Elementary Staff
VCA has a wonderful staff of committed elementary teachers! Our elementary students have access to a multitude of additional learning opportunities: a weekly Robotics class (3rd-6th), Elementary Band, Art, and sports teams through the Middle School Sports League (5th-6th) - just to name a few! See below for Staff Bios and details on those additional learning opportunities.
NATALEA PIRES - 6TH GRADE TEACHER
Hello my name is Natalea Pires. My family and I just moved to the area (Cloverdale), where my husband has become the pastor of a local church. I am excited that the Lord has brought myself and our family to VCA where we can grow and thrive together for the cause of Christ. My husband and I have 3 beautiful children all of which will be attending the school as well. Having previous teaching in 3rd and 4th grade and substituting before that I look forward to bring my skills and love for teaching to VCA. Having a Biblical worldview when it comes to teaching is vital in the day and age we are raising our brilliant young minds.
Featured with Natalea: Elliot the Bearded Dragon
Elliot, (future 6th Grade class pet), is currently getting used to his new home and enjoying extra treats (Blue Berries and Hornworms.)
KRISTEN ABDO - 5TH GRADE TEACHER
Mrs. Kristen Abdo got her BA in liberal studies with a concentration in Mathematics from Sonoma State University. She taught in and supervised a tutoring program in Santa Rosa City schools for 15 years and then got to be a stay-at-home mom. She found Victory Christian Academy when it was time to register her daughter for Kindergarten, and is grateful that they chose VCA for their family's education and to now be able to teach in a Christ centered school. Mrs. Abdo's goal is to help students to develop their relationship with God and to fall in love with learning.
SARA MCLEOD - 4TH GRADE TEACHER
Mrs. Sara McLeod is honored to be part of the Victory Christian Academy Family. From elementary school on, she has always loved learning, and credits that to her amazing teachers. That love of learning as a child grew into a love for teaching as an adult. Her hope is to nurture a love for God and for education in all her students, helping them become who He designed them to be. Mrs. McLeod holds a BA in Liberal Arts and Science from Sonoma State University.
Katelyn McLeod - 3RD GRADE TEACHER
Ms. McLeod has loved learning since she was an elementary student, which led her to a career in education. Katelyn studied Mandarin and Linguistics at UC Davis, before earning her Masters in TESOL from USC. From Aviation English, ESL, and Elementary STEM programs, Katelyn’s experience includes teaching both children and adults, and a variety of subjects.
Most importantly, Ms. McLeod is a devoted Christ-follower who had the privilege of serving in many capacities of children’s ministry since her teens. She is passionate about instilling a love for Jesus into the hearts of her young students.
CHRISTIE THOMSON - 2ND GRADE TEACHER
Mrs. Christie Thomson was an Early Intervention Specialist and Group therapy teacher working with children ages 0-5 with developmental delays, and taught preschool to 3 and 4 year olds prior to working at VCA.
She is passionate about telling students that they are loved by Jesus and that they have purpose. She hopes to develop students with Godly characteristics, and set them up for academic success while challenging them at the same time. She has a BA in English Literature and an MA in TESOL, both from Sonoma State University.
HALEY SHAMBLIN - 1ST GRADE TEACHER
Mrs. Haley Shamblin is thrilled to be working at VCA where her 3 children just began attending school this year. She graduated from Azusa Pacific University with a BA in Christian Ministries and a minor in Psychology. She has always been passionate about working with kids and has volunteered in Kid’s Ministry and VBS mission trips for years. Serving the elementary school students at VCA has been a dream come true.“
I studied Christian Ministries & Psychology at Azusa Pacific University. I’ve worked at VCA for the past two years and am so excited to be teaching 1st grade this year! My three kids—Hudson (14), Cohen (12), and Nova (7)—attend VCA as well.”
HEATHER KREISCHER - KINDERGARTEN TEACHER
Miss Heather Kreischer has 15 years experience in preschool and early elementary education. Prior to joining VCA she taught PK and TK at Rincon Valley Christian and she taught a 1st/2nd combo at Deep Valley Christian School. Her passion is helping students achieve their best and to get excited about learning. Miss Kreischer holds an MA and Multiple Subjects Credential from Simpson University.
CINTHIA BOHAN - TK TEACHER
Mrs. Cinthia Bohan Mrs. Cinthia Bohan has 15+ years teaching young children and holds a BA in
Elementary Teaching from Western Governors University. Along with teacher training
and ECE certificates. She has done a variety of ages and classes. She began her
career in a small Christian Preschool where she found a love of teaching young ones
not only academics but learning about Jesus and how much He loves everyone. She
worked as a preschool teacher for many years, ran her own in-home day care when her
own children were small and gradually went into elementary teaching. She most
recently taught TK-1 st grade at Pleasant Hill Christian School. Her biggest passion
about teaching is to share the Gospel and instill the love of learning in children. Both
her children are now attending Victory Christian Academy in the upper grades and she
gets to be with them from a distance, teaching TK here at VCA.
When she’s not teaching, Mrs. Bohan enjoys spending time with her family outdoors
swimming, camping, watching them play sports or playing softball herself with her
husband. As well attending and helping in a variety of ways at her church here in Santa
Rosa. She loves the Lord with all her heart and enjoys sharing His love with everyone.
KIMIA BUNDGARD - ELEMENTARY MUSIC AND CHAPEL
Miss Kimia Bundgard is excited to be part of the VCA family teaching Music and helping with Chapel. Her desire is that through music and play, her students will cultivate a love for music and most importantly learn to love the Lord in all they do. Kimia holds a BA in music education PreK-12, from Bethany College in Lindsborg, KS.
JESSICA RICHESON - ELEMENTARY AIDE, YARD DUTY, AFTERSCHOOL CARE
I love working where my son goes to school. We recently found VCA through my Church, and we love it. I became a Christian a few years ago, and love what this school teaches to the children. I knew we made the right choice after talking with many fellow faculty members.
Hobbies:
I love to sew, read, make homemade lotions, soaps, tinctures, butter ...etc, I love canning and preserving, gardening, baking savory things like breads and stews, cooking.
CECILIA BUENROSTRO - ELEMENTARY AIDE AND YARD DUTY
I was born in Peru, I studied midwifery, and I moved to Argentina to continue my studies, but God had other plans for me. I moved to the USA in 2005, the year in which I also gave my life to Christ. I met my husband, and we have a 13 year old son who attends VCA. When my son was little, he attended RVC, unfortunately, closing its doors, we had to move him to a public school, but we did not delay in returning because we are completely sure that his best education is grounded in Christ and ready for the world. I always wondered how I could help the school and offered to volunteer in Spanish in the classroom my son attended that year. God touched my life through this service, and today being part of VCA confirms my desire. I love music, knitting, preparing desserts. I like to talk and meet people and above all share how God changed my life and how he continues to work on me.
ATHLETICS
Godly character is formed on the athletic field as well as in the classroom. We are part of the Middle School Sports League (MSSL), which includes competition opportunities for 5th and 6th grade students. Potential sports may include: basketball, flag football, volleyball, cross country and a track meet day. For more information, see the Athletics page.
MUSIC / CHOIR
God has made us as creatures who love to worship. One of the great benefits of a Christian school is that we can be purposeful in shaping and directing that worship to Christ who deserves all praise. Under the leadership of Mrs. Cunningham, we will continue the legacy of elementary music instruction, including elementary band.
ART
We are committed to having art instruction at our school because we believe the fine arts are essential for the development of children. Elementary art instructions takes place regularly within the classroom.
Contact Us - We can't wait to welcome you!
info@victoryca.org
admissions@victoryca.org
Facebook: Victory Christian Academy - Sonoma County
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4585 Badger Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95409
(707) 539-1486
Victory Christian Academy is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charity, EIN: 83-3876363