Instructional Aide
cgallo@friendschristian.org
HOMETOWN
Brea, CA
FCS ALUM
No
JOINED FRIENDS
2021
MY JOY
My family brings me hoy
WHAT I LOVE ABOUT FRIENDS
I love the community. Everyone truly cares about the students and the staff is so encouraging to each other.
FAVORITE SPOT ON CAMPUS
The Kindergarten playground
FAVORITE FRIENDS TRADITION
The Great Race
FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE (OR LIFE VERSE)
“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” Philippians 4:12 NIV
BEST MEMORY AT FRIENDS
Dropping my kids off for the first day of school in September of 2020 when most schools were closed.
OTHER ROLES PREVIOUSLY AT FRIENDS
I was a substitute last year so I filled in for many roles.
7th grade Bible teacher, 8th grade Math 8 and STEM teacher
bgamez@friendschristian.org
EDUCATION
I went to Hope International University where I studied education with a concentration in mathematics. While I was there, I also had the privilege of being able to pursue a minor in Biblical Studies.
HOMETOWN
Valencia, CA
FCS ALUM
No
JOINED FRIENDS
2020
MY JOY
Something that brings me joy is spreading the good news of Jesus Christ to the students and helping them grow in their academic and spiritual life. I love talking with the students about what they are going through and helping them overcome ay fears and struggles they have. Nothing beings me more joy than seeing kids gradually grow as the year progresses.
WHAT I LOVE ABOUT FRIENDS
What I love about friends is that they are always there for you in a time of need. Whether I’m having a good or bad day, the right friends are always there to support you no matter what with no judgement. With that, they are always there to tell you what you need to hear, even if you don’t want to hear it.
FAVORITE SPOT ON CAMPUS
My favorite spot on campus has to be the basement! I absolutely love the basement because that’s where my first “classroom” was here at Friends. It brings back so many memories, good and bad, that I’ll cherish forever.
BEST TEACHING MOMENT
My best teaching moment would have to be working really hard with a student all last year, and seeing their progress from being a D student, to being a solid B student. It was amazing to see their mindset change from thinking they were bad at math, to seeing how much potential they really had.
FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE (OR LIFE VERSE)
Galatians 2:20
I absolutely love this verse. It is such a great reminder of what God has done for us, and what happens when we commit our lives to Christ. There is so much power in this one verse!!!
BEST MEMORY AT FRIENDS
My best memory at Friends was every lunch last year. It started off with a group of 2-3 students that would come, hang out, and eat lunch in my classroom everyday. By the end of the year, there were about 20+ students hanging out with me downstairs. During that time, it was so awesome getting to learn about who they truly are in and out of the classroom. It was amazing to provide a space where those students felt comfortable to be themselves.
Potty Training Support Staff
Agarcia@friendschristian.org
EDUCATION
I have an associates degree in psychology and sociology. I have been working with kids for four years.
HOMETOWN
Ontario, CA
FCS ALUM
No
JOINED FRIENDS
2021
MY JOY
My family, friends, and dogs bring me joy!
FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE (OR LIFE VERSE)
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” Hebrews 13:8
Elementary Activities Secretary
EDUCATION
Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology.
HOMETOWN
Anaheim, CA
FCS ALUM
No
JOINED FRIENDS
2021
MY JOY
One on one conversations with my boys (16 and 10).
WHAT I LOVE ABOUT FRIENDS
I love that our kids are in the Word all day everyday. And we get to give them lots of hugs.
FAVORITE SPOT ON CAMPUS
Walking around campus while it’s chaotic (lunch, recess) and getting hugs and yells of “hello Mrs. Garcia!!”
7th/8th Grade Success Instructional Aide – Middle School Campus
lgarza@friendschristian.org
EDUCATION
Business Administration Degree in Finance- Cal State Fullerton
Multiple Subject Teaching Credential- Cal State Fullerton
HOMETOWN
Downey, CA
FCS ALUM
No
JOINED FRIENDS
2013
MY JOY
Spending time with my family brings me joy and hiking in the mountains with my best friend.
WHAT I LOVE ABOUT FRIENDS
I love that Friends Christian School is a place where students can feel loved by their teachers and learn about their world from a Biblical point of view.
FAVORITE SPOT ON CAMPUS
In the classroom with my students!
FAVORITE FRIENDS TRADITION
Being a part of our weekly chapels.
BEST TEACHING MOMENT
When a struggling student accomplishes their goal and feels successful!
FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE (OR LIFE VERSE)
Isaiah 41:10 -Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
BEST MEMORY AT FRIENDS
Watching my three children have a wonderful experience at Friends and making life-long friends during their time at the school. My oldest son starting dating his current fiancé in 8th grade and will be getting married to her in August 2022.
OTHER ROLES PREVIOUSLY AT FRIENDS
Kindergarten Aide
Success Aide for Elementary Campus
Success Aide for Middle School Campus
Lana Garza
Preschool Music Teacher
EDUCATION:
Bachelors in Elementary Education from Biola University
HOMETOWN:
Fullerton, CA
FCS ALUM:
Yes
JOINED FRIENDS:
2021
MY JOY:
Seeing the kiddos on stage worship our God brings me so much joy!
WHAT I LOVE ABOUR FRIENDS:
I love the community. Everyone is always so warm and friendly. I love that I get to teach in a Christian environment. Being a Christian in a Christian school makes it easy to be open with my beliefs because I am surrounded by other people with the same beliefs as myself.
FAVORITE SPOT ON CAMPUS:
The Sanctuary ?
FAVORITE FRIENDS TRADITION:
Christmas Program or extreme games
BEST TEACHING MOMENT:
I love when I hear the students singing at lunch or on the playground our worship songs. Or when parents come up to me saying how much their child loves my class.
FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE (OR LIFE VERSE):
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always, pray continuously & give thanks in all circumstances.
BEST MEMORY AT FRIENDS:
Meeting my now husband when we were in eighth grade!?
OTHER ROLES PREVIOUSLY AT FRIENDS:
Support staff
3′ Preschool Teacher
tgillespie@friendschristian.org
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science, Chapman University
Early Childhood Education, Santiago Canyon College
HOMETOWN
Placentia, CA
FCS ALUM
No
JOINED FRIENDS
2017
MY JOY
My family! When I’m not in the classroom, you can find me having fun with my three boys. We love spending our days together at the beach, playing in the pool, fishing in Mammoth, boating, paddleboarding at the lake and enjoying God’s beautiful creation!
WHAT I LOVE ABOUT FRIENDS
I love that I get to spend my day sharing my love of Jesus! It’s the best being able to teach little ones about Jesus and how much He loves us.
FAVORITE SPOT ON CAMPUS
My classroom! I just love spending time in my classroom, creating and making special activities for my students.
FAVORITE FRIENDS TRADITION
One of my favorite Friends tradition is weekly Chapel. I love getting to hear praise & worship, along with all the children singing and dancing. I love listening to the chapel message and seeing all the children being celebrated for their accomplishments. It’s the best!!!
I also love “Meet the Teacher” day! As a teacher, and a FCS parent, it’s so nice to be able to visit the classroom with your child, meet their teacher and visit with friends/families in your child’s class. It’s a great way to calm first day nerves and such a nice start to the school year.
BEST TEACHING MOMENT
One of my favorite teaching moments was when a little friend I had never met and her mommy came down the hallway to my classroom door. Her mom said that her daughter, day after day, kept seeing kids coming down the hallway after school. Out of curiosity, her daughter wanted to come down the hall to see what everyone was doing? I had a little laugh, and told her that those were my previous students. They would come down the hallway after school to come say “hi” and give me a BIG hug.”
I just love that moment…it truly is the best getting to see my previous year families and students. They will always hold a special place in my heart!
FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE (OR LIFE VERSE)
I have so many….I can’t pick just one!
One of my all time favorites is “Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10. I just love knowing that God is always in control.
Another favorite, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 It’s a great reminder that God is always with us.
I also love “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11. It so comforting to know that God wants the best for us.
BEST MEMORY AT FRIENDS
My best memory at Friends was the year my youngest son was on the same campus with me at the preschool. We would walk into school together, pass each other on the way to the playground, wave to each other at chapel. It’s a time I will always treasure! I’m looking forward to the day when he comes back to my campus during 5th grade, so we can share that special time together again.
OTHER ROLES PREVIOUSLY AT FRIENDS
Support Staff at LFPS
8th Grade English Teacher
ngorman@friendschristian.org
EDUCATION
BA, English
HOMETOWN
Orange, CA
FCS ALUM
No
JOINED FRIENDS
2017
MY JOY
Weddings bring me joy! I love to watch close friends and family celebrate such a significant occasion.
WHAT I LOVE ABOUT FRIENDS
I love the overall kind and fun loving hearts of our students. They rock!
FAVORITE SPOT ON CAMPUS
Chapel
FAVORITE FRIENDS TRADITION
Spiritual Emphasis Week
BEST TEACHING MOMENT
I will never forget the fierce competitiveness that comes out of even the shyest students when we have the opportunity to play family feud in class.
FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE (OR LIFE VERSE)
2 Corinthians 4:18 “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
BEST MEMORY AT FRIENDS
Mr. Capp’s farewell lunch was all around heartwarming and inspiring.
OTHER ROLES PREVIOUSLY AT FRIENDS
BLAST Teacher/Supervisor
Substitute Teacher
Middle School Assistant Principal
BLAST Summer Camp Director
amiegray@friendschristian.org
EDUCATION
BA in History, Multiple Subject Teaching Credential,
Master’s of Education in Instruction, Master’s Degree of Education in Education Administration, ACSI Administrative Certification
HOMETOWN
Torrance, CA
FCS ALUM
No
JOINED FRIENDS
2016
MY JOY
Seeing my own two children live their life for God and hearing their laughter and stories about their days brings me joy everyday!
WHAT I LOVE ABOUT FRIENDS
Friends truly seeks to honor God in everything that we do and to share HIS love with every one of our students, everyday. I love how well my own children are loved by their teachers and all of the staff, no greater feeling as a parent!
FAVORITE SPOT ON CAMPUS
The playground, where all the action happens! Friendships grow, games are played, laughter and joy is in the air, and watching our kids compete and play brings a smile to my face, plus this is where you really get to see character and kindness shine!
FAVORITE FRIENDS TRADITION
Weekly chapels are my favorite Friends tradition! Getting to worship and pray together, while growing in His Word as a school family is so special and something I never take for granted.
BEST TEACHING MOMENT
I absolutely love teaching Bible and hearing feedback from the students about how much they love class, our discussions, and how the Word of God comes alive for them. I love knowing they’re growing in their walk with God, and a part of that is because of what they’re learning in Bible everyday.
FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE (OR LIFE VERSE)
“Whatever you do work at it with ALL your heart as unto the Lord and not man.” Colossians 3:23
BEST MEMORY AT FRIENDS
There are so many highlights and great memories I’ve had at Friends it’s hard to choose one…I love our middle school Spiritual Emphasis Week and getting to worship with our students, share in communion, and witness many students either come to the Lord for the first time, or choose to rededicate their lives to God during those special gatherings. Knowing their eternity is impacted and I get to be a part of that, indescribable.
OTHER ROLES PREVIOUSLY AT FRIENDS
I’ve only been the middle school assistant principal and 7th grade Bible teacher since joining in 2016.
