elementary staff

VCA has a wonderful staff of committed elementary teachers!  Our elementary students have access to a multitude of additional learning opportunities: a weekly Robotics class (3rd-6th), Elementary Band, Art, and sports teams through the Middle School Sports League (5th-6th) - just to name a few!  See below for Staff Bios and details on those additional learning opportunities.  

  • NATALEA PIRES - 6TH GRADE TEACHER


    Hello my name is Natalea Pires. My family and I just moved to the area (Cloverdale), where my husband has become the pastor of a local church. I am excited that the Lord has brought myself and our family to VCA where we can grow and thrive together for the cause of Christ. My husband and I have 3 beautiful children all of which will be attending the school as well. Having previous teaching in 3rd and 4th grade and substituting before that I look forward to bring my skills and love for teaching to VCA. Having a Biblical worldview when it comes to teaching is vital in the day and age we are raising our brilliant young minds.

    Featured with Natalea: Elliot the Bearded Dragon 🦎


    Elliot, (future 6th Grade class pet), is currently getting used to his new home and enjoying extra treats (Blue Berries and Hornworms.)


  • KRISTEN ABDO - 5TH GRADE TEACHER

    Mrs. Kristen Abdo got her BA in liberal studies with a concentration in Mathematics from Sonoma State University. She taught in and supervised a tutoring program in Santa Rosa City schools for 15 years and then got to be a stay-at-home mom. She found Victory Christian Academy when it was time to register her daughter for Kindergarten, and is grateful that they chose VCA for their family's education and to now be able to teach in a Christ centered school. Mrs. Abdo's goal is to help students to develop their relationship with God and to fall in love with learning.

  • SARA MCLEOD - 4TH GRADE TEACHER

    Mrs. Sara McLeod is honored to be part of the Victory Christian Academy Family. From elementary school on, she has always loved learning, and credits that to her amazing teachers. That love of learning as a child grew into a love for teaching as an adult. Her hope is to nurture a love for God and for education in all her students, helping them become who He designed them to be. Mrs. McLeod holds a BA in Liberal Arts and Science from Sonoma State University.

  • Katelyn McLeod - 3RD GRADE TEACHER


    Ms. McLeod has loved learning since she was an elementary student, which led her to a career in education. Katelyn studied Mandarin and Linguistics at UC Davis, before earning her Masters in TESOL from USC. From Aviation English, ESL, and Elementary STEM programs, Katelyn’s experience includes teaching both children and adults, and a variety of subjects.


    Most importantly, Ms. McLeod is a devoted Christ-follower who had the privilege of serving in many capacities of children’s ministry since her teens. She is passionate about instilling a love for Jesus into the hearts of her young students.


  • CHRISTIE THOMSON - 2ND GRADE TEACHER

    Mrs. Christie Thomson was an Early Intervention Specialist and Group therapy teacher working with children ages 0-5 with developmental delays, and taught preschool to 3 and 4 year olds prior to working at VCA. 

    She is passionate about telling students that they are loved by Jesus and that they have purpose. She hopes to develop students with Godly characteristics, and set them up for academic success while challenging them at the same time. 

    She has a BA in English Literature and an MA in TESOL, both from Sonoma State University. 

  • Caitlin McNamee - 1ST GRADE TEACHER

    My name is Caitlin McNamee. I have always wanted to be a teacher ever since I was a little girl. I was obsessed with choir and music. When I was in high school, I wanted to be a music teacher. I graduated with my Bachelors in Music Education at Sonoma State. I went for my credential, but God had other plans. God was telling me to go back to school to become an elementary teacher. I graduated with my Masters in Elementary Education from Grand Canyon University. I worked last year at Penngrove Elementary School working one-on-one with a special needs student. Now I have the privilege of working at this amazing school!


    I have been an avid church goer ever since I was a little girl. I have been a part of my church's Vacation Bible School every year since I was 10. I am excited to spread my love for Jesus to my new students.


  • HEATHER KREISCHER - KINDERGARTEN TEACHER

    Miss Heather Kreischer has 15 years experience in preschool and early elementary education. Prior to joining VCA she taught PK and TK at Rincon Valley Christian and she taught a 1st/2nd combo at Deep Valley Christian School. Her passion is helping students achieve their best and to get excited about learning. Miss Kreischer holds an MA and Multiple Subjects Credential from Simpson University.

  • JOELLE EUFUSIA - TK TEACHER

    Mrs. Joelle Eufusia has 20+ years teaching preschool and pre kindergarten at Rincon Valley Christian School and Windsor Christian Academy. She has a bachelor's degree in Psychology and minor in Bible from Simpson University. She is married and has a 23 year old stepson.  She loves children and animals (especially cats). She grew up in Kenwood.

  • KIMIA BUNDGARD - ELEMENTARY MUSIC AND CHAPEL

    Miss Kimia Bundgard is excited to be part of the VCA family teaching Music and helping with Chapel.  Her desire is that through music and play, her students will cultivate a love for music and most importantly learn to love the Lord in all they do.  Kimia holds a BA in music education PreK-12, from Bethany College in Lindsborg, KS.  

  • JESSICA RICHESON - ELEMENTARY AIDE, YARD DUTY, AFTERSCHOOL CARE

    I love working where my son goes to school. We recently found VCA through my Church, and we love it. I became a Christian a few years ago, and love what this school teaches to the children. I knew we made the right choice after talking with many fellow faculty members. 


    Hobbies: 

    I love to sew, read, make homemade lotions, soaps, tinctures, butter ...etc, I love canning and preserving, gardening, baking savory things like breads and stews, cooking.

  • CECILIA BUENROSTRO - ELEMENTARY AIDE AND YARD DUTY

    I was born in Peru, I studied midwifery, and I moved to Argentina to continue my studies, but God had other plans for me. I moved to the USA in 2005, the year in which I also gave my life to Christ. I met my husband, and we have a 13 year old son who attends VCA. When my son was little, he attended RVC, unfortunately, closing its doors, we had to move him to a public school, but we did not delay in returning because we are completely sure that his best education is grounded in Christ and ready for the world. I always wondered how I could help the school and offered to volunteer in Spanish in the classroom my son attended that year. God touched my life through this service, and today being part of VCA confirms my desire. I love music, knitting, preparing desserts. I like to talk and meet people and above all share how God changed my life and how he continues to work on me.

  • HALEY SHAMBLIN - ELEMENTARY AIDE AND YARD DUTY

    Mrs. Haley Shamblin is thrilled to be working at VCA where her 3 children just began attending school this year. A California native, she and her family have been away from home for the past 10 years, and are so excited to be back in California raising their kids and investing in the community. She graduated from Azusa Pacific University with a BA in Christian Ministries and a minor in Psychology. She has always been passionate about working with kids and has volunteered in Kid’s Ministry and VBS mission trips for years. Serving the elementary school students at VCA has been a dream come true.

  • ATHLETICS

    Godly character is formed on the athletic field as well as in the classroom. We are part of the Middle School Sports League (MSSL), which includes competition opportunities for 5th and 6th grade students.  Potential sports may include: basketball, flag football, volleyball, cross country and a track meet day.  For more information, see the Athletics page.  

  • MUSIC / CHOIR

    God has made us as creatures who love to worship. One of the great benefits of a Christian school is that we can be purposeful in shaping and directing that worship to Christ who deserves all praise. Under the leadership of Mrs. Cunningham, we will continue the legacy of elementary music instruction, including elementary band. 

  • ART

    We are committed to having art instruction at our school because we believe the fine arts are essential for the development of children. Elementary art instructions takes place regularly within the classroom.