Faith Berens
Dean of Academics
Faith is a doctoral degree student at Regent University where she is studying Organizational Leadership with an emphasis in Special Education.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a specialization in Early Childhood Education from West Virginia University, as well as a Master’s degree in Reading from Shenandoah University. Her specific areas of expertise are the identification and remediation of reading difficulties and dyslexia.
Over the past 20 years, Faith has taught students in public and private Christian schools, served as a reading specialist, cognitive therapist, and dyslexia interventionist, as well as taught second grade for the Department of Defense Dependent Schools in South Korea. Additionally, she has worked in private practice and also served the homeschooling community, as a special needs educational consultant for Home School Legal Defense Association.
Faith is passionate about helping each child reach their full, God-given potential and encouraging them to thrive by pursuing their talents and strengths. Faith enjoys spending time with her husband, two children, and their chocolate lab, Paisley. She is a lover of Jesus and finds joy in worshiping Him, leading Bible studies, reading books, listening to music, exploring nature, and having coffee and prayer time with friends.
Monique Pereira
Executive Assistant & Office Manager | Teacher
Monique Pereira received her Bachelor’s degree from George Mason University in Business Management and finished her Masters from Dallas Theological Seminary in 2021.
She began working in the education field in 2012 as a teacher in South Korea. The Lord then led her to several places where she had the privilege of teaching all different age groups from preschool to college age students. Monique has also helped startup schools and companies with her administrative background. She enjoys supporting in any way needed, but her true passion is to disciple others and to lead them to know more of God.
Monique is also actively involved in her local church and when she’s not working, she will most likely be serving in some way. She is looking forward to another year at Shepherd Christian School as we continue to build a place where students can grow academically and also grow in the Lord.
Nanmarie Hockstra
School Board President | Acting Director
Nanmarie Hockstra most recently worked with the Major Gifts Team at Prison Fellowship International before being led to help establish SCS. She received her BA from Grove City College in English and Spanish. Professionally, she has worked in direct marketing and non-profit fundraising and assisted her husband Danny Hockstra in the day-to-day operations of his chiropractic office. In the past, she has tutored and volunteered at her children’s schools in fundraising, development, and serving through leadership at PTA and board levels. She is a Colson Fellow (class of 2023!) and is pursuing her Master's in Christian School Administration from Regent University. Nanmarie most treasures her role as a mother of four children and is excited to see God work through Shepherd Christian School to equip students to live out their faith confidently.
Christina McCall
Elementary Team and Theater
Christina McCall is excited to expand her teaching journey at Shepherd Christian School, having worked in Children's Ministry at church since her teenage years.
While obtaining her BA in Creative Writing from Virginia Tech, Christina's coursework also included two years studying Materials Science and Engineering, gifting her with a unique background in analysis, critical and creative thinking and effective communication.
During the first six years of her career working in non-fiction book publishing, Mrs. McCall became highly skilled in educational, technical, and creative content development, and learned a lot about what it takes to be a successful author.
Christina has had a variety of adventures throughout her life, from living in Okinawa, Japan as a child to briefly studying abroad in Germany to working at Walt Disney World. Now that she's shifting to education, she looks forward to teaching elementary school and theater as her next great adventure at SCS!
Robert Hill
Elementary Team Teacher
Robert "Robbie" Hill is a native Virginian, husband and father, Marine Corps OIF Veteran, Pastor and business owner. After his time in the Marines, Robbie felt the Lord calling Him into ministry. He first attended Bible college and continued with Seminary at Liberty University, then went on to pastor at two local churches.
While serving as Director of Youth Ministries, Robbie planned curriculum for children of all ages, and he led young adult and men's Bible studies. Mr. Hill also spent 5 years teaching special needs and at-risk students in Northern VA. Now the Lord has called him to continue leading and teaching the next generation at Shepherd Christian School.
"I am so thankful to be used by the Lord in impacting the lives of the next generation in a way that brings Him glory. I know He has big things in store for Shepherd Christian School, and I'm excited for this coming school year!"
Allison Gasser
Science Teacher and NILD Therapist
Allison Gasser studied Biology at the University of Mary Washington where she obtained her teaching certification for K-4th grade before graduating. She worked seven years as a classroom teacher in Culpepper and Charlottesville, teaching kindergarten through the third grade. After moving to the Hampton Roads area, Allison spent time teaching in Sunday school and a co-op for parents with young children. She has now lived in the Northern Virginia area for 27 years, serving as a homeschool teacher, substitute teacher, a National Institute of Learning Development (NILD) Educational Therapist, and Dyslexia Specialist.
Allison began training for the National Institute of Learning Development (NILD) Educational Therapist in 2005. She worked at Success in Mind in Leesburg from 2006 – 2013 as an NILD educational therapist and co-taught a biology class for a group of homeschooled students. In 2013 she opened her own business, Cognitive Learning Aid and Development (CLAD LLC), where she continued working as an NILD therapist with students from kindergarten through college.
Possessing a love for learning, Allison has received 24 graduate credits from the University of Virginia and Regent University. She attends the Ladies’ Bible Study at Shepherd Gate Church, and she and her husband attend Cornerstone Chapel in Leesburg. We know Mrs. Gasser will be a true blessing to the families of SCS and that her educational expertise will enrich and promote our students’ love for learning in science and other subjects!
Andrea Jacobs
Head of World Languages | Middle School History
Andrea Jacobs has a love for the German language, having first learned to speak German before English. For the last several years, she has been tutoring students in German, providing individualized lessons and plans to meet state-required goals, keeping students engaged, all while providing positive encouragement along the way!
Mrs. Jacobs has experience in teaching German to all age levels. Previously, she planned and taught elementary German classes under the FLEX program for the Fairfax County Board of Education and has taught German 1 through AP German at middle and high schools, also serving as a German Club Advisor. Earlier, while Andrea lived in Dusseldorf, Germany for five years, she taught general and business English to adults.
Andrea received her BA in German from Rutgers University (which included studying for a year in Konstanz, Germany), and she has taken several graduate level courses at St. Peter’s College and the University of Connecticut.
Mrs. Jacobs has volunteered at local elementary, middle, and public high schools in many capacities and is also very active in Shepherd Gate Church’s women’s ministry. In her spare time, Mrs. Jacobs also teaches water fitness classes as an aquatic instructor at Dulles South Rec Center.
We’re very pleased to have Andrea Jacobs join SCS not only to teach German but also to provide foreign language enrichment for all of our students!
Sandi Woodford
PE, Middle School English Teacher
Sandra “Sandi” received her BS in Secondary Education with a major in Physical Education and a Minor in English from Minot State College in Minot, North Dakota with a Certificate in Education in both areas as well as Coaching earned from the University of Minnesota. While pausing her teaching in an official classroom to raise her family, Sandi stayed active and coached in the SWYA soccer league for many years, heading it up for two years. She also led her church’s elementary grade “Kid’s Camp” for many years and now leads Bible studies at Shepherd Gate Church.
According to Sandi, “My calling has always been as a teacher […] in that I am an encourager and that My God has endowed me with a level of energy to accomplish His Calling …for such a time as this!”
Alex Reyes
Middle School Spanish Teacher
From the moment Alex embarked on his first mission trip to Arizona, he knew he wanted to do everything he could to serve the Lord wholeheartedly. Having completed his Bachelor's degree in Spanish from the University of Minnesota Morris, Alex is eager to leverage his language skills and passion for education.
Alex has valuable experience as an assistant teacher for college and high-school-level students and now brings his expertise and enthusiasm to the middle school level. His dedication to nurturing young minds and helping them grow spiritually and academically makes him an invaluable asset to the team.
Previously, Alex served in the Army Reserve as a mess sergeant ensuring his team had all the resources to complete their missions successfully. Through this experience, Alex learned to be reliable and resourceful and to motivate and guide others toward their goals.
Alex brings a lot of enthusiasm to our school. He says, "Watch out world, big divine things are coming our way, and this school year is going to be epic!”
Katherine Cheung
Art Teacher
Katherine is an art teacher with more than ten years of experience in the preschool to 6th grade classroom, as well as two years of experience in art education. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Design (Visual Communication) from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. She believes that “[a]rt is a great gift from God, and must be used unto His glory. That in art is highest which aims at this” (Michelangelo). Art education helps children become themselves instead of like everyone else. She is excited to share her passion for art and Jesus with children. In her spare time, she likes sewing, painting, swimming and crafting with her boys, and she enjoys the process of art creation.
Andy Montoya
Elementary Team Teacher
Mr. Montoya, a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, earned his Bachelor’s degree from Veritas Baptist College and is finishing his Master’s soon in Ministry Biblical Counseling this fall. He lives in Ashburn with his wife, Estefani, and daughter, Lilli. He is excited to be part of the SCS team and looks forward to serving all students by bringing a defined biblical worldview to the classroom while also providing engaging, healthy interactions for students.
Debbie Daniel
Middle School Math Teacher
Mrs. Daniel brings to SCS a passion for quality Christian education and years of experience in a variety of educational and medical institutions. Initially, she attended Eastern Mennonite College and graduated from George Mason University with a BS in Medical Technology. She has worked at two hospital laboratories and as an optician at an optometry practice.
She gained professional teaching and administrative experience at a Christian School while teaching upper elementary, middle, and high school math and science classes for ten years. Desiring to see Christian education continue in this area, Debbie earned a Masters in Educational Leadership from GMU.
Having attended both public and Christian schools and having raised three children, Debbie knows the value of mentoring students to pursue the Lord with all of their heart, soul, strength and mind so that He may be glorified and they may be blessed in all that they are uniquely created to do.
Kelly Kim
Elementary Team Teacher
As a daughter of the Most High, Kelly has been called to work with children most of her life. From babysitting to tutoring to leading Vacation Bible Schools to teaching English overseas, Kelly has many years of working with children and collaborating with other teachers under her belt. She holds her Bachelor of Science in elementary education with a concentration in math and science from the University of Maryland at College Park. Kelly has also taught in public and private school settings, and she is currently wrapping up 15 years of homeschooling her three daughters. She is joining to grow with SCS!
During her spare time, Kelly enjoys listening to Christian and classical music; cleaning and organizing; and cooking Korean food and baking cookies. Kelly is committed to creating a warm and safe environment for her students so that they can focus on what is important: to know and love God and to enjoy learning!
Sandra Wheeler
Elementary Team Assistant Teacher
Sandi comes to SCS with many years of professional experience and has worked with students of all ages. As a certified national trainer for Literacy Volunteers of America, Ms. Wheeler functioned as their Executive Director for several years helping students, tutors, and teachers meet the needs of undereducated adults. Sandi previously assisted the special education department in Shenandoah County and has served as a consulting editor and writer for numerous clients. She received her paralegal certification through the University of Oregon, College of Law. When she is not assisting at SCS, Ms. Wheeler teaches English classes for Truro International Programs & Services, teaching English online to students from around the world.