She began in our wonderful preschool and was given an incredible foundation in teaching, meeting learning styles, and coming alongside families in education. She is excited to have the opportunity to work with this age group as she finishes her degree in secondary education. Being able to incorporate the word and Jesus in the class is extra special to her, and values the privilege to be a part of this school and church.  

Pastor Chris Lopez

Pastor Chris has been attending Calvary Chapel Downey since he was 5 years old. He is married and has three children. He has a passion for missions and has served on various mission trips throughout the world. In 2010 the Lord called him to the ministry as a Youth Pastor in both the JH and HS. The Lord gave him the opportunity to teach 6th Grade Bible in 2018 and during that time he also provided biblical counseling and guidance to our students. This year he will be teaching JH Bible and continue to provide biblical guidance to our students. Pastor Chris Loves the Lord and recognizes that without the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ we are lost. Christ is the rock and foundation and apart from Him and his amazing grace we are nothing. He cannot wait to see what awesome things the Lord has in store for us this year! 

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. Currently she serves as the girls PE Teacher, Elementary PE Teacher, and coaching multiply sports. Coach Loreto graduated from CSULB in 2014 with her B.A. in Recreation and Leisure Studies, 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.  She currently has two children attending CCCS as well.

Mrs. Vianey Marquez

Vianey Marquez is very excited to join the teaching team at Calvary Chapel Christian School as the 7th and 9th grade English teacher. She comes with a background of 20 years of experience in multiple subjects. She has a bachelor’s degree and a Multi-Subject Teaching Credential. Mrs. Marquez has attended UCLA and Columbia University for Writer’s Workshops and is a published author. Writing is her passion, and she hopes to pass on that passion to her students. Her goal is to provide a stimulating learning environment that fosters confidence and encourages children to reach their full potential as readers and writers.

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.

MRS. SHEILA RODRIGUEZ

Sheila Rodriguez earned a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art degree with an emphasis in Drawing and Painting as well as a Master of Fine Art in Studio Art with an emphasis in Fiber Sculpture from Long Beach State University. She has shown her work at several galleries and museums across the U.S. including the Museum of Latin American Art and the Orange County Center for Contemporary Art. Mrs. Rodriguez is excited to be teaching AP Art, Sculpture, Drawing, and Painting, as well as Jr. High Art.

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 for more than 25 years. 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 from UCLA in Applied Mathematics. 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, Pre-Calculus, and Computer Applications.  His favorite Bible verse is Isaiah 1:19, "If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land."

MR. ERIK TALLAKSON

Mr. Tallakson graduated from Life Pacific Bible College where he earned a Bachelor in Biblical Studies degree with an emphasis in Youth Ministry. He has also earned a teaching credential in math from California State University, Bakersfield. Mr. Tallakson has been teaching at Calvary Chapel Downey since 2019. He is excited to be teaching JH/HS Algebra 1, HS Algebra 2, and HS Physics for the 2023-24 school year. He is married and has two wonderful children. His desire is for not only his children but those in his classroom to receive an education that is glorifying to God.

Mrs. heather naaktgeboren

Heather has been the Office Manager for the Junior High & High School office since 2018 and now stepped into the role as Registrar. She has been attending Calvary Chapel Downey since 1979 and has been involved in various ministries here. Heather graduated from Calvary Chapel Bible College in 1995 with Associates in Bibilical Studies. She has been a pastor’s wife for 23 years, mother to 4 young adults, and has spent 10-1/2 years on the mission field in South Africa with her family where Pastor Chad, her husband of 24 years, planted Calvary Chapel Johannesburg in 2007.

Mrs. alexandria sanchez

Alexandria Sanchez joined the Athletic Department Team in May of 2023 for our JH and HS Department and now has assumed the role as JH and HS office manager. She has been walking with the LORD since 2017 when she gave her heart to JESUS. She currently is serving in the nursery at Calvary Chapel Downey, graduated from the School of Ministry in 2022, and absolutely loves serving others. She has three children who attend CCCS with one on the way. 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.

MISS DIANA PALMA

Miss Palma is very excited to join the staff at CCCS. She started as a substitute teacher for Junior High/ High School and the Lord opened the door for her to work here in full-time ministry as the office secretary. She has been attending Calvary Chapel Downey for over a year, serves in the nursery, and is currently enrolled in the School of Ministry. Her passion is to share the love of Jesus with the students!

MRS. Elisa Nunez

Elisa Nunez joined the CCCS staff as a member of our Daycare team and transitioned into the role of Athletic Secretary last year in March. She has been blessed to serve in this new role where she has the opportunity to minister to both the students and staff. Mrs. Nunez has attended Calvary Chapel Downey for 10 years and serves in the Youth Ministry alongside her husband Jonathan. She is looking forward to being used in a new capacity this year in the school as she continues being led where God takes her.

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 fourth year as one of the high school football coaches and is also entering his third year help lead the Athletic Department. Athletics is a big part of our students and kids’ lives. Not only is Athletics here at Calvary about sports, but it’s a ministry and about glorifying the Lord through athletic competition; not only representing Calvary but our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who has enabled us and called us to this ministry. Colossians 3:23 has called us to do our very best for the Lord at all times in anything we do and that is something we instill in our students daily.