Staff
Highland Avenue Christian School
Ms. CynDee Allen
Director
Hello! My name is Cynthia Allen better known as, Miss CynDee. I have been directing for over 30 years. I've lived here in Rancho since 2004 and I have been blessed to have been part of the Highland Family since January 2014. I studied Child development at Fullerton College and sat on the Fullerton College Child Development Advisory Board. Iv'e been a long time member of Church Related Early Childhood Education Fellowship (CRECEF) and NAEYC. I also have a degree in biblical studies. There is nothing more fascinating to me than the amazing growth and devlopment of a young child. I have an open door policy and I'm looking forward to getting to know you and your children!
Ms. Kelsey Ziello
Assistant Director
I have been here at Highland since 2010 where I originally started out in a 2/3 year old classroom! I graduated from CSUSB with a degree in Human Development with a concentration in Early Childhood. I am married to my high school sweetheart and we have 2 children who are/have also attend Highland. I love our school and all it has to offer especially our love for JESUS!
Ms. Loretta Camerena
Office Manager
I work in the front office here at HACS! I have been working in Early Childhood since 1981! I raised 2 beautiful daughters! Ive been married 40 years and have 5 of the most exceptional grandchildren on planet Earth. I LOVE JESUS and love serving HACS, children and families.
Ms. Candice Ellison
Church Office Manager & Preschool Substitute
Greetings HACS Families,
I work in the church office and you may also find me subbing in your student’s class from time to time. I have taught, directed and facilitate staff development in Early Childhood Development for the past 24 years.
Currently I am taking on the role of Office Manager & Bookkeeper for the church. It is my passion to share the love of Jesus with each student at HACS.
I am blessed to work along side the church staff and school staff.
My high school sweetheart and I have been married for 24 years, we have 3 awesome children, 2 dogs, a tortoise and potbelly pig.
Ms. Bethany Nagy
Early Pre School Teacher
My name is Bethany Nagy. I was born in Vallejo and raised in Napa and moved to Southern California after getting my Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies. While in Southern California I have continued to teach and have been teaching for over thirteen years. I have an amazing family with three beautiful and amazing girls. Teaching has always been a passion of mine. I love making an impact on children’s education, but not only that, sharing my love for Christ with the children and their families as well. I love what I do and I am so blessed that God has placed me at Highland Avenue Christian School.
Ms. Destiny McNeely
Early Pre School Teacher
I have been teaching at HACS for over 10 years. I love anything American and old hollywood! I have three wonderful children who are my life!"
Ms. Emily Meroth
Pre-School Teacher
I have worked at Highland for over 15 years. I am married to my wonderful husband Dan and have 2 boys Jacob and Matthew. I teach the 3 year olds because they have the perfect amount of sass and
fun for me!
Ms. Brenda Bunch
Pre-School Teacher
I LOVE the LORD my God with all my heart, soul, mind and strength! I have been a pre school teacher for over 20 years and have been at Highland since 2001. My passion and heart's desire is to teach the word of God and the love God has for children in new exciting fun ways during Chapel and in class time! My beloved husband and I have been married for over 25 years. We have 3 sons! I believe in the
POWER OF PRAYER!
Ms. Michelle Doherty
TK Teacher
I have been a teacher at HACS since 2003. I am married with 3 children all whom have attended HACS from the age of 2-5 years. I enjoy being the TK owls teacher and helping to prepare my little owls for kindergarten. Most of all I love watching them discover and grow their relationship with Jesus!
Ms. Ali Brawner
Pre-K Teacher
Hi there! My name is Ali and I am lucky enough to teach TK! I graduated in 2015 from the University of Redlands with a degree in sociology/ Psychology and received my ECE units from Saddleback College. I have been teaching preschool for over 6 years. My favorite part of teaching is watching there kiddos grow emotionally, socially, academically; but most of all grow in Jesus!
Ms. Kenzie Ellison
Pre-K Teacher
Hi my name is Miss Kenzie and I teach Pre-K at HACS. The Blue Jays are my peeps. My goal is to create the “BEST DAY EVER”, each day for the students in my class. My major is in Special Education with a minor in Child Development. I also coach cheer for La Serna High School.
Watching my students develop their language, social, emotional, and academic skills is my passion!
Ms. Jonnie Simpson
Pre-K Teacher
Hi my name is Miss Jonnie. I have been working with children since 205. I am a loving, caring, kind, funny, positive teacher. Creating an atmosphere of positive energy in my classroom is my number 1 priority. My heart is full of peace and joy knowing that I can Talk about the goodness of the Lord to my students each day.
I am married to a wonderful man that God sent my way. We have 4 amazing children. I live my life through the power of prayer. Teaching children to walk by faith is my passion.
Ms. Jessica ODonnell
Pre- K Teacher
Hi my name is Jessica! I am married to my amazing husband and we have our sweet son Jameson who attends HACS as well. I am a teacher because I hope to pass on my love of learning and curiosity of the world. I believe that learning should be joyful and filled with adventure. I strive for my classroom to be a safe and predictable space where students can be themselves and grow in their relationship with Jesus!
Ms. Rika Baum
Pre-K Teacher
Ms. Bobbi Collins
Kindergarten Teacher
Hi! My name is Bobbi Collins and I have a passion for working with children. I received my bachelors degree in family and Human Development and am currently getting my masers in early education. I am married to my amazing husband and we have two baby girls, Braylin Sue and Madilyn Grace. The children have a special place in my heart and always put a smile on my face. I love watching them explore and grow their little minds but, also build their relationships with Jesus.
Ms. Sandy Thrasher
Kindergarten Teacher
Highland has been my home for the past 16 years. My life has been blessed with a wonderful man for over 35 years. Together we have 2 fantastic sons and about to gain a lovely daughter-in-law next year. I love giving my TK the stepping stones they need to succeed in kindergarten and for years to come!
Ms. Gloria Almeraz
Co-Teacher
I love to spend quality time with my family. I have three beautiful grandchildren and love taking my dog "Papa" for walks. I have been working with children for over 35 years and have been with highland for 28 of those years.
Ms. Amy Piattoni
Co-Teacher/ Sub
Ms. Rochenda Knisely
Co-Teacher/ Sub
This is my first year at Highland Ave and I am enjoying working with the staff and helping your children to learn. I am happily married to my High School sweetheart of over 40 years. We have 2 children, our daughter Kelsey, who is the Assistant Director here at Highland, and our son Trevor. Outside of the school, I get to be a doting Nana to my three grandchildren, all who also attended Highland.
Ms. Irene Gutierrez
Cook
My joy has been working at Highland for over 20 years. Being able to touch the lives of these little ones has been both a pleasure and blessing. I have been married to my husband for 22 years and we have a beautiful daughter. I enjoy outside activities and time with my family. Also, my church is a big part of my life. I love sharing on the worship team!
Ms. Maria Velasco
Sous-Chef
I have been working in a kitchen/restaurant setting for many years. I am a grandmother to a beautiful baby boy. I love all the children and I love that they love my food!