News & Articles

Hear from our new staff and faculty why they are animated about working at Pacifica!

Beau Amaral

Why are you so excited to work with freshmen as the Student Success Coach in Study Hall?

Freshman year can be a tough adjustment with a new campus, new expectations, and a faster pace, and I want to support students through that transition. As the Student Success Coach, I focus on practical essentials such as organizing assignments, planning ahead, taking effective notes, communicating respectfully with teachers, and learning to advocate for themselves. In Study Hall, I work to create a calm, accountable environment where we build simple routines, set small goals, and track progress. I am excited to work with freshmen because mastering these skills early builds confidence and creates a strong foundation for the rest of high school.

Cole Bishop

Why are you so excited to teach freshmen in History and Theology?

I am thrilled to be back at Pacifica teaching History and Theology! Both subjects invite us to explore the larger story of humanity in relation to God—where we’ve come from, what has shaped us, and how faith continues to guide our understanding of the world and our place in it. History helps students to see the richness and complexity of human experience, while Theology grounds that exploration in truth, meaning, and hope. It is one of my deepest joys to walk alongside students as they connect the past to the present and discover that these disciplines not only sharpen their minds but shape their hearts and souls. We study to better understand who God is and who we are! 

Kimberly Clarke

Why are you so excited to work in the Athletic Department as our new Athletic Operations Coordinator?

After a few years away from teaching high school to be a full-time mama, I am super excited to serve at Pacifica Christian in the day-to-day happenings. I have been coaching for 30 years now (yikes!!), and athletics fuels a large part of my heart. I have missed being IN the day-to-day school setting, and I am overjoyed to be here at Pacifica. God + High School + Sports = One Happy Wife, Mom, and Coach!  

Roberto Flores de Apodaca

Why are you so excited to work with our freshman students as our new Algebra & Geometry teacher?

I am so very grateful to be teaching Algebra and Geometry to the wonderful freshman class here at Pacifica. It has only been a short amount of time, but the students here have already demonstrated themselves to be young men and women of character. As a group, they have been well-prepared for class, diligent in completing their homework, eager to participate in classroom activities, and kind in all their interactions. These are commendable behaviors that make this class a unique joy to teach. They are rising to meet the school’s call to think and live well! I look forward to a great rest of the year as we prepare them for higher math.

David Fung

Why are you so excited to work with our freshman students as our new History & Theology teacher?

I am so excited to work with freshmen students as the new History and Theology teacher because this is their first opportunity to explore the world of the humanities. I get to guide them in exploring the fundamental question of who is God, and through that exploration, discover who we are as His prized creation by examining cultures and ideas from thousands of years ago. In my class, we are able to use the ancient Near East, Babylon, and the Greeks as gateways into these profound questions, we can begin to understand the Bible and the history of all humanity. This helps us read more carefully and discover what our role is as individuals today. Every day in my class, we explore the nature of humanity and evil, facing tough questions with eager anticipation for a Savior or some way out of the cycle of death and destruction that has persisted for centuries. I feel incredibly privileged to teach these brilliant freshmen about who they are right now, and who they could become. There’s so much depth in these ancient texts, and being part of their eternal journey is the greatest blessing I could ask for. I look forward to continuing our exploration of ancient history and, more importantly, asking "who is God" and understanding why we should care about Him.

Shayna Lebovitz

Why are you so excited to work with freshman students as our new Campus Supervisor?

I am excited and blessed to have an important role to keep an eye on the students, to mentor them, and to be someone they feel comfortable approaching whenever they need anything. I hope that they enjoy their time learning and growing in maturity and wisdom, and I can’t wait to be part of the reason they feel at home on campus. I coach four Pacifica sports teams, and I get the chance to help the freshmen grow both physically and mentally, whether it’s on the field or beach.

Analisa Valenzuela

Why are you so excited to work with freshman students as our new Academic Counselor in the Study Hall?

“As we approach the start of a new academic year, I can’t help but feel excited to see the campus filled with students. This year in particular, I share something special with the incoming freshman class, as we are both beginning our first year at Pacifica. This shared experience adds a unique sense of camaraderie and deepens my eagerness to support this class in their transition to high school. What excites me most about working with freshmen in the Study Hall is the chance to walk alongside them during such a transformative year. I look forward to helping them connect with one another, explore tools and strategies for success in high school, deepen their spiritual growth, and build habits that will serve them well beyond the classroom. Above all, as the Academic Counselor, one of my top priorities is to be a consistent resource for the freshmen students. I consider it such a privilege to partner with students at this pivotal stage and help create a space where they feel encouraged, equipped, and known!”

Grace Park

Why are you so excited to work with freshman students as our new Choir Director?

Every chorister brings a unique color, tone, and vocal range. Our freshmen, in particular, come ready to shape, create, inherit, and carry the Pacifica Choir to the next level. Their enthusiasm and openness to exploring a wide variety of repertoires inspire me, as their director, to continually enrich their musicianship and vocal technique. I am truly excited to see how today’s freshmen will grow and what kind of choristers they will become over the next four years.