Elementary
TK
Ms. Amanda
Amanda has over 6 years of experience teaching preschool and this is her third year at Calvary. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Development & Minor in Christian Studies from California Baptist University. She loves working in an environment where she can love and care for the children while teaching and spreading God’s Word.
Kindergarten
Miss Marjorie
Miss Marjorie has been serving at Calvary since 1996. What a treasure she is to us! She received her Early Childhood Education Certificate from Saddleback College and has a Bachelor of Arts from Ashford University. She has taught junior kindergarten and kindergarten and is clearly a gifted teacher. One of the things we admire about Miss Marjorie is her love of learning. She dives into new technology when it is presented and enjoys continually challenging herself.
Miss Andrea
Miss Andrea is an experienced educator with over 20 years of experience working in both traditional and non-traditional classrooms as a teacher and paraeducator. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from UC, Irvine. Miss Andrea has taught first and third grades in addition to being an ESL teacher for English language learners. She is passionate about making a positive impact on her students with her joy and heart for teaching young minds.
First Grade
Mrs. Vanderlaan
Mrs. Vanderlaan graduated from Cal State San Bernardino with her Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies. She has taught kindergarten and first grade for the last four years. Mrs. Vanderlaan feels blessed to be an educator at a Christian school and is excited to watch her students grow both academically and spiritually.
Mrs. Harper
Mrs. Harper is excited to join the Calvary Murrieta family this year as a first grade teacher. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from California State University San Marcos and brings with her four years of experience teaching kindergarten. With a heart for young learners, Mrs. Harper is passionate about creating a welcoming and nurturing classroom where students feel safe, encouraged, and excited to learn. She strives to instill not only a love for reading, writing, and foundational academics, but also to guide her students in growing their faith and character through Christ-centered teaching.
Second Grade
Mrs. Geeslin
Mrs. Geeslin began working at CMCS in 2021. She received her BA in Liberal Studies from Cal State Fullerton in 2007. At the end of 2008, she finished her multiple subject teaching credential from the same institution and became officially credentialed in 2009. Mrs. Geeslin looks forward to discipling and walking with her students as they grow in their faith. She is elated to be a part of the team at CMCS.
Mrs. Thorpe
Summer Thorpe is a Calvary alumni who is excited to be back at CMCS–now as a teacher! She received a Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies from Western Governors University. Mrs. Thorpe loves connecting with her students and creating a warm, engaging classroom environment. In her spare time, she loves celebrating the creative arts, whether that be painting her own masterpiece or admiring the walls of a museum. She is thrilled to have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on her students’ lives!
Third Grade
Mrs. Thompson
Mrs. Thompson joined our staff in 2018. She was a graduate of Calvary Murrieta in 2002 and went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts from Concordia University. Mrs. Thompson has taught fourth grade and is currently teaching third grade. She aims to engage all of her students through creative instruction, and she has a wonderful heart of humility. Mrs. Thompson inspires her students to strive for Christ-like character.
Fourth Grade
Mrs. Johnson
Megan Johnson is one of our fabulous 4th grade teachers! She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Southern Oregon University. Mrs. Johnson has taught first grade and sixth grade, and she is excited to be with fourth grade again! In addition to her heart for teaching and connecting with her students, Mrs. Johnson is passionate about dance. We are so blessed to have Mrs. Johnson at CMCS!
Mrs. Guzman
Jennifer Guzman is one of our awesome fourth grade teachers! She has experience teaching elementary school in the Los Angeles area, and this is her third year teaching at CMCS. She is passionate about educating young learners and pointing them toward Jesus! We are so thankful to have Mrs. Guzman on our CMCS teaching team.
Fifth Grade
Mrs. Hager
Mrs. Hager joined CMCS in 2023 after earning her B.S. and teaching PE while pursuing her Master’s in Education. Her love for teaching led her to the 5th-grade classroom, where she’s passionate about creating a supportive, engaging, and Christ-centered environment. She values curiosity, collaboration, and character, and loves helping students grow both academically and spiritually.
Miss Fite
Janessa Fite graduated from Providence Christian College with a degree in Liberal Arts and a concentration in Education. She’s passionate about helping students grow both academically and in their faith. Janessa is excited to be part of the Calvary team and looks forward to pouring into the next generation.
Sixth Grade
Mrs. Geurts
Mrs. Guerts grew up attending Calvary Murrieta church and calls Murrieta home. She attended William Jessup University in Northern California where she played volleyball and obtained her teaching credentials. She taught in Sacramento for five years before recently moving back to Murrieta. She has a passion for nurturing young learners academically and spiritually and is excited to be teaching in her hometown.
Miss Jacobson
Miss Sarah Jacobson is a part of our fabulous 6th grade team! She graduated from Pacific Baptist College in 2014 with a degree in Elementary Education. She is currently attending Grand Canyon University to earn another degree in Special Education. Miss Jacobson has 6 years of experience in local Christian schools. Her favorite part about being an educator is showing students that learning can be fun– “I love when students tell me they didn’t like a certain subject or school in general, but now they love it!”
Junior High
Junior High Bible , Junior High English
Ms. Marman
Ms. Marman is starting her 20th year of teaching. She has taught at CMCS since 2022 and is an alumnus of CMCS as well. Ms. Marman graduated from the University of California, Riverside with her Bachelors of Arts in English. She also attended California Baptist University and received her Multiple Subject California Teaching Credential and her Masters in Teaching. She believes teaching is her calling. She loves encouraging her students in their academic growth and in their relationship with the Lord.
Junior High Science
Ms. Thwing
Ms. Thwing is an alumna of Calvary Chapel Downey where her father served as both an administrator and pastor. This makes it especially meaningful for her to now be teaching at a school with such deep family connections. Ms. Thwing earned her Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies with minors in Biblical Studies and Psychology from Hope International University, where she also played collegiate softball. She is passionate about helping students grow both academically and spiritually. She loves reading her Bible, making memories with her children, taking photos, and playing volleyball. She feels honored to share the love of Jesus with her students each day.
Junior High Math
Mr. Tallakson
Mr. Erik Tallakson graduated from Life Pacific Bible College where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies with an emphasis in youth ministry. He has also completed a teaching credential in math from California State University, Bakersfield. His experience consists of teaching Fundamentals of Math, Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, Physical Science, and Physics. He is married and has two children. His desire is that the children he is blessed to teach will receive an education that is glorifying to God.
Junior High History
Ms. Thwing
Ms. Thwing is an alumna of Calvary Chapel Downey where her father served as both an administrator and pastor. This makes it especially meaningful for her to now be teaching at a school with such deep family connections. Ms. Thwing earned her Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies with minors in Biblical Studies and Psychology from Hope International University, where she also played collegiate softball. She is passionate about helping students grow both academically and spiritually. She loves reading her Bible, making memories with her children, taking photos, and playing volleyball. She feels honored to share the love of Jesus with her students each day.
Mr. Tallakson
Mr. Erik Tallakson graduated from Life Pacific Bible College where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies with an emphasis in youth ministry. He has also completed a teaching credential in math from California State University, Bakersfield. His experience consists of teaching Fundamentals of Math, Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, Physical Science, and Physics. He is married and has two children. His desire is that the children he is blessed to teach will receive an education that is glorifying to God.
Junior High Electives
Junior High Art
Mrs. Campion
Mrs. Clare Campion is our fabulous art teacher. She hails from England where she attended school at Stoke on Trent 6th form College, then continued her studies in BTEC Early Childhood Education Stoke at Trent College. She is a self-taught artist and has done many murals and commissioned art around San Diego, from schools and restaurants to private homes. She has worked in early childhood education for over 30 years. Mrs. Campion has been an artist for 25 years and has taught art through private art classes for over 15 years. Her favorite part in teaching is observing students grow and watching them face and overcome challenges. We are so grateful to have Mrs. Campion at CMCS!
Ms. Thwing is an alumna of Calvary Chapel Downey where her father served as both an administrator and pastor. This makes it especially meaningful for her to now be teaching at a school with such deep family connections. Ms. Thwing earned her Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies with minors in Biblical Studies and Psychology from Hope International University, where she also played collegiate softball. She is passionate about helping students grow both academically and spiritually. She loves reading her Bible, making memories with her children, taking photos, and playing volleyball. She feels honored to share the love of Jesus with her students each day.
Junior High PE
Coach David
Coach David makes learning fun and shows how much heart can go into a game! Whether it’s teaching skills or sharing laughs, he brings the energy every single time. Coach David’s favorite Bible Verse is Romans 8:31 “If God be for us, who can be against us?”
ASB
Mrs. Aldaco
Mrs. Aldaco is our ASB teachers this year! She is a graduate of Calvary Chapel Schools of Downey and went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University of Fullerton. Mrs. Aldaco has worked with K-8th grade here in the Temecula Valley and in Orange County. She aims to encourage and inspire each individual student to discover and embrace their God given talents and unique design and apply them for excellence in their academic journey. She loves to be creative in her teaching and add hands on learning opportunities for students. Mrs. Aldaco is often visited by previous students because of the valuable and fun experience they’ve had throughout a school year.