Evergreen Christian School
Who We Are
Evergreen Christian School began as a PSP in January 2018. However, most of our families have been homeschooling in some capacity before joining ECS. All of our leaders and teachers have
administrative and/or educational experience.
administrative and/or educational experience.
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Administrators and Current Teachers
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Mary Hebert, Administrator and Teacher (Bible, Apologetics, 7th-12th History, Chemistry, Government, Math Tutoring)
Mary and her husband Chris have been homeschooling their children for their entire education (now 9th and 12th graders). Mary holds a Bachelors degree in chemistry and a Masters in math. Before her kids were ready for homeschooling, Mary worked in the biotech field and taught math at Cal State Fullerton. For nine years, Mary taught classes at a local homeschool PSP (history, science, Bible/apologetics). She has also been in charge of planning field trips, social activities, and school events. In the classroom, Mary is dedicated to utilizing strategies to engage and challenge students of all levels. Both Chris and Mary work side-by-side in leading Evergreen Christian School.
Mary Hebert, Administrator and Teacher (Bible, Apologetics, 7th-12th History, Chemistry, Government, Math Tutoring)
Mary and her husband Chris have been homeschooling their children for their entire education (now 9th and 12th graders). Mary holds a Bachelors degree in chemistry and a Masters in math. Before her kids were ready for homeschooling, Mary worked in the biotech field and taught math at Cal State Fullerton. For nine years, Mary taught classes at a local homeschool PSP (history, science, Bible/apologetics). She has also been in charge of planning field trips, social activities, and school events. In the classroom, Mary is dedicated to utilizing strategies to engage and challenge students of all levels. Both Chris and Mary work side-by-side in leading Evergreen Christian School.
Christopher Hebert, Administrator and Teacher (HS English, History of Motion Pictures)
Chris received his first Bachelors in Cinema through USC, then went on to get his English degree/teaching credential through CSUF, and his Masters in Theological Studies through Golden Gate Baptist Seminary. He has been involved in public education for the last 21 years. At the high school level, Chris has taught Film Studies (a course he designed and piloted) and English. He also has taught and coordinated the AVID program (a program for college-bound students) at a local high school for over 10 years. He tries his best to bring engaging and rigorous strategies to any lessons he's doing, and genuinely cares about the success of all students. Chris has been involved in a small Christian film production company and participates as part of his church's worship team. He enjoys spending time with his family, watching classic films, listening to music, going on road trips, slurping up his wife's spaghetti, and taking afternoon naps on weekends.
Chris received his first Bachelors in Cinema through USC, then went on to get his English degree/teaching credential through CSUF, and his Masters in Theological Studies through Golden Gate Baptist Seminary. He has been involved in public education for the last 21 years. At the high school level, Chris has taught Film Studies (a course he designed and piloted) and English. He also has taught and coordinated the AVID program (a program for college-bound students) at a local high school for over 10 years. He tries his best to bring engaging and rigorous strategies to any lessons he's doing, and genuinely cares about the success of all students. Chris has been involved in a small Christian film production company and participates as part of his church's worship team. He enjoys spending time with his family, watching classic films, listening to music, going on road trips, slurping up his wife's spaghetti, and taking afternoon naps on weekends.
Cortney Pena, Activities Director and Teacher (K-6th History, Junior High Bible)
Cortney and her husband David homeschool their three kids, ranging from third through ninth grade. and she is thrilled to be teaching at Evergreen. She has a BA in English and an MS in education with a reading specialization, both from Cal State Fullerton. (Go Titans!) She has a Multiple Subject Credential, Single Subject Credential in English, and Reading Specialist Credential. She taught high school Language Arts and junior high English and reading in the Corona-Norco Unified School District and the Orange Unified School District. Cortney has also taught reading at the community college level and substitute taught for the elementary classroom. She has been teaching since 2000 at either a local public school, Evergreen Christian School, or for her own children. She loves being in the classroom and helping students learn new things utilizing a variety of learning styles. "Student engagement is key in my classroom. I want every student to be engaged in the learning process."
Cortney and her husband David homeschool their three kids, ranging from third through ninth grade. and she is thrilled to be teaching at Evergreen. She has a BA in English and an MS in education with a reading specialization, both from Cal State Fullerton. (Go Titans!) She has a Multiple Subject Credential, Single Subject Credential in English, and Reading Specialist Credential. She taught high school Language Arts and junior high English and reading in the Corona-Norco Unified School District and the Orange Unified School District. Cortney has also taught reading at the community college level and substitute taught for the elementary classroom. She has been teaching since 2000 at either a local public school, Evergreen Christian School, or for her own children. She loves being in the classroom and helping students learn new things utilizing a variety of learning styles. "Student engagement is key in my classroom. I want every student to be engaged in the learning process."
Brooke Angaga, Teacher and Yearbook Coordinator (K-3rd Science)
Brooke and her husband, Evans, are homeschooling their third-grade daughter. Prior to this, their family participated in the preschool program class day through a local Christian co-op. Brooke has a BA in Psychology and Biblical Studies from Azusa Pacific University, and a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Fuller Theological Seminary. She adores experiencing other cultures; she spent a semester in the Middle East during college, participated in summer outreach trips to Jordan and Russia, and spent 2-and-a-half years working as a public health worker, serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in a rural Kenyan village. Brooke also worked as a social worker for children with a foster family and adoption agency prior to homeschooling. Brooke is excited to share her love of the beautiful people and world that God has created.
Brooke and her husband, Evans, are homeschooling their third-grade daughter. Prior to this, their family participated in the preschool program class day through a local Christian co-op. Brooke has a BA in Psychology and Biblical Studies from Azusa Pacific University, and a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Fuller Theological Seminary. She adores experiencing other cultures; she spent a semester in the Middle East during college, participated in summer outreach trips to Jordan and Russia, and spent 2-and-a-half years working as a public health worker, serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in a rural Kenyan village. Brooke also worked as a social worker for children with a foster family and adoption agency prior to homeschooling. Brooke is excited to share her love of the beautiful people and world that God has created.
Masha (Maria) Hemmerling, Teacher (Art)
Masha (Maria) is an artist of 35 years, art teacher of 7 years and art curriculum developer of 5 years. She graduated from Russian College of Traditional Culture with her diploma in Fine Arts, and minor in Traditional Russian Folk art.
While still in Russia, Masha worked as an art teacher at the Technical and Vocational School for Disabled, taught the Bible through arts and crafts at the Sunday school, was an art tutor and freelance artist, and worked as an artist for different companies and non-profit organizations. Many of her artwork are in private collections all around the world: Scandinavia, Europe, Russia, and America. After moving to the United States, Masha participated in and received awards at many art festivals between 2004-2008. She has taught art classes at Christian elementary schools and has seen her own students achieve similar recognition in events such as ACSI Art Festivals. She is also the author of her own art curriculum (which we are proud to be using at Evergreen). Masha started her Inspirational Online Art Studio “PaperPaint&Palette” as a platform for her art tutorials, digital courses, and live broadcasts that are based on Christian principles. Recently she started “The Mission of a Painted Block”, which is devoted to using wooden blocks donated by philanthropic organizations that are then painted with uplifting designs and inspirational words from the Bible and finally distributed by Containers of Hope to people groups around the world.
Masha (Maria) is an artist of 35 years, art teacher of 7 years and art curriculum developer of 5 years. She graduated from Russian College of Traditional Culture with her diploma in Fine Arts, and minor in Traditional Russian Folk art.
While still in Russia, Masha worked as an art teacher at the Technical and Vocational School for Disabled, taught the Bible through arts and crafts at the Sunday school, was an art tutor and freelance artist, and worked as an artist for different companies and non-profit organizations. Many of her artwork are in private collections all around the world: Scandinavia, Europe, Russia, and America. After moving to the United States, Masha participated in and received awards at many art festivals between 2004-2008. She has taught art classes at Christian elementary schools and has seen her own students achieve similar recognition in events such as ACSI Art Festivals. She is also the author of her own art curriculum (which we are proud to be using at Evergreen). Masha started her Inspirational Online Art Studio “PaperPaint&Palette” as a platform for her art tutorials, digital courses, and live broadcasts that are based on Christian principles. Recently she started “The Mission of a Painted Block”, which is devoted to using wooden blocks donated by philanthropic organizations that are then painted with uplifting designs and inspirational words from the Bible and finally distributed by Containers of Hope to people groups around the world.
Delia Davies, Teacher (Jr. High Physical Science, Jr. High General Science)
Delia and her husband Aaron have six children that they are raising and homeschooling. Delia holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Caltech, where she and Aaron met. Delia worked briefly as an engineer after college, but soon after becoming a mother, the Lord made it clear that He was calling her to be a homeschooling mom. Ever since, she has been on a joyous journey of exposing her kids to the feast of knowledge, imparting enthusiasm every step of the way and seeing her kids excel in their learning. Most importantly, she enjoys the privilege of seeing God glorified in their education. He is kept at the center of all learning, and every subject is approached from a biblical worldview. And by teaching this way, Delia herself has found a renewed sense of wonder and enjoyment in learning, which she hopes to instill in each of her students. In her leisure time, Delia can be found doing CrossFit, playing with her DSLR, reading a good book or looking for a great deal on next year's homeschool curriculum.
Delia and her husband Aaron have six children that they are raising and homeschooling. Delia holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Caltech, where she and Aaron met. Delia worked briefly as an engineer after college, but soon after becoming a mother, the Lord made it clear that He was calling her to be a homeschooling mom. Ever since, she has been on a joyous journey of exposing her kids to the feast of knowledge, imparting enthusiasm every step of the way and seeing her kids excel in their learning. Most importantly, she enjoys the privilege of seeing God glorified in their education. He is kept at the center of all learning, and every subject is approached from a biblical worldview. And by teaching this way, Delia herself has found a renewed sense of wonder and enjoyment in learning, which she hopes to instill in each of her students. In her leisure time, Delia can be found doing CrossFit, playing with her DSLR, reading a good book or looking for a great deal on next year's homeschool curriculum.
Aly Bonafede, Teacher (Biology, Health)
Aly and her high school sweetheart, Matt celebrated 20 years of marriage this year. They have four children, ages 9 through 18, The eldest who just graduated their homeschool and will be attending Bible College this fall. Aly graduated as a Registered Nurse in 2001, beginning her career as an ER nurse, and quickly realized her passion for maternal and neonatal health. She worked as a Labor & Delivery/Postpartum nurse for 13 years, where she had the pleasure of caring for new moms and babies. She also enjoyed teaching as a childbirth educator for 3 years. Eventually, the Lord guided Aly to be a full time homeschooling mom, and she set nursing aside for her most favorite role in life. Home and Family are her passion, and she can most likely be found cooking healthy fare for the family, reading historical fiction, or finding a new home improvement project to work on. She loves keeping up with nutrition science, integrating physical and spiritual health in herself and those around her, and keeping active in the garden or walking her dogs, Josie & Penny. Aly has had the pleasure of teaching high school Biology with Evergreen, and looks forward to sharing the Lord’s Blessing of physical, mental and spiritual care of ourselves thru the study of health this year.
Aly and her high school sweetheart, Matt celebrated 20 years of marriage this year. They have four children, ages 9 through 18, The eldest who just graduated their homeschool and will be attending Bible College this fall. Aly graduated as a Registered Nurse in 2001, beginning her career as an ER nurse, and quickly realized her passion for maternal and neonatal health. She worked as a Labor & Delivery/Postpartum nurse for 13 years, where she had the pleasure of caring for new moms and babies. She also enjoyed teaching as a childbirth educator for 3 years. Eventually, the Lord guided Aly to be a full time homeschooling mom, and she set nursing aside for her most favorite role in life. Home and Family are her passion, and she can most likely be found cooking healthy fare for the family, reading historical fiction, or finding a new home improvement project to work on. She loves keeping up with nutrition science, integrating physical and spiritual health in herself and those around her, and keeping active in the garden or walking her dogs, Josie & Penny. Aly has had the pleasure of teaching high school Biology with Evergreen, and looks forward to sharing the Lord’s Blessing of physical, mental and spiritual care of ourselves thru the study of health this year.
Aaron Davies, Teacher (Computer Science)
Aaron completed a bachelor's degree in physics from Caltech, and after spending the first ten years of his career in aerospace, he discovered that his true love was for software engineering. He made a complete career change in 2013 and has since developed a broad experience in programming, primarily for the medical device industry, including an iPhone app that was featured on TV. Aaron's goal in introducing coding to kids is to glorify Christ as the wisdom behind all of man's progress in technology, and to reveal a little about how the computer, which seems to have taken over the world, actually works. Offline, Aaron enjoys being involved with his church,
playing and watching sports, and trying really hard not to lose to his wife and children at games.
Aaron completed a bachelor's degree in physics from Caltech, and after spending the first ten years of his career in aerospace, he discovered that his true love was for software engineering. He made a complete career change in 2013 and has since developed a broad experience in programming, primarily for the medical device industry, including an iPhone app that was featured on TV. Aaron's goal in introducing coding to kids is to glorify Christ as the wisdom behind all of man's progress in technology, and to reveal a little about how the computer, which seems to have taken over the world, actually works. Offline, Aaron enjoys being involved with his church,
playing and watching sports, and trying really hard not to lose to his wife and children at games.
Kate Neyer, Teacher (American Sign Language)
Kate attended Evergreen as a homeschooled student and is a proud graduate of Evergreen’s first senior class in 2020. She was homeschooled from kindergarten through 12th grade and enjoyed learning at home with her three siblings, supplementing that with courses through Evergreen and Biola Youth Academics. She discovered her love for American Sign Language and Deaf culture as a student in high school. Kate has completed ASL I, II, III and Deaf Culture Studies and is currently working towards becoming a licensed ASL interpreter. Kate is excited to pass on her enthusiasm and share her knowledge of ASL with others in the classroom. “I hope to get students interested in learning another language while having a fun experience that is more than meeting a high school course requirement.” In her free time, she can be found curled up on the couch with a good book, watching a movie, listening and playing music, and going to the beach.
Kate attended Evergreen as a homeschooled student and is a proud graduate of Evergreen’s first senior class in 2020. She was homeschooled from kindergarten through 12th grade and enjoyed learning at home with her three siblings, supplementing that with courses through Evergreen and Biola Youth Academics. She discovered her love for American Sign Language and Deaf culture as a student in high school. Kate has completed ASL I, II, III and Deaf Culture Studies and is currently working towards becoming a licensed ASL interpreter. Kate is excited to pass on her enthusiasm and share her knowledge of ASL with others in the classroom. “I hope to get students interested in learning another language while having a fun experience that is more than meeting a high school course requirement.” In her free time, she can be found curled up on the couch with a good book, watching a movie, listening and playing music, and going to the beach.
Ken Cowell, Teacher (Woodworking)
“Follow Me” are the first two words Ken heard from Jesus. The Bible story he read while alone in his bedroom that night centered on Jesus calling four fishermen to follow Him. They chose to follow Him. Ken turned off the light settling in for sleep when the room filled up with the presence of Jesus, who said, “Follow Me.” From fear Ken replied with a “No.” Patiently Jesus said again, “Follow Me.” The response this time was, “Okay, for two or three weeks.” That was in 1963 when Ken was 16 years old and he continues to follow Jesus!
Ken earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Christian Education at Biola then continued on to Talbot Seminary for a Masters of Religious Education degree. His first employment after school was as a Christian Ed director in a local church where he discovered he is not gifted in administration.
So moving on, he became a handyman while attempting to get a teaching job in public school. He was over-qualified because of the Masters Degree but didn’t have a credential and therefore was not “hire-able.” He went from handyman to General Contractor then added an additional Cabinetry license. In 1988 he opened a custom cabinet shop: Dovetail Cabinets, gradually becoming Dovetail Cabinets, Inc. After 25 years of making fabulous custom cabinets, furniture and objects of art, Ken was eager to retire and turn the business over to one of his sons. Since then he has been very busy doing what he loves: making beautiful objects out of wood and teaching others to do the same.
Ken has been married to Elly for 51 years. They have four married children and ten grandchildren, all of them recipients of his teaching and gifts.
Through the years Ken has taught wood workshops in his local church’s Sunday School and Summer Adventure programs. He teaches beginning and advanced marquetry classes from his home workshop and has received local, regional and national awards for his wood furniture and art.
“Follow Me” are the first two words Ken heard from Jesus. The Bible story he read while alone in his bedroom that night centered on Jesus calling four fishermen to follow Him. They chose to follow Him. Ken turned off the light settling in for sleep when the room filled up with the presence of Jesus, who said, “Follow Me.” From fear Ken replied with a “No.” Patiently Jesus said again, “Follow Me.” The response this time was, “Okay, for two or three weeks.” That was in 1963 when Ken was 16 years old and he continues to follow Jesus!
Ken earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Christian Education at Biola then continued on to Talbot Seminary for a Masters of Religious Education degree. His first employment after school was as a Christian Ed director in a local church where he discovered he is not gifted in administration.
So moving on, he became a handyman while attempting to get a teaching job in public school. He was over-qualified because of the Masters Degree but didn’t have a credential and therefore was not “hire-able.” He went from handyman to General Contractor then added an additional Cabinetry license. In 1988 he opened a custom cabinet shop: Dovetail Cabinets, gradually becoming Dovetail Cabinets, Inc. After 25 years of making fabulous custom cabinets, furniture and objects of art, Ken was eager to retire and turn the business over to one of his sons. Since then he has been very busy doing what he loves: making beautiful objects out of wood and teaching others to do the same.
Ken has been married to Elly for 51 years. They have four married children and ten grandchildren, all of them recipients of his teaching and gifts.
Through the years Ken has taught wood workshops in his local church’s Sunday School and Summer Adventure programs. He teaches beginning and advanced marquetry classes from his home workshop and has received local, regional and national awards for his wood furniture and art.