Evergreen Christian School
Who We Are
Evergreen Christian School began as a PSP in January 2018. However, nearly all 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, 7th-12th History, Chemistry, Math Tutoring)
Mary and her husband Chris have been homeschooling their children for their entire education. 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, 7th-12th History, Chemistry, Math Tutoring)
Mary and her husband Chris have been homeschooling their children for their entire education. 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 20 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 the past 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 also is 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, road trips, his wife's spaghetti, and 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 20 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 the past 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 also is 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, road trips, his wife's spaghetti, and 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 first through seventh 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 first through seventh 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 (K-3rd Science)
Brooke and her husband, Evans, are homeschooling their first-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 first-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.
Grace Park, Teacher (Music - Jr High and HS Choir)
Grace received her Bachelors in Piano Performance at Arizona State University, a Masters in Piano/Harpischord Performance at San Francisco Conservatory of Music, then went to to get a Eurhythmics Teacher Certificate at the Julliard Music School. Currently she is earning her doctorate degree at World Mission University in Church Music, with a concentration in Conducting. She has been privileged over 19 years to have worked with students from diverse cultures and backgrounds, as well as training and supervising other teachers, administrating school affairs, and preparing and leading rehearsals and concerts. Grace says, "All the experiences of being both a musician and teacher has given me a better understanding about the different ways of expressing the love of music, diversity, and the multicultural backgrounds of students. However, witnessing how music works in one’s life and turns it to a different direction, sharing the joy of playing and singing together, and even learning from the little ones how to love one another as God loves each one of us are the most beneficial for me of being a music teacher. I am living the fullness of my life by listening to music and playing music with the next generations."
Grace received her Bachelors in Piano Performance at Arizona State University, a Masters in Piano/Harpischord Performance at San Francisco Conservatory of Music, then went to to get a Eurhythmics Teacher Certificate at the Julliard Music School. Currently she is earning her doctorate degree at World Mission University in Church Music, with a concentration in Conducting. She has been privileged over 19 years to have worked with students from diverse cultures and backgrounds, as well as training and supervising other teachers, administrating school affairs, and preparing and leading rehearsals and concerts. Grace says, "All the experiences of being both a musician and teacher has given me a better understanding about the different ways of expressing the love of music, diversity, and the multicultural backgrounds of students. However, witnessing how music works in one’s life and turns it to a different direction, sharing the joy of playing and singing together, and even learning from the little ones how to love one another as God loves each one of us are the most beneficial for me of being a music teacher. I am living the fullness of my life by listening to music and playing music with the next generations."
Samantha Norris, Teacher (4th-6th Science)
Sammie Norris is a graduate from the Biola Star homeschool program. Throughout her entire high school career, she was involved in teaching elementary science classes through homeschool co-ops. Sammie has enjoyed working with kids ever since she was 12 years old, through volunteering in the children’s ministry at her church and being a camp counselor. But she has realized that God has placed it on her heart to make teaching her career. Having been homeschooled her entire life through multiple programs, Sammie thoroughly knows the blessings and struggles that come with homeschooling. She is extremely passionate about making sure each child receives an education that is personalized to them, just as she did. Sammie wants to emphasize each student’s individuality, strengths, and aspirations. Becoming a teacher with different homeschool programs allows her to do that.
Sammie Norris is a graduate from the Biola Star homeschool program. Throughout her entire high school career, she was involved in teaching elementary science classes through homeschool co-ops. Sammie has enjoyed working with kids ever since she was 12 years old, through volunteering in the children’s ministry at her church and being a camp counselor. But she has realized that God has placed it on her heart to make teaching her career. Having been homeschooled her entire life through multiple programs, Sammie thoroughly knows the blessings and struggles that come with homeschooling. She is extremely passionate about making sure each child receives an education that is personalized to them, just as she did. Sammie wants to emphasize each student’s individuality, strengths, and aspirations. Becoming a teacher with different homeschool programs allows her to do that.
Delia Davies, Teacher (Physical 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.
Stacey Sanchez, Teacher (K-6th Music)
Stacey has worked with children and adolescents since 2012. While this experience covers being a substitute teacher, playground supervisor, Sunday school teacher, yearbook adviser, stage manager, and summer camp assistant director, this is her seventh year teaching elementary music. Stacey values seeing the transformation in students lives through caring relationships, exposure to beauty and truth, and the grace of God. She received her Bachelors in Music and Worship Arts from Vanguard University. Fueled by a deep love for learning and creating alongside her students, she hopes that all students will develop an appreciation for music and the arts. She also hopes to prepare them to join in the music-making at home, church, school, or in the community. In her free time she participates in the life of her church, watches Stranger Things, reads classics, frequents parks with her daughter and husband, practices instruments, and eats chocolate.
Stacey has worked with children and adolescents since 2012. While this experience covers being a substitute teacher, playground supervisor, Sunday school teacher, yearbook adviser, stage manager, and summer camp assistant director, this is her seventh year teaching elementary music. Stacey values seeing the transformation in students lives through caring relationships, exposure to beauty and truth, and the grace of God. She received her Bachelors in Music and Worship Arts from Vanguard University. Fueled by a deep love for learning and creating alongside her students, she hopes that all students will develop an appreciation for music and the arts. She also hopes to prepare them to join in the music-making at home, church, school, or in the community. In her free time she participates in the life of her church, watches Stranger Things, reads classics, frequents parks with her daughter and husband, practices instruments, and eats chocolate.